Clean up

My sister-in-law, Lo {short for Lolo, which is short for long, long story I've long since forgotten}, is the Queen of Clean. I envy this trait and often wish I could bottle her fervor for cleanliness and keep it all for myself. If I could, it would look like this. The packaging for J.R. Watkins products almost makes you want to clear your weekend schedule to clean.... almost.

Fearless

I remember when I wouldn't think twice about climbing the tallest tree I could find and cartwheels came easily without fear of injury. In fact, it wasn't that long ago that I was simutaneously learning to sail solo and fly a twin prop {with serious intentions to get certified to scuba dive and learn to skydive}. Between meetings, commuting, cleaning, teaching, cooking and a million other things, I sometimes find myself wondering where that person went.

Yesterday at the park JB quickly made his way to the top of one of those metal dome climbers while his sister cheered him on. He didn't even blink until he was almost 12 feet in the sky with his feet dangling towards earth. With a hint of fear in his voice he asked me to stand under him so that he could hang down and jump into my arms.

As soon as I put him safely on solid ground he said, "Mom! That was so scary! BUT, SO COOL!".

Thank you, JB, for reminding me to be fearless.

A Peony for Your Thoughts?

I've got weddings {and all the festivites surrounding them} on the brain. Peonies are one of my two all-time favorite flowers. This centerpiece project from Once Wed is super simple and picture perfect. Go here to learn how to DIY.

It Was That Type of Birthday

I've been coveting one of these for some time now...

And thanks to G&K, the King and Queen of antiquing, I'm now the proud owner of this one. So begins my love affair with my Corona {Not to be confused with My Sharona and different from my husband's love affair with his Corona}. Other presents included: Flowers, a new iPod & a cleaning service. All a girl could ask for. It was a good birthday.

Ahoy, little Matey

I love this invite found at Twig & Thistle. You can bet your sea legs that I'll be using that cute sewn envelope and label idea in the future.

Gone Camping...

When I camp, I want it to look like this. Via Make Room For Living

"Goodnight you princes of Maine, you kings of New England..."

Our first trip to Maine was just under a year ago and this summer weather has me longing for those icy coastal waters. We had six glorious days of sun, surf and shellfish. And one of the best hot dogs I've ever tasted... really.

I found this poem that was originally written about another town in Maine, but perfectly captures Boothbay Harbor where we stayed. It's also fitting because we stayed at a cabin called "Camp David".

"Lubec"

A small town by the sea
With the salt breeze blowing free over all.
Where the graceful gull swoops low
And the black duck rarely go in the fall.
A small town on the end
Of the coastline -- as it wends out to the sea --
Like some giant outstretched hand
Seeking Campobello land constantly.
A small town on the shore
With its people -- a few score, at the most.
All are known by their first name
And take pride in their fame as a host.
A small town on the hill
With its churches -- white and still over all.
With their spires -- heaven bent
That to many a sailor's meant 'Stand or fall.'
A small town on the bay
Where the fishes flash and play in the waves.
Where there is great ebb and flow
Of the ocean as it goes down to Dave's.
A small town on the coast
Where the weirmen yearly boast of their take.
Where the work's from spewing to fall
And the fish determine all -- make or break.
A small town by the mere
Where the sight of fog in the air brings no frown.
And the foghorn at the Head
Lulls the native in his bed snuggled down.

by Robert G. MacBride, MD
Longtime Lubec, ME resident and poet(written circa 1936)

Post title is a quote from "Cider House Rules". Picture is the Lighthouse at Pemaquid Pt., Maine.