stream of consciousness

Since I was last here...

Everyone in our home is healthy once again.

My kiddos are back in school after a four day weekend (our county is saving money by closing down the schools resulting in many long weekends). 

I truly enjoy having my kiddos home the extra days.  This weekend we visited the space museum. We visited the library and read new books in our pj's.  We watched this visually stunning film - i just love streaming movies through netflix.

I have been knitting a bit.  A cardi for Abby.

I have been sewing a bit.  I'll be able to share soon.

I have been snacking a lot.  I like to eat my food directly off the cutting board.  It's fun and there are fewer dishes to wash. (that's goat cheese on the crackers - yum.)

I have been folding laundry while listening to the soundtrack from this wonderful movie.  I recommended this film a while ago but it's definitely worth repeating.  Watch Once first - you won't be disappointed.

I took a nature walk on a rainy morning.

 

 

Since I don't have any completed projects to share and nothing earth shattering (thank goodness) has transpired I thought I'd share some random things about me:

I love a long, hot shower.  I rarely take baths.

I drink a lot of this tea.  Often times I sneak in a second tea bag - this is my current favorite.

My favorite thing to eat with tea is almond biscotti.

For the past several weeks I've had the music of April Smith and Tarja Turunen in heavy rotation. 

My kiddos and I love listening to Vitamin String Quartet - they play some awesome Lady Gaga without any of the offensive lyrics.  Check out all their albums here.

In the past month I have slept in a white tee so that I could just throw on a coat when I drive Ezra to the bus stop at 7am.  I have also worn boots so that I wouldn't have to change mismatched socks.

I could live on brown rice, black beans and salsa...

With blueberry mango smoothies to wash it down. (I buy frozen blueberries and frozen mango chunks at Trader Joe's and blend them with a banana, vanilla yogurt and a bit of water)

For the past two weeks I have written grocery lists and forgotten them on the fridge.  Both weeks I managed to buy everything on them except for cinnamon.  I must admit that our french toast, granola and cookies have been lacking. 

I feel good when my hands and feet are moisturized. 

I think I may be growing my hair out.  Either that or i just haven't bothered to get it cut in a while.

I love to paint my toenails but I don't paint my fingernails.

I cannot hear myself think when the television is on - at least I hope I am still thinking.  I do not feel the same about watching movies.

I try to take my contact lenses out right after dinner - but I often forget.  My eyes do not thank me for this.

I feel truly thankful for my husband.  Not a day has gone by since March 1991 that he hasn't told me how much he loves me.  I know that he means it because he always looks me in the eyes and smiles when he tells me. 

Having too much stuff makes me nervous.  Each time I bring something new into the house I cannot help but think about how I will have to dust, wash, store or otherwise care for yet another thing.

I am happiest when the sun is shining - even if it's really cold out.

I feel blessed to have all our pets. (we have 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 guinea pigs and 9 chickens)  I talk to them when I have a problem to work out, I get exercise when they take me along on their walks, I breathe more deeply when I stroke the soft feathers of our hens.

Every morning for breakfast I eat eggs moments after they are laid by our hens.  They are the most delicious eggs I have ever tasted. 

Most nights I read for 30 minutes before going to bed.  I wish I could knit and read at the same time.  But I choose to read because knitting often involves watching television.

At times the computer makes me feel anxious.  On one hand I want to know what all my friends are up to and I want to share what I have been doing.  But I also want to spend that time making and knitting and reading. 

I received this book in the mail today and I cannot wait to read the ending to this amazing story.

I don't have an electronic reader.  My husband has one and has offered to download a book for me so that I can try it out.  But I am not ready yet. 

I purchase way too many books.  They take up a lot of room.  I think I will try the e-reader for my next selection. 

I think better, and feel more creative, when I put pen to paper.  I have started keeping all my making ideas in notebooks.  I also doodle little sketches in the margins.  Somehow typing just isn't the same. 

I feel best on the days I make it to the gym.  I have more energy, walk straighter, sleep better and stay healthier when I work out.   I wish I had the discipline to exercise at home but I don't.

I haven't gone to the gym as often as i like this winter because I have been "too busy."  But after reading this wonderful post I plan to slow down, take my time, and get more done!

Hope you take your time and get more done today!

 

Comments

[Jodi]

Hi there Larissa! What a wonderful post. Of course you left me intrigued with your sewing. And for the record, snacking right off the cutting board is extremely satisfying.

[elns]

I too, am a huge fan of the "cheeseboard" as we call it in our house.

I am a new e-reader convert and I'm really happy with the Nook my MIL (mother in law) got me this holiday season. The Nook allows me to check out books from my local library. Yay! Though honestly I have just been purchasing books or getting some free classics. I truly believe it will reduce the bookcase overflow problem.

Nice post today. I'm not sure if I want to snack or knit now!

[Andrea]

I loved reading all those bits about you! I agree about the reading and lately I have been getting audio books and listening while I knit (they have them at the library which is great). Loved the Girl with the dragon tatoo series, so sad it's over, I hope you enjoy it. Have a wonderful weekend!!

[dani]

I loved getting to know more of those little bits that make a person who they are.

I don't paint my nails, I too love the beans-rice-salsa thing, we don't have a lot of random stuff, and I wear my contacts more than anyone ever should. Really, the zombie eye wasn't a shocker.

[adina]

Did you know that "chai" means "living" in Hebrew? So I read on the Tazo box at least.Your snacks look so tasty and I've been enjoying your blog for a little while now. Thanks for sharing bits of your world!

[susie]

Such a warming post! It is always nice to get to know neighbors a little better. You have inspired me ever so much! Just what I needed and I too agree that slowing down is a good thing. I've enjoyed my visit here...again.
Have a wonderful weekend,
susie

[Denise]

oh, so much to comment on!! Yes, yes and Yes - I agree with so much you wrote.

[Nancy]

So much fun to read this. If that's your kitty in the picture she is the triplet of our two "twin" black kitties.

I have wanted to see the space museum in your parts, I think it opened after I left the area (which gives you an idea of how long ago that was!).

I agee with so many things you said--the love/hate relationship with the computer, noise of the tv interfering with your thinking, love of good movies, using notebooks for your projects, misgivings about "stuff" and how they can be a burden more than a help...and on and on...

[Meg Evans]

Hello, friend. It's so nice to hear from you. When we were away on our trip, I didn't touch a computer for five days. It was such a nice break. Maybe I should think about implementing "black out" periods while I'm at home. I'm sure I could live without constantly checking email!

I wish I spent my time before bed reading. I should work on that--but wouldn't it be great if we could read AND knit? Just need an extra eyeball or two...

I hope your weekend brings you what you need. Stay well.

[MrPuffy]

What a beautiful post ~ pictures and lots of inspiration! I loved the nature movies they used to show in grade school where it began with a paint brush. I wonder if they still show those.

PS Ever since bloglines changed its format I've been without a reader so I use Ravelry and I couldn't seem to find you on there????

[christina]

I'm SO with you on toenail painting and pen-and-paper writing. : ) Also glad to hear that your family is feeling well again!

Oh, and I think that rainy-day walks should count instead of going to the gym at least sometimes!

[Stephanie]

Enjoyed learning more about you, great post!

[andigal]

This is one of my favorite posts. I spend my Saturday mornings browsing through blogland and when I read this post it made me want to turn off the computor and just enjoy my day. Too many lovely things you have commented on . I checked out the Vitamin C quartet..brilliant. I with you on the brown rice and black beans. They are my fav. Enjoy your days and thank you for reminding me to just be.

[Jen]

I really enjoyed this post. It is so fun to to learn bit and pieces about the peoples spaces we visit. Wonderfully inspiring you are, now off to slow down and just take in the day, thanks for the reminder!

[Lisa Q]

so glad everyone is healthy...love the sweater you're working on. those colors are wonderful. I can't wait for the snow to be gone so I can stroll through the woods again. It sounds like your days are full and wonderful. I often have trouble deciding whether to knit or read. One day I'll be able to do both...maybe?

[jane]

There are so many good things in this post. Thanks for sharing. Love the movie Once. love.love.love it! Have a good week!

[kristyn]

I love dunking oreos in milk and reading your blog! he. he. Love that you shared so much of yourself in this post. wonderful, wonderful YOU! You inspire me to slow down and enjoy these mothering moments. I have to admit to being frustrated and stressed over the past few months with "all of it." Coming here helps relieve that stress. xoxo

[Ruth]

Loved reading and learning more about you. I love books and don't even think I want an e reader but I do have too many books. Is there such a thing?

Glad everyone is feeling well.

Ruth

[Marilyn Podoll]

I'm sorry I read this one and had a vision of you jumping out of bed in only a tee shirt and boots and going to the bus stop!!!
Made me laugh!!

[Rosemary]

This was a great post!I know what you mean about being on the computer. You are SO lucky to have fresh eggs everyday! Black beans, brown rice and salsa...yum :)