Snippets of excitement...

 It's been a whirlwind week for me, lots of lack-of-sleep and new great things coming. In my personal life, and here on the blog for you.

 

Monday we celebrated the kids' grandma Vivian's 90th birthday. I know, 90. Can you believe it? She's been battling cancer for over 2 years, but still manages to live at home, get around with a walker, and is on very minimal medication. We devoured custom cupcakes and homemade strawberry and vanilla ice cream.

 

Then a couple of days flew by from working night shifts and before I knew it, it was Wednesday.

 

So, in a long round-a-bout way, I managed to get nominated and voted in for our elementary school's  P.T.S.O. (Parent Teacher Student Organization). It really only happened because out of all the family's in our town, I, little old me, was the only non-board member, non-faculty member that showed up. How sad is that? So there I sat with four other women (yes, not even all of the board member's showed) and they all turned and looked at me with big puppy dog eyes, and practically begged me to the President of the organization for the 2013-14 year! How could I say no? Some people said I was crazy for adding another thing on my plate. Other's congratulated me. My husband told me I was a glutton for punishment. But I had too. How could I not? Those children need to be able to have extracurricular activities and field trips and money for things they need in class. Anyone ever been involved with a P.T.S.O.? I'd love to chat with a couple people that may give me some pointers. Email me.

 

Now for the exciting news. Well, it's almost here anyways. I have been working behind the scenes here at Willamette Valley Wonder Woman and I have something in the works that I'm very excited about, and it involves you. I hope you will be as excited as I am.

 

My next post will reveal! Follow and stay tuned! ;)

 

~Melissa

Art, my love.

I love art.

I couldn't tell you anything about art history.

I only know a few big artist names.

I have only taken two art classes at the community college....ten years ago.

 

What I love about art is the freedom.

I don't have to have things a certain way.

No one is telling me how to do it, for I fully believe there is no right or wrong way.

I can use whatever medium I like, and I love to mix them up.

 

I have a very limiting attention span, so when I finally get a chance to sit down and create, I want to start and finish the piece in one sitting.

 

I've never worked much on canvas before, but I was cleaning out my closet last month and found this 16x20. So Monday night I went all out. Pencil, Pen, glitter, acrylic, and yes, fingernail polish.

 

I need to create more. It inspires me. It makes me happy. I encourage you to schedule a time to do something just for you. It's worth it, I promise.

 

~Melissa

Oh New Year; New Year.

Well, if there is one thing you can say about life, its that it is always changing. Yesterday I talked a little about the phrase carpe diem (seize the day).

I clicked publish on the post, and went to get dressed to go to Vancouver

to see Grandpa Howern one more time.

 

Then I glanced down at my phone and saw a missed call and voicemail.

 

We were too late.

 

Bill Howern died the night before, the same time I was working night shift. He died with his wife by his side, and in his sleep.

 

I'm glad his pain is gone, but it hurts saying goodbye. I have almost more sorrow for Mary, his wife. I'm not sure the exact number of years they were married...but lets just say it was over 40, maybe even 50. I can't even imagine the emptiness she must feel right now. He literally was her other half.

 

This all just reiterates carpe diem. We need to not let time pass us by.

We chose not to tell the kids last night; we didn't want to ruin their fun. We had pizza, played Yahtzee, and let the kids stay up as long as their eyes would let them...Noah made it until 11, Emma 11:45, and Anika? Oh about 12:01. She did it. Finally saw the ball drop.

It would have been nice to go out and have fun like many people do...but I just have to remind myself that these days shall pass, and then I'll yearn for them back. Deep breath.

 

Carpe Diem.

 

~Melissa

 

 

Carpe Diem

It's the last day of 2012. New Years Eve. I worked all night, and am now headed up to Vancouver to visit Grandpa Howern and it very well may be the last time I see him in this life.

Life doesn't stop, or slow down for anyone; anything.

But I've got three beautiful kids that look up to me; a husband that loves me; a roof over my head in a house that's all mine.

So I'm going to ride through the ups and downs in life.

And as for today?

"Carpe Diem."

"Seize The Day."

 

~ Melissa