Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Glorious Sunrise


One of those mornings, you know, the kind where you are almost late and looking around to make sure you have everything. 1, 2 kids....purse...phone...anything else can wait.


Racing out of the driveway, I saw this beautiful moment captured in time and I told myself to "stop, wait, chill" and took the pic. I sat just for a second and looked ALL around the sky at the colors. I took a deep breath of satisfaction and contentness and .....carried on.


Don't forget to stop and look around!


Monday, October 25, 2010

Busy Little Bee

I've had a hectic few weeks and that makes my creative thread that much more tense. This post is to remind you that creating is an outlet and a form of therapy, not a luxury misunderstood.
The holidays are just around the corner so I must start on my ideas. I usually get the urge right before Halloween anyway because of the change in weather that says "please stay inside in the warmth" and I do...
I started on cards and gifts. I actually write out a list of people and ideas because my mind is always going and I'll forget if I don't have a reminder. Every year I go to www.realsimple.com and type in "holiday gift list" for a list printout. Write it in pencil so you can make changes as you approach the holidays.
I love this forethought! It's attentive, sincere, frugal (without being cheap), and maybe a little on the luxurious side. When you have time to really think and consider what someone else would be happy with, you have a new perspective. It's the little thoughts that come up everyday that remind you of that person not just because they're on my list and I need to give them something. So get the list out, find some ways to be creative and put your thinking cap on.
We are doing a homemade/heritage Christmas this year and it's so fun to have a challenge like that. We will stay on budget and be resourceful while keeping in mind the likes, wants, and needs of the other person. Our range is from 1 year to 85 years old. Do we really NEED anything? ...or can we just make this fun?
Ok, well, I have to say that we don't have any teenagers or grouches. Everyone this year will probably love whatever is made...you may need to really think about the recipient. It's just going to work out perfect this year so we'll just ride the holiday wave.


Monday, October 11, 2010

Balloons, Balloons!

Ahhhhh. The peak in my year has to be the amazing Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It's the most photographed event in the world. Who could pass this up? About 700 hot air balloons flying overhead, being laid out in the grass, inflated right before your eyes. The fire that heats the balloon's air is so loud and hot on these chilly mornings. There are so many, it would be impossible to post them all, so here are some special pics....




Fog as we left sweet Oklahoma.






Bees flying!....flying closer






Balloons flying overhead. You feel so small when these huge balloons are all around you....like Alice in Wonderland.



Alas, the cow could not get up this time. She looks so sad. I say "she" because when it's fully inflated, there are visible utters!


It's REALLY this beautiful and cool!
We left with a fog and returned with a welcome home sunset. Amazement across 3 states!