Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thankful.
In the spirit of gratitude I thought I would share some things I'm feeling grateful for. I try and think about what I'm thankful for everyday, and I have to admit that writing these little lists out always puts me in the best mood. It's a good exercise, and I love having these posts to look back on on a particularly down day to cheer me right up. So, without further ado, here's my list-
1. My family. I feel lucky to be married to my best friend, and even better? He's the greatest father. Everyday I wake up and feel so grateful for Hank, and now that we have sweet Henry in the picture, life just feels...right. I love spending my days with Henry- his laughs and smiles have brought more happiness to me than anything in the world, and I feel like it's so much easier to find positivity in every aspect of life with that little guy calling me mama. Even the worst of days have that bit of goodness in them, and for that I am so thankful. Beyond us three, I'm so thankful for all of my family. We have a solid one, and I try to never, ever forget that.
2. Madeline. Before Henry was born she was the baby of the house, and even though things have completely changed, she is still the sweetest thing in the entire world. We went through a weird transitional phase when Henry first arrived but now we are all back to normal, and she truly is Henry's best friend. It's awesome to watch them play and explore together. Madeline's pretty much in heaven to have a full-time, roll-around-on-the-floor playmate.
3. The basics. A roof over our head, food in our bellies, clean water to drink.
4. My friends. Over this past year my idea of what a friend is and how to be a friend changed a bit, and in that shift I've found myself with a lot less close friends than ever. But this is a good thing. I now have the time and energy to focus on the people in my life that matter, rather than spreading myself thin with too many people. Quality over quantity, and the few that I keep close are some of the best people in the entire world. This past year I've also met and gotten quite close with a few new mama friends, and I adore them, even though they are at least a couple of hours away (and one all the way up the West Coast!). Their daily support and friendship is amazing.
5. My education. Even though I stay home with Henry now, I am so thankful to have been able to attend both college and graduate school. I think back so fondly on my college times, and not just at all the fun my friends and I had socially- I feel like I really learned a lot in all of the classes I took in regards to English. I have such a love for writing, and although that's been a part of me for as long as I can remember, so many of my professors at NAU and so many of the classes I took really helped ignite a deeper passion for it. It think of them every day and feel very grateful to have had that experience, and I'm excited to move forward with all of it.
6. The knowledge and ability to change anything I want. Right now I'm just taking each day for what it is, a chance to be a better wife and mother. I know that if yesterday I was in a snappy mood, today I can change my attitude and be kinder. I know that if I made poor food choices, if I was more lazy than productive, so on and so forth, then right now I can fix that through my actions. In the past I think I would let a bump in the road shake me, thus starting a cycle of more negativity. Now though I'd like to think that proactively moving forward has helped me get closer to becoming that person I want to be, and I'm thankful for this.
7. Health. Everyday I feel thankful for this, because I've seen so many people in my life deal with very hard things. From my Mom's breast cancer to my Dad's heart problems, we recently had a few years that were very difficult. And although everything is good now, going through a lot of what we did together made me really appreciate good health and to never take it for granted.
8. Technology. I love that we are all so connected and I'm able to be in touch with my faraway family and friends whenever I want. I was just emailing with my friend in India- it was 11:30pm and bedtime for her- and I had to sit back for a moment and marvel at how awesome that really is.
9. Having the luxury of being able to even type out a thankful list. Really. There's so much that goes into this little act- a happily napping baby, a computer, electricity, etc. etc.
10. And finally, some little things, both serious and silly: the men and women who serve our country, Netflix, yoga pants, Trader Joe's coming to town, Sons of Anarchy, Oprah, cheese (Gouda and Muenster specifically), Pink Lady apples, my Kindle and getting to read any book instantly, feeling like we are getting even a little bit closer to marriage equality, Martha Stewart Living, this blog, and all of you!
And speaking of you, what are you thankful for? If you post a list on your blog, be sure to link me below so I can go check it out too.
p.s. I have something special I'll be sharing on the blog tomorrow that has been on my mind for awhile. Until then, have a great night and a happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tattoo Tuesday V.97
Name and blog name: Kierstan Burke and I just have a tumblr.
Occupation: I work part time as a bartender and part time as a cake decorator.
Age of first tattoo: I was 16. My dad drove me to Idaho to get it. I really wish he would have just made me wait. All the tattoos I got before the age of 20 are all covered up at this point.
Favorite tattoo: I have 3 favorites! My wolf head on my thigh, my portrait of Clara Bow, and my best friend "avada kedavra" matching finger tattoo.
Featured tattoo/location: My wolf's head with a dagger! It's on my inner right thigh
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: It was done by James Fanara at Boar's Head Tattoo in Spokane, WA.
Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story about why you chose it, or maybe a special meaning?
I really was just in the right place at the right time. I had gone into the shop to drop off a scarf that I had borrowed from the wife of one of the artists. James had drawn up the wolf's head that day, and wanted to tattoo it badly. So I got it!
Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?
I have two tattoos in progress, my back piece, and my left sleeve. I have a panther on my back, and a my peacock on my left arm. I have my right arm basically finished minus some stars and dots on my upper arm. On my arm I have cupcakes, roses I ha, a grandfather clock, two owls, some sailor jerry flash as filler, a phillies p, and a cupcake themed sugar skull. Several on my left leg. they are a gypsy girl, golden snitch, Hedwig holding the sorting hat, Clara Bow portrait, avocado, roses, a tea cup, a tator tot, and a boar's head. On my right leg I have a pin up girl, my wolfs head, an elephant on my kneecap and a bearded lady. My knuckles say bake cake, a couple chest tattoos, a heart on my face, a toaster on my foot, and lastly an owl on my hip.
Do you plan on getting more?
I'm actually getting my hands done next week!
How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?
My dad loves them, however I am from a strict religious background, so most of my family do not approve. I live in a conservative town, so the biggest issue I have had since moving here is finding a job. I have people ask me all the time if I have gone to jail. But even with the downsides there are always the good. I do have a significant other. He is actually a tattoo artist, although he hasn't tattooed me! He has his entire torso/ribs/back done and two sleeves.
What's the most interesting experience you've ever had in regards to your tattoos? I had a woman last summer left the skirt of my dress above my waist to see my leg tattoos without asking. I was just standing in front of store on my phone.
Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?
Choose an artist wisely. There are so many scratcher shops around these days. Just be careful, and know that you get what you pay for. If you want to go to this shop because you can get a sleeve for $80 it will look like you got it for $80. But besides that, I love all my tattoos, and I would encourage anyone to get one!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Weekend links
a little sneak peek of our session with our friend Christina Heaston last week! More to come.
Happy day before Henry's birthday party to me! Or, happy day of running around doing errands for me. Or even, happy day before I get to see almost all of our loved ones in one place! Either way, it's awesome. Nothing's better than a big together of family and friends who are family, and tomorrow 50-something wonderful people will be filling our house up with celebration and fun. I can't wait.
For now, here are some links to get your weekend started:
My friend Kathryn runs a doggie rescue out of Tempe, AZ called Ruff Road Rescue. I know from first hand experience what an amazing thing Ruff Road is, and they currently have an opportunity to win a web site design and some online services from a large design firm. This would help them out tremendously, so if you have a moment, could you send a vote Ruff Road Rescue's way? It's so simple and literally takes three seconds. Click here, then input your email address (they won't share or spam what you share), and then vote for Ruff Road Rescue. You can vote everyday. Thank you all so much from me, Kathryn, and the pups!
I loved this little peek into Don's creative process of creating Sometimes Sweet's new look!
Dying over Diana's home's facelift.
This poster is the best. And how true it is!
Somehow Kristine manages to make something that would look insanely crazy on me look so darn adorable. Love this little lady's blog!
This is a simple DIY with really adorable results.
Sweet potato hummus! Yum.
I've been seeing some awesome cinemagraphs around the internet lately, and this one over on Justine's blog is awesome.
I really enjoyed reading more about this wedding on one of my fave wedding blogs, The Loveliest Day- and I'm in LOVE with the tattooed lady and man photo props. And what a gorgeous couple!
Hello, beautiful couch!
I love the new look of Erin's blog, and the fact that she calls it her "family journal."
My buddy Kaelah just published her first e-book, and I'm so proud of her.
Hank got to try out Funk Off's newest espresso soap and he's pretty obsessed. Win your own bar on Michelle's blog this week.
These cookie pinwheels look delicious- and so festive!
So many pretty vintage linens!
Have you checked out Chelsey's 50 DIY Days of Christmas yet?
It might be weird to include someone else's links post in your own links post, but Carly always finds the best things! I especially loved this article she included in her round up.
A Mad Men Party? Why oh why isn't Hawaii closer?
And finally, a couple of blogs I'm loving lately: one, two and three!
p.s. The winner of the Cameron Garland portrait giveaway is Chyna Moss! Chyna, go ahead and email me at sometimessweetblog [at] gmail [dot] com to claim your prize.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
