Queen of Wonder

        Turns out that skipping yoga and not racing all over town has it’s benefits. Today, I took in the calming benefits of picking some things from the garden. The main things I picked were some mixed greens (left) mustard and arugula (center) and carrots (right). Sam loves to help pick things in the garden. He followed me along and we picked these goodies. That Sam loves to help slays me about as much as the gorgeous vegetables that we pulled from the soil. Soon we will have pears,  strawberries, more greens,and green beans I hope. In even more time, we will hopefully...

I usually get my eyebrows waxed once a month. They start looking a little scruffy and so I head to a little shop that I don’t need an appointment for and they usually take me right away.  Unfortunately, the last few times I have gone to this  particular shop my brows have been a little uneven. Not a big, glaring, obvious difference but I notice it. Last time I went in, and mentioned it, she tried harder but it still was not completely even in the end. So, I contemplated going to a new place. I called two places – one was not open (on a Wednesday? who is closed on Wednesday?) and the other...

I have been feeling very blocked when it comes to writing lately. I have been discovering lots of cool blogs like http://themommyblog.net/ and http://crabmommy.blogspot.com/ and http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/.   Unfortunately, I have been having so much fun reading other blogs that I have somehow slipped into blogblackholedom and am finding it difficult to find my way out to write in my own. One unfortunate side effect of slipping down this hole, is that I somehow have decided other people’s writing and experiences are much wiser and creative than mine-  I could never possibly write...

This past weekend, it was sweltering. Not 80 degrees, just warm, but HOT like Calcutta.  Even though it was hot, the family needed dinner. I rifled through the fridge and found zucchini, peppers, and just harvested baby carrots from the garden. I chopped up the vegetables, drizzled with olive oil and mixed in some crushed garlic… then, I fittingly pulled some Madras Curry Powder from the pantry, and generously sprinkled on the veggies and grilled. That was the best move of the day.  This amazing Sun Brand Madras Curry Powder rocks! I served the vegetables with Pork Tenderloin marinated...

The daffodils in the front yard have bloomed and withered. Tulips and lilac are finishing up their posing. Spring is here! It feels like a switch has been flicked in me. New energy and excitement for what awaits. Life feels fresh. Sun beautiful sun. I came across a wonderful article about Holi , the festival of colors in India. I had never heard of this tradition before. Check it out, it looks very cool. I would love to get my hands on some of that colorful dust! Viva!

Um, something remarkable has happened around here. Alex and Sam are fighting less. The boys are able to go longer stretches at a time without needing Michael or I to referee. This is a tremendous relief. Sam has calmed down a little and they can actually hang out together. This morning I think I was able to sleep until 7:45am when their first argument broke out. To some this may not seem very remarkable, but to me sleeping past 7 is an absolute luxury . This morning they were able to get their own yogurt and play while, so we got a little extra sleep. I don't know, but something feels a little...

Sam (4) and I went to Bed Bath and Beyond today. This is the conversation I found myself in. Sam: Why did you want to have babies? Me: No Answer... (why did I want to have babies? I honestly cant think of a good reason at the moment!) Sam: Why did you have two babies? Me: Well, don't you think its nice to have a brother? I thought it would be nice if you had a brother or a sister Sam: What's that thing daddy has again? Me: What do you mean? Sam: What's that thing daddy has to make babies? Me: You mean sperm? (I now lower my voice because I'm sure other shoppers ears will be perking up if I don...

Ever since Home and Garden TV (HGTV) announced their annual Dream Home giveaway I have been a little obsessed with the prize. They are giving away a brand new, farmhouse style house in Sonoma. Sonoma! Sonoma is one of my favorite towns in the whole world. Wine county living appeals to me. I love the smell of the air in Sonoma. Its part farm country, part small town. Yet, its in California, yet there is the European sensibility that comes from a small town square, outdoor living and markets. It has a casual yet sophisticated vibration. I could throw some fun parties there. I could be at peace in...

We walked home from school today. The crossing guard, bubbling over with enthusiasm complemented me on my hat, and Sam on his silly monster rain boots. Sam looked up at her from his seat in the stroller and this is the conversation that ensued: Sam: What's yer name? Crossing guard: Roseanne, well Rosie (broadly smiling) Sam: My name is Sam (wide eyed) Crossing Guard: Very nice to meet you Sam. Very nice to meet you. Rosie the Crossing Guard: That is an easy one to remember! My ex husbands name was Sam (very jovial). Don't tell me your name is Dennis! Alex: No, my name is Alex. Why? (looking confused...

It occurs to me that if I post too many photos of my holiday gift making party, I may be spoiling surprises by showing people what they might be getting. On second thought, since not alot of people read this, I guess it might be okay to post photos anyway. Plus, unless you are a detective or something, it's still not totally obvious what everyone is making! Ladies, I loved hanging out with you. Thanks for all your energy- creative and otherwise! You all make this one of the highlights of my year!...