tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71368759930950581822024-02-20T19:35:38.941-08:00Musings of a Modern MomCarissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-78229479110536323992016-01-18T15:22:00.001-08:002016-01-25T07:59:24.922-08:00These are My Monsters...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the wake of the passing of David Bowie, I found this quote of his that sprung out at me like a Jack-in-the-box on a mammoth dose of meth:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfRfJiZo41Q0RdrntrVNyOIgGpPpFEtA9KgUbSHuSml6t4BSbSxl8MY8DP7hud-NuLZBiCP-_0CzCUKeuLU0SE_nJYn6_dFvAraVrkcjEFVQuBKk35bHQm8iI77U9QgOcyONCrMDFLcQ/s1600/david+bowie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfRfJiZo41Q0RdrntrVNyOIgGpPpFEtA9KgUbSHuSml6t4BSbSxl8MY8DP7hud-NuLZBiCP-_0CzCUKeuLU0SE_nJYn6_dFvAraVrkcjEFVQuBKk35bHQm8iI77U9QgOcyONCrMDFLcQ/s400/david+bowie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is significant to me because I just recently landed the lead role of Maggie in a community production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I am <i><b><u>beyond</u></b></i> ecstatic to be playing such a dynamic female role on stage! That being said, I should also declare that I haven't been on the stage in almost 20 years.<br />
And that terrifies me.</div>
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So, it's a leap into the deepest end of the biggest Perturbation Pool I can find.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3z6SCCIeN2agiAkb-xG_rq1FtDS59U7kswcksOCUIk3B71gnH-GN8NYprcy5xJ9KJjFy2QEijum2HNQcs3LM8GDU7_eqfqMEeOTVcnREh47gMm6fM6iB-O-R-u9IRTevynr281fWe50/s1600/anxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3z6SCCIeN2agiAkb-xG_rq1FtDS59U7kswcksOCUIk3B71gnH-GN8NYprcy5xJ9KJjFy2QEijum2HNQcs3LM8GDU7_eqfqMEeOTVcnREh47gMm6fM6iB-O-R-u9IRTevynr281fWe50/s400/anxiety.jpg" width="317" /></a><br />
Yet, I am no stranger to anxiety. I have dealt with it for as long as I can remember; always doing things people tell me to so I can "deal with" it, (I should mention that these people, albeit are well-meaning, have no idea what anxiety really is and how debilitating it can be at its roughest). These things usually include, but have never been limited to: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Take deep breaths"</i> </span><br />
(The anxiety does enough of that for me).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Try thinking more positively"</span></i></div>
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(Ok. I'm positive I'm having an anxiety attack right now and there's <i>nothing</i> you can do to stop it!!!).<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />"I heard counting backwards from 10 helps with that sort of thing"</span></i>(It's also supposed to be a tip off as to whether you're drunk or not so...)</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Try redirecting your thoughts"</span></i><br />
(I'm assuming you mean into more meaningful topics, rather than my impending doom?).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Turn to your spiritual/religious leaders"</span></i><br />
(You obviously don't know me well enough to know there's a constant silent prayer in my heart forever trying to ward off these episodes).</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"What you need is a good old-fashioned pep talk</i>"</span> </div>
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(No, thank you. I don't need a proverbial egotistical smoothie choked down my throat).</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Look at all your past and present accomplishments</i>"</span><br />
(Yes, because those never brought me any anxiety either).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Don't drink caffeine"</span></i> </div>
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(As if I'm not high-strung enough that I need caffeine to get me through the day).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Maybe you need medication?"</span> </i></div>
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(Thought of that, thanks).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Get more sleep" </span></i></div>
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(I'll get right on that. Right, after my brain reminds me of all the things I didn't accomplish today).</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"Just accept that you can't control everything/you can't be perfect at everything</i>"</span><br />
(This is so ironic, it hurts).</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">"What you need is a night out/a good laugh"</span></i><br />
(And have everyone else fawn over and pity me?)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"You need to find out what triggers these attacks and avoid them"</i> </span></div>
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(Hmmm, then, I guess I'll just crawl into my hidey hole and die because one day it's the stage that causes these attacks, another day it's my work, and any other day it could be the fact that I screwed something up last year).</div>
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*sigh*</div>
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As a child, I went through a traumatic event that left me damaged emotionally.<br />
However, it also made me a stronger individual, and consequently, a stronger woman. <br />
Those are the positives I have been able to mold from the ashes of that situation.</div>
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It still left me scarred, no matter how I choose to look at and react to it.<br />
I don't trust as readily as most.<br />
I question motives.<br />
I am a loner (yes, I'm an introvert, despite the fact that I am also rather outgoing).<br />
In reality, I'm simply a people-pleaser.</div>
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I imagine the worst first.</div>
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I'm a perfectionist - leaving little to no room for error in even the most mundane activities, so that the worst (see above) cannot happen.<br />
I doubt myself and my abilities but, oddly enough, <b>never</b> my capabilities.<br />
(Abilities being my possession of certain talents and skills. Capabilities being the extent of those talents or skills). </div>
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Every day, I must choose to not let that event affect my life or my daily activities. In fact, I've done a significant amount of self-motivated personal transformation so that I would not hinder anyone else in the wake of my struggle. This was more difficult than it sounds. </div>
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In reality, it could be compared to patching a parachute with scotch tape while plummeting to earth in a death spiral of tangled cords...<br />
not impossible, but certainly necessitating an utter feeling of urgency...or else, well, the worst. <br />
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I can't, for the life of me, remember what I was searching for when I stumbled across these images drawn by artist Toby Allen that depict different disorders and hindrances as mythical monsters. These monsters are given characteristics that, if they walked among you today, would be the epitome of the trials we face every day with our different demons perched on our shoulders. Although, the monsters are mythical, the struggles are anything but. <br />
Some of us have more of these monsters lurking around the dark corners of our minds than others.</div>
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These are my monsters...<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(click on the pictures to enlarge and read).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO4n5hTBv2xcs95kWI19rJCSEq3xA_uIJjRV7VwmOv-eGBDOPXACUYBhpG2nESiCtNDnsVm8JClROsqpnVRAStwxik0R1mwIyi_Z_Hut8HyBvgFycMHDpsG7yMHuxCeQXhXXPY_QYM74/s1600/real_monsters__ptsd_by_zestydoesthings-d7y6q0x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO4n5hTBv2xcs95kWI19rJCSEq3xA_uIJjRV7VwmOv-eGBDOPXACUYBhpG2nESiCtNDnsVm8JClROsqpnVRAStwxik0R1mwIyi_Z_Hut8HyBvgFycMHDpsG7yMHuxCeQXhXXPY_QYM74/s320/real_monsters__ptsd_by_zestydoesthings-d7y6q0x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My attacker lent me this monster back in my childhood. However, I tamed my beast long ago and buried him alive along with the anger and paranoia he always seemed to bring with him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XMUO6HaZdnCjqBTMYtSKmx6n-XjNPVQBmDDZLs8u9N3pOq0U534PEBc8rdNypxynHUFX4xOuKWHMF2CoiPlfjwdQFrtlU9IzS44zavTHADZgxX-pv18C8QL1DLkOcycQ74g84xctcVE/s1600/anxiety-toby-allen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XMUO6HaZdnCjqBTMYtSKmx6n-XjNPVQBmDDZLs8u9N3pOq0U534PEBc8rdNypxynHUFX4xOuKWHMF2CoiPlfjwdQFrtlU9IzS44zavTHADZgxX-pv18C8QL1DLkOcycQ74g84xctcVE/s320/anxiety-toby-allen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This little guy packs quite the punch when he comes out to play. As debilitating as it is to deal with, there is relief. </div>
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Once I step onto the stage to perform, there's no turning back. So, the fear subsides. </div>
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Once the party I planned is underway, it's all good. </div>
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Once the company we are having over for dinner arrives and begins to mingle, I'm fine. </div>
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But up until those moments, it's complete and utter torture. Sweating, nausea, shaking, dizzy spells because I'm hyperventilating, heart palpitations and racing heartbeat, the headache that forms at the base of my neck and creeps up to my temples, racing thoughts of failure and what-if's, all poke and prod at the psyche leaving it bruised and exhausted before the show even begins. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The irony of it all is that as much as it scares me to be on stage singing, acting, dancing, giving a speech, whatever - it scares me 10x more to think that no one will show up at all.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">In my own personal world of absurdly ironic struggles and quandaries, I'd rather you see me try my hardest and fail than for you to fail to see me try my hardest. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Don't fear my failure for me. I do enough of that for the both of us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNTR97S3uV81lkP8hz3dUdCqd_0r8LS6_1EXGj0Own_RnLzG9EOVJrdqooNdLeGZ_lNPTMlZJhafWpunURj8oOjqe_OgxesvUH-rdWrYjNxER-s2Ylj8qDM-WsmmEco_WE2Si1Kybmm4/s1600/Sleep-Disorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNTR97S3uV81lkP8hz3dUdCqd_0r8LS6_1EXGj0Own_RnLzG9EOVJrdqooNdLeGZ_lNPTMlZJhafWpunURj8oOjqe_OgxesvUH-rdWrYjNxER-s2Ylj8qDM-WsmmEco_WE2Si1Kybmm4/s320/Sleep-Disorder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This usually accompanies the anxiety. Once I've had an attack, even a minor one, it takes quite a while to climb off the emotional roller coaster of it. The racing thoughts are usually the last to leave the little party in my head, overstaying their self-invited welcome by several hours. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyaJG_LvvAqin7SgVSPwyrBzhKiYTyG8B6SPxVMRe1zrYVGBSUUw594zVjGvYy4PQvqaHKZ5BHxjoEHnLwQA6JIIEilQVLHSzelYeHutEU0WKdwG4wDJxQ5bjN6r0vAnwADhwwQoPXMM/s1600/8350734_orig.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyaJG_LvvAqin7SgVSPwyrBzhKiYTyG8B6SPxVMRe1zrYVGBSUUw594zVjGvYy4PQvqaHKZ5BHxjoEHnLwQA6JIIEilQVLHSzelYeHutEU0WKdwG4wDJxQ5bjN6r0vAnwADhwwQoPXMM/s320/8350734_orig.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can at least say I only suffer with this little bugger on rare occasions. But its effects last for days because of the rest it stole from me for seemingly no reason at all. Sometimes, I've looked at the clock and it's 3 a.m. and though I'm beyond exhausted, my eyelids as heavy as manhole covers, sleep does not visit me. This spirals into feeling so fatigued the next day that I get nothing done around the house or I'm so tired I screw something up at work. These instances almost always trigger mini anxiety attacks that are usually self-contained with a little logical thinking about the sleep I lost. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmKjxEFEn8CAJmq6G4TfPhHh9HBtg8fsc77d2KCTAtu_JwkEXfDTN8jGz0xW94TmGURAbR3OcwjFMbRM2LV_pmg81XmFy3SKETD-5lJc-NZ1-UiW1fimBK8gMB8PkZIwMGWUzHiGoyj0/s1600/tumblr_mt2me4otZl1rvfh0po4_r1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmKjxEFEn8CAJmq6G4TfPhHh9HBtg8fsc77d2KCTAtu_JwkEXfDTN8jGz0xW94TmGURAbR3OcwjFMbRM2LV_pmg81XmFy3SKETD-5lJc-NZ1-UiW1fimBK8gMB8PkZIwMGWUzHiGoyj0/s320/tumblr_mt2me4otZl1rvfh0po4_r1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In my years of coming to realize that I suffer with anxiety (for a long while I was in denial - trying too hard to keep up my fractured facade) I have also come to terms with the fact that this sad creature lives inside me as well. For the last few years I have been able to keep him at bay, although he pokes his head out every now and then (usually during a mini panic attack). I give him a good cry or cursing out to tide him over for a while and have thus far been successful in his hibernation.</div>
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However, there is no telling when he may come bursting out at the same time as one of the other monsters and collide in an all out war over territory.</div>
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As a busy mom, a wife, an individual with hobbies that I rather enjoy and would like to continue pursuing, I decided to do the unthinkable.</div>
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(Clarification: "Unthinkable" for <b><i>some</i></b>).</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">got</span></div>
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a</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>pill</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">*GASP!*</span></div>
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That's right. I got help from a medical professional.</div>
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I was not deemed mentally unstable.</div>
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It was not jotted down in a little notebook that I was "crazy". </div>
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The doctor didn't give me a look over his glasses that discounted everything I had just confessed to him about what I go through.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No.</span></b></div>
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He told me 50% more women than men experience anxiety.</div>
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Only about 1/3 of the population that suffers with anxiety actually gets treated (I, myself, almost didn't go because of the different fears I experienced just imagining having to tell the doctor about my anxiety. Go figure!).</div>
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Although, I will never be cured from my PTSD, anxiety, depression and maybe not even my sleep disorders, I found a way to coexist.<br />
I took control.<br />
These are my monsters. </div>
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I claim them.</div>
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They do not claim me. </div>
Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-77521107083836273152014-04-23T12:48:00.000-07:002014-04-23T12:48:09.594-07:00Modern with a vintage twist Baby Shower design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua4Y7T8u-0F3szN1wp3oUOjmzND1cv1x8HTH7e7LhEnS3yJHhUEi85J8rWj6oDxcto682luQUGdwUk417PxHPzLf6H06yCuGxWAWd7vLYlntO2rvfrqeHXclVVUjmK5dyDEEq-Zx8mIc/s1600/1505407_616242328460808_2092396113151383567_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua4Y7T8u-0F3szN1wp3oUOjmzND1cv1x8HTH7e7LhEnS3yJHhUEi85J8rWj6oDxcto682luQUGdwUk417PxHPzLf6H06yCuGxWAWd7vLYlntO2rvfrqeHXclVVUjmK5dyDEEq-Zx8mIc/s1600/1505407_616242328460808_2092396113151383567_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thankful and Blessed framed chalkboard print. Vintage glass bottle wrapped in burlap and rhinestones with vintage gloves and baby shoes. Handmade "Mom-to-be" keepsake pin.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFN_skfxXNE_uzsv8kfZPVxvxiqHlxXyaYl0RVKyQ22VhniSttsjd65A7Dflhc6unfv24pVg_vGUX34HuN6nINVo2wRUTxRxZgoLPBfqWGN-N-LlrPXUR7yHtIK6XqB26os9mzPyPSVw/s1600/10313453_621084251309949_5295472202000049430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFN_skfxXNE_uzsv8kfZPVxvxiqHlxXyaYl0RVKyQ22VhniSttsjd65A7Dflhc6unfv24pVg_vGUX34HuN6nINVo2wRUTxRxZgoLPBfqWGN-N-LlrPXUR7yHtIK6XqB26os9mzPyPSVw/s1600/10313453_621084251309949_5295472202000049430_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />Food table. White rosette pom bird. Mustard gold and cream polka dot fabric tablecloth. White serving dishes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoOk4fUPSy8tnLWcrM979ai4aoCQneC7lqeSTAHQbjQETbHoZ2ATgN5dLXGvIOsi_KyfC2HL6xCJ08Ux-jPNNNWM_p8kV8vIyeV7Oi6_rRfC60hLlV2QAhBovNCe_ixopG9E9xTGRzcc/s1600/10153054_616242251794149_518019371644572448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoOk4fUPSy8tnLWcrM979ai4aoCQneC7lqeSTAHQbjQETbHoZ2ATgN5dLXGvIOsi_KyfC2HL6xCJ08Ux-jPNNNWM_p8kV8vIyeV7Oi6_rRfC60hLlV2QAhBovNCe_ixopG9E9xTGRzcc/s1600/10153054_616242251794149_518019371644572448_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />Gift table. Fuchsia wall drape with turquoise table runner, blue Mason jars with fuchsia flowers. Vintage oval frame and gold letter E monogram. Orange and fuchsia paper lanterns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6w4vo6iTmbX0c_liuewpg7CRDhWUmxADy3VlpgWTcO1u6DMtgduQcnz-1zCqXS0rUAJyLsZEA673Bjwc4kFku0C7kaiAKkAkXqOUfc7XCmbGDoNlW6ZwwxarV_fWGdljZRktltmM8zI/s1600/10171235_621084477976593_307109533088404746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6w4vo6iTmbX0c_liuewpg7CRDhWUmxADy3VlpgWTcO1u6DMtgduQcnz-1zCqXS0rUAJyLsZEA673Bjwc4kFku0C7kaiAKkAkXqOUfc7XCmbGDoNlW6ZwwxarV_fWGdljZRktltmM8zI/s1600/10171235_621084477976593_307109533088404746_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />Hand-lettered chalkboard with baby's name. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-FrKodknzjX8NaFfYtHjBftiqlXxPjjSZzZhI8w_Wun2Tj9DRFPYxUqtYdHdmxJZZudNp8E9Ieyh9nqpZJAy25RYdrZbhmrYbOHpC2nHHWUL-MqilTfbJWboS2ie05ZKpxANbC9aS9E/s1600/10247399_616242241794150_9132938606676460203_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-FrKodknzjX8NaFfYtHjBftiqlXxPjjSZzZhI8w_Wun2Tj9DRFPYxUqtYdHdmxJZZudNp8E9Ieyh9nqpZJAy25RYdrZbhmrYbOHpC2nHHWUL-MqilTfbJWboS2ie05ZKpxANbC9aS9E/s1600/10247399_616242241794150_9132938606676460203_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Baby's nickname, "Junebug", for the banner. Made from muslin pennants, twine and gold tissue paper tassels.<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNIbZxl7mUGwC4yGo6YMVcSPphgUGRa-cdwsKUzncFITykwNxdiNxLAhS-aYeY2e1CBWJLpTf7izLL8VVj51iJiLM2u4K7AsyNqhzYJjgIL0YtAVxjMbQdaUJ6hC41Ky0ZDrnp_hcUVw/s1600/1601446_616242281794146_513410695472478393_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNIbZxl7mUGwC4yGo6YMVcSPphgUGRa-cdwsKUzncFITykwNxdiNxLAhS-aYeY2e1CBWJLpTf7izLL8VVj51iJiLM2u4K7AsyNqhzYJjgIL0YtAVxjMbQdaUJ6hC41Ky0ZDrnp_hcUVw/s1600/1601446_616242281794146_513410695472478393_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />Beautiful mommy-to-be. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipplgFb5ul3_GwdZcMSaAQJ61XTixyiuBK8kQzpPLWA3cadjknt-lEVvgQzXhlDuZJ_ydRBWetHsN6G-zshst3j2UJ2iQcg_qUZzj3tUmakddf9ZRDBR9SDpL87Rb0Xmk3iXyXInsqho/s1600/10258383_616242308460810_3671470239844190969_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipplgFb5ul3_GwdZcMSaAQJ61XTixyiuBK8kQzpPLWA3cadjknt-lEVvgQzXhlDuZJ_ydRBWetHsN6G-zshst3j2UJ2iQcg_qUZzj3tUmakddf9ZRDBR9SDpL87Rb0Xmk3iXyXInsqho/s1600/10258383_616242308460810_3671470239844190969_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />Gorgeous cupcakes and cake!</div>
<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-78305537483173169322013-09-29T18:28:00.003-07:002013-09-30T06:20:31.233-07:005 Tips for FABULOUS Autumn Family Photos <div style="text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again - that wonderfully magical time when the leaves start turning brilliant colors of the spectrum and gracefully falling to the earth by the droves. The air is crisp and just slightly damp. You can drive with no air on, just the windows down in your vehicle. </div>
But, most importantly, it's time for family photos!! <br />
Pictures of smiling kids all in coordinating clothes perfectly matched with their parents attire complete with hats and scarves. And <em>of course</em>, everyone is smiling genuinely while playing in a field of golden and amber leaves. <br />
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What delusional island do YOU live on?! Please! To capture family photo like the one described above the photographer would obviously have had to drug the entire family with some kind of narcotic just to get them all looking in the same direction, let alone smiling at the same time. <br />
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But, I get it, you want to know how to get that photo...that one. prize. photo for posterity's sake. (Don't we all). <br />
Well, let's do this! Where there is a will, there is a way.<br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Color Coordinating</span></u></em></strong><br />
This is the most difficult decision to be made of the entire event and, depending on your family size, can be the most costly. There are several things to consider in choosing your wardrobe. First of all, and most importantly, everyone. must. coordinate (not necessarily match - there IS a difference). Not only does it make for a more pleasing photograph to view, it looks more tasteful. It is worth every extra minute spent diligently searching for that one shirt in just the right color or skirt with just the right pattern to pull off the look you are wanting. (Plus, everyone gets new duds out of the deal which is just more incentive for them to suck it up and get it over with!)<br />
Something else to consider that you may not have thought of is where in your home to plan on displaying this photo? You want the clothes in your picture to compliment the most prominent color in that room. Otherwise, it will get lost and looked over. Are you planning to give it as a gift? You need to consider this same concept for the receiver's space. The easiest and most convenient colors are most often neutrals paired with a darker neutral such as the classic-never-out-of-style white with denim or khaki pants (and this has so many cool modern twists to it now!). Also, try to stick with 2 or 3 main colors with 1 accent color/metal. For example, if you've chosen white, cream and ivory shirts with grey pants, skirts and shorts, don't have a lone child in a yellow vest, unless yellow is your accent color and everyone else is wearing just a touch of it (headband, flower pin, etc). Otherwise, your family and their beautiful faces get lost in a sea of color. The only exception, I personally have found, to this rule is pastels. You can pick as many coordinating pastels as you want and it seems to turn out well every time. As far as patterns go, beware! It's easy to go overboard here. It's best to pick the child(ren) to wear a pattern. If you have one child wear floral, one wear a coordinating striped coat and everyone else in solids, this is perfectly acceptable. <br />
But above all else - DO. NOT. wear all black! It's dreary. It's dark. And it ends up making you all look like a bunch of floating heads. <br />
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Consider this photo. Although it's a good shot, they look like they just came from a funeral in this attire and their torsos get mingled in the sea of black and all you see is heads, upon heads, upon...well, you get the idea. There's no dimension!<br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=FiwPT2XQW_4mTM&tbnid=CWCcUyV4M-2CpM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmkalliesphoto.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Frabas-family.html&ei=ns5IUpnaO-Ks2wXjgYHQCQ&bvm=bv.53217764,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNGNN0F_dz5672rbZITjJp-qIuPF1Q&ust=1380588671229464" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="266" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5NT-SWK1LtWUfrQT5UJ-kcjjvy1_ITv7Nb5XiGdQn3ABEOdcVy0Nc1FMWmXxy0QM0r0PCqF3CCATDeOLp9NSa2Gk8eF5XK51_cYd2Xnwn5AUwKMsfqaGpuGnwZRZTCLGc8AnxaHlh4k/s400/IMG_4490.JPG" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
For inspiration on color schemes visit <a href="http://design-seeds.com/">http://design-seeds.com/</a><br />
For inspiration on outfit ideas or to create your own for future reference visit <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">http://www.polyvore.com/</a><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Glitz and Glam</span></u></em></strong><br />
Don't be shy here! If your daughter has a favorite headband, your husband a favorite bowtie and you a favorite pair of dangly earrings, wear them! This moment in time is a time to capture YOU and your unique family. What a perfect way to flash a bit of your family's personal style into the picture then by adding some of your favorite things? It adds pizzazz and dimension, an extra element of interest for the eye to observe. And don't forget the family pet(s)! <br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Indoor or Outdoor, That is the Quandary</span></u></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: white;">This is tricky. The outdoors during the Fall is simply majestic and breath-taking and most photographers live for this time of year simply for the festive display of color outside. Make sure to have a Plan B: Too cold outside? Raining? Blustery? Allergies giving your eyes fits? </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">It's. OK!</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Most professional photographers plan ahead for instances like this and will work with you to make your Plan B just as agreeable as your original plan, should you choose to give it the axe.</span><br />
Nowadays, there are so many cool backdrops that studio photographers can get and the props to get ahold of are endless! Consider having the photographer come to your home where your kids will feel more at ease and relaxed and more likely to smile genuinely (rather than looking like their best friend from Pre-K drew their smile on for them). <br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>Props</u></em></strong></span><br />
Props add another element of interest to the photo. Make sure they aren't the entire focus, however! If you've decided to take photos outside this Autumn, a vintage basket of red and green apples or sunflowers dumped over to one side is the perfect accent. But be wise in these prop layers. If you're sitting on a long bench as a family and have hay bales in the background with the basket of apples and a pile of leaves at your feet and the family is holding a frame to frame their faces in front of a field of sunflowers - it's overkill. <br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Be Yourselves</span></u></em></strong><br />
It's natural to want (no, more like covet) that one perfect shot for your family. But let's be honest, that is relative. It all depends on how you look at it. It may not be the one where everyone is smiling perfectly and sitting up straight, curls and collars all primped and pinned. It may be the outtake of your daughter crossing her eyes in exasperation or the one of your husband desperately trying to keep Fido's tongue off the baby's face. My absolute favorite family photo didn't have my favorite facial expressions or hair position or clothing tucked in just right. However, it is my favorite because my son is giving a thumbs up, which shows off the complete epicness of his feeling for our little family! <br />
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This is an example of the perfect (indoor) family photo. Everyone coordinates but is not matchy-matchy. There is texture all over - in the ruffles of the babies' skirts, the feathers on big sister's skirt, the lace on the oldest sister's jacket, dad's bowtie and brother's glasses. The family pet is even included in the one cool prop. <br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=BAPW5pV8VtQQTM&tbnid=8D7QPmYGC0tMTM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.harvardhomemaker.com%2Ffamily-sibling-photos-for-pose-ideas-and-inspiration%2F&ei=RstIUrDQGoOk2AWxhoAI&bvm=bv.53217764,d.b2I&psig=AFQjCNGNN0F_dz5672rbZITjJp-qIuPF1Q&ust=1380588671229464" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="293" id="irc_mi" src="http://harvardhomemaker.shareist.com/uploads/16919861919c1694260e3ad241d65cff_36514_l.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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And BONUS! Here is a cool printable (FREE, of course!) for organizing, coordinating and budgeting your family photos (as we know these precious memories can tend to eat a substantial chunk of a tight budget this time of year). <br />
<a href="http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/Becca-101-Family-Picture-Printable.pdf">http://www.thedatingdivas.com/wp-content/uploads/Becca-101-Family-Picture-Printable.pdf</a><br />
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I hope these few tips help to ease your anxiety and answer your questions when it comes to this year's photo shoot. And by they way, maybe that delusional island isn't such a long and treacherous journey to get to after all! <br />
Good luck and HAVE FUN!!<br />
XOXO, <br />
CarissaCarissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-73903333744276136222013-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:002013-08-02T07:48:08.937-07:00We've all had those moments, days, weeks, months, maybe years where we've felt alone. Whether it's having an illness that no one really truly can connect your struggles and pains with (although they sincerely try). Or if we've suffered from a bout of depression where no matter how hard we try to can connect with the outside world we still feel isolated on the deepest level imaginable. Or maybe it's just not feeling like you're being understood for a moment in time by friends or family and feel just a bit disconnected. Perhaps, it's the loss of a person close to us that leaves that deepest of empty feelings? There are so many moments like these some tiny, some gargantuan in our lives. This piece is a sympathizing one on all these aspects (inspired by a dear friend of mine being as brave as ever through her own personal struggles). <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #741b47;">"Sick Bed"</span></strong></div>
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It is not what is said</div>
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but words left homeless</div>
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that inhabit the crooked crags of my heart.</div>
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Drowning in a dark bitter dread</div>
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of a life of time-less</div>
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study and wishing for mine to start.</div>
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Alone in the world I'm lead</div>
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but never companion-less.</div>
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Yet, here still am I left to fall apart. </div>
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And in my head</div>
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I'm smiling nonetheless;</div>
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a face that frowning smiles is an abstract art.</div>
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Where to be lead?</div>
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Away to convalesce </div>
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and leave you to tell the two apart. </div>
Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-40383480220782606132013-05-23T09:40:00.002-07:002014-07-02T15:08:07.687-07:00From Drab to Fab on a budget<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Historic building in downtown Durant that was doomed to be condemned</div>
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has now got a new lease on life! </div>
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Entryway</div>
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Kitchen</div>
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Old wooden sign from the original Main Street Cafe bought at a local garage sale for $20. </div>
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Custom cabinets and black onyx granite. The color on the cabinets is Balsam. The island was a one of a kind find in Canton, Tx. </div>
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The stone wall was originally all brick which, unfortunately, couldn't be saved due to major deterioration. I loved the contrast of the rough textured walls against the softness of the light kitchen cabinets so we opted for an old world stone. </div>
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The masterbedroom. </div>
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Our favorite old lady, Miss Madge in her favorite spot in the entire apartment. </div>
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I love soft romantic mood lighting for a bedroom and table lamps and can lights just can't acheive that. So, I had these beautiful one-light chandeliers installed as an option for more low key lighting. They give off a soft light with magnificent shadows along the walls and ceiling. Just what I was looking for!</div>
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A bathroom has to look clean and sleek for me to feel comfortable in it and white everywhere screams "clean and posh". The contrast with the dark chestnut doors just adds to the drama of the whole apartment. </div>
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I am a reflective person and so it only seemed appropriate to display my collection of garage-sale mirrors in my bathroom where I'm getting ready for the day. Looking myself in the mirror for an hour or so during my morning routine of make-up, hair, etc, symbollically allows me to reflect upon who I am and what I need to be for others today. </div>
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A collage of old frames, again collected from garage sales, frame up some of our family photos and moto. </div>
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My sons' room is everything I hoped it would turn out to be and more. I look at my sons and wonder what wild adventures they will run into today, tomorrow and when they're grown and it's a bittersweet thought. I hope they run to see the world one day and are a hero to many. I hired a young artist, Jesse Ellsworth, to paint a map on his entire wall with the quote from Hellen Keller, "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." I hope that inspires them to live life to the fullest without compromising their morals and standards. </div>
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A collection of vintage license plates from all over the country frame up the doorway to the boys' bathroom. </div>
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My 2 youngest daughter's room. </div>
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My art studio is my sanctuary. This is where I come to get away from the world and release my stress and creative desires into my work.</div>
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There is so much natural light in this apartment that most of the time the lights in the house stay off. I love the feel of the airy texture from the windows on the yogurt-colored walls of my art studio and adjoining living room. </div>
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My little knick-knack corner where I keep my unique finds that have been orphaned over time from flea markets, garage sales and antique shops. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tg7ZMmn-UX7ELAXrOK8PfMoXzjdULNyoulZ1jKSFpbwDZDOYPuzn3nibKZzX8CpfZcvR2gbjsX7nuYomWh2dVsZt4CVB9oae8C689yHJ_UVSDGU_60mGaakC7pCeCZHRS0D3lzxhUIQ/s1600/0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tg7ZMmn-UX7ELAXrOK8PfMoXzjdULNyoulZ1jKSFpbwDZDOYPuzn3nibKZzX8CpfZcvR2gbjsX7nuYomWh2dVsZt4CVB9oae8C689yHJ_UVSDGU_60mGaakC7pCeCZHRS0D3lzxhUIQ/s320/0007.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></div>
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I repurposed an old pair of child ballet slippers into a fun inspirational piece using old lace, earring clips, cardstock and glitter. (Inspiration found on Pinterest).</div>
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Throughout the entire loft the ceiling are 12 feet high giving plenty of head room and making the space feel even more open and inviting.</div>
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I hope you enjoyed the tour through our pride and joy. This has definitely been a labor of love and we are so happy to say one of Downtown Durant's finest historic buildings has a fresh start with lots of years to create even more historic memories. <br />
XOXO,<br />
C<br />
<br />
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<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-1008793490744969882013-03-27T09:17:00.003-07:002013-03-27T09:17:48.952-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-15697463429248531332013-03-26T12:34:00.001-07:002013-03-26T12:34:04.756-07:00The Tuesday Transcriber"The Haunting"<br />
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I know you're there -<br />
the hair on my neck makes me aware.<br />
Invisible atmosphere you dare not share<br />
surrounds you everywhere. <br />
Never a word you say,<br />
as the daylight fades<br />
and seems to stray from your face,<br />
and you remain elusive as always. <br />
You love me from afar<br />
even with all my scars,<br />
as bizarre as they are,<br />
and I am forever your shining star.<br />
But what is it you really want?<br />
A nonchalant jaunt you taunt<br />
and with imaginary courage flaunt<br />
at me your face that still haunts. <br />
I long for a touch-<br />
so much; maybe too much? <br />
The lost sensation is a crutch<br />
to which I willingly clutch.<br />
Dare I search in the dark<br />
for a hidden mark,<br />
a spark in this amusement park<br />
on which I wittingly embark? <br />
Would I find you there?<br />
Or just feel your stare<br />
in the air of your recumbent lair,<br />
and remain to stay your memory's heir?Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-4488432246587898472013-03-11T13:08:00.000-07:002013-03-11T13:08:20.340-07:00Somewhere over the Rainbow (and back again)Oh wow...what a weekend this has been! Let me just start off by saying that allergies SUCK. I have been either wiping my raw runny nose, sneezing my eyeballs out or laying in bed with a massive headache (or a combination of all 3) since Thursday. <br />
Hence, my hiatus. <br />
And I still don't have a post for Modest Monday. However, I just HAVE to post the birthday party I threw for Julia, my youngest daughter, this past Saturday! It's the only thing I got accomplished this entire weekend. Literally. <br />
I present to you: The Wizard of Oz<br />
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I took this shot before I laid down the "Yellow Brick Road" that I forgot about until the absolute very last second! But it leads you straight to....<br />
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The Emerald City. But the bell is out of order, so will you kindly knock? <br />
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And inside the Emerald City was a feast of Wizardly porportions!<br />
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And of course, picnic baskets...<br />
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Why, hello little Toto!<br />
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Found these posters free on the internet!<br />
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Then, the girls painted their very own Dorothy houses to take home. <br />
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We played Pin the heart on the Tin Man and Lauren won!!<br />
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Next, it was time to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl! <br />
AND open presents!!<br />
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She quite happy with all she got. <br />
And last but certainly not least, we can't forget the parting gifts for all of our munchkins.<br />
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All in all it was a success as no witches were spotted in our area for the entire celebration! And I hope these little Munchkins come back to visit us at The Emerald City again soon! <br />
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Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-45010028406004564162013-03-06T11:10:00.001-08:002013-03-06T11:10:46.156-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-28646569854903732412013-03-05T15:05:00.000-08:002013-03-05T15:05:38.522-08:00Tuesday Transcriber"Kitty Cat, Pretty Cat"<br />
<br />
The lazy day is slept away<br />
all curled in a ball of fur. <br />
Lazy cat, sleepy cat. <br />
Purr, purr, purr.<br />
<br />
Milk in the dish fulfills her wish<br />
and off to the kitchen she slips. <br />
Hungry cat, thirsty cat. <br />
Sip, sip, sip.<br />
<br />
Milk here, milk there<br />
in her fluffy fur so thick. <br />
Yucky cat, mucky cat.<br />
Lick, lick, lick. <br />
<br />
Toss and fling that ball of string<br />
around the room all day. <br />
Silly cat, frilly cat.<br />
Play, play, play.<br />
<br />
A cold wet nose and soft little toes<br />
wants to be rubbed right now. <br />
Pushy cat, mushy cat. <br />
Meow, meow, meow. <br />
<br />
Nowhere has there been a pair<br />
quite like we two.<br />
Kitty cat, pretty cat. <br />
I love you. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dedicated to my Madge.</span> Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-77948177251305688852013-02-28T16:59:00.001-08:002013-02-28T17:08:55.986-08:00Thursday's Take-Out<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">I<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">'m not sure what the deal is<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"> but I've been craving comfort food, I mean good ol' <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">greasy home<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>-</b></u></span>style meals like nobody'<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">s business lately!! (Well, actually I can probably pinpoint <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">the reason - boys, now is the time to skip ahead to the next paragrap<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">h - <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's</span></span></span></span></span></span> a certain time of the month, but that's <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">TMI, really, <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">now </span></span>isn't it?) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">An<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">yhow, found t<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">his gem of a recipe on Pinterest and knew f<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">or sure THIS would quiet my <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">nagging cravings after seeing it was none other than a Paula Deen recipe. I was saved! It was a little more involved than I like some of my meals to be, since I'm a bus<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">y working mom, but it w<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">as worth every second I spent in preparation<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">. Every single one of my kiddos ate th<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">ese and licked the plate clean! One even went back for seconds. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">, Paula. I owe you one. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">this <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">recipe probably added a few more than a pound or two to my wa<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">ist line, <span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="font-size: small;">so perhaps, you owe me?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Farmer's Pork Chops</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Via: Paula Deen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">www.pauladeen.com </span><br />
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<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>8 Smithfield Boneless Pork Chops, about 1/2 inch thick </li>
<li>8 medium potatoes </li>
<li>1/2 medium onion </li>
<li>Salt and pepper to taste </li>
<li>1 cup all-purpose flour </li>
<li>2 tablespoons <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003T01PH0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003T01PH0&linkCode=as2&tag=flsctv-20">Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt</a></li>
<li>1/3 cup vegetable oil </li>
<li>Paula Deen’s white sauce (see below)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u>Paula Deen’s White Sauce</u><br />
<ul>
<li>8 tablespoons (1 stick) of butter </li>
<li>1/2 cup all-purpose flour </li>
<li>4 cups milk </li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional) </li>
<li>1 to 2 teaspoons salt </li>
<li>1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
Instructions:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Peel potatoes;
slice 1/4 inch thick and cover with cold water.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Slice onion into very
thin slices, and then cut the slices in half. Drain potatoes; layer half
the potatoes in a well-greased 15x10 inch casserole dish. Scatter half
of the onion slices on top of potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to
taste. Repeat with remaining potatoes and onions. Cover potatoes with
white sauce. <br />
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Cover casserole dish with plastic wrap and microwave for 5
minutes on high or bake uncovered for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Sprinkled seasoned salt on pork chops and dredge chops in flour mixture.
Lightly brown chops in vegetable oil. Do not cook them completely.<br />
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<br />
As
chops are removed from frying pan, lay them on top of potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 to 60 minutes.<br />
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The juices from the pork chops will drip down into the potatoes. Delicious!<br />
<br />
Paula Deen’s White Sauce :<br />
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<br />
Melt
butter; remove from heat. Stir in flour; add salt and pepper. Return to
heat and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Add milk, 1
cup at a time. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and simmer 1 to 2 minutes, then let stand at least 1 to 2
minutes. Stir in parsley or chives, if desired.<br />
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We served ours with corn and sweet carrots. It was SOOOOO good!!!<br />
If you try it, I'd love to know what you thought of it. Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-33456946163359710942013-02-27T12:27:00.003-08:002022-06-06T09:30:51.340-07:00Tuesday Transcriber Make-up Post<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">(My) Once Upon a Time...</span></u></div>
<br />
My day begins. The time of overthrowing villainous tyrants, wrangling snaggle-toothed monsters and conquering the world is at hand. Today - I make my own destiny (and my bed, if time allows). <br />
As I sit up in bed and stretch, opening my sleepy eyes to the morning, a sight comes into focus. Mounds of blankets on the floor to either side of my bed, and one very large one in my bed next to me, are slowly stirring and I see 2 tiny clawed toes sticking out of one of the blankets on the floor and tufts of ratted hair poking out of another. From underneath both of those, I hear heavy breathing and low, throaty, growling sounds. <br />
I am surrounded. <br />
I slide off the bed and tip-toe ever so carefully around the slumbering creatures only to discover another one at the foot of my bed. This one is drooling and growling louder than the first. It seems safe to walk over as this one appears to be hopelessly tangled in the blankets and is half stuffed under my bed. This is one heck of a land mine and I must tread lightly so as not to wake the beasts. If only I could figure out why they infiltrated so voraciously in the night. <br />
Manuervering my way through the treacherous swamplands, I manage to make it to my bathroom and brush my teeth without disturbing the creatures in the other room, although they are stirring more frequently now. One snorted. Forget changing out of my pjs and into my suit of armour this morning or doing my hair or make-up. And the loo is definitely out of the question, all too risky. This maiden will be working on her iron bladder skills. Maybe not all hope is lost...there is another bathroom down the hall. <br />
Peering out into the hallway, I am dismayed. The light in my oldest creature's lair is on and there is movement in the shadows. There is no evading her. She has eyes and ears that can sense my presence from miles away. In order to pass her territory I must offer a sacrifice - usually a pair of shoes or a cute shirt will work in satisfying her insatiable demands. <br />
Today, as I pass, she is sifting through the ruins that is her closet, most of which now makes up the floor of her cave. I try to slide by undetected, but am betrayed by a faulty floorboard. <br />
"Mom! You're up, good! I need to borrow a purse." <br />
I gulp. "Which one?"<br />
"I was thinking the new one you just got from Coach." she says looking at her freshly filed claws. <br />
"No! Not that one! Anything but that one, I beg of you!" I plead on my knees. <br />
In the end, it is a small price to pay to use the restroom without waking up the little monsters in my room. I spent the next hour tip-toeing as quietly as a mouse disarming booby traps around the house. Some of the most disarming I've seen include, tiny Lego pieces which can leave a hero limping for days; tiny rolling things which can send a person crashing to their doom; or the worst of them - a secret barrier behind passageway doors that, like a cannon, shoot the door directly back at the unsuspecting individual and leave them wondering what happened when they wake up on the floor with a nasty knot of their forehead. <br /> And so begins the first quest of my day. I must prepare myself for battle. It will be mostly friendly fire but nonetheless - I must prepare for the worst. Since I have not had the chance to make it to the maiden's chambers, I am still in my night clothes, and for this Iam thankful. I don a long apron as my breastplate, a large rag as a shield and several eating utensils as my weapons of choice for this war. Let the war begin...<br />
The first blow is served by, none other than, the most dashing creature, my oldest son. He and his older sister apparently finished supping at the same time to which they raced to the sink. The girl creature won, much to the dismay of my man-creature, who proceeded to wrestle her to the ground, sit on her face and, shall we say, release built up pressure from his bowels. <br />
"MOOOOOOMMMM!! Make him get off of me!" come her muffled screams. "It stinks so bad!!" she says gagging. The man-creature giggles. Looks like it's time for my first retaliation. Commence Evil-Eye Stare! The day may still be young, but my magic powers are thoroughly warmed up and the man-creature obeys my wordless order, retreating without further incident. The girl creature gasps and the green color begins to leave her face. <br />
Scanning the battlefield, I spot the most docile of the creatures, my middle child, although you'd never know this fact by the gruesome mess that is her dismembered breakfast. The toast has been severely scorched and I don't expect it to make a full recovery. The butter has obvious schrapnel wounds, but will pull through. The jelly on the other hand, has been cut to bits and is bleeding out all over the table. <br />
Despite the gore described, there seems to be minimal damage. I breathe a sigh of relief and, like a foolish unlearned warrior, let my gaurd down just a little. <br />
<strong><em>*SPLAT!*</em></strong> <br />
I'm hit! Luckily, 'tis a minor flesh wound. I look around at the suspects only to find giggling monsters all pointing in the same direction. <br />
The tiny Prince sits in his high throne with a severed piece of granola bar in hand and a grin on his lips. <br />
Surveying the land sends me on Quest #2, and may require the use of a little magic persuasion: Wrangle creatures to get castle as clean as possible (and keep it that way for as long as possible). It's a daunting task but, it must be faced. Otherwise, our world would be overrun by the Underdwellers, scavenging little 6-legged creatures that can overthrow even the most guarded of castles. <br /> And yet, divvying up chores proves to be even more counter-productive than washing dishes in dirty bath water. <br />
"But, Moooomm. I'm supposed to meet my friends in a few minutes", moans the teenage creature. This is the self-same creature I encountered earlier. She has finally emerged from the bathroom I sacrificed a precious item for just an hour earlier. "Can't we do this later when I get back?" she bargains. <br />
"Well, when will that be?" I indulge her with a tone of negotiation, much to the merriment of the other creatures. With a bit of playing field now, I'm much more confident in my negotiations with her this go round. <br />
"That's the thing, I was going to ask you if I could spend the night." she smiles, hopefully. <br />
"Oh, well in that case - no", and I handed her the broom. Teenage creature exhales rather loudly for such an early hour of the day. I look at her and mouth the word "Coach" to her. She begins sweeping diligently. <br />
"Mom?" comes the voice of my man-creature. "Aren't I too small for chores?" he asks with a look of hope twinkling in his eye, eyebrows raised. <br />
The irritation in my voice in rising. "No! In fact, in my experience, he who is of smaller stature produces more filth and therefore, must removie it vigorously." Man-creature, kicks his foot at what I can only assume was an invisible imp.<br />
With chores endowed upon the lot of them, the work begins. However, most of the time this consists of most of the little monsters doing chores that undo someone else's chore and me struggling to keep up while coming along and picking up the pieces. I begin to wonder why I didn't just disperse them into the world and clean by myself, because essentially, this is my work x2. <br />
It's not long before my little creatures begin to morph into tyranical little toads like some evil spell had been cast upon them. Gnashing teeth and clawing was not to be unheard of. I was no stranger to this plague. The cure, thank goodness, was easily attainable. I would have to use one of my counter-spells. <br />
"STOP!" I shout with both arms raised to the sky. As I eyeballed the lot of them, I saw wide-eyed monsters gnawing calves and tiny fingers interwined in tangled, matted ponytails. Slobber dribbled from the corner of one's mouth. The stare I gave was bold, authoritative. I was gaining my ground, my position, back in the land. <br />
"This will cease or so help me, you are all doomed to a life of endless despair, locked away from the outside world until your insides have rotted!" <br />
It is at this precise moment that the moral of our story reveals itself. For in walks the man-creature, muddied from head to toe. He has just come back from his obviously perilous garbage-dumping journey. He is being as brave as a little dashing monster can be and fighting fiercely against the tears pooling in his eyes. The dewey-eyed Prince looks at his brother and shakes his head 'no' as he seems to unwittingly know this is the absolute worst moment in time to have arrived in this state of being.<br />
The revelation dawns on me like a sunrise on Mercury. Apparently, it rained last night, (and from the looks of my little man-creature, it was a torrential downpour that I'm surprised didn't carry us all off into oblivion), which is why the creatures made their camp in my bed chambers. <br />
"I...*sniffle*, I fell in the mud and now I'm all filthy in our clean house" his little voice cracks under the pressure of his emotions.<br />
I let my once majestic and authoritarian hands fall to my humble sides. The man-creature turns to go bathe leaving a trail of fresh muddled footprints on the Pine-fresh floors. A disagreeable objection comes from one of the other creatures, the one I'm assuming did the mopping. <br />
"Wait." I interject pleadingly and walk to him, kneeling by his side. The tear is dangling by a lone eyelash but holding fast. I wipe it away with my thumb. "I think I may have been a bit confused on my earlier words of wisdom." <br />
"Really? *sniffle* How?" he asks sheepishly, still not looking me in the eye. <br />
"What I meant to say was 'he who is of smaller stature produces the most cuteness and therefore...(dramatic pause for effect)....must be tickle-tortured!" <br />
A roar arises from the lot of the creatures, my beautiful little monsters, and they all quickly join in laughing and giggling and smiling gleefully. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And we all lived (and learned) happily ever after. </div>
Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-74870889986326362862013-02-27T09:04:00.002-08:002013-02-27T09:04:46.388-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7iQF5Kq9jsiHqb_AhPMNuGVU9pqzTRr83-JmympznsxyUI8-s7eXSsSDQ4gFhUrb3U2htB8BxRR7LeOFcF0xfLfhKi-Rjb1h7lm8sWeyBq9eNBXDuLxGwl2VnSf4lLFX_YWL-SAyqTA/s1600/d897718f278e0d913b24d64368e8fbab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7iQF5Kq9jsiHqb_AhPMNuGVU9pqzTRr83-JmympznsxyUI8-s7eXSsSDQ4gFhUrb3U2htB8BxRR7LeOFcF0xfLfhKi-Rjb1h7lm8sWeyBq9eNBXDuLxGwl2VnSf4lLFX_YWL-SAyqTA/s320/d897718f278e0d913b24d64368e8fbab.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-59984152939811159042013-02-23T14:20:00.002-08:002013-02-23T14:20:33.752-08:00Saturday StalkerAfter a long and wonderfully uplifting morning at a Relief Society conference today, I. am. beat! <br />
Spiritually, I am full. <br />
Emotionally, I am whole. <br />
Mentally, I am repaired. <br />
Physically, I am drained. (Maybe staying up late playing games with friends when I have to get up early the next day isn't such a good idea after all?)<br />
<br />
The main theme of the 3 workshops I chose to go to was "Demand in yourselves improvement. Do not expect perfection." The last class was by far my favorite because the message the teacher conveyed spoke straight to the heart of my heart. It was for me, no doubt. And I love hearing about new blogs to start following and today I found one! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKwsovTEI5w57V9CzWxej-_ETZKO3aLyfKMnnXho4kOugNERgUh6AJZZTIUtxCSbvAWFpH4Zi_3dsGVVD2A1zSZUsxudzxpgcckR8Nzz0CiRIhGJqsgnuDaXDt6H2t8vifv4-CTi3BMA/s1600/drops-of-awesome-010-1024x678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKwsovTEI5w57V9CzWxej-_ETZKO3aLyfKMnnXho4kOugNERgUh6AJZZTIUtxCSbvAWFpH4Zi_3dsGVVD2A1zSZUsxudzxpgcckR8Nzz0CiRIhGJqsgnuDaXDt6H2t8vifv4-CTi3BMA/s320/drops-of-awesome-010-1024x678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/" target="_blank">Daring Young Mom</a> is a unique inspiring blog from a young mom in Seattle. I'm linking you up to one of my favorite posts by her here, <a href="http://www.daringyoungmom.com/2012/12/19/drops-of-awesome/" target="_blank">Drops of Awesome</a>. It was the main message of my favorite class today. <br />
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I did...Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-5378788663717308952013-02-22T10:25:00.001-08:002013-09-29T16:53:55.636-07:00Free-for-All Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For the Love of a Child...</span></div>
<br />
If you've followed my blog for the past month, and read my Tuesday Transcriber postings, and you didn't know me, you'd most likely think I was a dark, depressed individual. Heck, even if you do know me, you might begin to worry about my mental health status. <br />
I'll admit, it's been a rough few months. <br />
We lost a baby through a private adoption <strong>fail</strong>! We only had the little sweetheart for about 72 hours but the sever was traumatizing, not only because I was having to give a child back (whom I was told was going to be MINE for 7 solid months before we even got her), but because of how it went down. It was beyond odd and soap opera-ish and I'm not going to delve into it with anyone. <br />
It's over. <br />
It's behind me. <br />
However, it still hurts and haunts. <br />
But that story and it's outcome does not define who I am. It does not stop me from being me and expressing myself and my opinions. <br />
In fact, I learned a lot about me and my capabilities. <br />
We've known for several years we wanted to adopt. We wanted a big family originally, but I was only (ha! o<em>nly</em>) able to have 4 children before the doctor said it was taking a toll on me to carry them. Plus, I had terrible PPD. So, the option of adopting came into light, but was fleeting. Because in all reality, <strong><u>I</u></strong> wasn't sure <strong><u>I</u> </strong>could love, I mean <em>truly</em> love, a child that I had not bonded with through pregnancy and birth. It scared me because I knew that wasn't fair to that child and I just didn't think I had it in me. <br />
<br />
It is <em>amazingly mind-boggling</em> what a person is capable of once you turn your plans, your ideas, your struggles, your pride, over to God. <br />
It wasn't until I had a very vivid dream one night that I realized there was a plan for us and it included adoption. I won't describe the dream here because it would take up way too much cyber-land, but I will say this - it was <strong><em>the</em></strong> most vivid, colorful, happy dream I have ever had in all my years of slumber. I had a young artist paint the most predominant part of the dream, which was a huge Oak tree filled with bright colorful silk fabrics hanging from it. I came to realize those fabrics represented children in need of a home, a forever family. A purple silk was wrapped around me and I knew we had one of those sweet angels coming to us soon. We began the paper work and classes and became approved as an adoptive family in Jan. 2010.<br />
[Fast forward to Jan. 2012]<br />
(Once again, I stalled us from adopting because my fear of the unknown got in the way. A entire year slipped by before... )<br />
<br />
We received a phone call that proved not only urgent but life-altering. <br />
The case worker on the other end of the line said "newborn", "desperate need of a home", "Can you?"<br />
My heart froze.<br />
I asked if I could talk it over with my husband, hung up the phone and the next thing I know I heard the word, "Yes" come out of my mouth into my cellphone. <br />
I figured it would be a couple weeks before we actually got the baby so, I was preparing myself mentally and emotionally for a newborn. In about 12 hours I received another phone call stating that the baby would arrive the very next day.<br />
Needless to say, my anxiety levels sky-rocketed. I rushed out to buy all things baby that we no longer had anything of (considering our youngest now was 8!) <br />
It came time to pick the baby up from DHS.<br />
It was a Wednesday. <br />
It was cold. <br />
We were met by several ladies oo-ing and aw-ing over how cute this little bundle was in the back with the case worker. <br />
I shivered slightly. And I wasn't sure if it was because I was cold or nervous, quite honestly.<br />
We were led back to a small room and there, in the arms of our case worker, were the tiniest little face and hands I had seen in a long time, nestled into a soft blue blanket. <br />
And I knew. <br />
He was mine. It hit me like a ton of bricks. <br />
Now, I was still nervous, but no longer because I was afraid of not being fair to this child with my love and attention, but because I was afraid I had forgotten how to raise a baby. lol<br />
But mainly, I was afraid that I was going to spoil this child rotten!! <br />
But that is not the case. Not at all. In fact, it's quite the opposite turn of events - he has spoiled us! <br />
We've had Newman since he was 3 weeks old. He's now 14 months old and so very much a part of me that if anything were to happen to prevent us from finalizing the adoption, I'm really not certain my heart could handle the loss.<br />
It kills me, every day, waiting for the court date so I don't have to worry about anything coming between me and my sweet baby boy. <br />
I've not been able to post a single adorable picture or sweet, funny video of his antics since we got him because that would be a violation of his rights, until he is finally ours. I understand that and don't dispute it one bit....but I'm so anxious!!! I want the <em><strong>world</strong></em> to see him at his brightest, with us, in his forever family. <br />
But patience is not my strongest virtue. <br />
I guess I'm getting some practice in for whatever God has in store for me in the future. <br />
*sigh*<br />
So, I'll keep waiting. <br />
I have kept a journal for him from the day we first got him and have posted important events and milestones in it for his curiosity and reading pleasure later on down the road. On the second page I have written down the lyrics to a song I feel describes my feelings for him perfectly... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">"A Thousand Years"</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Christina Perri</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_2"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="150">Heart beats fast,</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_3"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="150">Colors and promises.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_4">How to be brave?</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_5"></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="152">How can I love when I'm afraid t</em></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_6"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="152">o fall?</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_7"><em>But watching you stand alone</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_8"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="154">All of my doubt s</em></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_9"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="154">uddenly goes away somehow.</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_10"><em>One step closer.</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_12"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">I have died everyday </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_13"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">waiting for you.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_14"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">Darling don't be afraid, </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_15"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">I have loved you for a t</em></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_16"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">housand years,</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_17"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">I'll love you for at t</em></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_18"><em class="smline sm" data-meaningid="156">housand more.</em></span><br />
<span class="line line-s" id="line_20"><em>Time stands still,</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_21"><em>beauty in all [he] is.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_22"><em>I will be brave.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_23">I will not let anything t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_24">ake away</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_25"><em>what's standing in front of me.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_26">Every breath, e</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_27">very hour has come to this.</span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_28">One step closer.</span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_30">I have died everyday,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_32"><em>Waiting for you.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_33"><em>Darling don't be afraid,</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_34">I have loved you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_35">housand years,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s">I'll love you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_37">housand more.</span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_38">And all along I believed</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_39">I would find you. </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span class="line line-s">T</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_40">ime has brought y</span></em><span class="line line-s" id="line_41"><em>our heart to me.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_42">I have loved you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_43">housand years,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span class="line line-s" id="line_44">I'll love you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_45">housand more.</span><br /><span class="line line-s" id="line_46">One step closer,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_47"><em>One step closer.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_49"><em>I have died everyday </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span class="line line-s">w</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_50">aiting for you.</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_51"></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"><em>Darlin' don't be afraid,</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_52">I have loved you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_53">housand years,</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="line line-s"></span><em><span class="line line-s" id="line_54">I'll love you for a t</span><span class="line line-s" id="line_55">housand more.</span></em></div>
<br />
I. <strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">LOVE.</span></em></strong> this. little. man. of. mine.Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-19485995296932565762013-02-21T08:17:00.001-08:002013-02-21T08:17:07.313-08:00Thursday's Take-Out<br />
Ok, ok... <br />
Several of you have asked for the recipe for the soup Jonathan brought to the chili/soup cook-off a couple Fridays ago. <br />
I'll give it to you, but you first must understand something....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><i>That was MY recipe</i></b></u>!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I found it, I made it, I tweaked it and made it again, I fed it to my husband like the good diligent wife I am and he loved it the second the spoon touched his dry, hungry mouth. When it came time for the cook-off, he <u><i><b>betrayed</b></i></u> me! Took my own recipe and entered it into the competition against me!<br />
<i>Do you understand what I'm trying to say here, people?! </i><br />
*heaving heavily with blood shot eyes and sweat dripping from forehead*<br />
So.<br />
Now that we have that out of the way, here is the recipe.<br />
(But I'm warning you, if I find this in the next Chili/Soup Cook-off......<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm coming after you</span></span>...)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;">Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana Soup Knock-off</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><strong>Ingredients: </strong><br />1 lb Sage Sausage <br />
1 medium onion<br />
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced<br />
5-7 slices of bacon<br />
5 medium russet potatoes, sliced thin (about 1/4")<br />
2 c kale, chopped<br />
1 c heavy whipping cream or half and half<br />
1 qt water<br />
2 cans of chicken broth<br />
2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7136875993095058182" name="more"></a><strong>Directions: </strong><br />
Brown the sausage with the onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain and set aside. Wipe the pan out and fry the bacon until brown and crisp. Set aside on paper towels and pat dry. Combine the water, broth and potatoes in a soup pot until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Add sausage and bacon and simmer another 10 minutes. Add the kale and cream. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and simmer until heated through. Do not allow to boil. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serves 4. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">(remember, you have been warned....)</span></span></div>
Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-13794568274431413312013-02-20T13:48:00.000-08:002013-02-20T13:48:44.054-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-21171552258032065462013-02-19T10:08:00.001-08:002013-02-19T10:18:52.639-08:00High Tea with the Crawley familyLet me just start off by saying that if you are just getting into Downton, there is a HUGE spoiler alert here. Do not read any further, but rather skip to the pictures. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">You have been warned!!</span></u></strong></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span></u></strong> </div>
*Hankie in hand, sniffling violently* <br />
How can we go on, how can we survive without Lord Matthew?! <br />
It was hard enough losing Sybil, but Matthew!? <br />
Lady Mary is a strong individual and character and I imagine she'll get on just fine without him...<em>eventually</em>. The fact of the matter is, she struggled to finally snag him (and at first struggled to decide if she even <em>wanted</em> to snag him). And now that she got him, sorted out the fact that they were not incapable of having children and the ever-engaging problem of how to save Downton, my only question is why?? <br />
<strong><em>WHY?!</em></strong> <br />
But, Matthew did leave his legacy behind. As LAdy Mary so matter-of-factly stated "We did our duty." <br />
<em><strong>*sigh*</strong></em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">But why...? </span><br />
Now, I've got to wait another 11 months to find out what happens to the poor baby chap and Mary. And Branson, for that matter! <br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Ok, the coast is clear. You may read on from here...</u></strong></span></div>
<br />
We celebrated the Season 3 Finale in high fashion with a proper english dinner and tea before the viewing. Enjoy!<br />
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A table spread I think the Dowager would be proud of. </div>
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"At my age, one must ration one's excitement." The Dowager Countess</div>
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Our proper English titles.</div>
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"What is a weekend?" The Dowager Countess of Grantham</div>
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Shrimp Cocktail Shooters</div>
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Mini Quiche Lorraine and Florentine.</div>
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Chicken, fruit and nut salad</div>
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Sausage and Bacon bites</div>
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Smoked Oyster, olive and avocado bruschetta. </div>
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Asparagus creme soup</div>
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Sparkling Georgia Peach and Bartlett Pear Juice</div>
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The desserts. Caramel Pecan tartlets, Chocolate cream tartlets, tuxedo cups, lace cookies with cranerry-orange curd and coconut. </div>
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I must say, the food was divine, the company enjoyed and the viewing superb! </div>
Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-83061519908890486192013-02-19T09:14:00.002-08:002013-02-19T09:14:34.916-08:00The Tuesday Transcriber<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Dark"</span></div>
<br />
I feel it all around me,<br />
neverending,<br />
ever blending<br />
into the vein of my sanity;<br />
<br />
Seeping into my soul<br />
completely,<br />
discreetly,<br />
devouring me whole.<br />
<br />
I wrestle with myself;<br />
unfair,<br />
unaware<br />
the chain I forged myself.<br />
<br />
The dark covers my eyes,<br />
laughing,<br />
lapping<br />
at the tears I dare cry. <br />
<br />
Is it all just a game?<br />
Innocent,<br />
impotent<br />
to who and what we blame?<br />
<br />
Or is this destruction?<br />
The finale? <br />
Death Valley - <br />
my soul's voluntary abduction?<br />
<br />
The story's been penned. <br />
Learn,<br />
or burn?<br />
Just how will my story end?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">C. Mason Nov. '12</span>Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-8116485949727906372013-02-15T11:02:00.004-08:002013-02-15T11:15:55.656-08:00Free-For-All Friday (part deux...)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span> </div>
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Here's a look into our festivities...</div>
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It started off with me finding a note from 2 of my kiddos. This one was from Abby - </div>
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And right next to it was this one from Garrett - </div>
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With this super cool drawing on the back! </div>
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(Melts my heart). </div>
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Then, I found this odd black journal sitting next to the notes from my kids. I opened it up to see who belonged to so I'd know who's room to put it in and saw it was addressed to me. THIS is what I saw...</div>
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Believe me, tears ensued...love, love this man o'mine!</div>
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He also got me these: </div>
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Then, it was time to get crackin' on decor and food for our party that evening! I made these valentine's fans to hang on my burlap wreath. SO easy and super chic! </div>
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Set the table for dinner, was on the list next. Thanks Martha Stewart for the graduating/fading flower arrangement idea. </div>
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Fondue Bar, meat and cheese dip side...</div>
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Shrimp cocktail and drinks for all...</div>
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Dessert fondue side....</div>
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The extras...</div>
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O. M. Goodness....</div>
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Then, we played Minute to Win It!</div>
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And a little Charades to top the night off...Lol! </div>
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We made these Valentine boxes for the kids classes. Julia's - </div>
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And her Valentines...</div>
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Garrett's box (made in the 11th hour, mind you...)</div>
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And his Valentines...</div>
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We had so much fun making these!! And they put good use to old used crayons. </div>
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Here's how to do it: </div>
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Unwrap and chop crayons. We realized the smaller the chunks, the less colorful they are. We broke the crayons into 3rds. </div>
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Put in any sized/shaped silicone mold. </div>
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Bake @ 230* for 15 min. or until melted.</div>
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Let cool completely (about 20 minutes), then pop out of the mold and glue to your paper backing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aaaannnndddd, to top the night off, our little guy decided to take his first steps last night!!!</span></div>
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Stay-tuned for the smash hit video in March...</div>
<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-1429362773863556762013-02-15T10:30:00.004-08:002013-02-15T10:30:58.042-08:00Make-up post: Thursday's Take-Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>The Breakfast of Champions!!</u></div>
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This is so good, so easy and so filling!</div>
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Take one 100 calorie multi-grain english muffin, cut in half and top with your favorite peanut butter (I use a creamy all natural), 1 T. orange marmalade, spread thinly over the peanut butter (you know me by now, I choose the sugar-free marmalade), and sliced apples (I like Honey Crisp or Fuji apples, but any will work). </div>
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Enjoy!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFJ2gVA2uxbFLH17eEgLCZkstTcVe4Fj8qMvvisdBYbGLsx-Ybv3xlPOgQi3ULfbKpPMYKSNYKgESsV2Hi-XzoieNkUA4A826m6-ZOtVJyhyphenhyphenWYxpoJYboBcCysDJmvGveINGrkrwSJMs/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFJ2gVA2uxbFLH17eEgLCZkstTcVe4Fj8qMvvisdBYbGLsx-Ybv3xlPOgQi3ULfbKpPMYKSNYKgESsV2Hi-XzoieNkUA4A826m6-ZOtVJyhyphenhyphenWYxpoJYboBcCysDJmvGveINGrkrwSJMs/s320/002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-74845434607813616562013-02-15T10:04:00.000-08:002013-02-15T10:04:04.830-08:00Free-For-All Friday!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4iLwi0bn3g8cwNuP13ol4hi9JFDAJsWCIBYc4hRgzzBC2qWG583HsWDVfL4ejGkNh9VrkXqad2jsRandRiQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Just a little sample for your enjoyment...Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-44733012392543029942013-02-13T07:45:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:45:27.761-08:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLn6CScnsELjVvjLBzfQoLlU7r3ZzXd8kzEjG38GHPLvr6O_0R_ccGxgnQmfOB-dzIDzDU4a2oIjVP52bOtHaI6kjz196Pn-RYJ1O0wLpvfOZRcO5eqwqJ2yXN8ljzAhdU_H59QgLweM/s1600/f2d10ad958730cf385ff9f25fc228fbd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLn6CScnsELjVvjLBzfQoLlU7r3ZzXd8kzEjG38GHPLvr6O_0R_ccGxgnQmfOB-dzIDzDU4a2oIjVP52bOtHaI6kjz196Pn-RYJ1O0wLpvfOZRcO5eqwqJ2yXN8ljzAhdU_H59QgLweM/s320/f2d10ad958730cf385ff9f25fc228fbd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
(Caption please?)<br />Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-56517173521906548152013-02-12T10:41:00.002-08:002013-02-13T07:46:24.042-08:00The Tuesday Transcriber<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Fall</span></strong></u><br />
<br />
Keep it down in there!<br />
My demons writhe within.<br />
Lock down tight, say a prayer. <br />
Let the torture begin. <br />
<br />
The dark is hard to beat<br />
when you're struggling to stand.<br />
So, maybe to fall, admit defeat,<br />
is the only way I can? <br />
<br />
My only resolve is lost, <br />
wandering in the mist of doubt. <br />
But could I ever be host<br />
to a thing I lived without?<br />
<br />
And on and on,<br />
and round and round,<br />
till our days are gone<br />
and we all fall down. <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">~C. Mason Sept. 2012</span>Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7136875993095058182.post-19272841528289487852013-02-12T09:40:00.001-08:002013-02-13T07:50:21.216-08:00Saturday StalkerMy, oh my, how I love junk. I even have an email dedicated to it. <br />
Oh, wait- that's for junk mail, which, quite frankly, I hate! <br />
But everything else junk, I collect! If you don't believe me, ask my husband who cringes at the thought of one of our downtown rental spaces which is FILLED to the brim with garage sale finds and flea market treasures (all of which I have grand plans for.................<br />
eventually........<br />
when I find the free time I once had...............<br />
remind me again what free time is?). <br />
<br />
Today I would like to direct your attention to Donna over at <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Funky Junk Interiors</span></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span> <br />
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She has a <a href="http://pinterest.com/fjinteriors/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pinterest Board</span></a> that I follow (and copy) religiously. Her ideas are genious and inspiring. It's so fun to watch how she turns random items into useful pieces of art. <br />
Just look at these ideas: <br />
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So cool! Now, where did I put that old bike....Carissa Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06322573390497127096noreply@blogger.com0