Thursday, April 30, 2015

Stairs

Last year I got pretty serious about exercising on a daily basis.  I happened to be wandering around Stillwater, MN at the  time of this inward reflection.  
This town is the "birthplace of MN."
There are many unique shops and it is old.  Relatively speaking!

While there, I happened to see many people climbing up and down some steps.
I always knew about "the steps," but never figured out where they were and what they were all about.
Now I know!

Lots and lots of people use these steps as part of their exercise routine too!  I might add that they are ALOT better at it than I am!  Most climb the steps two by two.

 I resumed my climb for the season  last evening.  

Once a week, this is where I am!
 Many many steps!    A perfect stair step routine!  Huffing and puffing, up and down I go.
One guy RAN up and down.  I affectionately referred to him as "showoff!"

The weather was near perfect last night.  Not too hot, not too cool.  There are days in the heat of the summer where I think I am crazy for doing this, but I press on!
It is hard to stay focused though...you should smell the restaurant food wafting up those stairs.  Tempting to just quit and go have a burger instead!

See what I mean...EAT or climb these steps!
I stayed on task and finished.  I go up and down 5x.  As I write, my legs are in pain!  I may have overdid it a bit the first time through!
The view from the top is pretty spectacular!  Worth every breath.

What do you do for exercise?




Monday, April 27, 2015

Waiting...


Will the Princess have a boy or a girl?
I am anxiously awaiting the news! 

I came across a site that proclaims the 15 "must go to" places for afternoon tea. 
Thought I would show you this one today. 

The you tube video shows what to expect at afternoon tea!
Fortnum and Mason looks like an elegant place for tea.  I can see why it made the list. 


 https://www.fortnumandmason.com/restaurants/afternoon-tea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f_uI0tYxqE


Thursday, April 23, 2015

Organized is a good thing

Earrings are my favorite piece of jewelry to wear. 
Admittedly, I have many.
Each one has special meaning to me.

Take, for instance, this pair.
If I had to pick a favorite, these would be it.  I got them in England.  They hold special meaning because they were purchased at Althorp,  Princess Diana's childhood home.  I remember everything about that day.  I will never forget because I spent it with my husband, and 4 other very dear friends who knew how important it was for me to visit that enchanted place.  Yep.  Favorite. 

I have many pairs from Hawaii.  I kind of went crazy with the plumeria earrings.  I bought every color there was!  Blues, hot pinks, white with yellow centers, white with pink centers...you get the idea!  I swear I can still smell the intensity of that flower.

There are those I bought in Disney, and others I just had to have!

What's my point?

Well...I have never had them in one place!  Some were on my dresser, in my bathroom, on counters.  Basically, a disorganized mess!  Until now!

I found this!
STACKERS!   
I got it at the container store.
www.containerstore.com

All together now.
Organized. 
It's like Christmas!  I found earrings I forgot I had.  Sad, but true. 

Are yours organized? 
Do you have a favorite pair?

 







Monday, April 20, 2015

She wins!

My writer friend Julie Klassen won!

I am not surprised, but oh how fun for her! 

Julie writes Regency fiction.
The Friends of the St Paul Public Library held the annual event for the Minnesota Book Award Saturday evening. 
 Here is the link to learn more about the event. 

 http://thefriends.org/events/mnba/winners-and-finalists/current-winners/



Julie and I at a genre dinner during a writing conference.  Great fun.  She looks like Jane Austen don't you think? 
To learn more about Julie's books,
www.julieklassen.com.


Thursday, April 16, 2015

Worth it


Our kids tell us we work too hard when we get away for a holiday.  

Theirs=sitting on a beach.
Ours=adventure!

State parks are quite breathtaking.  And although hiking is really fun, I must admit that my knees are killing me!   This recent  hike reminded me of my writing journey.

At the start, I am bursting with energy.
Sun, no bugs and plenty of determination.  With a smug attitude that "this is going to be easy,"  I begin.
The trail rocks scrunched beneath my hiking boots,  and the smell of  earth wafting through the air awakened my senses.  Spring has arrived.  All smiles and climbing the rock stairs,  I kept a quick pace, staying in front of my husband.  Views like this one peeked through the trees.  I wanted to get to the top.  No stopping to enjoy the landscape.
A small sign on the tree for those who noticed.  Look, you might miss this!
"How could you not see this, you ask? "    
Easy.  I had my hat pulled on, sunglasses on, and my head was looking down.  I wasn't aware of the beauty of this balanced rock along the journey.  I missed it.  I was starting to get tired.
The only thing I could see were these...
And I wondered if I would ever get to the top.  This was daunting.
 I was glad I brought some "friends" along to help me stay hydrated and focused.
What fun is the journey without friends?
  You might even get lucky enough to meet some new friends along the way.
Guaranteed...there will be potholes.  Holes so big they'll tempt you to quit.  But you can't.  The need to see what is at the top keeps you from stopping.
You may even find those who are crazier than you!  We were just hiking.  These boys were rock climbing.  Living their crazy dreams!
The journey really is worth it!
Making it back to the car in one piece is too!!!





Monday, April 13, 2015

Sheep!


From March - August, the UK is displaying sheep!

Lots and lots  of them!  And boy are they cute! 
I stumbled upon this website telling the story of Shaun in the city. 
http://www.shauninthecity.org.uk/
Click on "Shauns" to see just how adorable they are. 

Makes me want to be in England during this time to check them all out! 






Thursday, April 9, 2015

puzzle


Have you noticed the crossword puzzle craze?
I know...  Where have I been?!!
They have been around for years.
I'm a slow learner!
But, I am hooked!
  
I went into the bookstore the other day and there was a whole section of crossword puzzles to choose from.

I look for the puzzle in our daily newspaper, and I love trying to figure out the clues.

Have you tried to finish one?  They are not easy.  But that's what makes it so addicting!
 Take 20 Across for example.
The clue:  Bulgaria's capital.
5 letters
I had no idea!
So, this is where google helps!  I now know the answer=SOFIA.

One thing for sure.  This keeps my brain active!

Monday, April 6, 2015

Cozy

My sister in law, Joan, gifted me with this tea cozy over the weekend.
She made it.  For me.  I wouldn't know where to begin.  She has a gift.
I love the flowers.  Each one full and vibrant.  Even the leaves are detailed.  Just like us.  We all have unique talents.  We can't do everything, but we can do something.

I so appreciate the time she took to knit for me.  She could do lots with the time she has during her day, and chose to spend it making something she knows I will use often.  
I love it.
Thank you Joan.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Greatest story

Donkey
Coins
Cup
Pray
Lashes
Crown of Thorns
Nails
Dice
Spear
Linen Cloth
Stone
Empty

The words tell an everlasting story of love.

Read about that love in Matthew 21
Matthew 26, 27, 28
Mark 14
John 19

Happy Easter.