Do you have an umbrella?

Everyone needs a green umbrella.

It provides a new doorway to see what was always there. 

Colors suddenly seem a little brighter despite the looming gray.

Neon signs seems are bit more of the usual landscape.

A green umbrella can reach the top of the world.

You walk a little slower under it’s protection.

The green umbrella provides............

a brand new..........

perspective.

On reading non fiction......

A very good friend of mine will begin to snicker even at the title of this post.  It is true, I have a problem.  I just can not read fiction.  

Seriously, give me a book for dummies - I am all over it with a highlighter.  A biography - I am in heaven.  Cast away a design book - it is in my hands pronto.  Even when all there is is a story to read - it better be the truth and your own experience.  

Ironically with all that real life buzzing around I have a severe distaste for most reality TV.  I will watch the beginning episodes of American Idol only to watch people's dreams crushed (I'm a bit of a terrible person at times).  Biggest loser - I only watch the finale.  And as for the Bachelor - yuck, icky, disgust - it is all yours my friends. 

I do reserve time for a good cooking show.  You will see in a minute why.  I also love anything to do with creating things.  I'm not into the shows that venture to Ikea to recreate a catalog picture but rather of half hour of really thinking, collaborating and finishing a project.

For 2013, I have finished two non fiction books and am working on my third.  Yes my dears, you read that right.  Mom of four with a small business, an house to care for, a school to volunteer at, a church to serve in, friends to care for, and a husband to love on has read 2.5 books in 8 weeks!  And if you read the tag line to yesterday's post you will know how I accomplish all this ;)

Thought I would share what has been on my list so far this year.  Be warned it is a mix bag of tricks.  I like to live a life of unpredictability.  Don't assume that a minivan driving mother of four is boring.  (well, at least in my eyes I am not).  

First on the list this year. The bad boy of the Travel Channel.  Seriously, it is so wrong to love this guy for so many reasons but I find him extremely smart, charismatic, and entertaining.  He is not the dreamy kind of guy in any way (Michael is) but he amazing never the less. This was a great read of real life.  A great read of hard work.  A great read in general.  Just not for my faint of heart friends.  I must say it is amazing that he is still alive.  

buy it here

or borrow it from me

Second for the year was a bit more of an education, just not an education of the streets.  I have been reading a ton of other blog posts about this book and thought I would check it out.  Well worth reading while sitting in the bed with the flu.  

It is honestly not rocket science but those who know my hippy food self best are probably snickering right now.  

Basically, in today's food world and health world - vegan (organic vegan) is best.  Can't say I don't agree.  Yet, I am not sure what I am going to do with this information for now.

buy it here

or borrow it from me

  

And currently on the list of non fiction love is a book that has been out for a few years but oh how the timing is so right to read it now.  (I will share that a bit tomorrow).  So far, half way through, I love every minute of it.  So funny.  While reading it, think outside the box (you know who I am talking to).  It is inspiring. 

There are a few more immediate non fiction beauties already waiting for a good read.  They include - Confessions of a Wall Flower (again I know I am behind the times), HTML/CSS for dummies (truly inspirational for all), and Photoshop Elements for Dummies (again- I know you are laughing).  

Then, I am at a loss.  I need some help!  What are you reading write now?  Remember, I am not into vampires, shades of anything, or zombies.  Beyond that, suggest away my friends.  

Gym Rats - get your workout on

Just a little bit of my people watching at the local YMCA.  
What does your gym look like?

                                                                                   Source: etsy.com via Leigh on Pinterest

The jelly bean - you know, that guy who carries around a string clinch sak full of energy gels and beans. How he doesn't have massive diarrhea by the time he leaves is beyond me. 

The mermaids - I love these sweet little ladies that workout in the pool everyday.  But they could put a towel wrap on between showers and changing.  Don't love them that much.

The humper - a unisex achievement. This is the one who is still holding on to the Jane Fonda workout days. You know the ones where you get yourself into the weirdest stretching position and pulsate thru it. Not for the faint of heart. 

The overachiever - the tiny little one who lifts weights bigger than her and never sweats.

                                  Source: flickr.com via Claire on Pinterest

The Barbie - always perfect, always pretty, always smiles, never sweats.  I have a severe dislike this group.


The coffee crew - sweet little men who wear workout clothes only to come drink really bad, all be it free, coffee. 

The angry man - there is only one. He screams at himself while he runs. Then takes a break to read the Wall Street Journal. That is probably why he is screaming. 

The bored housewife - oh my! She rides the stationary bike slower than a woman with a walker and watches soap operas on the exercise tv. Secretly, I wish I could be her. 

The wannabe teens - you between college and the real world. Not sure what to wear. Knowing that soon their bodies will turn against them so they better get used to this workout thing now. 

The lady who just left her kid screaming in the nursery - and mows you over on her way to the downstairs bathroom so she can just sit in their and cry -- doubting her mothering abilities and thus never working out. 

                                                                           Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest

The college boy - jerk with muscles and little ..........well you get the idea -- brain.


 The man in jeans - admire his tenacity but I just sweat looking at him. WHY? 

Then there is me.
A pillar of athletic ability.
A rold Model to all. 

Me

                                                                      Source: buzzfeed.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Family Fall Day in all HIS Glory

There are six of us here.  That is alot of people.  And while I try to keep the kids scheduled life to a minimum, it seems to be as they get older we spend less time as a group of six.  Sure we eat dinner together every night but after that, we all shoot off to different worlds.

So God gave us this beautiful day last Sunday.  

We has also allowed us to live near a gorgeous mountain with the most perfect 

hiking trails.  

So Mikey Boy and I decided our family's worship would be in the woods - - together!  It would be quiet, serene, peaceful, as close to God as we could get.  I was soooooo excited!  

Then, the princess screamed like a banshee the first two miles unless we ran with her on our back (in the backpack).

The architect argued with the leader about how many actual civil war ditches he saw, how many leaves were on the trees, how many trees had fallen in the woods, how much more he knew about hunting than the leader, how he knows how blue the sky is.......

well, you get the idea.  

The leader - well, he is the shortest so his legs were tired quicker, but generally he was happy.  He talked and talked about what he wanted to be when he grew up.  He was dreaming and I found that Glorious.  

Then the Artist, the sweet artist.  She growled at us the first half, upset she would miss social hour at church.  But after we turned the 2 mile mark she two seemed to enjoy what God had given her -- a beautiful place to live and a family. (that is a real smile!)

So while the morning started off hard, we fought to stay together -- to stay on course, as a family of 6.  And in the end, it was worth it because I got to go home with this memory

Its Free!

I have been keeping an eye on the free listings in Craigslist.  I have a short list of things that I need for my boutique display and I am so hoping to find them free.

                                                                               Source: homeroad.net via Heather on Pinterest

1.  3 doors.  Preferable french doors with the glass gone

2. large windows - no glass

3. chicken wire

4. frames - not sure why

5. paint

                                                                              Source: marthastewart.com via S on Pinterest

A weird list.  I am still not sure the product and vision will match but if it is free - hey!

What is really weird in the situation is the things people are offering for free on Craigslist.  Strange to say the least.

Right here you can find used baby formula cans.

Or if you must, who knows why, you can get some broken concrete

Not to mention the 7 running ads for free horse manure.

                                                                              Source: flickr.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

I am still searching for my treasures, but in the meantime I will continue to chuckle at the weirder than me crowd.

21 months or 35 years - what's the difference?

This little bundle of joy, a surprise blessing from God. 

Or rather a force to be reckoned with.

She is a tornado of hairbows, necklaces, squeaky shoes, and babies.

This gal knows what she wants and to heck with you if you stand in her way while she is trying to get it.

She is chatty and demands that you listen.

Her facial expressions take up the slack for her occasional silence.

   Her walk demands purpose (or at least she thinks it does).
I picked her name out long before she was born and boy does it fit.

She's my mini me so watch out - there are two of us!

Today I did....according to Pinterest

Yesterday was a sad, sad day for Michael and I. We had to say goodbye to our faithful friend of 14 years. Today it surreal that he is not here. Fourteen years was a long time, just not long enough. To try and keep from crying, baby P and I kept moving....Here is what we did today in pictures from pinterest.

Woke up missing my baby.....

                                                                                        Source: None via Heather on Pinterest

Made a few things for my faithful Nina Bina clients.....thank you guys!

                                                                              Source: compare.ebay.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Went to the postal office to mail Ms. N a package at camp.....

                                                                       Source: theimaginationtree.com via Lexi on Pinterest

Met my hubby for lunch at a playground where I ate some of these......

                                                                            Source: whiteonricecouple.com via Heather on Pinterest

And played on one of these......

                                                                              Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest

while baby P swang and sang I enjoyed one of these.....

                                                                             Source: starbucks.com via Heather on Pinterest

So far a good morning, reflecting on the fact that it was privilege to have my buddy in my life and enjoying the memories we have together.

My Peachtree Road Race

Well, at least I finished.  Everyone told me not to count on a stellar time.  I only ran about 6 times in the last month.  Having to hunkerdown at the house while life dealt us major changes called for distraction from the asphalt.  My longest run had been 4.5 miles.  Much short of the 6.2 needed to finished.  All I knew was that if I passed out, please do not carry me to Grady Hospital.  

credit

Dear skinny girl running happily next to me......well.....I don't want to be too ugly..

Here are some interesting facts about the Peachtree Road Race 

- it is the largest 10 K in the world

- it takes over 3,000 volunteers to help the event

- over 55,000 people finished the whole route either walking or running

- lots of people wear costumes while running (wish I had pictures)

- tons of people drink beer while running (nasty)

- it is like a 6.2 mile long party

I would do it again!  The 5 am wakeup time hurt.  The Tuesday after = hurt.  But wearing the t shirt and feeling like a rockstar is worth it :)

Come down and join the crowd for the next Peachtree!  Totally worth it!

So for - creating history - one stitch at a time

Usually on Thursdays I do a little post about who I am, where I came from and where I am going. Instead, I enjoyed Thursday by linking up with the Gussy Sews Community for a pamper prompt party! So fun!  Think I will do it again.

For now, Friday you get a little more of me.  I think it might be time to give you a little bit of where this "Sew Four" idea came from and what I pray it becomes in the future.

                                                                   Source: allthingsbelle.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

At our house, the past few months have been a roller coaster (for those of you who know me - I HATE roller coasters - never been on one until now).  Thru the madness, Michael and I have really been given an opportunity to re-evaluate where our family is its' storing treasures.  What a blessing!  We have collectively prayed, and though it may not have been the way WE planned, God has provided in a more amazing way than imagined.  He really affirmed to us what we need to be "so for".  

As a mom he has laid it upon my heart to be "sewing for" my kids.  So as Michael starts a new job, with a new number attached to it, my sewing machine will be working full time "so for" the family I love so much!

                                                                         Source: granvillehouse.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

In the next few weeks I will continue making adorable boutique/appliqued items which will stay in the Nina Bina Store.  Of course, drop off monogramming will always be available.



BIG NEWS, BIG BIG NEWS!


But the big news is that by the first of August, I will be opening a new store!  It will house my first sewing love of cute pouches, totes, ruffles, vintage fabrics, buttons and more.  It will be a store committed to providing for my clients and for being "so for" my four blessings from God - - for my family!  I will be working on making this blog a place where community can come, feel safe, relate, laugh, learn, share and relax.  I am so excited to show the world what I am so for and even more excited to learn what you are so for!

Is there anything you are working on that you are "so for?"  I would love to hear your loving words - please share!

Linking up with Gussy to Pampered myself

Hellooooooo Gussy!  This is my first first link up and I am so excited - yippppeeee!

When you're a mom (I have four little lovelies 9 - 20 months) pamper is a big word.  Life & budget usually do not afford the luxury of pampering.   But most times "time" is the culprit stealing the indulgence.   So maybe in my world pampering is more of a goal - - something I would write (probably at the bottom) of a very long to do list.  Which in all reality turns into a once a year goal.  Ohhhhhhh, but does it sound so nice?

My mommy needs to be pampered - is anyone listening?

Usually the word pamper means a brand name of diapers that I was able to get free with CVS points and double coupons.  But today, pamper was the prompt and boy did I run with it!  Well, do not know if I will be running with these bad boys but I might kick some butt with them!

Yes, aren't they beautiful?  And guess what?  They are mine!  Yup, M - I - N - E!

You see, I have been searching all over for the perfect dress/sandal combo for the many festivities surrounding my SIL's wedding (hi Lisa!).  Couldn't find a thing!

Then I started brainstorming for this super duper linky party.  How about cupcakes? I could write about great cupcakes.  Specificlly red velvet.  But no, does not help the last ten lbs of baby weight I need to loose.  Maybe, I could get a pedicure?  Ummmm, nope.  Does not fit in with the running shoes.  Nailpolish chips on the first day -- a total waste of money.  Maybe a scented candle.  Again, nope one of the kids would set something on fire with it.  Bubble bath?  No, someone probably peed in the tub last night (gross I know).  So how do I pamper myself?  Then it came to me!  For this month, I would pamper myself with boots!  Solves the "what to wear to wedding events" problem and gives me a yee haw everything I wear them!

How pampering is a pair of boots?  At 5'4" I can put these babies on and feel 6'0".  If I need to kick some butt, I have pointy toes.  I can play cowboys with the kids and be the "really cool" mom.  I can put on my boots, sit on the porch, drink a tall glass of sweet tea and pretend that I am looking over the prairies of Texas.

So worth saving the money for and hey, I made my "goal" on the 6th of the month!  Yippee for being pampered!  Not saying that a VENTI chai isn't too far behind on the list ;)

So this is my Monday.....

                                                                            Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest

I am doing something crazy on Monday.

Well, maybe not that crazy since 60,000 other people are doing it with me.

No, then again, it is completely nuts.

Why would someone choose to get up on a holiday at 5:00 am?

Why would someone choose to wait until 8:00 to begin?

Why would someone choose to do something they are not at all ready to do?

                                                                              Source: etsy.com via Heather on Pinterest

I would!

Guess you could call me crazy, that is probably certifiable.

But why not do it?

Maybe I won't break the speed of sound - but I will finish!

Even if I have to crawl.

Strawberry Shortcake turns 35

One of the most pinacle points in my thirty five shorts years of life is the fall of 1981.   For the start of kindergarten,  I received a cornflower blue Strawberry Shortcake Rain Slicker.  It was a classy looking slicker -- had long sleeves, a deep pocket on each side, a lined hood, large blue snaps.  On the back was a picture of Strawberry Shortcake and one of her gal pals.  They were standing under a large umbrella with some happy little saying below.  There were butterflies, rainbows, and everything was happy!  One of the happiest days of my life happened because of that jacket, because of the rain.

                                                                                 Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest

I met a life long friend the day I wore that jacket.  She was shy, had braids on each side of her head, her smile was infectious, and her heart was beyond big!  You see this friend (and her awesome parents) have been my umbrella from alot of rain.  In 1982, my parents were in the middle of a muddy divorce, my dog was ripped away from me, and I found myself living in a one bedroom apartment with my sister, mother and grandmother.  I was a crushed kid.  But I could go to my friend's house and remember what it was like to be a kid, to play with no worries, to eat great snacks, to love, to live.  That jacket brought me more protection I would have ever known.

In the thirty years we have been friends we have lived apart more than we have lived together.  And even in a time before email we still remained in touch.  We have walked each other thru childhood, thru girl scouts, thru bee stings, thru pruperty, thru heartaches, through marriage, thru infertility, thru the birth of our children, thru cancer, thru grief and still celebrated each in a special way only life long friends can!  

                                                                                        Source: etsy.com via Tess on Pinterest

My friend lives too far now.  Just when I think I am going to see her another battle comes and the time between visits grows.   I miss my friend but can not begin to tell you how thankful I am for her cards (underlined in all the important places), for her calls, for her emails, and most of all for her.  She is true and blue - constantly loving and constantly giving.  

I am not sure what my life would be like today without a friend like Alison.  One thing I do know is that I sure am glad I got that blue rain slicker -- it has carried me thru alot of storms.