Band-aids

Loss reminds me of Band-Aids, on our hearts.

When my dad suffered a major heart attack and died in his sleep, it was as if a band-aid had been ripped off my heart...pulled quickly.  Lots of sudden pain, but in the grand scheme of life, the main pain, over relatively fast.

When my mom spent seven months declining and dying of GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme) it was sort of like that band-aid was slowly being peeled away.  The hurt went on for a long time.  But I knew it was coming and I could deal with the final pull.

Right now I have one of those dangling band-aids on my heart.  It is sort of being ripped off, but then is being put back on.  Flapping around now and then and needing attention.  Ineffective in healing, but not ready to be tossed away totally.  I can't decide where this band-aid should go: in the trash, or on the wound.

Time always seems to know exactly what is best though.  Guess I'll just wait and see what happens.

~image from: http://kannanblogchap6.blogspot.com

T Minus 5 Days and Counting....

Almost time for an adventure to begin.

Recycling...I Swear!

So, if you read my blog you might know that I like to take photos when I walk my dog.  And you might know that we don't just walk, we hike several times a day.  And you might also know that I have a decent camera, not just a point and shoot.  But you probably don't know that the skorts I wear do NOT have pockets that can hold a smart phone!  I've been looking in stores and online for some time on a way to solve my dilemma of needing to hold my phone in my hand when I take it with me.  I cannot leave it at home...that is NOT an option.  I did buy a Vera Bradley wallet that can hold my cell phone, but I really do not want to take my wallet into the woods each time I head out.

I am the sort of person who knows what I'd like and if I can't find it...I'll find a way to make it.  So, looking at 'how to's' I found this:  Blog with tutorial for making a cell phone holder.

Using the bottom part of an old pair of jeans, that are now shorts, and some other scrap material this is what I did today!

Using this nifty sewing machine I got from my mom...I embroidered a cool design on the jean material

I could get addicted to this kind of crafting!

Ta Da!  

I LOVE the finished product!  I added a clip that I can easily snap on and off my camera strap.  The wrist strap is actually the hemmed bottom edge of my jeans!  The inside material is leftover from some Rip and Tear napkins I made awhile back.  Do you need that link again?  Click here:  Rip and Tear Napkins at Wee Folk Art Blog!

I tell you, we stopped using paper napkins about two years ago.  I don't think I will ever be able to go back!  :)

Reflections on Father's Day

My dad died in 1985.
Twenty-eight years ago...on June 20th.

                     My father was...

loving

funny

smart

kind

playful

a family man

religious

happy-go-luck

and handsome 

(I think he looked like Dean Martin!)

I still miss him.  

Mostly I miss his embrace.  

Out With The Old!

The first change I'll mention is that our household is changing.  The baby in the house is far from being a baby anymore and is heading to college this fall!  That means our nest will be empty.

In anticipation of having too much free time on my hands come August, I met with an advisor just after the new year and made a plan on getting back into school myself.  I spent the first quarter of the year studying and preparing to take tests.  After test taking, resume and personal statement writing, soliciting letters of reference, I am happy to report that I am officially a Graduate Student at Indiana University!

I will start classes this fall when my baby starts classes.  I am one of several cohorts in the Elementary Certification Masters Program.  I can't wait to meet my other classmates.  A huge part of me wishes this August was all ready here.  I am ready to start this next stage of my life.  I feel like I am being reborn!

second nest of hatching Bluebirds this season

Changes...

...life is filled with change.  

Are you ready to hear what is going on with me?  

Stay tuned!  

~Hootie

Mocha Lisa's Homemade Mocha Frappuccino Recipe

It is suddenly feeling like summer here and I need an afternoon cup of java!  

Here's my suggestion for a fun afternoon drink 

and directions on how to make it.  

*****

First: You'll need some leftover, cold coffee from the morning and chocolate syrup.  

 Depending on what kind of a day you are having, 

you will either want to use milk (I use Skim) or Half & Half and a little bit of sugar. 

DO NOT LEAVE THE SUGAR OUT!  

Trust me, it makes all the difference!!!

Skim Milk=less calories
Half & Half = full flavor

 The last ingredient to add...the ice cubes!

 Add all together and Frappe for about a minute.  

You can tell you need new appliances when...
their color says 'circa 1986'

 Top with whip creme and an old Starbucks straw.  

Did you notice my new Rip-and-Tear Napkins?
Who, who, who do you think made them?  

Mmmm.....the best!  

Mocha Lisa's Mocha Frappuccino  Recipe

1 C cold coffee

1 C Half and Half OR milk

1 TBS sugar

2-3 TBS Chocolate Syrup

1 C ice cubes

Whip topping, optional, but I wouldn't leave it off!  

Add all together in a blender and Frappe for about a minute until smooth.  

Enjoy!