A New Beginning

Well hello there.  I feel as though I almost have to re-introduce myself since I haven't posted 4 months.  Really it's not you, my lovely readers, it's me.  I have wanted to post a couple times but I wanted to do a re-cap post and that thought was daunting.  Also, I have these fleeting moments where I need to post things but get swept away my work and life.  Anyway, I am using the new(ish) year to start with a clean slate and new beginning.

Hello there!

So no time like the present right?  It's time to stop making excuses and get back to what I enjoy which is sharing with all of you.

Really this hobby is a bit cathartic, I can write out what's going on and just let it go into the world and off of my shoulders.  I have missed that and hope to find a better time to incorporate this into my week.

So what has been going on in my life over the last few months?  Well lots of love and laughter that is for sure.

September:

Joe went to Atlanta for work and brought me back a magnet from the Georgia Aquarium.  This cute little sea otter keeps an eye on me at work.

Cute little sea otter magnet

I was also celebrating new beginnings with Jenn's Bridal Shower.  Her aunt and mom did a lot of the work to design the decor and decorate.  They did such a beautiful job.

Don't forget the Bachlorette party!

Of course you need a selfie!

October:

October ushered in more exciting things including Hockey Games,

 Jenn and Ryan's Wedding,

and Halloween.

Pebbles and BamBam!

November:

There was some general laziness after the weeks of hectic crazy running and before the holiday season ramped up.

And a bit of pampering

December:

Lots of baking and prepping for the Christmas Holidays

So I hope that fills you in on some of the big and little things the past few months.  Can't wait to show you more.  Also, what you don't see is about 5 finished objects to brag about.  Stay tuned

<3

Heather

Side Tracked

As the early morning light hit my eyes this morning, I took a moment to realize that summer is finally here.  The time of year so many look forward too.  The warm weather and barbecues, no school and vacations.  

As I convinced myself that it was time to get up, I feel anxiety that the time is just slipping past me in a never ending carousel ride.  I feel like it was just yesterday that I waxed poetically about spring peaking out through the dirges of winter.  

Spring Tulips

The green of the foliage has since changed from the promise of yellow, through the life affirming green into the stressful brown.  The heat of summer is upon us finally.  Do I pay attention to the song birds or am I more concerned with the hum of the air conditioning kicking in?

I admit that my favorite seasons are spring and fall.  The sunshine is a welcome accompaniment and change from the grey skies of winter and the scorching heat of summer.  I long for the colors that are only visible in spring and fall.  But in this heat of summer, I am trying to find the silver lining through it all.  We long for this time in the dead of winter and yet it's easy think toward the cooler weather in our future.  

Instead I try to find relief and in turn realize that it's not so bad.  This week even I realized that if there is a breeze no matter how hot, the heat isn't so bad.  And with the breeze there is a longing for blue waters and sand between my toes.

Miami Beach - May 2007

How is it that when we are on vacation, we can endure the heat?  We long for it and bask in the scorching sun and run into the blue waters?  Maybe it's the change in scenery, maybe it's a chance to escape our lives back home for a short time, maybe it's just vacation and you shouldn't question it.

I don't think I will get to see the beach this summer but I am having cravings for the humid sea air and the call of gulls.  I loved sleeping to the sounds of the ocean and waking up early to watch the sunrise with my mom on the porch.

But perhaps that is my dilemma, I miss my mother everyday.  Some days, it's a fond memory.  Other days it's an overwhelming desire to talk to her and the subsequent frustration and tears that I can no longer hear the sound of her voice.  Or maybe it's days like today where I stop to reflect and wonder how I made it almost 8 months without her.  Where has the time really gone?

I remember after she died that the days and weeks seemed endless.  Now the days have once again sped up to light speed.  I truly have no clue where May went and now that my birthday has come and gone, what happened to June?  Before I know it, will fall be upon me?  Will I be excited about school supplies and going back to grad school?  

Everything changes.  If I didn't get it before, I definitely get it now.  I work hard everyday to not wish the time away.  To cherish the sunrise and sunset and make the most of each day.  Because if I don't the days will just pass by me and who would want that to happen.

Iguazu Falls, Brazil - May, 2007

<3 Heather

Spring has Sprung

There is a green that only occurs once a year,  When the trees and flowers wake up from their long winter naps and come to life.   The green that nature presents starts out almost yellow and gradually turns into a lush and prefect green as it soaks up the rain and sunshine that spring provides.

Aside from suffering from allergies, I love spring.  I love the renewal of the season and anticipatory feelings that anything is possible.  Dreams and wishes seem real and all you have to do is fulfill them.

This past weekend, I got a chance to take some pictures of the flowers around my dad's house.  I still need to do some massive weeding but the bulbs and lilacs are coming into bloom.

I love the smell of Lilacs

 I am afraid the weather got to our lilacs this year.  We have had quite a bit of warm weather earlier than usual and then a few hard frosts in between.  Our lilac bushes are usually bursting with color and smell but not this year.

I had to hang off the side of the deck to get this shot.

Another thing about spring is all of the bulb flowers that just pop out of the winter ground like little zombies and then bloom into lovely daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, and crocuses.  I may have said in the past that at some point in my life, I want to go to Holland for their tulip festival.  Riots of color and patterns that bloom in the spring.

The sun created really pretty shadows while I was taking pictures.

 
My mom loved Tulips and there are various blubs planted around the house that are so cheerful and colorful.  I think I may have to get some more bulbs this fall and pollute the front garden so next spring is just a riot of color.

I loved the inside of this tulip

Really isn't that the magic of spring, these beautiful flowers are popping out of no where but the days are warm but there is a crispness and coolness that reminds you that winter was just in the air.

What are you doing?

But then again, to Zoey it just means more birds to chase and more sun spots to snooze in.

What do you love about Spring?

<3 Heather

Reminicing of my Travels to Germany in 2004

The weather today has gotten cooler but last week we had 80° F days which reminded me of my Germany trip in 2004.  With spring in the air, everything is starting to get green and beautiful and its almost as close as the greens of the fields when I flew into Munich in May of 2004.

Taken from the Bus on the way to Neuschwanstein Castle

I had always wanted to study abroad but the demand of engineering posed a challenge so instead there were a few classes offered that allowed to 2 week abroad experiences.  I went to Germany after my Freshman Year and studied German industries.  I also went to Brazil after my Junior Year to study sustainability.  (More on that in another post)

Anyway, this was my first trip out of the Country.  I was so nervous because the political climate was still unsettled from 9/11 and we were instructed not to draw attention to ourselves while we traveled.  I had flown before but this was a longer flight and I just wanted to see the place where my family originated. (I am of German decent). 

I was no naive now that I look back but really what 18 year old isn't?  It was an interesting experience trying to communicate in a language that was foreign to me.  Luckily we were in a group but we still had some time to explore Augsburg (where we stayed) on own quite a bit.   I loved how timely the transportation systems were and wish ours were better.

We were there to learn and compare USA and German industries from a business and engineering point of view.  We visited Beer manufacturers, Audi manufactures, Computer and Semi-Conductor manufacturers as well as robotics manufacturers.   We got free samples of the Beer but not of the Audi's we got to see being built.  :) 

On a side note, I left home hating beer and came back a beer snob.  ;o)

In addition to the  the industry tours there were cultural to Neuschwanstain Castle and the Alps.  Really this was just a breath taking day.  The castle both inside and outside was gorgeous!  The Mountains take your breath away and there was even snow still at the top of the Mountain top we visited.

I took this picture and I still can't believe how amazing it turned out.

This was on the way to the Castle Overlook Bridge.  Aren't the Alps Stunning!

On the Gondola to the Top of one of the Mountains in the Alps.

I did break my toe earlier in the trip falling down a set of stairs but really nothing was keeping me from visiting this place.  I took my time and finally made it up the steep path but it was worth it!


I wish there were more breathtaking places like this in my hometown but therein is the challenge.  Finding the beautiful in everything we see and capturing it.  Being ready to grab the brilliant orange sunsets, catching the flowers and trees in bloom.  Seeing the everyday with new eyes.

I hope to take more pictures now that the weather is nicer and find old places that take my breath away and are new again.

2012 - January Recap

Wow time flies but really I have taken and looked at more pictures in one month than I have in the past 6 months.  I am so happy to share these things with my readers but also to document what's going on so I can take time and reflect.

What a wonderful review of the month!

Coming up in February, more crafts, more food and more memories.  Plus I plan on taking oodles of pictures!

<3 Heather

Four Years Ago...

So four years ago on January 7th, I started my first full time job.  I had just graduated from college and began working in the professional world.  It was really intimidating and looking back now, I can't believe how much time has passed.

But, I am not here to tell you about work instead, I want to talk about what happened after work that week.

When I called my mom after my first day of work we chatted about how the day went but then she asked what I was doing that night.  My response was "Nothing, why?"  She sighed and said, "Would you be able to come home tonight, I need some help."  Suspicious I responded, "Help with what?"  There was a pause, "I was laying new carpet I got with money from Christmas and my birthday in the living room and got everything out but can't lift the new carpet roll and now I am stuck in the corner.  Can you come home?"  (Note: Her birthday is January 8th.  She would have been 56 this year but we celebrated her 52 birthday on the 6th that year)

I couldn't help but laugh and I drove the 1.5 hours home in rush hour traffic and walked into the house.  The place was a wreck, all of the living room furniture was in the dining room and she had half of the carpet unrolled and in place.

"Ma, I thought your said you were stuck and needed my help."  Mom kind of snorted with amusement and said, "Oh well I managed to move some more pieces of furniture and got it half unrolled, now get over here and help me move the entertainment center so we can finish." 

Picture of the Living Room with the Carpet

That ladies and gentleman is my mom in a nutshell.  She was strong and determined and wasn't going to wait for anyone to do what she wanted.  It wasn't uncommon to leave for school and come home and the entire house would be wallpapered or rearranged.  She was so stubborn too, just wanted everything just so and in her own way.

I realize now that since her illness and death, I have lost a lot of my drive and determination.  I was ambitious and driven, but past tense isn't good enough for me and would annoy the heck out of her so I plan to revive my motivation and regain my drive and ambition to be awesome.

<3 Heather