Remember that sunset picture I posted the night before my birthday? Well, I sent it to the local paper, forgot about it, and guess what? They put it on the front page! Above the fold. How cool is that?

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive; to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."
Marcus Aurelius

Just back from a weekend with my family in Michigan to celebrate the life of my dad with a big party. We also planted a tree in his honor.

From right to left: the tree, Rose, my sisters and me, Mom and Aunt Kathy (Dad's sister)

It was an emotional weekend but my dad would have loved his party. I lost it when I walked into the room to see all of the pictures of him. My niece, Ryder, put together a beautiful slide show that played continuously. Lots of tears. I miss him.

Cruel and Unusual

My former husband, who lives on the west coast last I heard, and a woman, came to MY town on MY birthday and went to MY pub. I only missed them because I had my hair done and was 2 hours later than I normally would have been. How sick and twisted is that?  If you see him, tell him to leave me alone. I've moved on and he has no business being here. But those of you who know him won't say a word. Because you're all afraid of his anger. And I don't blame you. That is all.

Had a sweet little quiet birthday. A gray and chilly day. Linda gave me a facial. Caitlin did my hair. Dan fixed oysters for Wendy and me. Cards and emails from friends, a book from my sister. And I got to come home to this sweet little girl for the evening. Happy Birthday to me.

So, I have to tell you. While I was making coffee, I read my affirmation for the day from Louise Hay. "This is a delightful day. Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways."  I sat down with my coffee and opened a birthday card. Money was in it. Woohoo! When I went to the hair salon, they handed me an envelope full of money from the sale of some of my bags. Wow! Then last night, my Florida boss called and said, You never cashed your last paycheck! She's going to issue a new one and send it out tomorrow. How cool is that?!

Birthday Eve

I've been puttering around my yard and garden, planting and weeding, putting flowers in my pots. Lots to do this time of year and with a nice breeze off the Lake, the bugs are almost non-existent. For the moment.

happy pansy faces

spectacular fuscia for my whiskey barrel

the Helper

This is what the Lake looked like when I got home from work yesterday. Sophie and I hung out on the dock until nightfall - just went in for some dinner - and were rewarded with this lovely sunset. Always a challenge for me to be silent and in the moment and always a huge payoff when I am. What a paradise.

It's all in your head

Garden is growing like mad

Finally hit 70 degrees with a bit of sun yesterday so Sophie and I took full advantage. In between planting annuals and herbs and mowing the grass, we spent some time on the dock and Sophie got to show off her aquatic skills. The girl sure loves the Lake! She is one amazing little swimmer.

View of my cottage from the dock-the trees have filled out

Sophie takes the plunge-love her little winged ears 

Swimming for shore

Throw it again, Mommy!

I am treasuring this time at the Lake before anybody shows up for summer. It is quiet but for the birds and the waves on shore. We watched three loons fishing together and the alewives must be making their way up the Lake because the seagulls are out in force and the bald eagle showed up this morning looking for breakfast. Can't imagine wanting to be anywhere else.

This morning dawned cold, gray and rainy again. Perfect for sewing so I finished up some of my little Willa Wallets, then took myself off to King Eider's Pub for oysters.  woot! woot!

There is a reason the locals are known as Maine-iacs.  Here is Chris and his helper putting in my dock last night. The air temp was 53 degrees. I don't know the water temperature but suffice to say when I run it over my wrists, they go numb. This kid is in shorts and is shirtless. Holy crapoli!

and voila!

Pledge to go Purple

Did you know that June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month? Everyone with a brain is at risk and Alzheimer's is a fatal disease that cannot be prevented, cured, or slowed. How scary is that? Alz.org wants everyone to go purple for the month of June in order to raise awareness.  Take the pledge today and commit to raising awareness in June. You can wear purple throughout the month, share the pledge with your peeps on Facebook and Twitter, turn your Facebook profile purple. If you want to donate to the Alzheimer's Association, you can do so HERE. I will be wearing my purple wristband and if you want one, let me know and I will send it to you. I do this in honor of my Dad. Watching him succumb to this horrible insidious disease is one of the worst thing I've ever witnessed. Please help if you can.

Daddy and me (and Clovis)

A second day of rain and one more to go and I love it. The high temp yesterday was 54 degrees and it's not that warm yet today. I've had a fire in the fireplace non-stop. Makes things cozy with just the sound of the crackling fire and Sophie's rhythmic snoring.

I've been sewing away like mad, building up my inventory of oilcloth bags. So pretty and colorful. 

Today would have been my 30th wedding anniversary; it will be five weeks tomorrow since I lost my beloved Lucy; Saturday is my Dad's birthday. If there was ever a time to recognize the beauty in every moment and be grateful, it is now. So I won't dwell on that sunny afternoon in Santa Barbara 30 years ago, I'll hug my Sophie tight and I'll find some pictures of my Dad for his upcoming party. Life in the moment moves quickly and I don't want to miss a thing. So I note these milestones and move on. Creativity keeps me in the moment better than anything I know. Oh, and did I mention I'm going to make a shepherd's pie later? Life is good.

last night

9:30pm  ADDENDUM:
I did my best today to stay focused. I have to admit the best part of my day was a dental cleaning at noon. I miss my daddy, I miss my Luby. I do not miss that a$$hole. I think that is all pretty normal, don't you?