plog-ishness?

if it's not a wordy blog or tutorial or vlog, is it a plog? anyhoo, my week in pictures...

although the "from scratch" chicken fingers were a hit...the volcano mashed potatos could use some help in the visual department. 

sections & braids...still learning...to be continued.



a night at the "disco" for our dear friends at PAALS!

much needed chill time with the hubs

look how big the girls are getting!

calming, "centering" time with the outdoors. thanks, pinterest for always aiding in my inspiration!

brand new week ahead...let's kick some proverbial boo-tay!

*ps...made my 1st pot roast this week for the hubs a la crock pot...rave reviews! can't wait to try new things for the boys to nom on while mommy is schooling.



"love grows"...

last week was extremely bittersweet for me. i left my work “home” of over 4 years. i said ‘goodbye’ to funny, crazy, sweet, & charming patrons. i said ‘see you later’ to wonderful women who mimicked mothers, aunts, & sisters to me. & under one roof, how so many ladies can get together so well, is still very strange to me, but it worked; we are a family.

i have always adored books (& still do). to be surrounded by them all the time was a dream come true…seriously. i guess this is why the thought of shelving them at the local library was such an exciting thought to me when the position was brought to my attention. (i was co-owner of an antique shoppe at the time…i will write about that at some point soon.)

little did i know, upon applying & then taking this position, that i would meet the most amazing people…the staff at the branch. we’ve had laughs & cries & heart to hearts. it was never a dull moment & i like to think that i contributed to a little bit of that. i was always met with warm smiles, “you’re not gonna believe what happened (s),” & “let’s see what you’re wearing today.”

thursday (second to last day), was when the gals had my going away party. cake, chips, dip…big ‘ol bag full of goodies, signed card, & a beautiful rosemary bush (which i abso-lute-ly love, because it’s so “me”).

but, my favorite part…”an olga song”! an olga song is the personalized lyrics to a familiar song written by a very awesome & talented mother-like confidant of mine. & her name is olga…duh! i was looking forward to my song & wasn’t disappointed. it was so great & wonderful. & i thought i’d share.

(to the tune of “get me to the church on time” from ‘my fair lady’)

ashley is leaving in the morning                                                                              

boo-hoo, these chicks are gonna whine

she’s found her passion, it’s chickens & fashion.

 just get her to her class on time.

we won’t forget the roller derby

covered in bruises, but she’s fine

is that a boo-boo,

or a brand new tattoo

just get her to her class on time   
 

what we’ll miss most is her humor

some of her zingers were sublime

we’ll miss her hair-dos

her spirit of can do

just get her to her class

we’re gonna miss her sass

forget staff day & get to class on time!

(omg, i was tearing up from both sadness & laughter.)     

i knew i was liked, but that day & on friday (my last day), i truly felt loved. these women truly love me & i, them! & i know that i will do well in my new endeavor of school because of my huge support system. i will visit the library (always), just as a patron now. plus, i will be able to read more “adult” novels…not just juvenile & young adult…ha! (even though, i’m still a sucker for picture books!)

& i’m leaving with my head held high, with grace, & no bridges burned. (hallelujah! i had good role models.)

so, a book shelver/library page for 3 summers, & then on to a new department for a year &  ½ in youth services. i cannot tell you how hard it was to walk away from the precious little faces, hugs, & “here, miss ashley, i made you a picture.” oh, what sweet goodness i will carry with me.

big breath…closing a chapter. & exhale…let’s go!!

"where my rosemary goes, & no body knows like me."

fade to black...

& i sing (with my best jagger voice) “i see a pink shirt & i want it to be black. no color anymore, it has to all be black.” so, my wardrobe that i thought was filled with lots & lots of black…is not. dark, yes…bits & pieces here & there. but, i own a lot of pink & green & blue…& pink. those are my signatures, i guess (or, what i tend to be drawn to) & i love them; however, i need black! now-ish! & i do love that color, but wow, it’s dress code now…head to toe. a twinge of panic & a “can i do this?” sure, i can, but i’m gonna need some help. so, i call in some girlfriends for this clothing challenge. any black, any faded, any could’ve beens, should’ve beens…tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. there’s a nice hot bath of the rit dye waiting for you! i, myself, have some pale hopefuls, & they will be making it to the show.

what? yes, even me, the thrifty domestic vixen, couldn’t craft this all by herself. i mean, it’s all black, but who wants to wear the same ensemble 2-3 times a week? i am, after all, a girl who concentrates way too much on stuff like that. & i want to make it different!

insert ruffles, lace, cotton, rayon, etc. i will be trying to make it unique every day. in black. guaranteed. besides, it’s usually my thing with color, so yeah, i can do it. accessories will never be as important as now. hair & makeup will be quirky & fun (no lackluster ponytails) it’ll be a great challenge. fingers crossed that i pull it off…i don’t want to be grandma going back to school & not being hip enough to hang.

in the meantime, i’m channeling johnny cash, joan jett, stevie nicks…giveth me inspiration through your music & blackness. amen.

*i'm counting on you, rit, my new bff!

discoveries...

·        i really do love being outdoors doing outdoorsy things…planting, planning, playing. plus, i could watch those silly little chicks for hours (we’re bonding)

·        it’s amazing how much better i can see the world when i actually wear my glasses. i know, who’da thunk it?!

·        pinterest-ing is not a good idea on an empty stomach. it’s that whole going to grocery store hungry thing…dangerous!

·        never been a huge jennifer love hewitt fan, but i am totally into her new show ‘the client list.’ scandalous! way to go lifetime.

·        grey hairs are popping up like crazy these days. no worries. i figure i earned them while saving on highlights!

·        new book (that i’m reading) has really hit home with me…MWF seeking BFF. what a gem, & so super true!

·        i really miss my sister. i wish we lived closer.

·        my child is huge…& the things that come out of his mouth are as hysterical & poignant as ever! & he has 4 loose teeth!

·        i want to start a sustainable farm somewhere…someday.

·        i should’ve been a cowgirl.

·        i’m having nervous nellies about the first day of school. will they like me?

·        i’m obsessed with finding a vintage swimsuit for summer. hey, this girl has curves & i think that’s the classic avenue that i need to pursue.

·        we still have so.much.easter.candy!

·        i asked for help this week & got results & it didn’t make me look/feel bad & i think i might do it again. at some point.

·        i want to pour soap this week. i will pour soap this week.

·        the blue jays & robins in my yard love our mint & basil as much as we do.

·        i finally found the right shade of red lipstick for me…yay. (you know what i’m talking about, ladies.)

·        mosquitos are vicious little beings.

·        if i got paid to stay on top of laundry, i would need government assistance!

·        i need a pink hammer.

·        i also need some new kitchen gadgets to make my cooking speedier. dang, wish i could “register” for that!

·        to rip up the remainder of the carpet (2 rooms) would bring me great joy. & possibly great migraines. i’ll get back to that one.

·        ooh, i started meditating this week. haha…work in progress, but i will keep trying.  

·        i’m still very much in love with the hubs…i can’t help it!

leftovers...

so, i’m cleaning up the “breadcrumb trail” of easter passed, & i’m like, “more stuff!” candy, grass, candy, baskets, candy…what is a momma to do? well, by now, you know i hate throwing stuff out! recycle…reuse…something must come of all this.

in the past, i have held onto easter grass thinking that i would use it the following year, but i always forget about it. this year i actually had a plan. (i know, right?!) i would salvage as much un-jelly beaned stickified funk & stuff into a ziplock bag, then put it with my drawer of recycled gift bags & wrapping paper. that way it’s staring at me when i’m out of tissue paper…& saving me a trip to store.

this year, i got really lucky with the basket selection from the grams. (i say “me” like it’s all about, well, me! sorry, i don’t mean any disrespect!) my mom offered a lovely basket for the monkey; that, at the end of the day (& sans treats) can carry fruit & drinks to the park on a sunny day, hold a selection of favorite paperbacks in the guest bedroom, or provide a multi-game controller holder in the game room (i haven’t decided yet.) my moms-in-law also gave a great re-purposeful set of knick-knacks. each of us received a little decorated pail filled with yums, in lieu, of one basket full of fun; with monks getting extras…obviously! (the hubs & i usually get a special treat, which is super thoughtful…always.)

but, these little tins were so super cute that i just had to take advantage of them! especially since one was selected with our little “chicks” in mind. immediately, i thought…pepper plants! yay, our jalapeno peppers that the hubs had gotten from our fave little veggie man…perfection! *insert large hammered holes in the bottom of said tins here…& yes, i do love anything involving me & my hammer!

(i’ll get to you later in the week, shrek!) in the meantime, i’m left with lots of candy that even we cannot eat. (& you know we love the candy) oh, shucks...guess i’ll have to start giving out “just because” gift bags of chocolate to celebrate random people that i love, filled with some of that easter grass…for festiveness!!

oh, & ps...i decided to grab a pail-esque basket to stuff with bunny goodies. this way monkey will have a sand companion on the beach or just something to help dig up stuff in the back yard.

"i thought..."

"...how unpleasant it is to be locked out; and i thought how it is worse, perhaps, to be locked in." ~virginia woolf

i look at the world & i want to change it. i listen to intellectual broadcasts, so that i know what is going on. i want to save trees & plant new ones. i always strive to be a better cook for my boys. i started reading & re-visiting the classics…books i’ve read & ones that i never felt any interest in until now. i hear of people in need & i want help them. i look at my child & i want to be somebody. not afraid to admit it…here writes a believer in evolution. i am constantly trying to be better from the inside/out. does anyone else go through this at one time or another? (maybe i just feel like everyone thinks like me. this could be a very good thing or a very bad thing…yikes.)

where am i going with this? oh, yeah…me! nope, totally kidding; er, maybe. i think what i am struggling with right now is my juggling abilities these days. once again, i am voluntarily (because i am a volunteer, not a victim…promise!) choosing paths that otherwise wouldn’t be that big of a deal…20 years ago. but i have a family; an 18 year old relationship (12 ½ year marriage), 7 year old child, losing a 4+ year old job safety net…at 35. & i’m switching shit up…holy crap! those numbers in black & white make it a tad bit scarier. but, i’m a soul seeker, you guys. & when inspiration or passion or aspiration moves me, i have to go for it! is that selfish?

change…it’s a must with me. i thrive off of shuffling things up, perhaps. but there’s a method to my madness…always. i’m a planner! & i meticulously calculate (or attempt to) absolutely everything. i’m not a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants gal; even though i always secretly wanted to be. that’s just not how i saw the world growing up…not in my genes. always thinking about that “big picture.”

hurdles & speed bumps should’ve been my middle name…i never excel with plan a, but dammit, i will try until plan h (?) finally comes through for me like a champ?! (if it’s something that i want.) and why do i hear kenny roger’s ‘the gambler’ in my head? (shush, kenny!) should i title this ‘reasons why i drink?’ nah, i will tackle this new adventure as i would a new tattoo…it’s gonna hurt (smoothing out the cracks/settling into the groove of things) but not forever. (you liked that analogy, didn’t you?) & this, folks, is my mental chat about that i have with myself on a daily basis. good news…the ambition usually wins the back & forth battle.

my atmosphere is going to be insane. but...i’ll still make time to change the world where i can, get the scoop on “smart” important outside events, plant new beautiful life, plan meals & cook for my fam, read my books, help out my community, & be somebody to look up to for my child. & in the meantime, when i need support, i’ll look to the hubs (obviously), the monkey, & i’ll reflect on the many “you go girls” that i’ve received.



ps. this girl has entered/been involved in several art (environmental & non) shows & exhibits, played roller derby, participated in craft fairs, & celebrated many a monumental feat without a fan base. & will continue to do so, if the moment moves her to. *not a basis for personal change, experience, & growth…well, for me anyways! & i don't seek approval...that usually involves discouragement. i prefer to "write home" later. if i concentrated on life being a popularity contest, i wouldn’t have gotten this far. forgiveness, not permission, right?! besides, i’m content with miss congeniality over spring queen any day.

stay & play...

last week we were off, monkey & i, from school & work…spring break! i felt so fortunate to have the time to take off & focus just on us. i also thought that i would have lots of down time to write. *insert giggle to myself…yea, not so much. but no worries, i learned how to stay-cation like a 7 year old. breezy, refreshing, & fun.

on day one, we got our chick babies. (yeee) it is amazing how much fun just taking care of them & watching them play was. but between this new venture, we also found other ways to entertain ourselves.

here are some highlights of our stress-free week. follow these simple steps & you too, can take a break from reality like a kid!

-stay in jammies as long as you can

-find a park &/or a playground

-ice cream on sunny days

-color

-bug catchers supply hours of exploration

-blow bubbles every chance you get

-watch silly videos

-dance party!

-laugh out loud & often

-visit the local bouncey house mega plex & play til you drop

-plan play dates to the zoo

-eat brownies for breakfast

-paint a birdhouse

-build a blanket & pillow fort

-set up a concession table at your grammy’s yard sale

-share jokes off of laffy taffys & popsicle sticks

might not sound like much, but we had a blast. & wonderful memories were made…which i would say is probably the most important thing!

so, we’re back to the old routine today, as we say so long to spring break. it’s definitely bittersweet, but it’s nice to get back into a swing of schedules & a bit of organization. plus, the fact that summer vacay is only 2 months away doesn’t hurt either!

they're here...

finally!! i am glad to report that your girl, ash, became a momma all over again. yep, 6 little baby chicks! i feel as though i have been talking about wanting chickens forever, & we couldn’t be more excited. the hubs has been building an awesome coop & the girls are eating, drinking, & scratching (& pooping) in a separate area for now (for about 6 more weeks) until they are big enough to move into their new hen house. in the meantime, they are hysterical trying out the new run in the small increments of supervised time. it is so much fun taking care of them & monkey, the boy who adamantly did not want chickens until he saw them face to face, has been a great little helper! we are truly smitten & obsessed with all things biddy right now. i will certainly keep everyone updated in the next few weeks, but for now, just thought you’d like to ooh & aah over some pictures of “the girls!”

p.s. in honor of the grand ole opry, which is what the hen house will eventually resemble, they are already named accordingly: loretta hen, hennylou harris, dolly part-hen, tammy wynest-wynot, hennie pearl, & fasty cline (or as monkey calls her sonic…she’s a quick one). did you ever have any doubt that i wouldn’t go country on this venture? haha…