February Chronicle

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• Spent the first weekend home alone while cc traveled to Kansas City. 
• I took Annie to a local park and she fell in the pond.  At first she was shocked and then she realized that she loves to swim! 
• I made my own cold cream to combat dry, winter skin.
• Watched the superbowl in the comfort of my home, and I made fajitas.
• We joined LA Fitness as an incentive to get back into a good routine of working out.  December knocked me out of routine and I'm still working on getting it back. 
• Very exciting...oil change in my car.  But they did update my software which saved me from trying to do it on my own!
• Every Thursday morning I continued the bookbinding class at the Craft Guild of Dallas.
• I went to an Anthropologie stylist event that was hosted by a Dallas blog team, but was disappointed in the results.  
• In trying to keep with my resolutions I avoided purchasing anything for Valentine's day and instead I opted to make cc a very lovely hand made book.
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• I picked up the Wallace family Bible from grams' brother who lives in the area.  Mom and I will need it for our genealogy project this summer.  
• A family friend found out he has prostate cancer.
• cc found a tick on Annie!  I thought since it has been so cold we wouldn't have any issues yet, but I was wrong.  I should have gone into the medical field.  I love that stuff. 
• Annie had a sleepover at our friend's house.  They have a teacup chihuahua and she wore Annie out! 
• We saw Reba in concert at the Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma and spent the night.  The concert was awesome and we didn't lose any money because the casino was so busy we couldn't even get on a machine. 
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• My cousin is having her second baby and I found the cutest onesie at a local store to send to her.  
• Continued with massage therapy and I have to say I am starting to feel the effects. 
• I had coffee again with the same new friend as last month. 
• Annie went to the groomers which she needed after swimming in the pond and all the rain we have had.  She can't seem to avoid a puddle. 
• We took newlywed friends for dinner.
• We attended a five-course bourbon and whiskey dinner at Urban Crust.  They basically served five shots of whisky.  If I would have finished them I would have been under the table.  Even with food! 
• Mom's bill went to committee and it appears it is going to get passed! 
• I worked in the garden a couple times this month to prep for spring planting.  I am downsizing and planting only what we really eat this year.  I trimmed trees, grasses, and berry bushes so they are ready for new growth.  
• I planted potatoes.
• I have been busy raising funds this month for Collin County Adventure Camp.  There is still time to donate if you have a few dollars to spare.  Click here. 
• I saw Parental Guidance in the theater and cc and I watched the Netflix season of House of Cards with Kevin Spacey.  I highly recommend it.
• As I hope to do every month, I've kept up with my gratitude buddy, Shannon.  She helps me remain positive every day. 
• I received another letter from my new pen pal, Joette in Minnesota.  
• Grams traveled to Hawaii this month and rode the zip line.  Unfortunately, as I write this she finds herself in the hospital because of a case of bronchitis that has taken a turn for the worse.  I'm hoping the oxygen and antibiotics will do the trick. 
• I had the pleasure of interviewing Eileen from {eye} wonder workshops this month.  Her workshops are for the novice photographer that wants to better capture daily life through her lens.  She is giving away a spot in her next class.  You have until tomorrow to enter so jump over and add your name.  

January 2013 Chronicle

Happy New Year.  Now that January is over I suppose it is no longer a new year.  I think I would best describe this month as pensive.  Nevertheless, good things happened.

• We went to dinner and movie with our good friends BR+HH.  We watched Promised Land.
• I put up all the Christmas at the beginning of the month.  Since they were up since the beginning of December I was happy to see them go. 
• The weather this month hasn't been that bad so I have spent a lot of time outdoors with Annie.
• I participated in Thea Coughlin's Intuitive Lens class through the Squam website. 
• I ordered an 85mm lens for my camera.  It is an investment that I think I'll be very pleased with.
• I entered the Rock the Shot challenge.
• In December I participated in the love notes post card project.  The recipient of my letters reached out to me and asked me to be her gratitude buddy for the year.  It is based on Andrea's idea.  We send each other emails almost daily and I really look forward to them. 
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• Annie and I went to the dog park several times this month.  She is starting to make friends.  I enjoy watching all the puppies tromp around and try to play with the big dogs. 
• My nephews celebrated Christmas with my parents late this year.  My mom skyped me on her laptop as they opened their gifts.  I am incredibly thankful that I can be a part of their lives even from so far away. 
• We had a strange incident at the house.  It was the middle of the week around 8:30 P.M.  A faint knock was heard at our front door.  We don't have a peep hole so we asked loudly who was there.  It was an unknown man that asked to use the phone?  It freaked us out enough to call the police.  Why wouldn't he ring the doorbell and who doesn't have a cell phone these days?  
• My mama celebrated a birthday this month.  She is so beautiful. 
• I treated myself to a pedicure.  After going to yoga and being exposed to the winter heat my feet were looking a little beat up.  Since I have to stare at my feet in yoga I decided to make them pretty. 
• We took Annie to the farm this month and while we were there we saw two coyotes in the middle of the day.  
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• I made Annie home made dog biscuits.
• I met a new friend for coffee.  We ended up talking for three hours! 
• As part of my resolution to take care of myself this month I have started getting a massage every other week.  I've had two this month and I'm thankful I can treat myself to this. 
• I had a dentist appointment and all is well.  I'm thankful for a great set of teeth! 
• I ordered seeds for my garden.  
• I cleaned out several cupboards and took a load of things to Goodwill.  
• We installed two new light fixtures we have been meaning to do for quite some time.  I like the change. 
• Began working on research that was sparked from Aunt Jenny's quilt.
• We purchased a new piece of artwork.  It's quirky and fun. 
• I started a book binding class at the Craft Guild of Dallas.  I am looking forward to this the most in February.  

December 2012 Chronicle

We are about to say good-bye to 2012. I will be leaving the year feeling more blessed than ever. This year was intended to be intentional toward gratitude and I can honestly say I've grown significantly. I will forever be a lifelong student, however. This month is no exception on gratitude. With the holidays I feel it even stronger.

+ I gave myself a special treat this month and joined in Jennifer's Love Notes Project.  Since I love mail this was a lot of fun.  I sent out and received three different post cards this month, and I learned a great deal about Joette since I was the recipient of her handmade postcards.

+ Santa came to town on a fire truck. Literally, he came driving through our neighborhood with the lights blazing and horns screaming.  The children in our neighborhood were mesmerized with his presence and I loved feeling the magic.

+ Every year we host Salvation Army Angels and give money to our employees to go shopping. It is our way of sharing the love we have for children with others. Our special Angels this year were Patrick and Josephine, a brother sister pair. I thought about them on Christmas morning and hoped they felt warmness in their heart.

+ My nephew, Tucker boy, celebrated his birthday this month. I found him the cutest wooden train set.

+ We traveled back out to Wintergreen Farms and cut down our Christmas tree. We had a local Leyland Cypress this year.

+ Not being a fan of shopping during the holidays (crowds make me crabby) I did most of my shopping on-line. It was nice to see so many etsy artisans and small businesses earn our business. Though most times I wish we did not have the technology we do, I am thankful to have access to artists that do not live in my community.

+ I decorated my entire house for Christmas, including exterior illumination. I relished in doing it this year because I knew I would have family in my home this month that would enjoy it.

+ My paternal grandmother is taking a turn for the worse and my thoughts and prayers are with her. She spent most of the month in the hospital with broken vertebrae from a fall. She will be turning 90 in January. Can you imagine what you might see in your lifetime if you were 90?

+ My sister, Sarah, came for a visit mid month. It was a non-agenda weekend filled with Top Golf, shopping, and laughter.

+ Not happy with conventional daily planners, I decided to create my own. I am starting to experiment with book binding and my second project is my 2013 planner.

+ We gave **** the 12 days of Christmas gifts this year. Each day they received a note about the meaning of the day in relation to the birth of Jesus and a special gift. We kept it secret until the last day. They thought it was a neighbor friend so they were truly surprised when they discovered it was us.

+ Annie has had her share of downs lately but we received good news from the doctor when she went for her follow up visit. She had been on bed rest because of her hips. She was starting to act out from lack of exercise and she was full of pent up energy. She was cleared for moderate exercise and we are slowly getting her back. We are all a happier family when she can go outside and run around!

+ I had dinner with a good friend that I have not spent any time with in quite a while. We had a long dinner and good conversation.

+ cc's sister is about to have her first child and we helped host her baby shower.

+ I hosted the first annual baking extravaganza with my friend BR at my home. We made sugar cookies, Texas snowballs, chocolate covered peanuts, trail mix, puppy chow...

+ My neighbors received goodie packages because of our baking day.

+ I sent my first ever indigo 26 Christmas cards. I have had so many wonderful artists spotlighted this year on my blog and I wanted them to know I appreciate them.

+ Jonathan, my nephew, has officially been adopted by my sister and brother-in-law. Best Christmas present ever!

+ I participated in Besottment's Reverb 2012 this month. Her questions covered a broad range of topics.

+ My parents came down for Christmas. I had the best time preparing for their visit. We went to Top Golf, took a carriage ride to view Christmas lights, and ate way too much. I will never forget their visit and I am thankful they allowed me to spoil them this year.

+ I received many wonderful gifts this year. As I mentioned, I am unreasonably spoiled this year. I have to say that my favorite is probably the handmade quilt that came from my maternal grandmother's aunt Jenny. It is rich with history and I am looking forward to learning more about it.

+ Unexpectedly we had a white Christmas. I was anticipating rain, and it stormed all through the night of the 24th, but slowly during the 25th it started turning to snow. It was magical.

+ This change in weather meant we also had a fire roaring in the fireplace. I think that is when I feel the most secure, around a warm fire.

+ I am ending the month, and typing this to you now, from our fireworks stand. It is our seasonal business that cc started over 20 years ago. Every NYE we tromp out here in all manner of weather and sell a little joy to anyone wanting a little sparkle to ring in the new year.

Happy new year to you, friend.  Thank you for being a part of my world this year and leaving positive words of encouragement.  May you find lessons and love from your 2012 and walk into 2013 full of light. See you next year.

November Chronicle

November was a good month.  Full of gratitude which eased the effects of Mercury in retrograde in my life.  I've been listening to Marie Manuchehri and through her podcasts I was introduced to Christopher Renstrom's sight, Ruling Planets.  It's like a light bulb went on in my head.  I'm not completely convinced, but it sure explains a few things.  The reverse spin has taken it's toll and I'm ready to move into December.

It was a busy month and December promises to be double that.  As I'm starting to wrap up my year in preparation for 2013 I'm amazed at how much has been accomplished in 2012.  I once wished to live a full, happy life, and the other day I realized that I am here.  Ever a work in progress, but present. 

• Since I love fall, this month was spent nesting.  Furniture rearranged, nature brought indoors, and a general turning in.
• The time change hit me hard this year.  Maybe it's age.  I remember being young and wondering why older people blamed things on their age.  I am beginning to understand.  
• Took my two favorite girls out to an open house at the lake.  They played in the sand and thought the day was a big adventure. 
• Annie started her second level of training. She is progressing, and it's nice to see the training pay off.
• Strangest thing happened.  I was in a meeting at work with a potential vendor and I was stung by a bee on my arm.  At the time it didn't bother me, but the next day it blew up to the size of a golf ball and itched horribly.  I can't remember the last time I was stung by anything.  
• We took our friend's daughter on a road trip to Austin to visit a school is interested in attending.
• We attended our annual neighborhood meeting.  I'm very thankful for community.  It's interesting to see others so passionate about where they live.
• Grams and my good friend BR celebrated birthdays this month.
• Our cat, Luna, suffered from an abscessed anal gland.  It was horrible and gross.  Because of this she has to wear a collar, and she had to travel with us during Thanksgiving.  She has been dubbed 'cone head.'
• I was lucky enough to snag an afternoon with aforementioned friend BR.  She was off for Thanksgiving week and we were able to sit, undisturbed, and catch up.  I think I did most of the talking.  Thanks, BR!
• Studio CB was spotlighted over here this month.  I enjoyed digging deeper into the scope of her work.  She is very talented.  
• We celebrated Thanksgiving on Galveston Island in the gulf. 
• I participated in Michelle's gratitude week and that inspired me to create a gratitude tree in my front yard.
• My parents decided to come to TEXAS for Christmas.  First time ever to host them in my home for a holiday.  I'm thrilled. 
• Annie was spayed this month, but we received some bad news about her hips.  She as mild to moderate hip dysplasia.  Treatment seems to be a gamble between the severity and her age.  Did you know dogs can get hip replacements?  Titanium hips...in a dog.  We have a long road ahead with this little one. 
• With the coming of fall comes the best food.  I made the best pork loin with apples and shallots and cream gravy (recipe to come), almond bread, and butternut squash bread.  Not to mention all the roasted butternut squash.
• Movies || Perks of Being a Wallflower
• Election || Obama

October Chronicle + Thoughts On Why I Blog

WOW. October is already over.  Somehow that doesn't seem possible.  The days are flying by so fast.  Does time only speed up as you age?

This post almost didn't make it, but after much thought I'm going with my gut and posting it.  Recently my blog has come into some controversy. Without going into detail, let's just say it has put me on the fence of continuing to post in this space or giving it up all together.  I struggle with this decision.  For starters, this space is my creative outlet.  I find I'm a healthier and happier person when I can be creative and this blog platform is my accountability partner.  I enjoy sharing with those of you I've met or have yet to meet, and by giving I receive so much insight and inspiration back.  I don't blog to offend anyone.  I don't blog to be negative or complain, although life has certainly thrown it's curve balls and I could be ranting about the injustices, but what would be the point?

Secondly, I truly believe in the power of tribe.  And slowly, I'm coming around to finding mine.  This online space is where we gather, share stories, ideas, and ultimately build relationships with those kindred souls that do not live just down the street.  I feel that ceasing all posting on indigo 26 would stifle the one thing I've been trying so hard to find: friendship.  My heart says that no matter what you do someone will find issue with it, but does that make it worth giving up?  And right now, today, I have to say no.

So here is my chronicle for October.  The events that happened in my life this month that I like to document.  The list that shows you a small glimpse into my world, and showcases my gratitude for the good in my life.  If it offends you, well, that's just not my problem.

• I started the month in Nebraska celebrating with my sister.  She opened her own salon, and she hosted an open house. 
• While there, we attended the Nebraska/Wisconsin game.  It's been YEARS since I've been to a Husker game.  I know if I stated how I really feel about the experience they might revoke my statehood.  
• The driving gods were not with me because I was awarded a speeding ticket in BFE Kansas.  Another first in YEARS.
•  Annie graduated, with honors, from puppy training class.  I finally understand humans' obsessions with dogs.  I get it.  I'm smitten, and this proud mama was very proud of her pup! 
• I started Eileen's {eye} wonder class and have been inspired all month. 
• My mama came for a visit.  It was her annual visit, and this year we decided to keep it low key, which was perfect. 
• We took her to play Top Golf and we went to the Cottonwood Art Festival.  
• cc traveled to Tennessee for a workshop.  While part of me was excited to have a weekend alone without chores or an agenda, I realized how much I would rather have her around.  She fills my life with joy. 
• I finished the Mary Oliver quote I painted that is been in the works for a couple of months.  
• My sister made a major life change, and I've been barreling through the change with her.  On a good note, she purchased a cute little cottage near her salon. 
• Watched a few 5 year old soccer games.  My favorite girls and a few of the neighbor boys.  They have an immense amount of energy.  There has to be a way to tap into that. 
• I've been tapping into fall fare and cooking up pumpkin cinnamon bread, pork roast with apple chutney, and yellow split pea soup.
• My dad was suddenly hospitalized.  While he is ok, it puts life into perspective. 
• I've been sticking to the October 4(for) green acres challenge and I had my yearly physical.  
• I have also been using the energy mists I purchased from Lotus Wei and I'm loving them.  
• The weather has been gorgeous and we've been taking Annie on a lot of walks.  We have a dirt road behind our subdivision that parallels a field and we are able to unleash her and let her run.  
• I played with crayons and made an art project.
• We attended an adult party in our neighborhood.  It was nice getting to know other adult neighbors.  We know so many of the kids, but not adults. 
• We traveled to Topeka, Kansas and then to Kansas City to watch our friend's daughter play in her high school state volleyball tournament.  
• We took Annie with us and in the hotel we were staying at they had a Great Dane convention.  When I told my sister she said Annie could herd all the Clydesdales if they got out of hand.  I laughed so hard. 
• We've been nesting by decorating and rearranging furniture.  We've been here a year now, and we are finally getting a feel for the place.
• We went to see the movie Argo and loved it.  Ben Affleck knows how to pick movies. 
• We watched Moonrise Kingdom at the hotel in Topeka and I can't say that I was impressed. 
• Halloween is huge in our neighborhood so we handed out a lot of candy and seasonal goodies, and had a little campfire in our yard to visit with neighbors.  cc's mom came over and celebrated with us.  
• Finally, my thoughts go out to all those on the East coast affected by Superstorm Sandy.  As it has left NY and NJ devastated in its wake, I cannot fathom the grief so many families must be feeling by having their lives upended and destroyed. 

Happy November! 

September Chronicle

• Watched our small town football game opener at the new $60 million facility.  Texans love their high school football.
• Spent labor day weekend motorcycle & antique shopping. 
• Hosted a labor day patio party that ended up being a kitchen island party because the weather was well over 100 degrees. 
• The oven door finally got fixed.
• Had an eye appointment.  My eyes got better???  Actually, the last doctor made my prescription too high.  I finally have new glasses.
• I'm not much of a t.v. watcher, but Flipping Out on Bravo started and I love the drama!
• We had a few visits from our favorite girls this month.
• Attended a market dinner at Patina Green.  It was a five course meal of locally sourced food. 
• I planted a fall garden.  I know I haven't talked about it much, but I hope to get something out of it.
• My brother celebrated a birthday.
• Annie started puppy obedience class and she is doing so well.
• Went to Squam!  Words here, photos here.
• Took lovely classes from Thea and Christine.
• Found my style at Wholly Tara.
• cc bought a Steve McQueen Triumph
• My sister's dream came true.  She finally opened Salon Chic!
• Spent time at CCAC working towards exposing their awesome programs to more kids.
• Purged quite a few clothes out of my closet and donated them.  I'm working on getting down to the basics.
• Soccer season started for one of favorite girlies. 
• Friends are getting married soon and we attended a beautiful shower for them on the lake.
• cc and I finally got around to decorating the bedroom.  Why is that room always the last room to get done?
• Neighbor kids came over to play with us.  And by us I mean Annie. 
• Heard Nolan Ryan speak at a luncheon.  While some people will think I'm crazy, I have to say I was disappointed.  I really don't care who the MVP of baseball should be this year. 
• Reconnected with an old friend over lunch. 
• Traveled to Lincoln to celebrate the grand opening of Salon Chic.  Photos to come.
• Movies: an old Steve McQueen movie.  (motorcycles are on the brain around here)
• The 4(for) green acres challenge this month was on food preservation and Jenna from UpCountry shared her first time canning experience with us.
• I posted an easy tomato sauce recipe for canning.
• I've been working on gratitude this month and created a special journal to keep me motivated.
• I went into more detail about Alaskan life over at UpCountry Living.
• Fall finally arrived.  My favorite season.

What exciting events happened in your world this month?

August Chronicle

I am in the midst of heavy travel plans and this month was my biggest month.  Summer flew by so fast this year, but I'm actually ready to let it go.  Fall flows into a an even slower winter.  It was another hot August in Texas so I thought a photo of an iceberg would be appropriate.  Here are the happenings.

• My uncle celebrated his fiftieth.  
• I took a trip to Alaska with my grandma. Jump over here and here for photos.
• My mom's friend passed away, and it was a good reminder to me to cherish even more the time I get to spend with family.
• We dog sat for a neighbor while they took their kids on one last vacation before school started. 
• One of my favorite little boys and favorite little girls both started kindergarten this year.  My how time flies!
• We got a puppy!  More on that coming soon.
• Got my haircut, not a major event, but I still struggle with finding someone who can cut it the way my sister does.  (Sarah, will you move your new salon to Texas?)
• My mom is coming to visit in October, and since her visits are becoming more frequent, I decided to get a new guest bed.  I'm not sure how she managed to sleep on the old one.
• Hiked at Erwin Park, my favorite urban park.  
• cc celebrated her birthday, but we only had a small piece of cake that we shared.
• That's because we started a green smoothie diet. I've been drinking green smoothies for quite some time, but we are working on our health through our diet so we amped up the nutrient intake and we are eliminating all sugar and processed foods for now.
• Knocked off a handy hubby (that's me) project and painted a door that's been on my list for nine months.
• I saw three movies this month: Hope Springs, Beasts of the Southern Wild, & Bourne Legacy.  
• Dallas and surrounding cities started aerial spraying for mosquitoes because of the rise in West Nile Virus breakouts in the county.  There is a lot of controversy around it, and I am in major opposition of it.  Fortunately, they have not decided to spray in my area yet.
• Not a lot going on in the garden.  When it got hot, I let a lot of plants go.  I'm gearing up the soil for a fall garden and I'm going to experiment a bit.  Due to the mosquitoes and heat, none of us have wanted to spend much time outside this month.
• Here on Indigo 26 I spotlighted Katrina from Ma Joie Press.  She was a delight to interview and I was thrilled that she wanted to offer a beautiful set of letterpress stationary as a giveaway. 
• The 4(for) green acres challenge this month talked about making natural bug repellents for your body and yard.  
• I was happy to share a quick blip into my brother's day with you and look at the HUGE wind turbines in Oklahoma.  
• Finally, I've been collaborating with a fellow blogger and I'm exciting to introduce her here next month! 

July Chronicle

I never thought I would say that I'm happy this month is over, but I'm happy this month is over.  It started off in the thoroughs of our second business and the pace never faltered.  Although the list this month isn't exciting, there was always something going on.

• I wasn't home much through the 4th.  Late nights and early mornings, but we had a good year.  I woke on the 5th and cleaned house and then headed to the casino for a little entertainment.
• We planned on hosting a fireworks party, but it got rained out, I'm happy to say.  
• Checked out the lake again and found a few potentials.
• Took my favorite girls to the farm for a picnic and to ride the ranger around.
• I booked our excursions for Alaska.  When first asked what my grandmother would like to do in port her response was bungee jumping...and she was dead serious.  
• Found a new local Thai restaurant.
• Took friends out for dinner and celebrated the purchase of their first home. 
• Had a pool party.
• Spent a lot of time cleaning and preparing for travel this month. 
• Road trip to Nebraska to spend time with parents and my brother. 
• While on said road trip, I tubed with my mom. 
• Took an Alt Summit class.  Very impressed with this resource.
• Had my six month check up at the dentist.  I passed.  No cavities.  
• I did not host a July 4(for) Green Acres challenge this month.  I was just too exhausted to get it pulled together.  
• I did start several projects, but my favorite were making friendship bracelets.
• This sweet girl, who stayed with us at the beginning of month, sent her mom to to stay with us at the end of the month! We had a great visit.
• I started training someone at the office to take over my position.  I'm working on number 12 on this list.
• Movies: People Like Us
• In the garden - I'm doing my best to keep everything from roasting in the sun.  My garden is about finished for the summer, but I'm already thinking about what I'll be planting for the fall.  

June Chronicle

I'm emerging from summer vacation, albeit slowly.  While July will still show little activity I have some great new things in store for you this fall.

I wanted to wrap up June even though we are half way through July!  This is the busiest time of my year, but full of life.

• Since cc had the flu on my birthday I celebrated the first weekend in June with a dinner at Sauce and a homemade German Chocolate Cake.
• After a reading hiatus I picked up Wild and devoured it.  I also entertained my commute with the last two of Stieg Larrson's audio books.  The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. 
• I spent lots of time with my favorite girls this month. 
• When one thing falls apart, it is inevitable that others will follow.  After the refrigerator water line debacle I had a plumber come out to fix it only to find the oven door panel fall off the next day.  I wish my dad lived closer.
• Date night at Top Golf, and I won.
• I stayed out past 10 PM for a birthday party.  I got home at 1:00 A.M.  I haven't done that in while.
• I've been putting energy into my dream of living near water by looking at lake houses with our realtor.  Possibly a little fixer upper.
• Documented an entire day on video to show our friend's daughter that we were awaiting her arrival.  She video messaged us back from Kansas City the entire day as well. 
• Made my favorite meal of the season - summer vegetable gratin and it was as good as I remember.
• I got an appointment for a massage for my birthday and I used it!  
• Celebrated Fathers Day.
• Worried about the fire danger in Colorado and Nebraska.  I have family in both places.  My brother has been busy fighting grass fires and ended up in the emergency room for heat exhaustion. 
• I made my first ever corn polenta with local corn meal.  It was a little sticky, but the flavor was indulgent.
• I made a canvas print from one of my instagram photos for my sister.  She loved it! 
• Discovered printstagram and ordered several of my favorite prints.  
• I made stationary envelopes from recycled paper.
• I've gone to the pool at lease 3 times.  That's some kind of record, but it does help to have it across the street. 
• I got busy decorating with the music stand and locker baskets that I found.  
• I did not take a single photo aside from my phone the entire month. 
• The aforementioned Kansas City girl came to visit for 8 days. 
• We made friendship bracelets. Something I haven't done since camp.
• Spent a restless night in a camper on the side of the road.
• And the biggest event of all is our second, seasonal business started on June 24th and so I spent most of the month working on marketing, mailing, and ordering supplies. 

In the garden and around in nature

• We have been blessed with a little rain this summer.  It's not much but it does help with June's water conservation challenge.
• I harvested carrots, green beans, squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, black eyed peas, and more onions.  
• With all those peas comes a lot of shelling.  I don't even like them that much...
• I prepped the beds for a fall planting with compost and mulch.  Believe it or not it's time to start thinking about the fall garden. 
• Besides harvesting, watering and weeding have been on my garden chore list for the early morning hours.  

May Chronicle

It's hard to believe that June is tomorrow.  Where did this month go?  I've been so preoccupied.  May was a good month, full of life.


+  I started off the month by making May Day baskets
+  I knocked out several items on my fix list around the house.  It feels good to not have them hanging over my head.
+  Purchased a new refrigerator...finally
+  Attended cc's family reunion
+ Celebrated my dad's birthday, cousin's birthday, cc's dad's birthday, and my brother's anniversary
+ Received really good news from cc's sister+  Found the cutest pet rabbit in my driveway and provided a safe home for him...for a week
+  After deciding to keep Hop A. Long his family called and they came to get him
+  Traveled to Nebraska to manifest my sister's dreams and meet my cute nephew
+  Celebrated my mother on mother's day and sent her a homemade card
+  Met a famous person that is in my sister's social circle
+  Arts & Letters Live - John Irving - a very interesting character
+  Worked on banning junk mail and somehow felt I got more this month than ever
+  Trained 350 YMCA day camp counselors in behavior management
+  Almost flooded the house when the new frig arrived and I tried to connect the water line
+  I put up 7 quarts of green beans to freeze and 11 quart jars of bread and butter squash.  In the process I managed to dump an entire bowl and sugar mixture on my floor.  I've scrubbed it 3 times and it's still sticky.
+  I turned another year older
+  Attended the cutest dance recital ever
+  Watched the entire second season of Dowton Abbey 
+  Dealt with the flu in our household. I do not wish this on anyone.
+  My parents traveled to Washington D.C. 
+  Remembered both of my grandfathers and all the others that have passed
+  Movie - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - loved it!   
+  Naturally
          - Solar eclipse when Venus crossed paths with the sun 
          - finally getting much needed rain
          - the humming birds have finally arrived
+  In the garden
          - hung the onions to dry
          - made a homemade foliar feed mix for fertilizer
          - started harvesting beans, cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, and squash
          - the raspberry crop did not do well, but the blackberries are going crazy
          - fruitful peach crop
          - strawberries will be ready soon
+ In the kitchen
          - I attempted homemade tortillas
          - chickpea and macaroni salad
          - homemade runzas

April Chronicle

A look back at the first month of the second quarter.  It was another busy month.

• I installed my clothesline.
• Officially booked my trip to Alaska with Grams.
• My two favorite girls had a birthday and we went fishing.
• We wrapped up the February challenge fundraiser and raised over $9,000.
• I purchased some awesome Swedish clogs.
• I worked at nursery for a day to help a friend and loved it.
• I had to PAY money to the IRS this year.  Grrr.
• I bought a Ford Edge and I love it.
• Checked out the Old Red Lumberyard flea market and brought home a very cool green bench for the front porch.
• Guest posted over at Punk Projects with a DIY stamp tutorial.
• I went to happy hour with a friend and we happened to see Newt Gingrich. 
• Went to Arts & letters Live to hear Anne Enright and Colum McCann
• We went to a Sugarland concert in Oklahoma.
• I finally, after much deliberation, purchased a vitamix.  Why didn't I do this sooner?
• After a long hiatus, I finally picked up a book.  I'm reading Making Babies: Stumbling Into Motherhood by Anne Enright and it is cracking me up.
• After six years, cc and I are as legal as we can be in Texas.  Time to celebrate!
• My nephew will be starting school this fall.  I can't wait to buy him new school supplies.
• I knocked off another item on my 12 in 12 list.  I just finished a 3 day homesteading class at the Ploughshare Institute.  I'm blown away and can't wait to share the information with you.
• The 30 days 30 ways challenge was a little intense this month, but it was a great way to jumpstart your 4(for) green acres life.
• I dug out my great grandmothers' recipe books for this month's collection column.  I had so much fun looking through them.
• In and around the garden, April was busy. 
• found cabbage loopers on my brassicas
• cleaned and put up the hummingbird feeders
• asparagus shot up
• butterflies were everywhere
• assembled my new rain barrels
• blessed with lots of rain, but the tornados missed us
• fertilized the tomatoes with sea salt
• after the release of the ladybugs, I watched them hard at work 
• And finally, the Baylor Lady Bears won the national basketball championship.   

March Chronicle

I thought February was busy, but it was a cake walk compared to March. Maybe this is why I'm so tired?  

• Started to spring clean the house.  The weather was been wonderful. The windows have been opened to let the house breath and all the winter bedding has been cleaned and put away. 
• I celebrated a year of blogging in this space by offering a giveaway from Butter Design Lab.  
• We did loads of yard work.  The trees, shrubs, grasses, and rose bushes were all pruned.  Weeds killed with white vinegar and pulled.  Took the yard waste to the farm to compost rather than throw in the landfill. 
• Test drove several cars this month.  I'm thinking of going with a Ford Edge. It's American made and Ford didn't take any bailout money.
• One of my favorite kiddos started soccer this month so I've been on the soccer fields cheering her on.
• Attended a charity auction and won a John Deere bicycle for my nephews. I'm going to be the coolest aunt ever!
• The garden is planted with the exception of the tomatoes.
• My sister leased a space for her new salon.  Loads of minutes on the phone with her talking about dreams and now plans! 
• Continuing to raise money for the Collin County Adventure Camp.  It was the February challenge and the campaign will wrap up this weekend.  There is still time to give.  
• I missed the worm moon on the 8th because of the rain, which came full force for a couple of days.  Most of the lake levels are back up to normal and I'm thankful.  
• I upholstered my studio chairs.
• I ordered seeds and tomato transplants from Seed Savers Exchange and they arrived and are planted.
• I ordered 1,500 ladybugs for natural insect control in my garden and they just arrived.  
• 4(for) green acres was spotlighted on the Plant.Eat.Create. blog.
• Watched the entire first season of Dowton Abbey and I'm hooked.
• Made a library sack for my new nephew's books I got him.  
• Planted a fig and peach tree in my yard. 
• Mom sent me a 10 lb. bag of Nebraska grown and milled flour.
• Celebrated spring and updated the by the season page.
• Created two brackets for the March Madness basketball tournament. I've lost on both of them! 
• Researched bookbinding and ordered supplies from Dick Blick.
• Harvested two rounds of lettuce from the garden.
• Took a spring break trip to Oklahoma with friends and won $480 at the casino. 
• Taproot, the inaugural edition, arrived in my mailbox! 
• In an effort to complete March's 4(for) green acres challenge I tried to track down the source of my oats.  I got the run around several times by the company.  In the end the only information I collected is that it comes from America.  I think I'll be changing brands until I can get a direct answer. 
• I got the largest bouquet of flowers from my uncle.  I wasn't expecting it and it was a brilliant surprise.  
• Grams and I took the plunge and planned a trip to Alaska this summer.  
• Took a quick trip to Austin to have lunch with Catherine Austin Fitts.
• Talked about a major life decision.  I realize this statement is evasive but it marks a turning point in my life that I at least want to note. 
• Hired someone new at the office and started the training process.
• I went to see This Means War and The Vow this month.  
• Inspirations the month: tribal prints, yellow accents
• Natural observations: magnolia, red bud, and pear trees in bloom, bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, poppies, snapdragons are blooming, and bees are everywhere indicating the population in our area is thriving. 

I hope you had a great month as well.  

February Chronicle

I can't believe February is already over.  This was an incredibly busy month and I don't know how I packed everything in, even with the extra day.  No wonder I'm tired.  These are a few of the highlights. 

• The groundhog saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter.  Our winter has been bringing 60 degree days so I'm not too worried.
• I had a follow up with the specialist and all went well.  Why do we wait so long to take care of ourselves?
• I've been working on finding my style and used a Christmas gift certificate to update my makeup.  Makeup artists are crafty people. 
• We put the garden boxes up and got one of them planted with cold season vegetables. 
• We also purchased a few fruit trees to throw around our yard.
• I started a training program to run the 10K.  I hoping to run a race in late May.
• My grandmother came to visit.  Her and her five siblings were all in town and I had the best time learning about my wild family. 
• While grams was here she was my valentine, we went bowling, shopping, and drove to Possum Kingdom to inspect the fire damage from last summer. 
• I made valentines this year and a special box to put them in.
• We took a weekend trip to Kansas City.
• While there I added a new Amy Meya tile to my collection.
• February's challenge has been a tough one.  I've been raising funds for scholarships to send kids to the Collin County Adventure Camp outdoor school.  There is still time to give.
• We had dinner at The Rise with friends and experienced a new cuisine.
• Spent the night in the historic Stoneleigh hotel. 
• Heard two Arts & Letters Live authors speak this month:  Maxine Hong Kingston, Jeffrey Eugenides.
• The only movie I saw this month was Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

The best part of the month...my sister and her husband taking their new baby boy home from the hospital.  He is finally over five pounds! 

Happy leap day!

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For the month of February I am working on raising scholarship money to send kids from low income families to an outdoor school. Will you help me?  Click here to read my story and to donate to this worthy cause.

Monthly Chronicle

This has been a great month to start off the new year.  I hope January is a reflection of all the months ahead. 

 +  Hiked at Erwin Park.
+  Discovered Top Golf with friends.
+  I got my haircut again.  This is a record.
+  I sat for 3 hours at the Department of Public Safety just to change my address.
+  The exterior of our house got a face lift.
+  I made and went to an appointment with the specialist.
+  I attended a Lorrie Morgan & Pam Tillis concert and had the best time.  I may have been the youngest person there.
+  My sister and her husband's adoption went through and they got a baby boy!
+  My mama had a birthday.
+  I returned to yoga this month after a long hiatus.
+  I took the challenge and sorted through closets, cupboards, and the garage and took it all to new homes. 
+  I got the garden boxes in.  More to come.
+  With that came the compost bin.
+  Had a movie night with my favorite girls.  We had pizza and watched Lady & The Tramp.
+  I went to the dentist. No cavities.  
+  I caught up with my good friend Lauren over the phone.  
+  Went on a day trip into Oklahoma and discovered McGee Creek State Park. 
+  I settled on ACTION as my word of the year and this month has been full of it. 
+  We had a major influx of rain.  We had flooding, but with that came the rise of the water table, which is always a good thing.
+  I started playing Words with Friends with my mom and I love that technology can bring us together.
+  I started using a honey scrub on my winter skin and it makes it so soft.
+  I went to see The Iron Lady and Albert Knobbs in the theater.  Loved both of them.
+  We made loads of hearty soups, stews, and breads while we nested with some free time. 
+  The '71 Chevy we recently bought broke down on the highway, in rush hour.  I am now the owner of a classic car that doesn't work.  

I'm looking forward to a great February.  

How was your January?  I'd love to hear about it. 

Monthly Chronicle

As I sat to collect all that has happened this month I am amazed at how much I squeezed into the month.  Life is full and nothing short of wonderful, despite the losses.  
  
+ Chopped off the rest of my hair at Osgood O'Neil.  That makes over 14 inches I've cut off this year.


+  Attended the Handmade Holiday event at West Elm and found a lovely little gift from Red or Gray Art for my sister.


+  First time to check out the Dallas Flea.  I'm so inspired by indie artists.


+  My nephew had his first birthday.  Such a handsome little man. 


+  I purchased my first Christmas tree and decorated for the holidays.


+  Participated in the annual Salvation Army Angel Tree and I had so much fun shopping for my angels.


+  My mom came for a visit with her friend and it was fun to have a house full of guests.


+  During the visit we did a lot of shopping, but we also attended Kodachrome Christmas.

+  On a sad note; a personal tragedy with Ollie.  


+  Started updated the shop office.  Fresh paint, new furniture and flooring.  


+  Started the 12 days of Christmas tradition with cc and she loved it! 


+  We took a day trip over to Denton to visit a lady we actually met at the Dallas Flea. We purchased a piece of her repurposed furniture for my office.


+  The exterior of the house if getting a makeover. We are updating the color with a fresh coat of paint.  


+  We had mini carolers at our house.  5-6 children with their mothers stopped by to wish us a Merry Christmas.  


+  We kept our annual tradition of decorating sugar cookies.  


+  Attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service and realized I had maybe found balance in my life after all. 


+  I had lunch with an old friend that was long over due.  It was good to visit with her.


+  I had a blast with the December challenge.  Making gift wrapping a creative experience elevated the experience and I actually enjoyed the process.


+  Decided to take a chance on putting myself out "here" more and started the challenges, this chronicle page, and my seasonal recording page.  


+  We ended the month by running our second business through New Year's and went to sleep on the 31st very happy.  


I'm looking forward to a very adventurous 2012.  

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November Chronicle