monday morning chatter

{An oldie I came across that just made me smile...circa summer 2007}

I'm loving this holiday weekend. Are you? I've basically been hiding under my large plush blanket since Friday afternoon, and I don't think that is going to stop today. The snow has ceased, but the wind has picked up and chills me to the bone every time I step out my front door. Spending so much time in bed under my blanket has given me plenty of time to read, think and be still. All things I desperately needed to do for a few days. 

I have quickly come to realize how much life consumes us. It can swallow us whole if we let it. Being still was the only remedy I knew of to help me step back and slow down a bit. I listened to the wind beat on this old, rickety house as I read my books. I watched the clouds turn from white to gray to pink to purple as I listened to peaceful music lull me to sleep. And I listened to the deep breaths of my children sleep as I stood patiently at their doors during naptime. It has been the perfect, tranquil weekend. 

I can't believe our time in Peoria may soon come to a close; we find out our future destination in March. I remember the way my stomach dropped when we drove up to this lifeless house nearly seven months ago. I scowled at every crooked blind, poorly painted wall and peeling linoleum tile. In my mind, this house would never be home. But you know what? I was wrong. It is very much our home. I know every sound this house makes. I know how to get from my bedroom to the kitchen without opening my eyes at 3am. I know how to avoid scratching my arm on the bent hanger attempting to hold up the shelf in our freezer. I know how to shut V's door just right so it doesn't squeak and wake her up each night. This house has somehow changed me. And even though I have no desire to live here another year, I am so glad we can call it home for now. 

Our time in Peoria has been very special for me and Tim. I don't think I have ever loved him as much I have come to love him here. There is something sweet about seeing the man you married and the father of your children sacrifice his time and energy to make you comfortable. Tim does that everyday, and I love him for it.

Well, enough of this sentimental blah, blah stuff. I don't mean to talk about leaving so soon, but I have had so much time to think this weekend. And this is what I have been thinking about. Well, this and my Monday chatter. Happy Martin Luther King Day!

A "chillingly scientific" pianist dies at 82: Alexis Weissenberg

You can decide for yourself if the obituary theory is true: Weissenberg archive
I think we all need to remember why we celebrate today: Martin Luther King
Some say these are the jeans to own. Someone please give me courage to buy a pair: Red skinnies
A dress fit for spring: Sunrise Cove Sleeveless Dress
A craft for Valentine's day: Sweet Gnome
Some noteworthy hair tips from the gorgeous Mrs. Yazzie: Tame you hair
People in Peoria rave about this place for breakfast...might give it a try: Le Peep
I used to listen to this song in the dark as I rested on the floor: My Immortal