Recap catch-up

I'm often blown away when I think of all the things that happen in life, often one right after the other, and it hardly seems that there's enough time to really absorb them, reconcile them, fully appreciate them, or simply allow yourself time to reflect on them.
The quiet down-time moments are too few and far between and once I get them, I'm baffled at the amount of things life brings my way, and often, at their intensity. But, like the majority of folks in this society, I keep rolling along, try to keep my head above water, try to enjoy life and not lose my head too much, try to remember that the universe has a way of taking care of the things that are out of my control, and learn what I can from each lesson life brings and so on... but damn, don't I wish time would slow down sometimes.

This Christmas day has provided me with the ability to get some good down time and I will now use some of that time to share a little of what my life has been like lately. Many, if not all of you who actually view my blog, likely are my good friends/family who have been my life line in these last few trying months, so you probably know a lot of this stuff already, but perhaps you'll enjoy the photo's.

Here's a big THANK YOU to all of you who have been my shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, giving me emotional support, hugs and hot tubs when I needed them most.
I am soooooo lucky to have the best friends and family that a girl could ever ask for!

Ok... so, I just finished my transfer degree at WCC, which took me an extra year, thanks to the math hoop that I had to jump through which was almost was the death of my mental health. This last one was especially brutal, not just because of all the new mathematical concepts that I had to learn and then spew out on tests, but also because I went through a break-up, then the process of losing our sweet Autumn to cancer.
I try to remember, when times get really stressful, the strength, determination and positive attitude that Autumn always had, even during her last days on this earth. I love you, Autumn.

After Autumn passed, so many of the folks that loved her gathered to celebrate her life. It was so awesome to see Brandie and others folks from the past that have been such an influential part of Autumns life.

Then came the election of America's first black president, a man who ran on the premise of HOPE, and hope is what I have that he can make some positive changes here in the U.S. and abroad. It seemed that everyone in the world rejoiced when OBAMA was elected and Bellingham was no exception. The energy was intoxicating!

Then, our long-lost sister Lisa, the eldest of our fathers children, came and met the majority of the family, at least the part that lives here in the N.W. It was a great reunion (Amy, Serena, and I worked hard to leave our broken hearts at the door) and everyone loves Lisa. She is so our sister and will always be an intricate part of our ever-growing family. I can't imagine life without her now. Welcome sister. May you always find friendship, love and honesty in your siblings.


Lisa got to meet lots of nieces and nephews too!


Jory and Lisa were so sweet together.
Here's the eldest sisters all together (I am the youngest of the eldest, ha)!

Serena and Victoria felt very empowered by the whole event.

Amy was happy to see Lisa again after so many years. I think the two of them have quite a few mannerisms in common, which may come from being family or growing up in Nevada, which they both have did.

It was Amy's 37th birthday too! Wow, not many people get a sister for a birthday present.

Of course, no gathering is complete without a fall or two. Alex was the lucky one this time. He chased his cousin down the hall, rather into the wall, and ended up braking his foot. Luckily, there happened to be a wheelchair standing by randomly. Lisa made a good nurse for Alex.
Mom really loved Lisa too!

Such hams!


All of which brings us up to now. Alex and I just got offered the coolest little house to rent. It's the bottom part of a cool, old house. It has one bedroom and a great big kitchen, a big bathroom with a claw foot bath tub, a creative living room space and a dining room. The place comes furnished and it even has a piano and a porch swing! I am so excited!



Alex and I had a yummy breakfast of omlettes, toast, french-pressed coffee with touch of whipped cream, and pommagranite. Delicious!
I took a Christmas walk with the dogs and my camera today (one of my favorite things to do). I had to get some photos of the magical snow before it melts. I love how snow quiets the noise pollution and illuminates the landscape.



Scout (who is kind of part mine) and Zadie (who I am dog sitting for a friend) are getting along well while their moms are away for the next nine days or so. They like to root around in the snow too.

Happy Solstice, everyone! May your days get longer and your love grow stronger!