Deep Thoughts: Take the Plunge

Life is either a Daring Adventure or Nothing at All 

 -Helen Keller

 This has always been a favorite quote, but one I haven't thought of in an applicable way. 

Then I had my boss/friend/mentor encourage me in something that is way out of my comfort zone. And it wasn't easy. But it was truly rewarding. And I thought to myself, yes! This is the person I want to be. The person who steps out, who tries new things, who doesn't say no right away, but thinks yes! 

Then my husband made an announcement that made me wonder who asked for this much adventure? Clearly not me! But though my first thought was that maybe I am too old for this, my next was why not? Why not mix things up, make a change, and make sure we are all truly happy and living life to the fullest. 

I am not saying the journey will be easy. I am not saying it will be without it's bumps, bruises, and I am sure occasionally bad feelings. But am putting this out there as my vow that I intend to approach it with an attitude of adventure. Because really, why not? 

Field Trip: Spruce

So, do you ever have a week where it rains every day and that new pet that you really love is feeling like a huge investment when he isn't getting along with your other pets and your teenagers don't seem to like you, and you never seem to see your spouse? You don't?  Well, I tend to have those weeks every once in a while. You mix in weather, the idea of a time change and sleep deprivation and you get a tired and cranky me. So I am very glad to have a cheerful, happy place in town to escape to and I would like to introduce you. Spruce is the lovely shop of Brittney O'Brien who is hysterical, creative and just plain fun. Bad moods run from her presence. 

To have a store like this in Bellingham is just such a huge thing. We now have access to lovely wrapping paper, creative independent magazines, and huge balloons! I'm talking huge people…"Red Balloon" huge…the French movie they used to show in elementary school that fascinated me. Pure joy. These are all the type of things that I would have to make a trip to Seattle to in the past. Now it's minutes away. 

And cool brands like Rifle Paper Co. and Knot & Bow that are made helmed by women. Working for a woman makes me aware and happy to see others in creative businesses. You put all the above together and you have a place you can find me most Saturdays. I encourage you if you are in town or find yourself in town to check it out. And if you need added incentive there is a Chocolate shop & a Dessert shop right next door! 

Introducing Boston Rocket

I don't believe that I have introduced our latest family member! This is our new guy, Boston Rocket, a rescue from The Skagit Humane Society  that we added to our family just over one month ago. We had been wanting a dog for years, and finally pulled the trigger. It just felt like it was time. Or shall I say, it was just like when we decided to have kids…the minute we started talking about it, it happened. 

Has it been an adjustment? Yes. Has it been worth it? Absolutely. We have two teenagers, and two cats so saying our house feels a bit circus like is an understatement. Then the whole idea of gear, training (of him & us, truly), and changing of schedules. Whew! There may have been one mini-meltdown (mine) in the beginning because to be honest I felt like we had truly had another child. 

And then this new child curls up on the couch beside you, greets you at the door, or nuzzles your hand and you are over it all. Just like childbirth you forget the trouble. And you are smitten. We couldn't be happier. And my husband Steve? Over the moon about having another male in the house!