January chalkboard . . . by avery rose

 

JOY . . .

I truly believe that you can find JOY in every day . . . and in doing that life is a bit easier.

Still working on this - (the painting and doodles - not finding joy) . . . I do that every day!

We celebrated my mom's 90th birthday this past weekend.

Not exactly as we had planned - but it was really nice.  My brother decided to make the trip to celebrate her birthday even though we postponed the full party.  (We now have to find a date where we can use the taco truck we had arranged . . . maybe we will use that to celebrate the day we can get everyone together again.)  We were able to get most of her grandchildren and great grandchildren to participate in a "Zoom" birthday party?   We all sang Happy Birthday and she blew out her candles.  I had baked pie for her birthday, but Avery she had to have a birthday cake - so thanks to Avery - she had a cake also.  

Talk about JOY . . . it was the kind that brought tears to our eyes.

Clay being Clay - he didn't stay long, but it made the weekend so special for her.  

I asked people to send mom birthday cards.  This was really fun!

She ended up getting more than 70 cards!  It took her awhile to go through them all.

There were fancy cards, old cards, handmade cards, recycled cards, photographs, cards from family, cards from old friends, new friends, and people she didn't even know.

JOY!

I love this photo of Mom and Dad on their wedding day 70 years ago

April 15, 1950

A lot of life lived in 90 years.

The secret to living well and longer is: 

eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.

origami . . . charlotte . . . and ramen

 Charlotte saw me folding paper cranes and wanted to make some herself.  She told the that she liked origami and she wanted to do it all by herself.  

She asked for a little help at first . . . then decided that she was able to do it . . . 

. . . so well in fact, that she folded this "origami bubble gum."

I love ramen . . . I have a weakness for ramen.  I think I could eat it nearly everyday.

So finally decided to find a recipe and make some.  It turned out pretty good . . . and I can't wait to make it again and try something a little different. 

. . . .and - if you haven't seen the movie - Ramen Girl - find it and watch it! 

A bowl of ramen is a self-contained universe with life from the sea, the mountains, and the earth. All existing in perfect harmony. Harmony is essential. What holds it all together is the broth. The broth gives life to the ramen.

~ Maezumi, Ramen Girl

just because . . .

When life gets busy . . . 

take the time to find joy in the small stuff. 

 Charlotte's chalkboard drawing . . . it is . . . "a girl with angry eyebrows that is mad at her dad and mom because they won't give her candy."  I think she really captured the "angry eyebrows". 

 Coffee just tastes better in a great mug.  Love this one!

 . . . my little partner in painting.  

 It doesn't matter how tired I am, what mood I am in, or what is going on around me . . . this face makes every day better!  

 . . . bringing a little sunshine indoors . . . 

 . . . Richard making dinner last night!

Index card challenge . . . making a little time to be creative every day. 

CH is for Charlotte . . . and chalkboard

I've been wanting a large chalkboard and Richard finally got around to making me one. 

I think I will be sharing it with Charlotte . . . all the more fun!