Thematic Photographic - Green

Our Welcome Sign is Green!
Scotty noticed our new home is also home to the Welcome to Corvallis sign
(or so it would say if *I* were in charge of it!)
...somehow the sign signifies our evolution to true Oregonians ♥I was very sad to miss both Dusk and Road thematics in the process of packing and moving!
This week shall be much easier;
because the acute part of the move is done
& because I got a new phone camera ♥

Birthday Sushi Party

I need to know how to say sock in Japanese!
So I can finally call this guy by his True Name
(Sockie-san just doesn't quite cut it for him!)He really is just the cutest thing ever!
He's not only dapper, his sushi is always the freshest!
Hayden quickly, and quietly, arranged a Welcome Party for him ♥
L to R:
Hayden's Buster, Hannah's Ginger, Hayden's Sammy the Spider Monkey, Sockie-San (distant cousin of Sammy), and Hannah's OG Sock Monkey
Thanks Carelia!
Her stuff is amazing, you should buy some!

House Progress

Thematic Photographic - Dusk

This week was tough, moving and ruminating about the move don't leave a lot of time for thoughtful photography. These were important to catch, with Carmi in mindSunset from my new front lawn....

I am *so* Ready!

Gemini Horoscope, today: You can feel a change in the cosmic weather, as if the breeze is picking up on a gentle spring day and a storm is blowing in. If you fearfully resist what's coming, you can tire yourself and have nothing of substance to show for your efforts. But if you are ready for this change, then the insistent winds can carry you far in the direction of your dreams.

Thematic Photographic - Single 3

I've a big, dusty soapbox about Single Motherhood. *I* certainly wasn't gonna go that route. I'd seen how tough it is; how much tougher it is without a balancing team member. I made sure I picked my children's father carefully; good daddy material. And indeed he was. For a minute.
Then I was there, living my worst nightmare (or so I thought). How idyllic was my life in this here photographed moment. I still wasn't happy we'd lost Mitch; I found reasons to be happy as a full-time mama. To two kids. To an all-important daughter. Today I miss her. Like most days, except the one I'm living is always tougher than the one's I've already survived. Or the ones I'll have to survive -still- without her snuggles. No matter the rally I hold against the injustice of it all, still here I am. Single mama to a Single kid. He's fine. I will be too. Soon enough.

Thematic Photographic - Single 2

If there's one SINGLE piece of advice essential to human survival, this tee-shirt says it best!
Is it just where people land when they're born? Is it the line-up of stars at the moment of one's first breath?
There seems to be every reason in my short 41 years of life to adopt an Eeyore-like perspective; and truly I know those who have, justifiably. And yet... And yet, there's a niggling in me, a niggling refusal to see anything but the Whole Picture, misery and joy in equal parts.
Oh yeah, I've got the Eeyore twin; luckily balanced by my Churchill twin. The blessing/curse of Gemini.
As much as I've got a divine right to martyrdom and misery, it's my inalienable, intrepid right to happiness that I find my single most sacred right. Yours, too ♥

Thematic Photographic - Single

A Challenge this week! Single.
I do not like that word.
Well, mostly I don't like what I attach to that word.
I want to say Single the same way old ladies say Catholic or Cancer;
like it's something to be talked about in a hushed, secret way.
Certainly no cause for jubilence! This is my Very Important
I'm NOT a Single Mom Ring.
It looks like a wedding ring; though it is not my wedding ring
(which I could no longer wear once the whole 'til death do us part thing came to fruition).
It's the second one I've had;
this one came from Trisha while she was planning her wedding,
on what would have been my 11th wedding anniversary.
I really like this ring, it's comfortable and quiet.
A reminder for the rest of me to follow suit.
Someday I shall replace it with a Mother's Ring.
Something delicate, platinum and peridot.

Lo Recuerdo! No Temeré Mal Alugno

Here I am at home, feet up, admiring my new ink.
You can too.I'm learning to love my feet;
much as I'm learning to love the gifts of this Journey through Life Hence a tattoo, about the Journey, on my feet.It's extra special nice that the words are attributed to my favorite poet,
Nakey David & las Nalgas de Bronze!here's a pinup shot of the foot I'm learning to love.
Lepers can be sexy too.
Dig my beige lines? Hot, I know...Pretty happy gal, the one who sold enough
handmade felted goods to afford a new tat.
The one who is transforming her relationship with money.
The one who's still got 12 million reasons to put on a smile - every.single.day.
You couldn't buy that for 12 million dollars.Henry, my gentle spirit.
You can contact him at Scapegoat Tattoo, in Portland, OR
or at TattoosbyHenry.comthe softest touch... no skin dragging, no bone grating...
smooth and easy
'cept for that ONE spot that had me crying for no external, current reason.
Quick, immediate release.Viola! the completed project ♥
Inked on Sunday, Shoes on Tuesday.
Though I walk through the Valley
of Shadow of Death
I fear no Evil,
For You are with me.
Naked David, Psalms 23:4

Thematic Photographic - Signs 4

From BurgerVille,
this one in Vancouver, WA...
A Sure Sign your Burger Stand deserves Your Money!
When I was reliving those conference moments with a future unschooler, she thought this sign was from LIFE is Good - it seems the perfect set of principles for an Unschooling Gathering!
I must agree ♥