Heaven and Earth Designs

At goal and holding now for 2 weeks

2011-12-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

I think I have this down now. I have hit my goal of 160 and have held it for 2 weeks which is more challenging that I thought it would be. It is not that I want to eat bad foods but I find that I am still in losing mode and have found it hard to believe that I am in Maintenance mode now.

I have dropped 99 pounds in the past 8 months and have lost a total of 190pounds since my journey began. I have started Yoga classes and have found a calling that is so strong that it makes my soul hurt at times but in a good way.

Heres to everyone on the path and hugs to all!

Stuck yet again....

2011-10-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

I can tell that I am getting close to my healthy weight for me, I have been stuck at 167.2 for about 2 weeks and lose .4 then gain .4 the next day. I am still striving to be down to 160 and at 5'7 and being large boned I am wondering how much longer my body will fight me on this?

Have a great week ahead everyone and for those in the weight loss battle, stay true!

On another path...

2011-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

After stalling out with Dukan I have moved to a similar program called Ideal Protein and am now losing again, yay!

Today I feel

Smaller in body 

Stronger of heart

Hopeful

Impatient

A Longing

Ok, now to get this done...

2011-09-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

I lost the 2 pounds I gained and now back on track for the final 15 pounds. I have been stressed with getting the house ready for showings and trying to organize and balance all of the other life duties as well.

I have been struggling with a cold/cough the past 3 weeks and it seems to have turned for the worse again with the stress so some hot herbal tea and some downtime are in order this weekend for sure.

I have been concentrating on higher protein levels and sticking with broccoli and asparagus for my veggies which are both good for fiber and asparagus is a natural diuretic so I am sure that helped to lose the 2 pounds gained.

I have cut out the oat bran muffins for now too and now to get off the last 15 pounds and be done with this. 85 pounds lost, wow it feels good to say that number.

Blew It....

2011-09-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

With all that is going on in prepping the house for sale we went out to dinner and I planned on salmon but I ended up eating 3 cheese curds, 1/2 slice of texas toast, 2 onion rings and then about 2 T of Bleu Cheese on my Sirloin Steak.

I didn't go over too bad but I gained 2 pounds (mostly water of course from the salt) which is ok, I will lose it again over the next couple of days.

This is a lesson in maintenance and lose the little bit that you gain before it become 20+ pounds :-)

Stagnating Again...

2011-08-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

Between getting a cold and my body readjusting from traveling across country for 2 weeks I seem to be stagnating so time to switch things up again: Here is my menu for the day:

Breakfast
2 OB muffins
1 hard boiled egg

Lunch
Veggie Salad with Tuna
1 Yogurt

Dinner
Salmon
Broccoli

2 week vacation and a good loss to boot :-)

2011-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

We have been away the past 2 weeks on a working vacation which took us from Minnesota to the Oregon Coast and Seattle. We traveled by car which allowed us plenty of hours to do some database maintenace and internal improvements on the site which went very well and things should be running a bit faster for everyone and less issues with downloads.

I managed to lose 5 pounds during the 2 week period and had a couple of maintenance days which was very nice as far as a change of pace. I didn't do anything extravagant and stayed away from sugar and processed food as usual but did treat myself to Sushi one night and a baked potato another nite and one dinner roll with no butter.

I have changed my goal weight from 170 to 160 and just 19 more pounds to go :-)

Dukan Day 102

2011-08-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

188.2! 18 pounds away from my goal of 170 and I am so thrilled!!!!

Dukan Day 97

2011-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

189.8! I was hoping to be in the 180's by mid August and here I am not even to the end of July. I am so thrilled with the progress and even more so the way I feel, energetic, confident and full of pride :-)

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P
7/6 197.8 P/V
7/7 198.8 P/P
7/8 198.2 P/V
7/9 198 P/P
7/10 197.8 P/P
7/11 197.4 P/V
7/12 197.2 P/P
7/13 196.8 P/V
7/14 195 P/P
7/15 194.6 P/V
7/16 194 P/P
7/17 193.8 P/V
7/18 193.2 P/P
7/19 193 P/V
7/20 192.8 P/P
7/21 192.4 P/V
7/22 192.2 P/P
7/23 191.8 P/V
7/24 191.4 P/P
7/25 191.2 P/V TTOM too!
7/26 190.8 P/P
7/27/190.2 P/V
7/28 189.8 P/P

Dukan Day 94

2011-07-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P
7/6 197.8 P/V
7/7 198.8 P/P
7/8 198.2 P/V
7/9 198 P/P
7/10 197.8 P/P
7/11 197.4 P/V
7/12 197.2 P/P
7/13 196.8 P/V
7/14 195 P/P
7/15 194.6 P/V
7/16 194 P/P
7/17 193.8 P/V
7/18 193.2 P/P
7/19 193 P/V
7/20 192.8 P/P
7/21 192.4 P/V
7/22 192.2 P/P
7/23 191.8 P/V
7/24 191.4 P/P
7/25 191.2 P/V TTOM too!

21 pounds to go and it is hard to believe but I am almost there. I have been thinking about consolidation now and strategizing that process and reading reading reading the Dukan book. I am nervous and excited at the same time :-)

Here is a pic of me at my heaviest in 2002 ;-(

Dukan Day 89

2011-07-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Sorry the lag in posts folks, I have been so busy I can hardly see straight. I am continuing to lose well and now down to 193.8 and working hard toward that next goal of 180 and then my plan is to maintain for 3 months and give my body a rest. I feel confident entering this stage and looking forward to being at the end of this journey, but there never really is and end is there, rather it is just the journey.

I celebrated my Birthday on the 17th and didn't have any cake, which was not hard at all. The thought of sugar turns my stomach and I think it would actually make me ill at this point, good thing!

My menu for today

2 Dukan OB muffins
Egg White Omelet with Mushrooms
Cottage Cheese
Chicken Breast
Tenderloin Steak
Salad with lettuce, broccoli, radishes and green peppers

Dukan Day 85

2011-07-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P
7/6 197.8 P/V
7/7 198.8 P/P
7/8 198.2 P/V
7/9 198 P/P
7/10 197.8 P/P
7/11 197.4 P/V
7/12 197.2 P/P
7/13 196.8 P/V
7/14 195 P/P
7/15 194.6 P/V

Going good! Under 195 now and could not be more pleased! I have a recipe for you that is interesting and fun :-)

Kale Chips

Seperate Kale leaf from stalk, tear into bite size peices
Line a cookie sheet with foil and then lightly spray each leaf with Pam Olive Oil
Sprinkle Sea Salt on all of the leaves
Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes or until crispy and enjoy :-)

Dukan Day 83

2011-07-13T06:12:00.001-07:00

One more pound until I hit 195 :-)

Dukan Day 82

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P
7/6 197.8 P/V
7/7 198.8 P/P
7/8 198.2 P/V
7/9 198 P/P
7/10 197.8 P/P
7/11 197.4 P/V
7/12 197.2 P/P

Continuing to inch down and seeing a good loss rate - yay! I have been so busy that I can hardly see straight and there have been 2 days where I hardly ate anything at all and not a good thing, it was everything I could do to not attack the Cheddar Cheese popcorn. This is a good example that you HAVE to eat your meals, very important.

Today's Menu

Egg White Omelet
2 Dukan OB Muffins
Shrimp
Cottage Cheese
Chicken Breast
Salmon

Dukan Day 77

2011-07-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P
7/6 197.8 P/V
7/7 198.8 P/P

well, I am up a pound and not really sure why? Yesterday was a P/V day but that usually does not affect me so not really sure why but we shall see if it is gone tomorrow. I think the last 50 pounds is going to be a little harder to get off :-(

I did spend some time out in the sun yesterday and it could be water retention from the heat as well as I do feel a bit more "fluffy" this morning....

Menu from Yesterday

Breakfast
2egg white omelette with mushroom
2 Dukan OB Muffins

Lunch
Chicken Breast
Salad with cucumber, peppers and lettuce

Snack
1 tub of yogurt

Dinner
Salmon Filet
Green Beans

Dukan Day 75

2011-07-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

7/1 202 P/P
7/2 200.6 P/V
7/3 200.4 P/P
7/4 199.6 P/V
7/5 197.8 P/P

I made it to "one"derland!!!! 197 - I am over the moon and absolutely thrilled! My next goal is 190 and ultimately I will get to 150.

I found I had to mix up my foods again to get out of the stagnation and I seem to have to do this about once a month to keep my body fooled and continue losing.

I hope everyone had a great Holiday :-)

Dukan Day 71

2011-07-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Still fighting TOTM and still at 200 but have 2 more days left so hopefully next week will be a loss to see the 190's.

We don't have much planned this weekend other than some riding time. I spent most of the morning this morning with the farrier having two of our horses feet done, they look so nice when they are freshly trimmed :-)

Menu for today:

Breakfast
2 Dukan OB Muffins

Snack
1 tub of Vanilla Yogurt
Sliced Turkey

Lunch
Chicken Breast
Cottage Cheese

Dinner
Salmon
Shrimp and a bit of steak

Dukan Day 67

2011-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, still not to the 100's TOTM started but soon so very soon, currently sitting smack dab on 200 :-) Here is my Monday morning photo showing my progress. No loss but I can see reduction in my face :-)

Dukan Day 64

2011-06-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 205.6 P/V
6/11 205.4 P/P
6/12 204.6 P/V
6/13 204.4 P/P
6/14 203.8 P/V
6/15 202.4 P/P
6/16 202.6 P/V
6/17 202.0 P/P
6/18 201.8 P/V
6/19 201.4 P/P
6/20 201.0 P/V
6/21 201.0 P/P
6/22 203.0 P/V
6/23 201.8 P/P
6/24 201.4 P/V

So close :-) Here is yesterday's menu:

Breakfast
2 Dukan Muffins
2 Egg White Omelette

Lunch
1 Chicken Breast
3 oz of left over Steak
1 tub of Yogurt

Snack
1 c Cottage Cheese

Dinner
Ground Turkey Soup (Yesterday was a P/P day but I did veggies anyway)
Recipe:
2 lb of Lean ground turkey
1 C of Chopped Carrots
1 C of Celery
1/3 c of minced onion
1 C of oven roasted Red Pepper
Handful of Mushrooms
Garlic to taste
Pepper to taste
2 large containers of low sodium Chicken Broth (60mg per 8 oz)

My girls who are 9 and 11 absolutely loved it and asked for seconds :-)

Dukan Day 63

2011-06-23T06:47:00.001-07:00

This has worked out pretty well, after gaining 2 pounds I am now 1.8 pounds away from being in the 100's

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 205.6 P/V
6/11 205.4 P/P
6/12 204.6 P/V
6/13 204.4 P/P
6/14 203.8 P/V
6/15 202.4 P/P
6/16 202.6 P/V
6/17 202.0 P/P
6/18 201.8 P/V
6/19 201.4 P/P
6/20 201.0 P/V
6/21 201.0 P/P
6/22 203.0 P/V
6/23 201.8 P/P

Menu for yesterday:
Breakfast
2 Dukan Muffins
2 Egg White Omelette with green peppers and mushrooms
Lunch
Chicken Salad with lettuce, radishes, garden zuccchini, cucumber and Dukan dressing
1 tub of Yogurt
Snack
2 slices of roasted turkey wrapped in lettuce leaves with 1T of onion and green peppers
Dinner
1 5oz New York Strip with steamed broccoli
1 c of Cottage Cheese

Dukan Day 62

2011-06-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

I made some realizations yesterday that I wanted to share. It was my Grandson's Birthday yesterday and he turned 5 so we went to our local Chinese Restaurant to celebrate. I knew that I wasn't going to stay on track and I had 8 pieces of Sushi and grilled chicken and beef (no oils or sauces) from the Hibachi. I could have just stuck with the hibachi and stayed on plan but I wanted sushi and walked in with my goals in place and I didn't deviate. I had no cake and actually it didn't even sound good

I gained 2 lbs this morning (salt from the soy sauce and the carbs from the rice) and you know what I am totally fine with it! I am learning skills valuable for Stabilization and I am proud that I stayed away from the hot bar where all the fat laden foods are and stuck with my goals of just sushi and hibachi.

3 months ago I would have beat myself up and I would have whined and moaned that I shouldn't have done it but I am now realizing that we are all human and it is actually good for us to learn that we can eat a little beyond (key is not go crazy) what we should every once in a while and most importantly not to beat ourselves up over it. The key is not to do this often and treat as just a treat that is to be enjoyed and not abused. Eat to Live, not Live to Eat.

I still may see the 190's by Friday and if not I know that I will see it very soon....

Dukan Day 61

2011-06-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well I stayed the same today but I am still hoping to see the 100's by the end of the week. My menu today will be a tad switched up and here is the menu:

2 Dukan Muffins
1 Top Sirloin Steak
1 cup Cottage Cheese
1 Vanilla Yogurt
Shrimp
2 Hard Boiled Eggs

Let's see what tomorrow brings :-)

Dukan Day 60

2011-06-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

Getting ever so close, I should see "one"derland by Wednesday:_)

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 205.6 P/V
6/11 205.4 P/P
6/12 204.6 P/V
6/13 204.4 P/P
6/14 203.8 P/V
6/15 202.4 P/P
6/16 202.6 P/V
6/17 202.0 P/P
6/18 201.8 P/V
6/19 201.4 P/P
6/20 201.0 P/V

Dukan Day 56

2011-06-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I am up .02 of a pound and I have been under quite a bit of stress the past 2 days so I think that this is playing into it. Things should start to settle today though so hopefully I see that "one"derland soon :-)

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 205.6 P/V
6/11 205.4 P/P
6/12 204.6 P/V
6/13 204.4 P/P
6/14 203.8 P/V
6/15 202.4 P/P
6/16 202.6 P/V

Dukan Day 53

2011-06-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 204 P/V
6/11 204 P/P
6/12 203 P/V
6/13 202 P/P

Yay I am almost to "one"derland! I am so pleased! For those that are interested in a Dukan Bulletin Board check this out: http://www.dukaners.com/

Dukan Day 50

2011-06-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

6/1 213.4 P/P
6/2 211.2 P/V
6/3 209 P/P
6/4 208 P/V
6/5 209 P/P
6/6 210 P/V
6/7 209 P/P
6/8 207 P/V
6/9 206 P/P
6/10 204 P/V

This has been a really good month so far and I am 4 pounds away from "one"derland! Yay! I am just amazed with the success of this diet and strongly encourage other to try it if they are looking to lose some weight.

Dukan Day 49

2011-06-09T06:42:00.000-07:00

well, I have started losing again and now down 36 pounds! It seems that this diet is a fine balance with my body if I eat the same thing for too long my body just stops losing. I switched things up by increasing higher quality protein such as steak and more lean meats and voila here we go again.

Menu for yesterday:
Cottage Cheese
1 Dukan Muffin
Vanilla Yogurt
1 Hard Boiled Egg
1 Chicken Breast
Seared Sirloin Steak and Chicken Breast
1 F/F S/F Jello

Dukan Day 46

2011-06-06T07:59:00.001-07:00

I am up 4 lbs and have no idea why? I have been eating as I normally do and all of the sudden I am gaining 1 pound a day. I am so very frustrated!

Dukan Day 43

2011-06-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Still stuck at the scales and no movement but I am hanging in there. We took the girls out for dinner last night to celebrate their last day of school and the both of them bringing home A's and B's. I stayed true and had a dry salad and 3oz of Beef Brisket and ONE french fry.

I have a lot of outside work that needs to be done which is laborious and the exercise should be enough to get the scales to move downward :-) Have a great weekend everyone!

Dukan Day 41

2011-06-01T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well, the start of June means a new spreadsheet:

6/1 213.4 P/P Up 4 pounds due to TOM but down .04 as of this morning

It will likely take me a week to get the numbers back down and it is frustrating but what can one do?

Breakfast
2 hard boiled eggs
3 slices of turkey breast

Snack
Cottage Cheese

Lunch
Salmon Salad with Dukan Dressing

Snack
3 slices of turkey breast

Dinner
Vegetable beef Soup - yum!

Dukan Day 40

2011-05-31T07:11:00.001-07:00

Well, the TOM weight showed up and I have gained almost 4 pounds, not coming off yet but I sure am trying :-(

I stayed on track all weekend with the exception of 4 pieces of dried pineapple but no adverse effects, back on track now though.

Made Half Way To Goal Today!

2011-05-26T06:03:00.001-07:00

Lost another pound and that puts me half way to goal, I am so pleased!

Dukan Day 34

2011-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, so much for pre-TOM losing, disappointed but I know it is temporary.... Here are two pictures taken 2 weeks apart and I can see a difference so I am going to hang on to that for now :-)

Dukan Day 33

2011-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was super busy with work stuff, kid stuff, horse stuff and the occasional drama thrown in just for good measure, as if I wasn't on my toes enough. Stayed on track as always and I am finding that I don't even think about what I can't have anymore but rather look forward to creating my menu for the day and challenging my creativity.

Down another .02 from yesterday and since TOM is right around the corner, so very glad to still see a loss. I have to wonder because by now I would have gained about 2 pounds so this should be very interesting.

Dukan Day 32

2011-05-23T05:35:00.000-07:00

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P
5/7 216.8 P/V
5/8 217.8 - Blew it last night!
5/9/218.7 - Residual water weight P/P
5/10 217.8 Losing again P/P
5/11 217.6 P/P
5/12 218.4 P/V
5/13 217.4 P/P
5/14 216.6 P/V
5/15 215.2 P/P
5/16 214.4 P/V
5/17 213.8 P/P
5/18 212.6 P/V
5/19 211.8 P/P
5/20 210.6 P/V
5/21 210.4 P/P
5/22 210.2 P/V
5/23 209.2 P/P

Yes! I broke my second goal of 210 and am now below that! That is 12 pounds so far this month and considering TOM is just 3 days away, I am very happy with my loss the past several days!

Dukan Day 29

2011-05-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

One month comparison pic - the right is 1 month ago and the left taken today, represents 22 lbs loss.

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P
5/7 216.8 P/V
5/8 217.8 - Blew it last night!
5/9/218.7 - Residual water weight P/P
5/10 217.8 Losing again P/P
5/11 217.6 P/P
5/12 218.4 P/V
5/13 217.4 P/P
5/14 216.6 P/V
5/15 215.2 P/P
5/16 214.4 P/V
5/17 213.8 P/P
5/18 212.6 P/V
5/19 211.8 P/P
5/20 210.6 P/V

Down another .08 and thrilled! I did a fair amount of walking with Harmony on her horse yesterday and the losses show how important exercise is :-)

Menu for yesterday:

Breakfast
2 Dukan OB Muffins
1/2 c Cottage Cheese

Snack
1 S/F Jello

Lunch
1 Yogurt
1 slice of oven roasted turkey
Home smoked Salmon

Dinner
Diced Turkey in salad with Dukan Dressing

Dukan Day 28

2011-05-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Another good day and lost .08 of a pound, here are my stats so far (I started at 252 on a previous diet) and my total loss to date is 41 pounds - yippee!

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P
5/7 216.8 P/V
5/8 217.8 - Blew it last night!
5/9/218.7 - Residual water weight P/P
5/10 217.8 Losing again P/P
5/11 217.6 P/P
5/12 218.4 P/V
5/13 217.4 P/P
5/14 216.6 P/V
5/15 215.2 P/P
5/16 214.4 P/V
5/17 213.8 P/P
5/18 212.6 P/V
5/19 211.8 P/P

Yesterday's menu:

Breakfast
2 Dukan OB Muffins
2 Rounds of 95% F/F Canadian Bacon

Snack
1 Yogurt

Lunch
Chicken Breast
1/2 C Cottage Cheese

Snack
1 S/F Jello

Dinner
Shrimp
Salad with Dukan Dressing

Dukan Day 27

2011-05-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it was quite an adventure yesterday, we took the horses to an Equine Park for some trail riding and rode with our trainer who is working with our Filly and she has been under saddle now for 2 weeks.

The ride was fine for about half way and then all of the sudden my filly exploded and threw a bucking fit and tossed the trainer flat on his back. It was very scary to watch, she was a bucking bronco big time, we are not sure what set her off, if it was the readjustment of the saddle right before or perhaps she could have even been stung by a wasp.

I was riding my Daughters horse which is a very small horse and he started to get very jumpy and wouldn't listen and went into a trot to get out of there and back to the trailer. I had to get off and we all walked the remaining 1 mile. This was horse terrain and lots of gravel hills, bogs and difficult terrain. I was exhausted by the time we got back and I knew that I would show a good loss on the scale this morning and I did, down 1.8 pounds. I think I need to do this kind of exercise to keep a good loss going, I have to admit that I hate exercise and the only real exercise I get is from gardening and horse back riding. This was good for me and what a revelation. I am sure sore today though.....

Menu for yesterday:

Breakfast
2 Dukan OB Muffins
2 Egg White Omelette

Lunch
F/F S/F Yogurt
1/2 Chicken Breast

Snack
F/F S/F Yogurt
1/2 C Cottage Cheese

Dinner
Good sized piece of Salmon

Dukan Day 25

2011-05-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Another Monday and feeling very good. I am up .04 of a pound but yesterday was a P/V day and that is to be expected. I took my measurements yesterday and compared to 25 days ago and WOW what a motivation that was, so cool to see the loss in inches too.

Menu for the day:

Breakfast
2 Dukan OB Muffins (made with banana flavoring yum)
2 Egg White Omelette

Snack
1 6oz tub of F/F S/F Yogurt

Lunch
1 Chicken Breast
1/2 c 1% Cottage Cheese

Snack
1 S/F Jello

Dinner
Shrimp with crushed garlic
1/2 C F/F S/F Yogurt

Dukan Day 24

2011-05-15T12:00:00.001-07:00

Down another 2 lbs over the weekend and thrilled! Looks like changing some of the food intake did the job - gotta remember to keep things mixed up :-)

Dukan Day 21

2011-05-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P
5/7 216.8 P/V
5/8 217.8 - Blew it last night!
5/9/218.7 - Residual water weight P/P
5/10 217.8 Losing again P/P
5/11 217.6 P/P
5/12 218.4 P/V

Well I gained .08 of a pound and not sure why other than working out in the humidity last night planting seedlings so it could be water weight. I tend to retain water in heat very easily so we shall so if it goes with tomorrow's weigh in.

I have been finding that I am getting pretty bored with what I am eating so I am going to mix it up a bit today and see if that helps with the stagnation too. Being 47 I am finding it harder and harder to lose weight and the stagnation periods are much more frequent compared to other diet episodes.

Last night I had a nice large salad with a Dukan Dressing recipe and chicken. Here is the recipe for the dressing.

2 large tubs F/F S/F Vanilla or Plain Yogurt
2T of Balsamic Vinegar
2T or to taste of crushed Garlic
2T of Stone Ground Mustard

Mix together and it makes a lovely dressing. The vanilla yogurt gives it a bit of a sweeter flavor and if you go with the plain you can add dill and other spices for a more savory dressing.

Dukan Day 19

2011-05-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P
5/7 216.8 P/V
5/8 217.8 - Blew it last night!
5/9/218.7 - Residual water weight P/P
5/10 217.8 Losing again P/P

Had a bad day Saturday and was caught out too late and stopped for dinner starving - not a good idea. I had planned on Salmon but ended up with a Blue Cheese Hamburger, Fries and a Margarita.

Back on track now though and losing.... I didn't eat much yesterday and had only 2 eggs, 4 slices of turkey and 2 OB Dukan muffins.

Dukan Day 15

2011-05-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V
5/6 217.2 P/P

Not feeling very well today and I have no idea why? It started in the afternoon with being REALLY tired and had to literally drag myself around the grocery store yesterday, I had zero energy. I woke up this morning to being light headed and just no energy. My work days have been full as usual and nothing really has changed there. I have to pick up the girls this afternoon and run Harmony to a sleepover birthday party this afternoon too and I really need to work horses too, now to just find the energy.

I wanted to climb into bed at 7pm last night and this is really odd. I posted on the Dukaners.com forum and some are suggesting low blood pressure but I have no way to check it and see where I am at. I have always had normal BP so this might be a possibility but I am not going to make an appt at the Dr. which is 115.00 just to check my BP.

I am hoping that this resolves by tomorrow and I am definitely eating enough too:

Breakfast:
2 Dukan OB Muffins
3 Egg White Omelette with Canadian Bacon (95% fat free) and mushrooms

Lunch:
Cottage Cheese - about 1 cup
Sliced Deli Meat - about 6 slices
Radishes - 5
Grilled Asparagus 10

Dinner:
Vegetable/Ground Turkey soup with Onions, Mushroom, Zucchini and low salt (125 MG per 1 cup) Broth, I had about 3 cups of this.

Snack:
1 S/F Jello

I drank 2 liters of fluid which was mostly water followed by 2 cups of coffee and 2 glasses of Crystal Light

Dukan Day 14

2011-05-05T05:40:00.000-07:00

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P
5/5 217.4 P/V

WOW!!!! I am down 2.4 this morning and absolutely thrilled. I ate a little more protein yesterday and had an additional yogurt to try and get the scale to budge a little more and it worked. Yesterday was a P/P day too so I will likely not see as much of a loss tomorrow being a P/V day.

I am noticing several things since starting this and I am feeling a wonderful sense of well being, being at peace, clothes are MUCH looser, thinking is clearer and best of all I experience very few cravings now.

I am feeling absolutely fabulous!

Dukan Day 13

2011-05-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

Still doing very well and here is a quick synopsis of my loss for this week:

5/1 221 P/V
5/2 220.4 P/P
5/3 220 P/V
5/4 219.8 P/P

Things are slowing down a bit but I am at least seeing a loss each morning at weigh in. The Cruise phase for me has been alternating days of just protein and then protein/veggies and the veggies are what is causing the weight to slow down due to water weight gain which is also reflected in the numbers.

Still hanging in there and I am feeling really good as well and have a good sense of well being with continues daily despite my many stress factors :-)

Dukan Day 11

2011-05-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Another good weekend! We went to the movies (Water for Elephants) and I made sure that I was armed with sugarless gum while everyone in the family munched on miscellaneous treats. I wanted some at first but then the craving subsided pretty quickly :-)

I am down another .08 of a pound over the weekend and very pleased with the steady loss. The only deviation that I had was a handful of nuts last night and I ate 12 almonds which is not really on the Dukan Diet but something that I my body was craving but no hurt, still lost .02 since yesterday :-)

I have been noticing a sense of well being that is very familiar from when I followed a whole food program when I lost the 170 pounds and I had forgotten how much I missed that feeling.

Dukan Day 8

2011-04-29T05:58:00.001-07:00

Wow!!! I dropped my TOM weight (4.2 pounds) and I am only 2 days in, so that means I am losing very well! I am absolutely over the top...

I did get in 1 hour of horseback riding too so that may have helped push a little weight off. I am so pleased!

Dukan Day 7

2011-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yuck! I gained 1.4 pounds after starting the Cruise phase yesterday and I know that it is to be expected but still hard to see on the scale. It is also TOM too so I suspect that I gained 5 from that as I usually so I am actually down but it is just being camouflaged right now :-(

I went ahead and signed up for the Dukan coaching too which I am rather excited about and will start that tomorrow, I filled in the questionnaire this morning. The only issue is that I have already completed the Attack Phase and they have me starting that so I guess I can go back? Liz, any thoughts on that?

Menu for the day:

Breakfast
Oat Bran Porridge with 2T of Oat Bran, 1/2 t of Splenda and some Vanilla
2 Hard Boiled Eggs

Lunch
4 oz of sliced turkey breast
4 oz of sliced deli roast beef
3 cups of salad
3T of Balsamic vinegar

Dinner
3 cups of steamed Broccoli
6 oz of steamed Salmon

I am actually looking forward to the Salmon tonight.

Dukan Day 6

2011-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of the Attack Phase (Phase 1) and I have lost 8 pounds. I will start gaining water weight though tomorrow (read between the lines here without me saying why). tomorrow I start the Cruise Phase and will be doing the 1/1 method which is one day of just protein and then the next day protein and veggies and alternating thereafter.

Menu for the day:

Breakfast:
1 egg white omelette (Egg Beaters) with 3 slices of Canadian Bacon
2 Dukan Oat Bran Muffins

Lunch:
4 slices of deli roast beef
4 slices of deli turkey
3T of non fat cream cheese with varied spices as a spread

Dinner:
6oz of Wild Salmon with fat free yogurt dill sauce

I am feeling an amazing amount of energy today and feel absolutely wonderful!

My Weight Chart:

Dukan Day 5

2011-04-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

After getting through not feeling very well Sunday and feeling rather lethargic yesterday despite some good ol sunshine, I am feeling better today. Feeling lots of energy this morning and also rewarded with a .8 pound loss from yesterday.

Today marks day 5 and 2 more days of the pure protein and then onto the Cruise Phase which is incorporating veggies to my menu, I miss my veggies. I have lost 6.8 pounds in 5 days and have broken the barrier of the plateau. I have now lost a total of 28.8 pounds.

Yesterday's menu consisted of:

Breakfast
Veggie Burger
2 Oat Bran Muffins

Lunch
1 hard boiled egg
3 slices of turkey breast
1 nonfat vanilla yogurt

Dinner
4 oz of turkey meat balls (I purchased the Jennie-O brand and had to force them down as I used to work there and despised it!)

I have not been hungry in the least and been making sure to drink 1.5 liters of water and I have not one hunger pang and after 4 days of craving carbs that is now gone too. 5 days with no sugar and no processed food of any sort. Yay me!

The girls have been asking for Jimmy John's (sub shop in the US) and I complied and stopped there last night. They opened the window of the drive through and I was hit with the most delicious aroma and it was Heaven, and that was enough. I never even craved what everyone was eating as I worked on my turkey meatballs. Amazing!

Dukan

2011-04-25T05:24:00.000-07:00

Since there are only a handful of people that read this blog I am going to apologize now as I will be reporting on my success with the Dukan diet and that will be the focus for a bit.

Here we go:

As of February 2011 I had embarked on the Weight Watchers plan to try and drop the last of this weight that I gained since the tornado. A bit of history first though, I used to weigh 320 pounds and successfully got down to 170 pounds as of 2007, then the tornado in 2008 and I gained 80 pounds back from being forced to live in a hotel and having to eat out for all meals. Looking back it was just an excuse, I could have made better choices but I was an emotional wreck and it wasn't going to happen.

I just allowed it to sit there and then in March I was ready to get healthy again, as I said, I joined Weight Watchers and lost 18.5 pounds and as of April 12th I was stuck, no loss at all and I knew immediately what was going on. Too many carbs, my body hangs on to any extra weight if I go above 50% carbs in my daily intake which is what was recommended.

I lost the weight previously by following my own plan which consisted of only whole foods and nothing that came out of a box or a bag, including salad. I began to track my Weight Watchers consumption and found that I was leaning on processed foods and my body just said "nope, not gonna work it this way". So I stayed stuck for 3 weeks..... Becoming more and more frustrated.

My practical side then took over and the scientist and developer in me did some analysis and my typical diet consisted of the following:

Breakfast
1 Weight Watchers yogurt
1 slice of Whole Wheat Bread
1 Egg

Lunch
1/2 cup cottage cheese
12 almonds
3 slices of turkey breast
1 pouch Weight Watchers Multigrain Crackers

Dinner
Generally a Weight Watchers meal of some sort, I wasn't ready to go back to whole foods apparently, it is a rather tough thing to do. Alot of processed foods here which means alot of sodium and a lot of carbs.

I then discoverd the Dukan diet which prescribed to pretty much the way I ate when I lost over 170 pounds.

I did some research and bought the book and have lost 5 pounds in 5 days. My typical diet in the first phase (The Attack Phase) is:

Breakfast
Hot Oat Bran Porridge - 3T oat bran, 1/3 c skim milk and dash of Splenda
1 non fat yogurt
1 Hard Boiled Egg

Lunch
Homemade Oat Bran Muffin (3 eggs, 9T Oat Bran, 9T non fat yogurt, 3t Baking soda, 3t vanilla extract)
3 Slices Turkey Breast

Dinner
4oz of fish (generally, Halibut, Shrimp, Salmon)
1 C Cottage Cheese

I will be continuing the Attack Phase for another 5 pounds and then onto the Cruise Phase. I will be reporting here my finding and feelings during my journey to lose the last remaining 60 pounds.

As of day 4 I am feeling really good although I didn't feel so well yesterday and I recognized it as detox so rested most of the day preserving my energy and I am feeling really good this morning. This phase is very hard for those that consume a lot of sugar or processed foods but I found it very easy and very familiar and began to recognize changes in my body that were for the positive.

Enjoy the journey...

Wind

2011-04-05T07:01:00.000-07:00

I have always adored the gentle breezes of the ocean and the breezes that come with the Spring and the beautiful pink sky sunrise that greets us during the Spring months. I have started doing some more jewelry and I was inspired by yesterday's sunrise to assemble this beautiful bracelet.

It is comprise of AAA Rhodochrosite beads and oxidized chain with bright silver wire work for contrast. You can find more details here

It's back....

2011-03-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

After a good melting that has cleared 90% of the snow but also has flooded the stalls, we had hopes that Winter was behind us. But no.....

Last night we started with fierce downfalls of rain, thunder and hail that turned to slushy snow that turned to pure snow and we ended up with another 4 inches to cover what was uncovered once again..... No school today and 2 very bored little girls with parents that have to work besides the tumultous weather.

Oh well, someday it will warm up and I will rejoice when that day comes.

Today

2011-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Sunrise

"May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

2011-03-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Good

I have 10.8 pounds since following Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. I feel good and have been making good progress.

The Bad

I have 60 more to go thanks to the tornado that displaced us in a hotel for almost 4 months with only restaurant food to choose from.

The Ugly

It is 10 degrees out there and poor Eva was even covered in frost, in her stall to boot which is usually 10 degrees warmer from the other 4 stalled horses!

Winds Through The Boughs

2011-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am often touched by the delicacy of life in mid winter. Outside our office windows we have a beautiful silver needle pine tree and at this time of year the birds are starting to return and the small swallows have been finding refuge under the bows of that said tree. As I watch I see them land and the wind then sends them fluttering off to the neighboring fields only for them to return and try again.

Spring is right around the corner and it could not be soon enough. Someday they will return here:

For the Love of Words

2011-03-03T05:19:00.000-08:00

Brontide

Cacchination

Dompteuse

Inaniloquent

Pandiculation

Wanweird

Your mission is to look up these words and learn the meanings, it is always good to learn something new.

Good News

2011-02-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

After taking my mare Tess to the barn with an indoor arena and my trainer riding her for the first time, I have been told "you are crazy for selling her, she is the best horse I have ever ridden".

Lot's of discussion later I have decided to keep her, she really is a fabulous horse and for him to rave about her as he did I need to listen. This man has over 40 years of experience and to say that "she is the best horse I have ridden" speaks volumes about this sweet girl so I rode her and agreed once again and back on the trailer to home she went :-)

On that note, I have decided to sell her Daughter which is a carbon copy of her in all ways but just not started her under saddle yet. I have ground driven her, bitted her, thrown a saddle on her and now to just finish her and get her sold. Here is a picture and she looks just like Mom. I just need to reduce the number of horses we have, 7 is too many.

She will make someone a fabulous horse!

Another Busy Week

2011-02-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy busy and I apologize for the gap in posts. We have been dealing with more snow, more wind, more drifts etc.

I have also decided to sell my mare and dealing with people coming to look at her and trying to make arrangements to ride which cannot be done here (much too icy thus dangerous), so it means hauling her to an arena for a test ride. I think I have found the perfect home for her so cross your fingers with me please?

This is her with my Step Sons ex girlfriend riding her, they make a beautiful pair.

Inward Reflections

2011-02-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

Goodness, I have been challenged the past couple days! Starting with a major site issue where images where not loading properly to the masses of mud that we are dealing with from the warm temperatures and melting snow. The horses are a mess with their daily mud baths :-)

There is a silver lining though and we can actually see grass! I have not seen grass since October and while we are expecting some snow this weekend it has been nice to see a tinge of green (how it stays green in this weather is beyond me).

Today the horizon is filled with fog and a mysterious feeling that I must say I enjoy :-)

Ordinary to Extraordinary

2011-02-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

We are often faced with challenging situations that dare to crumble the footing beneath our feet. We must stand tall and hold on and know that the earth beneath our feet will carry us although at times it can be a bit rough.

I have had many joys the past week, a gorgeous owl that graced our tree, watching the horses play in the field now that the weather is warmer (it has been hovering around 40), the video tape that my youngest Daughter made for us for Valentines, the selection of poetry that my oldest Daughter wrote for each us as the sun rose this morning and she read with pride, reading in the languishing light of the evening, the joy of simply being and simply knowing:

Peace

It does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work. It means to be in

the midst of all these things and still

Be calm in your heart

Thank you Cindy, always thinking of you these past 18 days

May your days ahead provide you with a bit of challenge and a lot of love - Happy Valentines day!

Major Cooking Streak

2011-02-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Coming from a father who taught at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and producing a son that followed in his footsteps and trained at Le Cordon Bleu as well. He has achieved Executive Chef status and has worked for several top restaurants in Minnesota my love for cooking runs deep. He has been doing a lot of the cooking during the chaos and I have officially kicked him out of the kitchen.

I have found a renewed interest in the kitchen now that things have settled down so please bear with me as I share my love with you.

Tonights Menu will consist of:

Artichoke and Pancetta Frittata (with roasted artichoke hearts)

Warm Spinach Salad

French Baguettes

Here is the recipe for the Fritatta:

Ingredients

6 eggs
2 oz. pancetta (small), diced
½ can artichoke hearts, julienned
4 oz. Italian Fontina, grated
1 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Pinch of cracked black pepper

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400ºF.
Render the pancetta over medium-low heat until crispy; remove and set aside, reserving the fat in the pan.
Beat the 6 eggs and season with a pinch of pepper; pour into the pan and stir the middle of the mixture with a spatula. When the eggs start to set, add the other ingredients, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the eggs. Separate the eggs from the side of the pan with your spatula. When the outside of the eggs starts to solidify, place the whole pan in the oven.
Check on the frittata every 5 minutes. When the top of the frittata starts to become solid, sprinkle the Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. The frittata is done when the top is brown and the middle jiggles but is solid to the touch.

Here is the recipe for the Warm Spinach Salad:

Ingredients

Salad:
4 cups spinach leaves (loosely packed)
½ medium-sized red onion, julienned
Vinaigrette:
4 slices thick bacon, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon course-grain Dijon mustard
Garnish: 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped fine

Preparation

Toss together spinach leaves and red onion. Set aside.
In a sauté pan, place bacon with olive oil. Stirring frequently, cook on medium heat until crisp. Remove pan from heat. Whisk in mustard and vinegar. Pour over spinach mixture.
Quickly toss salad and top with hard-boiled egg.

Bon Appetite!

Low Tides and Ebbs of Existence

2011-02-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

The days have been restorative, I have sipped tea all day long and have rather enjoyed the 3:45 hour rather than dreading it to the point where it evoked tears. I have casually made dinner and dinners that were filled with love, thought and preparation rather than being hurried to get 5 children fed and the screaming/crying that went with the impatience. Due to this we were often relegated to simple meals and thus meals that Bob and I would normally not eat.

Last night we made Fondue with seeded rye bread and tempura veggies. The night before I made a healthy version of chicken pot pie and the night before that we enjoyed home made Pad Thai. Tonight's menu will be sweet potato soup with veggie stir fry of roasted pineapple, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, broccoli, snow peas, onions, bell pepper in a sauce of peanut butter, Vietnamese garlic chili, soy sauce and sesame oil. Oh! I also made some homemade granola for the girls and here is the recipe:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats or equivalent measurement with oat bran, barley and flax seed mixed in
1 cup raw almonds or pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup coconut flakes
3/4 cup honey or maple syrup
3/4 to 1 cup olive oil or coconut oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 cup chopped dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, maple syrup or honey, oil, salt and cinnamon together. Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden brown and well toasted.

2. Transfer granola to a large bowl and add the dried fruit, tossing to combine.

Enjoy :-) Namaste.....

Cold, Cold Cold.....

2011-02-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

I am now officially tired of the cold, we have a temp reading right now of -19 degrees and a wind chill of -37 degrees. Do you have any idea of exactly how cold that is? If we were to put a sheet of Saran Wrap outside, it would shatter to the touch within 2 minutes. If we were to throw a pan of hot water into the air, it would produce a cloud of ice crystals instantly. If we were to be outside with any exposed skin it would be subject to frost bite within 3 minutes. This is where doing horse chores gets hard :-(

This is just awful! BUT, the sun in shining and standing in a window with the sun streaming in you can feel the nourishing heat. I say this every year, I can't wait to move from here.

Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

Since I am the Rabbit maybe this will be my year :-)

A person born during the years 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987 and 1999 is most fortunate to be born in the Year of the Rabbit. If you or someone you know is a Rabbit…heads up; it’s going to be an interesting year indeed.
Known for their diplomacy, the Rabbits are going to need all the understanding they possess this year. Many opportunities for communication gaffes are in the offing. However, think positive. Year of the Rabbit people should be able to straighten everything out and finish the year on an upbeat note.

In Chinese mythology, the Year of the Rabbit symbol represents longevity and it is believed that the Rabbit enjoys a close relationship with the moon. Westerners may refer to the man in the moon, but when the Chinese peer up at the moon, what they see is the Rabbit standing by a rock, holding a cup that overflows with the elixir of immortality. As symbols go, this is considered one of the finest.

Year of the Rabbit People

If you want to discover the true personality of the Rabbit, picture the character of Monica from the TV sitcom Friends. You will immediately be able to visualize the home of a Rabbit. It is always orderly, always clutter-free and if a knick-knack has been shifted one centimeter, the Rabbit will surely return it to its proper original position.

Because a Rabbit’s overall approach is calm and considerate, they make excellent teachers. Coupled with their organizational skills, they are well suited for supervisory positions. They are detail-oriented and happiest when engrossed in intellectual activities. However, since they are basically reserved creatures, they do not thrive in competitive environments.

People born during the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Rabbit are careful with money. More than any other sign in the Chinese Zodiac, they get the most enjoyment from their spending. They tend to spend money on furniture for their home, on new cars and most Rabbits love antiques. It is a joyful day when they discover a treasure from the past.

Imagine the fluffy, smooth fur of a rabbit, their fragility, alert personality and sweet disposition. This picture, more than any other, portrays people born during the Chinese Year of the Rabbit. Possibly it was a Rabbit native who first was described as being cool, calm and collected. They will avoid confrontation at all costs, even if it means allowing conflict to persist around them in the hopes that it will sort itself out.

Those born during the Chinese Year of the Rabbit have an eye for fashion and a talent for wearing clothes that perfectly complement every occasion. Because they are tuned in to all things color, they are interested in the arts, especially music and painting.

If given the choice, Rabbit natives will avoid adventure vacations, preferring more traditional destinations. They love different cultures; therefore their dream vacations would include Europe and Asia, although seeing the sights in the United States remains at the top of their list. They are the tourists who enjoy shopping in new locales, taking lots of travel photographs and tasting the local cuisine.

Lost Plots of Midnight

2011-02-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

I have not had a dream that I could remember in the last 6 months and last night I had a beautiful dream and not only did I remember it but I remember waking up and thinking to myself "go back to sleep so the story can start again".

The scene opened with myself, Bob and my two girls and there was a game going on in a large room with several other people (no idea who) where one had to voice how we could make the world a better place and then act out what we would do. Bob stood up and he said that he would plant patchouli plants all over the world and we all promptly went outside and were greeted by thousands of acres of patchouli over rolling hills with animals grazing in the distance. They all looked up and started to come towards our group and we gently stroked muzzles of felt, soft rabbit fur and held out our arms for singing birds to land on.

Harmony was up next and she said that she would paint the sky in rainbows and that we could see angels (she loves to draw angels in sandals, pic below of one of her drawings) and we went outside again and this time were greeted to the same meadow full of paint cans and we all picked up brushes and started to paint rainbows in the sky as if it were a canvas. I remember smiling down at my Daughter and how proud I was of her.

Emilie was up next and she said that she would create a world where there was kindness and love everywhere and people would always say "bless you" when she sneezed (this is something that taught our girls from a young age, you always say 'bless you" when someone sneezes and it bothers her that her friends don't do it). We then went to a room that was lined in gorgeous woods and flanked with ornately carved pillars and shelves and shelves of beautifully bound leather books. We entered the room and began to thumb through the books and each page had a name and a quote under it that said "close your eyes and wish with your heart for the person named above to receive the contents of this book". We did so and we instantly felt uplifted and grateful, I can't even describe the feeling, it was what wanted me to go back and continue the story. As we left the room there was a golden coin on a table and she picked it up and promptly sneezed and we heard a thousand soft voices saying "bless you".

My turn was next but I awoke and I have no idea what wonders would have been held if I could have gone back to the dream but I am glad that I could remember this much and awake with a feeling of such peace and happiness.

May you dream beautiful dreams tonight and may the days bring you much peace and happiness.

Believe

2011-02-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

I do believe and starting today my life returns....

I feel a sense of peace and yet I feel guilty for the decisions that had to be made but I know that they are the right decisions for the right reasons.

Our Weekend

2011-01-31T09:55:00.000-08:00

Well, we took off Friday night and headed to our favorite sushi place at Mall of America and then to check into the hotel (The Hilton) and were greeted by a room that was terribly hot and then told that with the cold weather they had to shut down their coolers so it was around 80 degrees and very uncomfortable for sleeping.

We slept in for a bit Saturday morning and headed down for breakfast and then off to the Mall, the girls got their passes for Nickelodeon Park and we headed out to my favorite tea store Teavana and in passing we stopped at a jewelry shop to ask about a band for Bob's Rado watch. His was a gift from his parents and while he loves it the rubber band was uncomfortable and too warm for all the work that does outside etc. We were informed that there was no replacement so I swallowed hard and urged him to pick out a new watch and he got this. The gift was for his 50th birthday and I really wanted him to have something that he was more comfortable with as far as the band. I am so glad, he adores it. Not that he didn't like the other one but the band made it hard to work and tended to pull on his arm hairs. It was frustrating to hear that the band could not be replaced. Anyway, he has what he truly loves and he tends to buy so few things for himself, this was truly something that made him smile.

We then met the girls at American Girl for lunch and had a wonderful time dining with their dolls. Back to the park we went and waited while they enjoyed some more rides. We were exhausted at this point and headed back to the hotel for some R&R before dinner. We decided on Macaroni Grill and this is a place that holds special meaning for us as it was the first place that Bob and I shared dinner together, we always try to go to one when there is one in the town that we are visiting and this time it was a disappointment, the food was over an hour in getting to us and it was stone cold when it arrived :-( They did give us the meal for free but we were saddened nonetheless and I suppose this is why so many have closed in recent years, it really is too bad.

After that, we came back and settled in (to a hot room) and then left Sunday morning due to an impending snow storm heading our way (we nixed IMAX). I promptly decided I wasn't feeling good on the way home and by the time we got back I had the full body aches and landed in bed the rest of the day. It just does not pay to go anywhere :-(

Full Breaths

2011-01-28T05:03:00.000-08:00

As I have taken breaths the past 4 months they have shallow, filled with apprehension and stress. My breaths the past few days have been filling and I can feel the hopeful days ahead. Even as I meditate I am able to finally able to find center and let my brain go blank, it has been a canvas full of a myriad of colors, dark colors with little light, the light is now returning.

Friday, one more weekend and then it will be a cleaning like none other from top to bottom, washing away the splashes on walls, the food particles that are everywhere, stains from nail polish/juice/toothpaste on carpet, hand prints on windows and Heavens knows what else. The house has been slowly destroyed over the past 4 months and it will be good to have my stuff back on tables, my precious belongings displayed where I like them, the girls rooms to be back in order and Emilie gets her play room back for her American Girl stuff and they need to no longer fear leaving something out.

I am really looking forward to this....

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I start my countdown today, 4 more days.

Long Roads Long Views and Realizations

2011-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

The past several days have been very hard and I had to make some pretty hard decisions to protect myself and my family. I have made arrangements to have the g'kids placed elsewhere as we can no longer do this for many many reasons.

The Long Road - 4 months of trying to help and realizing that I can only do so much before I put my own well being at risk.

Long Views - Seeing that there is a way out and while hard it is one that has to be taken to protect my family and their well being.

Realizations - That I can only do so much and I can't fix the world and I can't fix a very troubled 4 year old.

I want to thank everyone that knows what we are dealing with and their words of wisdom and their shoulders of support. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I can see hope.

We want to go...

2011-01-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here:

We need a break from screaming kids, hurt Daughters, dysfunctional family members and making very hard calls to very important people regarding bad parenting from 1 parent that chooses to abandon her children. Sigh, it does not need to be this hard.....

I can take my laptop with me and still make charts, can we go? Pretty please?

Dangerously Cold? Ya think!

2011-01-21T06:05:00.000-08:00

It is officially -30 degrees and the news has coined several terms that definitely apply which range from "stupid cold", "dangerously cold" to "bone chilling cold". It is just bitter out there and I am sitting here trying to figure out how to let horses out. They have been warning that frost bite will ensue in less than 10 minutes on any exposed skin. Chores take an hour so I guess I do it in small increments, the eyes are the hardest part in this. The moisture literally freezes and you can't blink, sigh..... Wish me luck.

Moonbeams and Sprites

2011-01-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

As I was preparing the girls lunches for school today Harmony came racing in and said "Mom, you have to see this" and I followed her out to the sitting room where I was graced with one of the most beautiful moons I have ever seen. It was rising above the horizon and surrounded by clouds and flanked by the skeleton of a tree that was damaged by the tornado. I was utterly haunting and utterly beautiful. I grabbed my camera and shot it the best I could, I got 4 pictures....

As we gathered the girls and g'kids they headed to the car for school (Bob drops off and I pick up) and I headed to office. I sat down and answered a few emails and then decided to see if I got any viable shots of the moon. I slipped in the card and pulled up Paint Shop and was rather amazed at what I saw. What are those little zig zags toward the bottom? Sprites, a camera issue? I will leave it to you...

One is white and one is blue and they seem to be following each other, how odd..... Here is an image of them closer and they almost appear to be flowers.

Changes and Questions

2011-01-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder why I try and help people when they don't listen to perfectly good advice and you just have to stand back and watch them make huge mistakes.

I know that I can't control mistakes people make but when it is family and they do it over and over and over again, can't they see the wall that they have hit? Can't they see the pain that it causes themselves and others around them, can't they see the mistakes they make are in most cases so big that it is life changing for the negative.

I just don't get it...........

I want to help but I have realized that I can't help someone that does not want to help themselves. I realize too that in this case the person can't think of consequences and they live in the moment which is very selfish and you know what that is it exactly (aha moment as I type this), selfishness. They hurt their children, they hurt their spouse and they hurt their family all for the a moment of not thinking of how others feel.

I myself think in the opposite and everyone around me comes before me within reason and you know what, I like it that way. I like to give, I like to help and the rewards of doing just that make it so wonderful to live each day in thought of giving.

I have learned that insecurity = selfish, it is a mechanism of protection so that one does not get hurt, she has shrouded herself well in the guise of insecurity and I can only hope that she receives the support she needs to move beyond it. Selfish people end of lonely......

A Moment of Gratitude

2011-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

I often think to myself "I am so lucky to experience the things that I choose to experience". This comes to so many levels, the artwork that we chart, the people that we get to know each day and even the trials and tribulations which just make us stronger.

With that being said Thank You to everyone and I know that there are just a handful that read my blog but still we are so very appreciative of everyone.

As I finished the charting of a few pieces from a new artist by the name of Jeremiah Ketner (his work is immensely popular and will be lining the walls of select Nordstrom's stores) I am again reminded of how fortunate we are to experience such beauty and variety in all that we do.

Balancing Act

2011-01-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you JM for suggesting today's QS/SK releases, I adore them:

I have been trying to find balance in my recent days and by balance I mean trying to juggle all the balls that are the hats that I wear. My day started with playing with my new Keurig Coffee Machine and tried the Earl Grey Tea which was yummy and then followed it with a coffee by the name of Black Noir. I normally only have one cup of coffee or tea in the morning and let's just say that after two cups of caffeine the juggling became alot harder ;-)

We have hired my Daughter In Law, Heather to work full time for the company and she will be responsible for first getting all the floss usages on the site and then on to about 2 years worth of work that I have just not had time to do such as adding finish images to the charts, contract updates, answering the phone (that rings all day and we miss so many phone calls) and eventually emails for the Wholesale side of things. We hope that she likes the work and that everything goes smoothly.

I have been trying to find more time to meditate now that my Son and Heather are back together and the time needed for babysitting the G'kids is reduced. I just can't seem to find the time and I also tend to avoid it as my space is not as comfortable as I like even after purchasing a Zafu set. What I would really like is this but way beyond what I could ever afford, someday maybe.....

Here's to finding balance in all of our lives and even if it is for a moment it is better than none.

Can White Get Whiter?

2011-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

Another 5 inches of snow last night and the landscape just seems to get whiter with little definition of things since they are all covered by snow now. We still have 2 months of Winter and are at a point where we don't have anywhere left to put the stuff.

Thank Heavens the paddock that we use for the Senior horses is just that as the snow is up to the fence line now and if they were any younger they could easily step over.

Yesterday was a day of trying to get caught up on various tasks and we will resume with new releases shortly.

Reflections on the Pond

2011-01-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

"Never regret anything because at one time it is exactly what you wanted"

As I meet new people I am always pulled back to center and we seem to always get what we need when we need it.

Yesterday was Emilie's birthday party and as the parents arrived to drop off their daughters I met a variety of folks. a Great
Grandmother that is caretaker of of her Grand Daughters Daughter, a Father whose wife had passed away recently, another family whose parents used to take swimming lessons here back in the 60's, lot's of good conversation and interesting stories. We drove to the indoor water park and I got a good 3 hours of reading and photo taking. The girls had a great time!

We got home a little later than we had planned and parents were already here to pick up their daughters and as I chatted and saw folks off I realized that one parent was still in the driveway as her Daughter was still with Emilie. I invited her in and as we chatted I wanted to talk more so invited her to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. With the G'kids talking and my Son and his wife prepping dinner and all the chaos going on we talked of organic soap, sustainable lifestyles, co-op's for food, raw foods and veganism.

This was a woman that I quickly came to respect and realized that we shared so many of the same thoughts and lifestyle.

I have missed having someone to talk to of things of the not so ordinary and considered wildly different in this part of the world. I was home for a moment and I do hope to share a cup of tea or coffee with this kindred spirit in the near future.

Wild and Free (Thank you Tammi Joy)

Sometimes Things Spill

2011-01-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

I have so much overflowing at the moment, snow, children, peace, hope, love, tea, horses and then the actual liquid form with 5 children living here.

My only hope is to have an overflow of time which I know is impossible so I lean on the things above and be grateful in my heart for these things.

I have an evening tonight without babysitting little ones and I plan on a glass of Drambuie, a game with the girls, time with husband actually a conversation on some subject other than kids or business, read a couple of chapters from Illusions (which my Daughter is now reading as well), perhaps a movie and some restful sleep which has been rather elusive lately.

Here's to a restful weekend full of just that as well as accomplishments and plenty of dreaming.

Peaceful Visions

2011-01-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

Everybody's got a hunger
No matter where they are
Everybody clings to their own fear
Everybody hides some scar

The Skeletons of Winter

2011-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

So often during this time of year as I wander out to the barn I am reminded by the skeletons of the Spring and Summer. Stubby little shells of what once balanced beautiful blossoms of varied colors. They now serve as reminders as their once green bodies are now brown but once held the beauties of warmer temperatures sans the brave red souls below.

There is little to the landscape but brown and white and as we enter the depth of the cold months we are faced with temperatures that are often negative and will reach a bitter negative something degrees that will definitely reach the double digits. I hunker down and try not to leave the house but do enjoy the first breaths of the chilly air until my lungs are filled and my cheeks are burning as I trudge through the snow that leaves the tracks of other treks.

Emilie had her 9th Birthday last night and she was so excited to finally get her much beloved American Girl doll - Felicity.

Her sister pondered how she kind of missed out this year with being sick on her Birthday and this photo caught her mood perfectly. She is an old soul and has such a kind heart.

More Reward Program Finishes

2011-01-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

Here are some more:

Reward Program Finishes

2011-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I always look forward to the reward submissions and this round has been spectacular! Here are some finishes submitted and we do hope that you enjoy them :-)

One More Day

2010-12-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

Left of 2010 and let's turn our hearts and minds to greeting a fabulous New Year. I was hoping to take some time off today but after the G'kids being sick now everyone is home and the office is the only place of peace and quiet, so here I sit working which is actually a good thing.

We generally stay in on New Year's Eve and with rain falling yesterday that has now turned to ice we will be following that tradition this year as well. Jayson has to work tonight too so we will have the 5 children to look after and Layton (our other Grandson) goes back home tomorrow so some time spent with him would be good.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve everyone!

Birthday Girl

2010-12-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

After being sick for her entire Birthday and eating only 2 bites of cake she still enjoyed her Birthday.

You can tell she doesn't feel well in this photo but she sure put on a brave smile none the less. We had to cancel her party and will reschedule it for next week, poor thing.

We will be releasing some Linda Ravenscroft's today and here is a sneak peek:

New Year's Day Sale

2010-12-28T08:29:00.001-08:00

We have launched the New Year's Day Sale (30% off) and will run through midnight 1/2/2011 and enjoy everyone!

Ambition

2010-12-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

After a very busy Christmas we are now prepping for Birthday parties for the girls and today's release so reminded me of exactly how I feel at the moment.

Many moments of feeling like I am walking a tightrope and trying to keep things in balance with both mind, body and spirit. I am happy to say that I am still on the rope albeit a little teetering here and there but I am still aboard :-)

We do hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and we have heard from so many friends, family and customers with stories of Fathers/Husbands/Wives/Brothers/Sisters coming home from overseas and others where this is their first Christmas with an empty nest and the joyous and thankful times that abound in this time of uncertainty for many.

As we approach the New Year let's all hope that those that are struggling, struggle less, those without jobs, find employment, those with parted families, rejoin again or find their path to happiness, those with trials and tribulations find more balance but most of all we wish for peace for all as we take the steps into the New Year.

Here are some images of this morning's view of the hoarfrost, notice the one lone birch (that I am afraid is dying after the tornado has none on it).

Here is Takara enjoying Christmas morning boxes :-)

Dear Horse

2010-12-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

I love you very much, and I truly cherish your presence in my life. I would never wish to criticize you in any way. However, there are a few trivial details regarding our relationship that I think might bear your consideration.

First of all, I am already aware that horses can run faster than I can. I do not need you to demonstrate that fact each time I come to get you in the pasture. Please remember that I work long and hard to earn the money to keep you in the style to which you have become accustomed. In return, I think you should at least pretend to be glad to see me, even when I'm carrying a bridle instead of a bucket of oats.

It should be fairly obvious to you that I am a human being who walks on only two legs. I do not resemble a scratching post. Do not think that, when you rub your head against me with 1,000 pounds of force behind it, I believe that it wasn't your intention to send me flying. I am also aware that stomping on my toes while you are pushing me around is nothing but adding injury to insult.

I understand I cannot expect you to cover your nose when you sneeze, but it would be appreciated if you did not inhale large amounts of dirt and manure prior to aiming your sneezes at my face and shirt. Also, if you have recently filled your mouth with water you do not intend to drink, please let it all dribble from your mouth BEFORE you put your head on my shoulder. In addition, while I know you despise your deworming medication, my intentions in giving it to you are good, and I really do not think I should be rewarded by having you spit half of it back out onto my shirt.

Sometimes, I get the feeling that you are confused about the appropriate roles you should play in various situations. One small bit of advice: Your stone-wall imitation should be used when I am mounting and your speed-walker imitation when I suggest that we proceed on our way, not vice versa. Please also understand that jumping is meant to be a mutual endeavor. By "mutual", I m ean that we are supposed to go over the jump together. You were purchased to be a mount, not a catapult.

I know the world is a scary place when your eyes are on the sides of your head, but I did spend a significant amount of money to buy you, and I have every intention of protecting that investment. Therefore, please consider the following when you are choosing the appropriate behavior for a particular situation:

- When I put your halter on you, attach one end of a lead rope to the halter, and tie the other end of the lead rope to a post or rail or whatever, I am indicating a desire for you to remain in that locale. I would also like the halter, lead rope, post, etc., to remain intact. While I admit that things like sudden loud noises can be startling, I do not consider them to be acceptable excuses for repeatedly snapping expensive new lead ropes (or halters or posts) so that you can run madly around the barn area creating havoc in your wake. Such behavior is not conducive to achieving that important goal that I know we both share --- decreasing the number of times the veterinarian comes out to visit you.

- By the same token, the barn aisle was not designed for the running of the Kentucky Derby and is not meant to serve as a racetrack. Dragging me down the aisle in leaps and bounds is not how "leading" is supposed to work, even if someone happens to drop a saddle on the floor as we're passing. Pulling loose and running off is also discouraged (although I admit it does allow you to run faster).

- I assure you that blowing pieces of paper do not eat horses. While I realize you are very athletic, I do not need a demonstration of your ability to jump 25 feet sideways from a standing start while swapping ends in midair, nor am I interested in your ability to emulate both a racehorse and a bucking bronco while escaping said piece of paper. Also, if the paper were truly a danger, it would be the height of unkindness to dump me on the ground in front of it as a sacrificial offering to expedi te your escape.

- When I ask you to cross a small stream, you may safely assume that said stream does not contain crocodiles, sharks, or piranhas, nor will it be likely to drown you. (I have actually seen horses swimming, so I know it can be done.) I expect you to be prepared to comply with the occasional request to wade across some small body of water. Since I would like to be dry when we reach the other side of the stream, deciding to roll when we're halfway across is not encouraged behavior.

- I give you my solemn oath that the trailer is nothing but an alternate means of transportation for distances too long for walking. It is not a lion's den or a dragon's maw, nor will it magically transform into such. It is made for horses, and I promise you that you will indeed fit into your assigned space. Please also bear in mind that I generally operate on a schedule, and wherever we're going, I would really like to get there today.

For the last time, I do not intend to abandon you to a barren, friendless existence. If I put you in a turn-out pen, I promise that no predators will eat you, and I will come back in due time to return you to your stall. It is not necessary to run in circles, whinny pathetically, threaten to jump the fence, or paw at the gate. Neither your stall mates nor I will have left the premises. The other horses standing peacefully in adjacent pens amply demonstrate that it is possible to enjoy being turned out for exercise.

In order to reassure you, my dear horse, I have posted the following message on your stall door:

"Notice to People Who Complain About My Horse"

1. I like my horse a lot better than I like people who complain about her.

2. To you, she's an animal; to me, she's a big, hairy, four-legged daughter --- and you know what they say about coming between a mother and her children.

3. This stall is her castle, and you are expected to treat her as the queen she thinks she is.

4. If you don't want her to steal your carrots, don't walk by her with the carrots sticking out of your pockets.

5. Horses are better than husbands or kids. They eat grass, don't smoke or drink, don't expect an allowance, don't voluntarily get their body parts pierced, don't hog the remote, don't waste the whole weekend watching football with their friends, don't talk back to you, don't compare you unfavorably with their friends' owners, don't keep you awake with their snoring --- and no horse ever left the toilet seat up after going to the bathroom.

Finally, in closing, my strong and gentle companion, I would like to point out that, whatever might happen between horses and their people, we humans will always love you. In fact, our bonds with you help create new bonds among ourselves, even with total strangers. Wherever there are horses, there will be "horse people", and for the blessings you bestow upon us, we thank you.

Most sincerely yours,

Your Owner

Second Wind

2010-12-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

This time of year is always so busy for us, not only do we have Christmas with my Granddaughter's Birthday on the same day, but we have Harmony's Birthday on the 29th and then Emilie's on January 4th. This always bring so much activity as the girls always plan a birthday pool party. Their friends love to swim in the pool in the middle of Winter and looking out the windows at all the snow as they enjoy.

The pool is a full sized 13 feet deep concrete pond (can't tell you how many times I have threatened to fill it in and make it into an indoor rose garden/conservatory) and it is so wonderful to watch the 20 plus girls diving and splashing and giggling as they play. Harmony asked me to open up the hot tub room and the Sauna as well but I think we need to keep everyone centrally located as best we can.

Each year I try and share pictures of the formal living room with all the Christmas decorations etc and this year is no exception, here is a picture of the tree (notice the stitched Fairy Muse on the wall?):

Here is the fireplace with the all the stockings - All 10 of them!

As I wind down and try and make sure that I have all the little kids covered as far as shopping I am reminded that there are yet 3 Birthday's to come as well and I have not done a thing for those. Thankfully Jayson's boss is a pastry chef and she is making a Butterfly cake for Aubrey's Birthday so 1 cake down and 2 to go :-) Harmony wants to do a Silly Bandz theme so that should be interesting.....

I am tired and have been fighting Bronchitis the past 2 weeks and am about at the point where I think I need to see a Doc for some antibiotics. We are not used to the little kid cold syndrome and have fallen victim. I love this time of year but I must admit that it is exhausting....

Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

This time of year always brings back the remembrance of starting something new as the Winter Solstice arrives. This night will be longest on the calendar and yet the day the shortest and signifies the shortening of the day. It is a time for reflections and savoring the time that has passed as the historical meaning was always marked by the uncertainty of making it through another Winter.

I often feel this way myself, will I survive yet another Winter and of course I will but it makes me appreciate the warm sun and the first growth of shoots from the Crocus in Spring. For now though I am relegated to viewing the endless miles of white and endless stream of snow drifts and wonder where are we going to put it all this year? As of last night we have received 27 inches of snow and trying to get home last night after picking up children was a challenge and left me breathless on more than one occasion. I had to maneuver past cars and trucks in the ditch and then coming down the driveway in a narrow path left by the skid loader and I creeped along I watched the banks next to me slide past the window, now that is deep and the most snow I have seen in the 6 seasons that we have lived here.

Watching the horses play and romp and they themselves trying the navigate the 18 inches or so. We created a path for them in the field in which we took the skid loader and created a track around the field. All 7 of the horses followed behind the skid loader in anticipation of having a somewhat clear path to run and play.

Now we are off the get the 2nd Find Bob contest launched (1pm today) and get some charting done. I spent most of the day validating the Christmas entries and not enough time to get charts released so stay tuned today for new goodies :-)

The Friday That Seems Like Monday

2010-12-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

With all the kids home yesterday today feels like Monday and I have the workload the prove it :-)

Everyone is off to school as scheduled this morning and now I need to get caught up on releases and emails.

Before I do so, I must tend to this lovely face asking for her morning ear rubs :-)

Have a fabulous weekend everyone and stay warm!

More Snow....

2010-12-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

We awoke again the the cell phones going off at 5:30am announcing a 2 hour delay for school for the girls. It is still dark out but I quickly opened the door to the Ice Mistress and it looks like we have about 5 inches and still falling. Here is a shot of the falling snow as it whisked past my camera lens.

I had to resist jumping out into it barefoot, it looks so soft and welcoming but I was quickly brought back to reality as the wind gently brushed my cheek and a chill quickly ensued down my spine.

Here is a portrait of a very bored 10 year old waiting for school:

Stay tuned for some releases today from Zindy Nielsen, Ching Chou Kuik and more :-)

Making a List....

2010-12-15T05:37:00.000-08:00

And checking it twice, I gathered up the Christmas pressies that I have ordered online and made piles for all the kids and I think we are done. My wonderful Son had offered to wrap the last of them and bless his heart, I was so very grateful to have that task done.

Last night was rather joyous with the kitchen filled with the aroma of lasagna and garlic bread, Bob makes the best garlic bread. 9 bodies all hanging out talking, sitting on the counters and sharing what our week has produced so far. The kitchen is the center of our home (literally and figuratively) and seems to be preferred over any couch that might be available. The menu for tonight will be Gumbo which my Son is making and being a chef with classical training I am really enjoying having some varied recipes, but quite frankly my hips are starting to rebel. After making Marzipan bars and Baklava I am afraid I am resigned to just enjoying and will deal the results after the First of January :-)

My Step Son has been gone to visit his Son down South and came home last night and it was good to see him. The kids played with the girls and the house was a jumble of varied laughter and squeals of delight and giggles, it made my heart happy.

I have been trying to get some reading done and I am currently working on the following titles:

I have a voracious appetite for books and have so many that I have thought about doing a book exchange of sorts. I will have to continue to think on that subject.

I hope that everyone is thriving and also finding time for peace during this blessed Season. Remember to slow down and enjoy each moment the day brings, hug a loved one, sip slowly and love with a full heart.

"Life is too short for drama & petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly"

Whimsical

2010-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

Bob and I have been working on more of the House Mouse collection and will be releasing several today that we hope you enjoy. So much of our artwork is centered on fantasy and these cute little characters bring so much charm and whimsy I have to smile when I work on them.

I needed the bit of a smile with all the cold and snow, I tend to get house bound other than picking up the kids from school and day care which is often preceded by alot of moaning as groaning as I go out the door. You rarely will see me at the grocery store (they all know Bob by name) at any time of the year let alone Winter. I would be just fine to be inside for 5 months of the year surrounded by the things I love and the artwork that we convert for your needle. Although I say that now and probably couldn't ever do it. Makes me wish at times that I lived aboard the Enterprise and could beam myself elsewhere at a whim.

We have been thinking about moving more and more and also realizing that selling this very specialized house will be difficult in this market, so we sit and wait out another Winter. 6 of them have passed now and I wonder if it is just the thought of moving or the fear of change which has never really caused me fear but we are well rooted here and the roots run deep but yet we don't love it or dare I say even like it here. It is not the "here" but the place in which surrounds us. Flat lands, farm lands and a different way of life that is so foreign to us and so far away from the cool ocean breeze that is so much a part of our core beings. We tend to try and live as sustainably to the environment as we can and not only the environment but our bodies and there isn't even a place to really get good organic food here. We talk about the importance of nature and respecting it and people start talking about corn fertilizer and the benefits of using Anhydrous Ammonia in the fields for a better harvest - what??? You mean you put that in the soil and we eat the produce? I have learned alot about organic farming and well farming that is also not so organic and find it pretty scary.

Two people from very far away places, Bob from St. Thomas Virgin Islands and myself from Southern California, very warm climates and yet we end up here and I am so ready to leave. What brought us here was my position at the Mayo Clinic and while it was a wonderful job, we are now self employed and the realization that we can pretty much live anywhere we like as long as there are schools nearby and my recently moved in Grandchildren and Son are on their own of course.

Hmm, where would that be? Northern California on the coast in a tiny little home overlooking a cliff at the crashing sea? A little cabin atop a mountain top in Colorado? A little home with a thatched roof on the coast of Beliz? I don't know and all I do know is that I would prefer anywhere but here. We tend to live rather simply and our lives have become complicated since moving here and downsizing is one of the goals on the list. The maintenance of a land this large and a herd of 7 horses makes for alot of work despite the normal daily activities with HAED and as we move into our 50's this idea becomes more idyllic.

I will continue to wait and see what the road brings and continue to be a good student of the Universe and learn what I must.

I Am Sooooo Pleased!

2010-12-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

I got an email from Kinuko's husband and with the outpouring of emails from people that were so disappointed her work had been retired, they have decided to renew their contract. The only glitch is that the following images will not be available but the rest of her images are back on our site.

Chinese Angel

Roanoke

Elfland

Cybelle's Secret

Claire's Wings

New QS's and a SK

2010-12-09T06:08:00.000-08:00

We are working on some new QS's and an SK today and the images are below. Nadia Strelkina's work is so beautiful that we wanted to offer smaller more focused designs of her work and are very pleased with the outcome of these.

We are expecting more snow today and so far we have had the most snowfall since 1991 and the horses are absolutely loving it. I found some quiet time yesterday and just sat at the kitchen table watching the horses play in the field. Eva and Daphne have become true friends and it is beautiful to see the two of them at play.

Eva is growing up so fast and as I was grooming her last night she is almost the same height as Daphne who is 2.5 and Eva is 1.5 so she is indeed going to be around 17 hands and what a proud girl she is....

Countdown

2010-12-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

It dawned on me last night that we have 12 shipping days left before Christmas and I suddenly became overwhelmed. Not only do we have our family to buy for but with 5 more people added to the mix it suddenly became an huge moment of realization that I have not nearly finished my shopping. I must get on that before the week is out and I normally have everything done by 12/1 and I hate waiting until the last minute.

We have signed a new artist by the name of Dean Morrissey and his work is simply gorgeous! He has a storyteller feel to his work and his Santa's are simply stunning. We will be working on several of his pieces for release today :-)

A Little Redecorating

2010-12-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Since we lost our last blog to a hacker I will be posting here at the old location. The past week has been filled with trials and tribulations but all of which have taught us a lesson.

We learned that our site was open to hackers to destroy code (no purchase information was available) and destroy they did. We found a fabulous company that worked through the night to bring us back and I cannot say enough good about them. We will be moving servers in the next several weeks which will provide for a much faster experience for our customers.

Hopefully things will become a bit more stable and we are through the rough patches. I have reflected on this and several other experiences that happened with moments of tears and terror. But I do know that each passing day is a gift and there are so many others that are in worse places in their lives and I must remember that.

Everything Comes Back Around

2010-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

My oldest Son and the 3 grand babies have moved in, the Step Son has moved back in with a friend to boot and we have a total of 10 people in the house now.

Life offers so much change and I am know that things will be stressed but life is on a new thresh hold for those that I love the most.

Life in the Rear view

2010-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

I have to often take a step back and evaluate where I am in life and what my accomplishments and failures have been in the past, present and gauge my movement forward for the future.

This picture was taken heading into the winds of the South by my dear First born and it is so reflective of where he is going in life and how my guidance may or not have been enough for him. I can only hope as a Mother....

Make good decisions my Dear Son, I love you with all my heart.