I’ve mentioned Karen Maezen Miller and her book Momma Zen in an earlier post about parenting. She’s just released her second book, Hand Wash Cold, Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life. I’m a little over half way through it (it’s much harder to read books now that my boys are “free to roam about the cabin”) and am once again loving her wit, honesty, and reminders to trust ourselves more than we might be giving ourselves credit for. Her book seems to slow down time and unfold (while folding the laundry) the beauty in the everyday “chores” we often forget to notice.

If you have the opportunity to find yourself unwinding into one of her books please drop me a line. I’d love to hear what beauty you noticed after reading her releasing words.

Last year I was lucky enough to spend my first Mother’s Day with my boys and my mom. We spent a lovely morning at home holding babies (one napper) while enjoying a breakfast made by my husband.

In the afternoon we ventured out to the Sparks Marina to check out the Arts in Bloom Festival. There were many artists with handmade wares but we were there to support my friend Amanda who was selling her handmade pottery. Turns out she didn’t need our help with sales as her table was busy and she had little left in her collection by the end of the day.

This Sunday Amanda will be there again with all new pieces. I got a sneak peak into some fun and functional new pieces she’s been working on that you need to scoop up for yourself. She’ll be set up near the stage.

Hope you get out to the marina to enjoy the sun and art. Have a fabulous Mother’s Day!

I stopped by a local stationery store yesterday, Paper Moon, to pick up a birthday gift. In the back corner, among the blank invitations, I found the most lovely cards: Positively Green. The graphics and color combinations called me to pick one up. Each card is graced with a quote, proverb, or verse from a song. I read one after another:

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better.” - Mother Theresa

“You whose day it is get out your rainbow colors and make it beautiful.” - Traditional Nootka Song

“Masquerading as a normal person day after day is exhausting.” - Anonymous

I wanted to take them all home. I picked the four in the photo, to start, and already gave one to a friend for her 30th birthday. They are positively lovely and have a green tip on the back of the card for your healthy pleasure.