Coming to my Senses::10 Years Flash Before My Eyes

{This is what the last decade of my life looked like...click to enlarge and view the many faces of my Tiny Dancer!}

I see...smiles from ear to ear...orange frosting...ink on fingers...flashlight tag...thank you notes written...three candles left lit (three boyfriends, teehee!)...brand new CZ studs in her newly pierced ears...the last decade of my life flash before my eyes...

I hear....shrieks of laughter...'Rasputin' and 'Crazy in Love' on Just Dance 2...more giggles...paper ripping off packages...the wave of quiet that comes when they all leave in a whoosh...

I taste...smooth creamy ice cream with pebbles of cookie in a fudge ribbon...fruity bubbles in the punch...salty and slightly stale pretzels...

I smell...fruity lip gloss and sugar...the smoke from 10 birthday candles...cupcakes baking in the oven...

I touch...the chain of the charm bracelets we are making at the party...my hammer stamping their names on the metal...my lips to the top of my daughter's head as she gives me a hug...

I feel...amazed that this girl-child is wavering between so grown up and still a little girl...thrilled that I could share this fun with her besties...humbled that my baby is 10...that time is slipping by...

{The birthday superstar with the CZ studs licking the frosting off her cupcake!}

Happy 10th birthday, Tiny Dancer!

P.S. The winner of my Beaded Romanov earrings is....Pretty Things! But wait! Scott David has generously offered to send a Beaded Romanov kit to all of the commenters on the review post. Congrats to Something Unique, Barbara Lewis, Melissa Meman, Craftymoose Crafts, CJ Vierow, Janet, EmandaJ, Cindy and JeannieK! I will email you with the details on how to get your own Beaded Romanov Kit direct from Scott David Plumlee.

Enjoy the day!

Coming to my Senses::10 Years Flash Before My Eyes

{This is what the last decade of my life looked like...click to enlarge and view the many faces of my Tiny Dancer!}

I see...smiles from ear to ear...orange frosting...ink on fingers...flashlight tag...thank you notes written...three candles left lit (three boyfriends, teehee!)...brand new CZ studs in her newly pierced ears...the last decade of my life flash before my eyes...

I hear....shrieks of laughter...'Rasputin' and 'Crazy in Love' on Just Dance 2...more giggles...paper ripping off packages...the wave of quiet that comes when they all leave in a whoosh...

I taste...smooth creamy ice cream with pebbles of cookie in a fudge ribbon...fruity bubbles in the punch...salty and slightly stale pretzels...

I smell...fruity lip gloss and sugar...the smoke from 10 birthday candles...cupcakes baking in the oven...

I touch...the chain of the charm bracelets we are making at the party...my hammer stamping their names on the metal...my lips to the top of my daughter's head as she gives me a hug...

I feel...amazed that this girl-child is wavering between so grown up and still a little girl...thrilled that I could share this fun with her besties...humbled that my baby is 10...that time is slipping by...

{The birthday superstar with the CZ studs licking the frosting off her cupcake!}

Happy 10th birthday, Tiny Dancer!

P.S. The winner of my Beaded Romanov earrings is....Pretty Things! But wait! Scott David has generously offered to send a Beaded Romanov kit to all of the commenters on the review post. Congrats to Something Unique, Barbara Lewis, Melissa Meman, Craftymoose Crafts, CJ Vierow, Janet, EmandaJ, Cindy and JeannieK! I will email you with the details on how to get your own Beaded Romanov Kit direct from Scott David Plumlee.

Enjoy the day!

Coming to my Senses::Crowded

I see...row after row of cars (we got the last spot furthest from the door), throngs of people trudging along, gaily colored windows, fake snow on everything.

I smell...the cinnamony sweet Snickerdoodles at the cookie vendor, the warm toasty coffee wafting out of Gloria Jeans, the pervasive scent of Abercrombie-angst assailing my nose and lingering in my hair and clothes long after I have passed by. Blech.

I hear....the rhythmic bell ringers and my change dropping into the red bucket, the non-stop Christmas music on the radio station (been playing non-stop since November 1st...), the excited hum of the people around me.

I taste...the salty-sweet bourbon sauce from my oriental chicken platter for lunch, the frothy mint chocolate goodness from my Sleigh Ride chiller, the special Moonstruck chocolate snowman truffle as an afternoon treat.

I touch....the shoe box in my shopping bag each time it hits me at just the right spot on my ankle as I walk, tired toes restless from too many hours walking in uncomfortable shoes, my daughter's hand clasped in mine as we walk through the crowded mall.

I feel... glad that I will never feel a need to get up and shop on 'Black Friday', happy to be spending the day with Tiny Dancer and her Aunt Mary developing new Deer Hunting Widow/Orphan traditions, hopeful to see so many shoppers gearing up for the holiday shopping.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to my Senses::Crowded

I see...row after row of cars (we got the last spot furthest from the door), throngs of people trudging along, gaily colored windows, fake snow on everything.

I smell...the cinnamony sweet Snickerdoodles at the cookie vendor, the warm toasty coffee wafting out of Gloria Jeans, the pervasive scent of Abercrombie-angst assailing my nose and lingering in my hair and clothes long after I have passed by. Blech.

I hear....the rhythmic bell ringers and my change dropping into the red bucket, the non-stop Christmas music on the radio station (been playing non-stop since November 1st...), the excited hum of the people around me.

I taste...the salty-sweet bourbon sauce from my oriental chicken platter for lunch, the frothy mint chocolate goodness from my Sleigh Ride chiller, the special Moonstruck chocolate snowman truffle as an afternoon treat.

I touch....the shoe box in my shopping bag each time it hits me at just the right spot on my ankle as I walk, tired toes restless from too many hours walking in uncomfortable shoes, my daughter's hand clasped in mine as we walk through the crowded mall.

I feel... glad that I will never feel a need to get up and shop on 'Black Friday', happy to be spending the day with Tiny Dancer and her Aunt Mary developing new Deer Hunting Widow/Orphan traditions, hopeful to see so many shoppers gearing up for the holiday shopping.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to My Senses::Hot Glass

{The Hot Glass Roadshow from the Corning Museum of Glass in NY is in town as a special community treat to celebrate the UW-SP Homecoming. Tiny Dancer and I sat in on one of their nightly sessions. They made a wine glass - which I completely missed the end part of, a wavy light blue bowl, and a faithful replica of a walleye that will be auctioned at the CNR Fall Migration event (of which I am no longer making that pendant from the tiles... more on that another time)}

I see... molten honey dripping from rods... tiny dots of colorful frit as they are rolled onto the honey balls... the gooey balloon expand as she blows on the pipe... the skillfully choreographed pas de deux of the glass artists as they quickly spin the glass and time the transfers just right...

I hear... the hush falling over the crowd immersed in the wonders before them... the witty and engaging host detailing every step... the soft 'clink' of the glass pieces as they fall to the ground after being snipped and carved away... the protests of my flash as it locks on and I shut it down to have the natural light... Tiny Dancer say, 'I like being with you' which warms my heart more than that blinding furnace...

I taste... anticipation in the air... the salty peanut of Tiny Dancer's trail mix... the dry mouth of thirst triggered from seeing the glowing eye of the furnaces...


I smell... the fresh fall breeze blowing through the courtyard where we are gathered... cigarette smoke from the man to my left... the hot flames in the 2000 degree ovens each time they open the door...

I touch... my camera to my face anticipating the shot... smooth blue swirls of the wavy bowl made earlier today... the losing raffle ticket for the still warm glass pumpkin...

I feel... very fortunate to live in a city that appreciates the art... joy in the beauty of manipulating something out of nothing... inspired to look into a lampwork glass bead class (and found out that our University does offer that!).

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to My Senses::Hot Glass

{The Hot Glass Roadshow from the Corning Museum of Glass in NY is in town as a special community treat to celebrate the UW-SP Homecoming. Tiny Dancer and I sat in on one of their nightly sessions. They made a wine glass - which I completely missed the end part of, a wavy light blue bowl, and a faithful replica of a walleye that will be auctioned at the CNR Fall Migration event (of which I am no longer making that pendant from the tiles... more on that another time)}

I see... molten honey dripping from rods... tiny dots of colorful frit as they are rolled onto the honey balls... the gooey balloon expand as she blows on the pipe... the skillfully choreographed pas de deux of the glass artists as they quickly spin the glass and time the transfers just right...

I hear... the hush falling over the crowd immersed in the wonders before them... the witty and engaging host detailing every step... the soft 'clink' of the glass pieces as they fall to the ground after being snipped and carved away... the protests of my flash as it locks on and I shut it down to have the natural light... Tiny Dancer say, 'I like being with you' which warms my heart more than that blinding furnace...

I taste... anticipation in the air... the salty peanut of Tiny Dancer's trail mix... the dry mouth of thirst triggered from seeing the glowing eye of the furnaces...


I smell... the fresh fall breeze blowing through the courtyard where we are gathered... cigarette smoke from the man to my left... the hot flames in the 2000 degree ovens each time they open the door...

I touch... my camera to my face anticipating the shot... smooth blue swirls of the wavy bowl made earlier today... the losing raffle ticket for the still warm glass pumpkin...

I feel... very fortunate to live in a city that appreciates the art... joy in the beauty of manipulating something out of nothing... inspired to look into a lampwork glass bead class (and found out that our University does offer that!).

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to My Senses::Nighttime Deluge

{Photo from AnAlliteration on Etsy}

I see… the flickering light of the T.V. and wonder how my husband can sleep with that on… a pile of clothes on the bench and realize that this bench will never be free from piles… through the enveloping darkness a sliver of light from the nightlight in the hall… the paparazzi flash of lightning outside my window.

I smell… my comforter and think that I should get it washed because it is not that fresh anymore… something that makes my nose twitch and I sneeze from the dust blown free by the fan… the sleep-breath coming from my husband.

I hear…. the pitter-patter of liquid feet as the raindrops converge and shimmy down the shingles where they run to play in the musical gutter slides… the low rumbling of thunder in the distance… my daughter standing in the dark next to my bed with a tiny voice that says she’s scared.

I taste…. the ice cold glass of water that I have every night before bed… the smooth translucent blue capsules as they slide down my throat to ease my ache… sourness and realize that I neglected to brush my teeth tonight and also that I am too comfortable to motivate myself to do anything about it.

I touch… the softness of the sheets as they settle around me… my pillow as I scrunch it up just so… the light breeze from the ceiling fan cooling my face while my toes stay warm.

I feel… tired… relief that sleep will come easy to me tonight… secure that I am protected from the elements outside… grateful for my bed.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

P.S. Thank you Kristen for reminding me that I haven't done this in awhile.

Coming to My Senses::Nighttime Deluge

{Photo from AnAlliteration on Etsy}

I see… the flickering light of the T.V. and wonder how my husband can sleep with that on… a pile of clothes on the bench and realize that this bench will never be free from piles… through the enveloping darkness a sliver of light from the nightlight in the hall… the paparazzi flash of lightning outside my window.

I smell… my comforter and think that I should get it washed because it is not that fresh anymore… something that makes my nose twitch and I sneeze from the dust blown free by the fan… the sleep-breath coming from my husband.

I hear…. the pitter-patter of liquid feet as the raindrops converge and shimmy down the shingles where they run to play in the musical gutter slides… the low rumbling of thunder in the distance… my daughter standing in the dark next to my bed with a tiny voice that says she’s scared.

I taste…. the ice cold glass of water that I have every night before bed… the smooth translucent blue capsules as they slide down my throat to ease my ache… sourness and realize that I neglected to brush my teeth tonight and also that I am too comfortable to motivate myself to do anything about it.

I touch… the softness of the sheets as they settle around me… my pillow as I scrunch it up just so… the light breeze from the ceiling fan cooling my face while my toes stay warm.

I feel… tired… relief that sleep will come easy to me tonight… secure that I am protected from the elements outside… grateful for my bed.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

P.S. Thank you Kristen for reminding me that I haven't done this in awhile.

Coming To My Senses::S'mores

I see... topaz tongues dancing, cracked logs teepee'd, enveloping shadows

I smell... melted chocolate, pungent smoke as it swirls about me in the wind shift and know that my hair will need to be washed

I hear... crackling logs, hissing steam, giggles of my kids

I taste... liquid pillows of sugary goodness, ,the crunchy char on a flaming puff, the melting chocolate ooze on a bed of grahams, and the smoke stinging the back of my throat

I touch... the crumbling crackers, the rough logs, the cold beer bottle quenching a flaming thirst

I feel... that summer is slipping through my fingers, the lingering kiss of my beloved making my whole face light up (not just the side facing the flames), there is a delight in simple pleasures.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming To My Senses::S'mores

I see... topaz tongues dancing, cracked logs teepee'd, enveloping shadows

I smell... melted chocolate, pungent smoke as it swirls about me in the wind shift and know that my hair will need to be washed

I hear... crackling logs, hissing steam, giggles of my kids

I taste... liquid pillows of sugary goodness, ,the crunchy char on a flaming puff, the melting chocolate ooze on a bed of grahams, and the smoke stinging the back of my throat

I touch... the crumbling crackers, the rough logs, the cold beer bottle quenching a flaming thirst

I feel... that summer is slipping through my fingers, the lingering kiss of my beloved making my whole face light up (not just the side facing the flames), there is a delight in simple pleasures.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to My Senses::Bead & Button

I see....row upon row of booths with shiny beads,,, the smile on my friend's face as we see each other once again at the same time every year... new techniques that I am excited to learn.

I smell....high priced anything from the food vendor... the hot gritty smell of throngs of people... a torch being fired.

I hear....the constant murmur of people... the cries of recognition and peals of laughter echoing through the expo cente..., the pounding of metal into submission.


I taste....a big gulp of ice cold, high priced water... the highest priced sandwich you can imagine... the thrilling discovery of new artists... the rush of secret plans.

I touch....the strands of pearls dripping from a table (I want to roll in them)... the art beads with great reverence knowing that someone put their heart into making that with their own two hands... hands for shaking and arms for hugging.

I feel....blessed that I can be at the Bead & Button show this wee... meeting old friends and making new ones, especially my friends from the blogging world... delighted to be helping out at the Humblebeads booth... exhausted from standing on the show floor, feet screaming... excited by the possibilities.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming to My Senses::Bead & Button

I see....row upon row of booths with shiny beads,,, the smile on my friend's face as we see each other once again at the same time every year... new techniques that I am excited to learn.

I smell....high priced anything from the food vendor... the hot gritty smell of throngs of people... a torch being fired.

I hear....the constant murmur of people... the cries of recognition and peals of laughter echoing through the expo cente..., the pounding of metal into submission.


I taste....a big gulp of ice cold, high priced water... the highest priced sandwich you can imagine... the thrilling discovery of new artists... the rush of secret plans.

I touch....the strands of pearls dripping from a table (I want to roll in them)... the art beads with great reverence knowing that someone put their heart into making that with their own two hands... hands for shaking and arms for hugging.

I feel....blessed that I can be at the Bead & Button show this wee... meeting old friends and making new ones, especially my friends from the blogging world... delighted to be helping out at the Humblebeads booth... exhausted from standing on the show floor, feet screaming... excited by the possibilities.

What is coming to your senses today?

Enjoy the day!

Coming To My Senses

{Terrarium scene by LBrandt on Etsy. I am smitten! Check it out!}

I see....tiny purple blooms peeking out of the cracks in the sidewalk.

I smell....the sharp, earthy scent of freshly mown grass.

I hear....bickering of two tiny birds vying for the same perch.

I taste....warm saltiness on my upper lip.

I touch....the cool water flowing from the tap.

I feel....glad that the weather is so gloriously upper 70s and I had a chance to go for a long walk at lunch yesterday.

Senses are things that we learn about when we are so small. I can remember doing projects in kindergarten around the senese. And they are such an integral part of our daily lives that we don't stop to appreciate them. Yesterday I went for a walk with the particular goal of paying attention to what my five senses were telling me. By the simple act of paying attention I am opening my heart and mind to the inspiration that is all around me, with an added bonuses of being supremely grateful of all that is and a peace of mind that comes from truly being present.

I plan to do more of these "Coming To My Senses" posts.
Would you like to see them randomly appear or on a certain day?

I invite you to share your own observations.
What do you see...taste...smell...hear...touch...feel today?

Do tell!

Enjoy the day!

Coming To My Senses

{Terrarium scene by LBrandt on Etsy. I am smitten! Check it out!}

I see....tiny purple blooms peeking out of the cracks in the sidewalk.

I smell....the sharp, earthy scent of freshly mown grass.

I hear....bickering of two tiny birds vying for the same perch.

I taste....warm saltiness on my upper lip.

I touch....the cool water flowing from the tap.

I feel....glad that the weather is so gloriously upper 70s and I had a chance to go for a long walk at lunch yesterday.

Senses are things that we learn about when we are so small. I can remember doing projects in kindergarten around the senese. And they are such an integral part of our daily lives that we don't stop to appreciate them. Yesterday I went for a walk with the particular goal of paying attention to what my five senses were telling me. By the simple act of paying attention I am opening my heart and mind to the inspiration that is all around me, with an added bonuses of being supremely grateful of all that is and a peace of mind that comes from truly being present.

I plan to do more of these "Coming To My Senses" posts.
Would you like to see them randomly appear or on a certain day?

I invite you to share your own observations.
What do you see...taste...smell...hear...touch...feel today?

Do tell!

Enjoy the day!