A Couple Things Before I Go

I’m not going to make more excuses for my neglectful behavior, but if ever there was a time I didn’t have for blogging, it is now and it was this last week too. But, I am compelled to today because just like my irrepressable need to do things like scrub baseboards, paint pots, and clean out and organize bathroom cupboards and drawers before leaving on a trip of a lifetime, it just has to be done.

Now. 

I should be packing. I’ve barely started. I will probably forget half of what I want to bring, but at least I have a bunch of freshly painted, bright and cheerful, but empty flower pots to come home to. And an organized bathroom.

Clearly, I need this vacation.

While I am busy not packing, here is what else I’ve been up to: 

The Olympics.

I’m sure that is enough said, but if watching the Olympics were an Olympic event, I’m pretty sure I would win gold for the USA. I have been staying up to midnight every night and while I am completely exhausted, I am totally inspired, thoroughly amazed, and filled with joy to see the world come together in the spirit of support for the planet’s greatest athletes. I am especially proud of our American athletes, for representing us so well.

Then there are people like Oscar Pistorius who brings tears to my eyes every time I see him on the TV screen.

(source)

And then when the winner of the heat, Kirani James from Grenada asked to exchange name tags with him after their race?

(source)

No words. Just tears.

Speaking of no words, I made pickles with a new-to-me spice mix.

Erik brought home a giant bag of pickling cucumbers from the farmer’s market, “in case I wanted to make pickles”.

Because obviously, I should make pickles instead of pack.

I was sent a few varieties of Flavor Doctor to try, and I have to say, I am now a big fan. Look for a full review and giveaway when I get back!

I had the pleasure of spending a 3-day weekend helping friends in their booth at the Bellevue Festival of the Arts last weekend.

(See that gorgeous mermaid holding the star? I covet her.)

This art festival is a huge event, and people come from all over to attend. Some of the best local (and not-so-local) artisans (over 300 of them!) have their works on display and for sale. Even though I am a terrible salesperson, getting to experience the festival from a vendor’s point of view was so much fun, and completely inspiring (a little break from the kids wasn’t so bad either!). Someday I shall furnish and decorate my entire house with handmade, one-of-a-kind, can’t-buy-it-at-Target works of art.

Someday, when I am “fancy”.

Jace has a good friend who, with his family, just moved to the east coast (sniff, sniff.) Over the course of their kindergarten year, their whole family became our friends, and we are very sad to see them go. Jace and Holden played on the same baseball team, coached by their two dads, and much to his ex-baseball player dad’s dismay, Holden often insists on wearing his baseball hats “fancy”, as he calls it. Instead of bending the bill of the hat into a curve, Holden preferred it very flat and straight across. Fancy. Mismatched socks are also fancy, just so you know.

Speaking of fancy, I don’t usually get very fancy when it comes to food. I like my food fairly simple. Not fussy. Just whole, and fresh, and delicious.

But once in a while, it is nice to get a little fancy.

Instead of packing the other day I made this little fancy snack.

A juicy organic plum from the farmer’s market, filled with a goat cheese-huckleberry honey mixture, drizzled with a little more huckleberry honey, and garnished with a basil leaf.

Fancy, right?

But yet, simple, and so full of flavor that it nearly knocks you off your feet with the first bite.

And with that, I really need to go pack.

May you take the time to delight in the joy of splashing in every fountain you pass by.