just like home

For a little over 24 hours this past weekend I was overwhelmed with familiarity and laughter!

My Mom and Dad drove down for a visit!

They brought meals to freeze and cookies to eat.

Jake and I proudly showed them around out new domain.

It was amazing to have them in visit.



Had breakfast on Saturday morning on Main Street in downtown Ames at the Grove Cafe.

I got everything I wanted and it was just like home!

buzz away

I made the perfect foam this morning.

And then took a photo of it.

I heat up the milk and pour it into this hilarious mug that has a battery powered little motorized whipping thing at the bottom. I tilt the mug and hit the button and buzz away!

It actually works; it makes me laugh every time.

Check out that foam!

really really

I really really really miss my family and friends in Minnesota. I haven't been home it what feels like forever and I really really really miss everyone and I think about them constantly.

I proclaim to all who know me from Kato or St. Paul or anywhere else please know that I would love for you to visit me...it is an open invitation from me to you...whenever you feel that a short drive south would fit into your schedule just give me a call and I will make delicious pastas and chocolate cakes for us to eat.

You will not regret it.

chit chat

I want to start an online card shop.

Which I want to call Chit Chat Cards.

Jake gave me www.chitchatcards.com as a present.

This is the first step.

My next move is a visit to egg press in March.

When I start to think about my business idea I get really really excited...but a little nervous.

Sorta how I felt when I auditioned for Survivor.

my pits

I stopped wearing deodorant a few years ago.

I seemed to always forget to put it on and then freak out when I remembered.

So I just stopped.

Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I thought, "Maybe I should start wearing it again."

My pits smelled.

I was afraid to use my arms to gesture.

Small wiffs of myself floated around me whenever I released my arms.



Growing up I remember my first deodorant that my Mom got me.

It was called MUMS and it was a paste.

I did not want to wear it back then either.

usually pretty

Valentines are still in my closet along with the stamps Jake picked up for me the other day.

I am usually pretty good about getting them sent out in time.

Not this year.

Instead I will do a Valentine post.

This is my new favorite photograph.

Random, I know.



Photograph by Robert Doisneau

just reach

Surrounding me is the mess of life.

It traps me at times.

My loft living/photography taking friend sent me the most lovely letter and little package the other day.

She said, "All is already yours, just reach out and take it."



I am trying.

real friend

Painting by my first real friend, Joel.

the plan

This fall Mary had bats. Real bats flying around her house, hiding behind blinds, and waking her up at night. It was out of control. When the boys came home the plan was to go on the roof and secure the chimney. Diagrams were drawn and supplies were purchased. The safety ropes were set and the ladder brought out.

The morning was pure comedy filled with Mary hanging out the attic window shouting ideas, neighbors gathering on the street, and the engineer and mountain climber brothers figuring out how to successfully secure the chimney.

Just a typical day on Baker Avenue in Mankato, Minnesota.

be on

I sorta can't stop thinking about what it would be like to actually be on Survivor.