A Foggy Day ..

It’s kind of like a mood .. or a moment. Foggy.  This morning I took a moment to catch up with some of my favorite bloggers, and read one that wrote about ‘being real’. It struck a chord .. being real… what is being real? (Foggy and being real .. where is the tie, you ask! Bear with me!) We all have our stories, our hardships, sadness and joys .. we choose to share some, bury others and explore the rest. In trying to be real, do we choose to be real for ourselves or for others .. or both?

To me, being real means being honest with yourself.  Being (self)honest is one of the single most difficult tasks. Being honest can uncover raw emotions, and soul conflict which can cause tremendous turmoil …. for what? The ever longing quest to be happy?

(so .. here is the tie in>>) I think we walk around in a fog .. sometimes a recognizable fog and other times a self preservation-self protection fog. Sometimes its easier to bury the emotions deep inside as not to deal with the realities of what makes us angry, sad or even happy. Often times we pacify others to make them happy, and in result neglect what we feel inside.

Unfortunately, we can only stay in that fog for a limited amount of time. Our soul will force us to “be real”  .. buckle up, enjoy the ride ..and make sure you turn on your fog lights, because the road ahead is foggy!

Photo Hunt - Undesirable

As much as I labeled this “undesirable”, I thought it was beautiful in its own right.

To play click here..

Friday fill in ..

To play click here.

1. Good times: _friends, wine and laughter_.
2. _Decorate_ my home.
3. Sleigh bells ring _are you listening?_.
4. _dream a_ little.
5. Once more _we are here again_.
6. __The__ end?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _making pizza and finish watching North and South_, tomorrow my plans include _a long run and a Christmas open house__ and Sunday, I want to _maybe decorate the house, watch football_!

Snow Anticipation

Lonely One

Manic Monday

To play, click here!
If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
This is really tough .. because like movies .. I just don't remember books once I have read them. I know Noah would be completely disappointed in me if he knew ... I would have to ponder .. do children's book count? I loved Ferdinand the Bull ..
Which cartoon character do you resemble the most?
oh... too much fun .. I used to love Garfield when I was a teenager; Tigger prior to being married .... and now? I don't know! Maybe Lucy from Charlie Brown ... haha!!
What vegetable do you resemble the most?
A sweet potato .. sweet, versatile, and tough, fiberous skin!

Sunday fun ..

Nothing like a warm cookies, kids and a snowy Sunday!

It's Here ....

It's official! The holidays are here!

Friday fill in ..

To play along, click here!

1. You get _what you give__ .
2. __It's only__ right to _be honest__.
3. It's __that___ time.
4. _you are being__ ridiculous!
5. I feel more _determined_ .
6. _I love you _ ... goodnight!
7. As for the weekend, tonight I am looking forward to_an evening with my kids watching Leverage (what a cool show!)_, tomorrow my plans include _looking for semi-formal wear for both kids (hah! the dance is tonight!!)_ and Sunday, I want to_have my breakfast with Cyn, hopefully take some snow pictures, and some football _!

A New Day ..

The moon before the sunrise, signs of a beautiful sunny day! My dad always said in his Dutch way that the sun will shine again tomorrow. (and yes, I got my run in!)

Rainy Day ..

 

I’m trying to go running today .. this is the view from the inside of my truck … I want to run today! Melting is something that will happen if I run in the driving, cold rain! (hmm, perhaps cuddling under the blanket?!)

Friday fill in ..a little late

1. Wait! wait, don't forget the _wine___ .
2. _Anger_ followed at once by _resentment_ .
3. The trouble is _proscrastination takes more energy than the actual deed__ .
4. _My sisters and my mom live too__ many miles away.
5. With a faint pop _the wine bottle was open .
6. _I love when the moon looks__ shadowy and ominous.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I am looking forward to _ Chinese take out with my man_, tomorrow my plans include _working and moving my body to make up for the Thanksgiving feast_, and Sunday, I want to _relax, and perhaps a long walk__ !

Click here to play along!

Manic Monday

Thanks to Fleur de Lisa for Manic Monday

What is the first thing you notice about people?
Their body language ... and the eyes .. eyes don't lie!

What song always makes you happy when you hear it?
ohhh .. so many songs! Right now it's Colbie Caillat's Fallin' For You

What fashion trend do you just not get?
oh, J would have way to much fun with this question! I am not the fashion guru ..
so trends ... I think I was just recently told that I was dressed in 70's style ...
Jeans, white t-shirt and jean jacket .. 70's??
I think I don't get the show-the-dental floss-jeans .. or too tight hip huggers and the muffin tops show... are those fashion trends? Probably not!

Happy Monday!

One

This flower/weed/plant (I'm not sure what this is) calls me every morning when I walk to the truck to take the kids to school .. I love frosty mornings in Maine.

Manic Monday

So .. I didn't like this week's Manic Monday, so I chose to take an older one, since I skipped so many opportunities this summer. Thanks to Fleur de Lisa for Manic Monday!

When and with whom was your first kiss?

I was 15.. with Paul. He was Irish. I couldn't have asked for a more gentleman first boyfriend.

Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

ohhhh YES! Not only do I believe things happen for a reason, but it happens to prepare you for what is to come. I would like to sometimes know WHY things happen, though!

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

You done good, come on in! Grab a chair and your wine glass .... let's review, see what you could have done differently and then let's celebrate!

For the weekend update: Great Sunday evening ..Colts won! Even if the Pats had won .. it would have still been a good evening ..

Sunday morning on the way to Breakfast with Cyn

Love Note ..

 

My sisters and I met again in Amsterdam in September. We are trying to have an “annual sister reunion” .. this was reunion #2.

While walking with sister, Saskia, I saw this note on the ground. I don’t think it needs translation .. but just in case: “hey lovey .. or Hey Love” . The note just struck me .. it says so much without much written. 

Hey Lieffie, Ik hou van jou!

Friday Fill In ..

1. The last band I saw live was _Parachute Express (1997!!)_.
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is _watching Noah and Alet be around the Bond cousins!_(my sister’s grown up kids)_.                                                                     

 3. My Christmas shopping is _going to be replaced with volunteering__.
4. Thoughts of _”oh-i-should-be-running-not eating those chocolate chip-cookies”_ fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear _ohh.. there is so much! __.
6. Bagpipes _make me cry___.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _Fresh Maine lobsters in November __, tomorrow my plans include _moving some furniture, a little work, perhaps a run?____ and Sunday, I want to _watch the Colts and Pats … my two favorite teams, but only one QB .. Peyton_(sorry honey!)!

Thanksgiving '09

A New House in Maine

 

We have moved back to Maine .. son, daughter, dog, cat and me! I’m excited, nervous, scared and finding peace.

Life in a Box

 

A different story ..

 

Last week I had the honor of attending a soldier’s funeral. It was my first military funeral. I didn’t know the soldier; all I know was that he was 27 and lost his life in Afghanistan. He was married for 5 months, and had a son from a previous relationship who was very young.

Something Different

Boredom by Mind

Body by Milk

Manic Monday

Thanks to Fleur de Lisa .. something I haven't done in a while! If you want to play, click here!

What's one new thing you have done this summer that you have never done before?

This is summer I learned how to rock climb (indoors) .. it was very interesting .. and certainly something if I had more time (and a little more courage) I would want to explore further. I had the best teacher, Richard, .. who was very patient and really knew how to talk me out of my fear of heights.

What is the one thing that you miss the most about summer when it is over?

One thing only?? .. I miss the long days .. I love that the sun comes up early, and goes down late into the evening. In the summer it's always about getting the most out of the sunshine ..

If you could eliminate one source of anger in your life right now, what would it be?

hahaha ... REALLY?? No, okay seriously ... one source of anger .. life is about choices .. so to have a source of anger must mean that you are choosing to stay in a position that would lead you to have a source of anger ... .. .. ... ... ... so, how do you eliminate the source of anger; isn't it just easier to make a decision not to be angry, or not to allow the source to influx the anger?

Okay, so I was a total geek this weekend and took over 700+ pictures of hummingbirds .. never have I seen soo many of this little creatures .. they were almost scary; large mosquitoes!

This last bird was my favorite .. you could only see his red neck if he turned a certain way and the light hit at a certain angle .. it was nice to take pictures .. I hadn't really done it like this since Maine .. too long!
HAPPY MONDAY!

Thursday 13 .. the letter B .. (really late on Sunday)

So this was supposed to be done two weeks ago .. for Thursday 13

The Letter B

1. My Boy - Noah .. did it again .. he tried a 3ft jump with his bike .. and landed on his shoulder, breaking his collar bone.

2. Boston four weeks ago ..... it was the Best

3. Bar Harbor last weekend .. Beautiful

4. I don't know where I would be without my Best friends

5. Blueberries in my yogurt and granola; daily around 10 am

6. Brandt!

7. I finally have my Red Sox Booties for my truck (okay, so that was a stretch .. I was thinking Baseball)

8. i really should be better about this Blog

9. My Black heels should have been sexier, Janine told me so!

10. My mom had a german shepherd named Beauty

11. Gotta love Barry White's bedroom voice!

12. Bangor, Brewer, Bucksport .... cities in Maine! (hmmm .. a theme???)

13. One of my favorite desserts: warm Brownies, Oreo cookie ice cream, hot fudge and caramel

Thursday 13 .. the letter A

So .. I unofficially took the summer off, and was not a good blogger. Tommie, my inspiration had purposely taken time off, and has come back to the blog world. Reading her blog gives me the drive to try again ..

Thursday's have always been my favorite .. because it always has to do with Thursday13 .. Tommie started with the alphabet again .. so I think for a change I will too. (I never said I was original!)

So for today's Thursday .. the letter A

1. Aletta - my favorite daughter



2. Animal - my favorite muppet


3. Anchovies - when I was pregnant with Noah, I craved anchovy salad .. the restaurant in Gloucester MA used to make it daily for me!


4. Asics - my favorite running shoe


5. American Airlines - frequent flyer miles .. coming up!


6. Avalanche - my truck .... I looove my truck!


7. Asymmetric - things need to be .. isn't that what makes life exciting?


8. Amsterdam - when can we go?


9. Australia - did I mention frequent flyer miles? ... when can we go?


10. A - phone (kind of like I-Phone ..) my cell phone is on it's very last legs, and I'm going for the i-phone ..(okay .. so I was reaching!)


11. Ants - have you been attacked by the red ones?!? The bites itch for days!!
    
12. Antonio .. San Antonio .. we're running a half marathon in November!
13. Augh!!! ..or is it Ahhhhhhhhh!! Guess depends what you are responding to!!!

Photo Hunt

 

 

I haven’t played this meme in a long time .. today’s theme is Rocks ..

These rocks came from Cynthia’s house .. I brought Bruce over for a play date with his buddy Seamus. We had been in Maine for 7 months, and he hadn’t seen Seamus yet. It was a wonderful reunion ..

Bruce is the shaven one, Seamus is laying down, and Molson is the inspiration to why we have Golden's!

Moon over Texas

 

Last week the moon was huge as it was coming up .. I couldn’t resist going crazy with the Rebel and just taking pictures. I was once told that no matter how far apart you are from someone, all you have to do is look at the moon; since it is the same moon that they are looking at too.

Thursday 13 .. I will miss Maine

So, my time is ending in Maine .. and hence on Thursday, it is time for T13 and therefore it is time for Thirteen things I am going to miss about Maine. Of course these are not in any particular order, since I don't play favorites .. also this is quite a consolidated list, since there are so many more things I would miss .. and of course so many more people ..

Growing up my family moved around every three to four years .. I have learnt in the last three years that I really like being stable and in one place .. that is why I have grown to love Maine. I have always felt that my roots finally grew here when we arrived in 1998. The town that we lived in has been the longest place .. and the house that we owned for five years, before we moved, was the longest I had ever lived in! Maine became home.

1. Maine


2. Cynthia and Tim, most of all Cynthia!


3. Janine - see #8 ..


4. Rachel - and Jonesy? oh no, I meant work.. we worked a lot, and laughed a lot (at work, while we worked)


5. Being able to drive to Massachusetts on a moments notice to see my sister


6. Scenic road trips .. for so many reasons


7. My in laws knowing they are close by


8. Seadogs (okay .. maybe I should say "places out" since it's really about the wine and good company!)


9. Luna's (is that too close to number 8?)


10. Thai lunches


11. Subway lunches on park benches when the sun shines! (Must take advantage of those precious sunny moments!!)


12. Running Hills (a good work out after the wine!)


13. Feeling like I am home

Thanks to Janet and Megan ... if you want to play click here!

Photostory Friday on Sunday ..

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

What a difference four months make! 

Friday Fill In .. on Saturday!

 

1. __There is a great big hill, which gets me all the time, when I am running towards_ home.
2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been _dinner? is that when you cook? oh, going out .. quesadillas__.
3. _____ bark! bark! bark! (That’s what she said)
4. A nice long walk _can clear the mind _.
5. __Summer is virtually here, for Maine, that is _ some good news.
6. When all is said and done, _you will still need to look in the mirror _.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _a night out with the girls_, tomorrow my plans include _a night out with the girls_ and Sunday, I want to _kayak early in the morning_! (out with the girls again?! LOL …. just kidding!)

Click here to play along … happy weekend!

Thursday 13 - 13 Reasons to Run again!

Happy Thursday …

So .. lately I have been on a non running streak .. kind of like having a blog block .. so for tonight’s Thursday 13 tradition .. pondering on what list needs to be created .. I thought it may be motivating to find 13 reasons to get back on track …. so, here it goes …

1. New running shoes: nothing feels better than a new pair of shoes
2. “I eat to run, and run to eat” ……  I love to eat … all day long .. no running means no eating??!!
3. Is that why I am feeling pudgy? …. ya, I’m not too happy about that!
4. I need to be able to answer “YES” when I get asked “Did you run today?”    (…..YES .. I ran today!!)
5. These are the last few weeks in Maine … go and run those hills .. we all know Texas has none!
6. I love smelling the lilacs this time of year
7. Get training for the half marathon ~ ambitious goal: Rock ‘n Roll in San Antonio in November
8. You just never know who you’ll meet running down the street .. or the sights that you see ..
9. ahhhh yes … the pain .. in the hips, knees .. I run for the pain …NOT ! (oops, this was a motivational list!)
10. My music … although I need to change it up again .. some of Noah’s music is getting a little too loud for me ..
11. That sense of accomplishment after a long run .. I need to feel that again.
12. Alone time
13. Nothing is more freeing then to step out of the house, knowing you’re running .. and not knowing where you are going, or how long you’ll run for … just ‘going for a run’

Manic Monday

Thanks to Fleur de Lisa for Manic Monday .. check her blog … very cool!

Imagine you're packing a picnic lunch. What would be in your basket?

First question .. who am I picnicking with? That would make the difference with what is in my basket!!

Second question .. where will we picnic? the beach? the park? a long hike up the mountain? … all these things would matter to know what will be in my basket!

Third question .. how is the weather? .. warm, sunny? fall crisp day? ….

Oh wait … is this a spontaneous picnic? … I am a “prepared go with the flow“ type of gal!

If your life were a weather vane, which direction would it be pointing right now? Southwest!

What's something that people do in traffic that really annoys you?

It absolutely frustrates me when the sign on the road says “left lane will close in 1/2 mile” and people continue to travel in the left lane, and then try to squeeze in right at the blinking arrow .. they should have gotten in line three quarters of a mile ago. 

Sunday Fun ..

 

I love this picture .. this was taken last week at Boothbay Harbor. As I am going through my pictures for my fun photography class .. I discovered this program on my lap top that would make my blogging life easier .. who would have known?? So I am posting this picture as a “try out” .. with this new found tool … woohoo! Don’t you just love discovering something new that makes your life easier … AND.. it didn’t cost you anything because you already had it .. !

Fill In Friday … on Saturday

 

1. It's cold and _damp and dreary …not a good day for a run (hmm yea, good excuse! Hit the snooze button)__.
2. _My grandmother used to make grilled_ tomatoes, and my sisters and I would choke them down, never admitting that we hated them!  
3. My favorite health and beauty product is _anything Lancôme__.
4. _Ensure that the final destination is worth_ a nice long ride.
5. Well, first of all _you can’t always get everything that you want, all the time, you can, however, control one or two things__. (words by photo teacher/guru Bernie)
6. _My old work family_; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was _weird!__.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _an evening with Janine_, tomorrow my plans include _a run, clean the house, some photo opportunities____ and Sunday, I want to _have more photo opportunities ..and depending on the weather, who knows_!

Play along and join us right here!

Have a great weekend!

Thursday 13 .. Thirteen Things in May

The last Thursday of the month ..thirteen things in May, stolen in it's original form from Janet at T13 .. here we go:

1. Picture of: Boothbay Harbor



Aletta took this picture while we were in Boothbay Harbor .. isn't she just awesome?



2. Current Scent: I'm not a big perfumey person .. (although I love a well scented man!) .. so I rarely wear perfume .. maybe a spritz of China Blossom from Bath and Body ..



3. What I am reading: Sigh .. reading? a book?



4. Newest music I added to my playlist: I just added Second Chance by Shinedown



5. Movies I saw: Star Trek .. thank goodness for Noah .. he had to keep telling me what was going on .. I couldn't get into the past and future thing ...



6. Something Yummy: ..ahhh .. we specifically bought fudge from a great store in Greenville



7. The Last Place I ate out at: Noah, Alet and I went to the Black Frog .. in Greenville..



8. Something that made me cry: ahhh ... really? ..what about the latest recommendation to wear push up bras because the girls were hanging a little low .......? This recommendation came from none other than ..... Aletta. ... I love my daughter!



9. Something that made me laugh: the sight of the tall grass in the yard .. I need to mow the lawn!


10. Something that I look forward to in June: oh .. so much to do, to see, to explore .. to take pictures of ... and I still have to set my kayak in ...and then at the end of the month .. Texas



11. Something I am thankful for: the ability and opportunity of being here these last 7 months.



12. Something I want to remember this month: This was probably the most defining month in the last 6 months .. lots of up and downs .. laughs and tears .. realizations and recognitions ..



13. A photo I took this month: for our photography class I have been taking several ... but I realized our cat rarely makes it in ..

What a great weekend!

We had a crazy weekend .. now that the move to Texas is a few short weeks away, I have gone into over drive to ensure that I have all the experiences and pictures to last me until the next time we come back for a visit.

Being a long weekend, we would take advantage of that extra day off, and so we decided that going to the coast would be a great place to take pictures .. so off to Boothbay Harbor we went.

We had a great time .. we stopped and had lunch, and then decided to get ice cream. Standing there, waiting in line, I was doing what I love .. people watching, when suddenly I recognized a guy walking by .. I ran out of the ice cream shop .. my kids totally dismayed with the idea that I had just desserted the line we were in (no pun!), and started looking for what I knew would be a beautiful blonde lady.... and there she was! I yelled out "Kris?!?" .. low and behold ... friends of ours that we hadn't seen in 10 years ... They had come up from Massachusetts .. for the day to Boothbay Harbor .. our stars were in alignment ... it was so good to see them. We stood for 15 minutes trying to recapture all that lost time. It was soooo great to see them!

Friday fill in ..a little late

1. Moving _again, back to Texas, and this time I will enjoy what Texas has to offer. I have learned that Maine will always be "home" to me, and it will always be here... __.
2. _The simple things in life are _ free. (Well ... okay, sometimes an initial investment, like a kayak .. but then the paddling is free!)
3. My best quality is _(augh..struggle, struggle ..) I'm a good listener .....(what did you say?)_.
4. _Pay attention to the little _ details.
5. In nearly 10 years, _I'll be 50! That just seems so unreal .. my sisters are the older ones ... not me!__.
6. _Good motivation to run on a more consistent basis_ is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _Chinese food, and a movie with Noah_, tomorrow my plans include _going to the dump (yippee!), a modified run, and some photo opportunities__ and Sunday, I want to _go on a road trip for more photo opportunities or Kayak?____! ..and holiday Monday ... relax and enjoy Memorial Day (can I squeeze kayak here?).

Have a Happy Memorial Weekend ..... summer is here .... YEAH!!!! (oh wait, that means school vacation .... hmmm!)