Musings of a coffee fueled girly girl.

Miss Lola…

My pretty baby girl. Amazing how quiet it is here without you. For the tiniest dog we’ve had, you have taken up the most room in our hearts. I miss you so much more than I thought I might, and I keep expecting to see you sitting, cross-legged, right around the corner… guarding the food, or one of us from imminent dangers. I will miss how you used to try to “wipe the clean off” every time we gave you a bath, or how you never missed catching a morsel of food, no matter how far away it was thrown. I miss seeing you in your little crate, or snoring in the kitchen. I’ll even miss your tiny diapered bum. And I will forever miss your opera gloves and mile long tongue. Sweet dreams Lola P. And thank you for sharing your life with us.

Happy St. Paddies Day!

Yesterday my daughter came in to find me working. After watching me paint for a minute, she said, “I’m glad to see you making dolls again. It’s been a while.”

I stopped for a second and looked at the project in my hands. She was right. And on this particular afternoon, rainy outside, but warm and cozy indoors, I had been happy. Smiling to myself, possibly even humming, happy. I tend to put everything else before my happiness, for some reason treating it as trivial, or frivolous. Needing to be earned. Rather than a necessary form of self care. I will run myself ragged making everyone else happy, but can’t tend to my own until everything on my to-do list is clicked off.

Crazy. I was even treating this doll as a chore. I had wanted to make a leprechaun for a long while, inspired by a cute photo I saw. But now I was pressed for time, trying to get at least some of him accomplished before St. Patricks Day.

Her comment reminded me of just how important all the things are that bring us joy, not just the ones that we’re paid for, or we schedule in the planner.

Which brings me to my newest friend, who makes me giggle to look at him…

We don’t have a name yet, and we’re still debating over whether or not he needs eyes, but these things will come… and I will relish every minute I dedicate to it.

Changing gears.

I’ve been working a lot lately, on a brand new project. It started when my daughter asked me to write a book for her. Which seemed easy enough, I figured I would rough out 25 pages and call it good. I did not expect it to come flooding out like a wave that now fills three books.

And in the meantime, since I can’t draw my way out of a paper bag, I have been creating the books characters.

I found myself in a “bedrest” situation, and since I don’t follow instructions well, decided that sitting at my craft table closely resembled the same thing.

My daughters book is a fantasy, Unicorns & princesses, dragons, and even a toad.

I’m having a ball learning new paper mache techniques, to go hand in hand with my mad sewing skills. It is such a simple thing to remove limitations on myself, yet I always forget to. With just a simple reminder, I achieve things I didn’t know I could.

It took me a long time to realize that my happiness lies in creating and writing. It’s a strange thing to say out loud, but after all this time, after so many years of searching, I would be crazy not to follow my passions and where they lead. Especially when life has afforded me the opportunity to do so.

Meet Sally…

Meet Sally.

My newest creation.

I simply love her!

Now all she needs is her Jack…

Love, loss. Creation and Magic.

I decided to take 2017 off. From here I mean. Although, that gives me an idea…

I had a lot to ponder, to sift through, to re-direct. In fact, in doing so, I started an entirely new series of books. It is for younger readers, or the young at heart at least. It is the “Abigail” series, and is halfway finished. Somehow I wrote the first book, was about to release it, and as it was being edited, I began book 2. Then I realized I wasn’t through with book 1 after all, started adding to it, and simultaneously began book 3 as well.

Still following me? Yeah. Welcome to my brain folks.

Anyway, as I write this, I am now wrapping up book 1 and book 2, and am following my thoughts down the rabbit hole with book 3.

The reason it is so convoluted is that I haven’t wanted to rush a thing. I have released skeletons from unlocked doors, and recalled blocked out childhood traumas, just to create a book that might stick with the reader.

Let me elaborate…

When I was a little girl, I remember pulling a book from a library shelf and losing myself in the first page turned. I honestly don’t think it was a pop-up-book, but in my mind it has stayed with me that way. I don’t remember the story, and could never find the book again, but for the evening in the library where the walls fell away and I transcended into a magical forest, with sugar cottages nearby, and colorful animal characters causing mayhem, nothing would ever erase that memory. Nothing had captured me quite like that book.

Now, with computer graphics, our electronics, video games and movies being able to produce anything imaginable, that is the one thing we have lost. Our ability to imagine.

The good and the bad, the light and the dark. Elation and fear.

Which was exactly what called me back to that magical place in my childhood. Stolen moments away from real life, which was messy and difficult. But those moments where you could feel the wonder fill your lungs as you breathed it in gently from the air. Where you would rub your eyes in disbelief, and people still believed in the magic of things…

That’s my motivation. And what I hope to share with you.

Just as soon as my brain will finally let me. 😉

Cheerleaders.

My kids are my biggest fans. It’s not a secret and I love them for it far more than they know. In fact, they are constantly telling friends, strangers and even teachers about my latest accomplishments. (That last little bit came with a bit of a shock as most of the kids in class were familiar with my books, which prompted said teacher to pledge to read them for himself… Ahem… Hope he likes a little steam 😉

My mornings begin an hour before my house awakes, with me stumbling desperately for the coffeemaker and soon thereafter toward my computer. The morning after I officially finished my second book, my son had left me a note to brighten my morning and push me along…

This house is loud, crazy, full of squabbles, laughter and love. It makes my days long and exhausting sometimes making sure that everyone is up, dressed, fed, driven to and from school, fed again, homework, busy evenings and loads of conversations, but it is amazing just how much I crave the crazy when it’s quiet. Like now. Granted, I get my work done, which has given me a path back to being myself, not just Supermom, but has done wonders for what my children believe they can accomplish if they try hard and dream big.

F-bomb.

My smallest son swears. For a long time I refused to acknowledge it. Even tried to deny it. Nope, not true. MY adorable angel drop an F-bomb?!? Unheard of.

That is, until I heard it with my own two ears. There is nothing that can prepare you for THAT word coming out of THAT mouth. We wait for so long for them to utter their first word, hoping for a “mama” while watching them paddle off in their diapers. Only to be rewarded half-a-decade later with him stomping his foot in front of a video game, launching the controller across the room and screaming my least favorite four letter F-word at the top of his lungs at his older brother.

Or when I ground him for a messy room. He spouts off the S-word.

Or when he tumbles down the last three steps of the staircase and hurts himself. He screams one beginning with the letter D.

Or when he stubs his toe on his favorite T-Rex toy on his way to bed…

And then I pondered for a moment, where on Earth could he have learned that word? School? His brother? Me?!?

Noooooo…. He had two sources. Two SHINING examples. One was notorious for swearing at the Eagles football games on TV. The other was constantly cursing and throwing wrenches across the room at his autoshop. Together over beers and BBQ’s had enriched my sons vocabulary to the beauty that it is today….

I just hope I never get a call from the Principal to discuss exactly HOW he chooses to express himself…

Muddle of Pudd.

I’m Piper. And I thought for a very long time about naming our adventures “Getting Paid In Eye Rolls.” But then my oh-so–brilliant firstborn delivered the gem that would stick with us. Like a puddle of mud…

You already know me; fun, sarcastic coffee-fueled girly girl. I love red wine, dark chocolate, my kids, my hubby, and giggling. I don’t hold still well and I hate being cold. Or sticky. I HATE being STICKY. My motto is if momma ain’t happy, nobody will be. They’ve caught on pretty quick.

Allow me to introduce the troops…

Grumpy: My hubs. Sports fanatic, beer connoisseur. Hard working, too smart for his own good, and constantly looking for the bigger better deal. Loves me, the kids, the dogs, cigars, scotch, swearing, and most days the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bear: Kindest teenager on the block. The golden child. My firstborn. Super talented, UBER smart and always challenging himself to do a little better, try a little harder. Best helper EVER. Self proclaimed Mamas boy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Aspires to be a scientist, Engineer or BATMAN. Loves legos, drawing, video games (playing, programming) his little brother, me and the cat. Hates eggs.

The Princess: Sweet Rapunzel with a bit of sass. My very own Punky Brewster wrapped in anything pink. Energy for days, this girl must be moving. Wearing out the dogs or twirling until I’m dizzy. She is a beautiful angel with the sharpest tongue and the hottest temper. Has adopted mommy’s advice to be “just as smart as I am pretty.” She loves playing with dolls, tea parties, bonding with the dogs and playing in the mud. Hates sweet potatoes and raw onions.

Moo: My diabolical, dimpled, angel faced babydoll. Bart Simpson meets Dennis the Menace. Likes to be good, but loves to be naughty. Rarely admits to anything and shows no remorse either way. Then melts in my arms and snuggles down into all the soft places. You can see my dilemma… Loves Star Wars (particularly the villians) Jurassic world, because of the T-rex and Indominous Rex, legos, video games and zip-up-hoodies (the kind that go over your face.) Hates: spaghetti, school, cleaning his room and snow.

Fugly: Our HUGE French Mastiff who loves to play, slobber, eat, chew up our deck and make me sneeze. He drives me crazy but scares the hell out of the neighborhood, so I’ll keep him. Besides, he has the most adorable smile!

Miss Pants: His wife. Our English Bulldog. She is as wide as she is tall and has the face only a Fugly could love. She snaps at him all day and snuggles him all night. She wears opera length gloves and stalks me in the bathroom. She’s a good fit around here.

Mischief: the cat. Lives in my cottage. She’s very sweet. She eats, poops and scratches the wall.

P-dubs: my dad. Best Grandpa in the world as he has refused to grow up. Loves to be babysat by his grandkids, travel, draw lighthouses and take his “tridlets” to restaurants. Special skill: talking backwards. I don’t mean sdrawkcab gniklat, I mean balking tackwards.

Chocolate covered; my sis. The beloved Aunt. The one they would REALLY want to live with if they decided to ditch me, all because she has a snack cupboard and a “oh-let-the-little-darlings-do-whatever-they-want” attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I love her more than marzipan, but there are rules that must be obeyed. And SCHEDULES. And bedtimes.

Sensei; Big. Burly. Hard as nails, heart of gold. Would fly to the moon for my kiddos, loves them like his own. Loves karate, motorcycle riding, shooting guns and camping. Always up for anything, and always eager to lend a hand on all my labor-intensive projects. Somehow he fits into our big crazy family and he always has a reserve spot at our table.

There are more and undoubtedly you will meet them a bit at a time, but that is enough for now. It’s lunchtime, and a girl simply MUST keep her priorities straight.

Cheers!

dead RingeR…

I am finally finished with my second book. A short novella, quick, sweet and to the point. I held off for a while trying to decide if it needed more. More dialogue, more transition, more background or character depth. Ultimately, I could have taken another six months “puffing it up” but I liked the raw, fast pace of this downward spiral. A trail into madness.

Natasha, a successful girl-next-door type finds her doppelganger in a blogger she discovers by chance. Completely swept off her feet by this woman who’s life is much bigger and far more glamorous than her own. She soon becomes obsessed with Eden, this blogger who seems to have it all. The lifestyle, money, superhot boyfriend, and all the attention she could want.

But what about the attention she isn’t counting on? What happens when this look-at-me generation forgets to look over their shoulders? When they post that uber-cute picture hoping to impress strangers and gain another follower? What if that’s exactly what happens? Do we want strangers knowing all of the minute little details of our lives? What happens when we leave the doors open offering them just a little peek?

Can anybody blame Natasha for following the trail of breadcrumbs left before her? Or for what happens when she slowly slips into insanity far too delicious to miss out on? It just may make you think twice before posting that picture.

Oregon

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching lately. Maybe it’s that time of year, or maybe it’s the roadtrips I’ve been taking.

I don’t know, but I love nothing more than journaling it all as I go and sorting it out later. This last vacation was particularly poignant because of the destination and company.

Gotta love powerball. Don’t care what the statistics say….

Travelled to the Northwest with my bestie (seen above) who is also my baby sis. Our Parents, respective kiddos and devoted Hubbies came along to enjoy the fun as well.

But somewhere along the miles, the journey became more of a fairy tale…

revealing the beauty of nature and a completely different feel to the whole trip.

Nothing like slowing down time for a walk on the beach with my kiddos. Looking for shells or tidepools. Singing to mermaids or chasing seagulls.

Somehow I can simply breathe better here. It melts my stresses away…

Besides, it’s not every day that you can share a shipwreck with your dad. Those moments are nothing short of magical. Too few and far between.

And lets not forget about two little girls, who have been here many times, eager to share those amazing memories with their children firsthand, but don’t get as many chances to gather in a chair and giggle together like they once did…

(Thanks Matt Bellassai)

And to answer the call of the Ocean.

So glad we did.

Halloween Fun!

There is no question that Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays. I’ve realized the crafting is by far more inspiring to me. There are new additions to my décor, and as always, works in progress. I haven’t yet given this one a body, because I am in love with her haunting my entryway with her simple shroud. I think she makes more of a statement just the way she is.

I did however add a friend… just for some evil plotting and the like.

And am busy with more of my “Vlademere” dolls, who swept me off my feet last year with his charm…

But one of my favorites has to be the witches three…

Double, double toil and trouble;Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Eye of Newt and toe of frog, wool of bat and tongue of dog.

In the cauldron boil and bake.

For a charm of powerful trouble, like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

HAPPY HAUNTING…

St Paul de Vence

This place is amazing.

It quite literally feels like being inside an Escher picture…

There are staircases everywhere

That lead to…

And another…that takes me…

here.

and here…

and here.

It is breathtaking by day…

and the art is astounding.

There is a rich history…

And who could miss the view…

france5

Certainly not me. I love every second.

The South of France.

Possibly my favorite place on Earth. Thus far. It is where my soul comes alive. The smell of jasmine and lavender in the air calls to me.

The beauty of this area is astounding to me. From the garden I could see the Mediterranean before me, and The Alps behind me.

Once again, spoiled by my lodgings for the week, and beyond fortunate to call them family. To treat us to such an adventure. St. Paul de Vence. Simply amazing…

Step one, Paris

What’s not to love about Paris…

This trip we spent far more time off of the Metro, and loads of time on foot, exploring. It was so much fun to breathe in the city, marveling at architecture. Seeing and being seen.

Stopping at Museums to see works of art only before seen in books

Enjoying a picnic on the Seine with my handsome hubby. Nothing makes me happier than slowing down with a splash of wine and a little cheese to drink in the moment, feel the sun on my shoulders and appreciate the little pleasures in life.

Feeling spoiled at the views from the apartment…

And the up close and personal pulse from the Champs-elysees…Such fun nightlife. So much to get lost in, while finding that part of you waking up…

Jetlag…

I admire people who travel for a living. I can only imagine the green-smoothies and voodoo magic they must conjure to ward off jetlag. I am almost a week home, and still feel as though the ground is rocking. I’m saving a fortune on wine, as I have felt drunk & dizzy for a week.

I am sooo grateful for my own bed, my own pillow and to finally be getting back into a regular sleep schedule that somewhat mirrors my kids. Not that getting up for the day at 3 am wasn’t super productive. It was more the dragging, yawning, desperate need for a coffee from 3 pm on, and bribing the hell outta the kids to go to bed at 9, so I could do the same.

So, hats off to you travelers, I aim to join you once in a great while!

Piper is going to Paris!

The countdown has begun. I am officially in packing mode! So much to do here before I go, I am quite literally driving myself insane with to-do lists. I am so overdue for a vacation, but the “excitement” part hasn’t kicked in yet. Does anyone else ever feel that way? I’m almost apprehensive….

Maybe when I am waiting for liftoff…

This trip will be a long one, first a couple of days in Paris,

then a week in Provence

(my favorite) and then a relaxing weekend in Venice. As I type this, I can feel the smile taking over my face, there has just been so much planning and doing, and talking that I am ready for a verre de vin rouge!

I am taking time away from my computer, and even my phone. I want to take a million pictures and truly BE in the moments, so that I have loads to pull from in my writing, and infinite choices to post on here.

Wish me Bon Voyage!

Scolded…

I’ve been scolded. Truly, honestly SCOLDED. Those reading my book are missing gym appointments, kids birthday parties, doctors appointments… unable to put it down. I’ve had to laugh, as it has CONSUMED me for the better part of a decade… SO, my advice is get yourself the book, your favorite beverage, and CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE, so that I do not get into trouble for stealing your day.

Enjoy the ride people. Enjoy it….

Zen

A quick short I wrote once upon a time. I always liked this one:

ZEN

“Reach up overhead and inhale….”

Get gas, get gas. I have got to remember to get gas on the way home. I can’t forget. And while I’m at it…

“exhale…”

I might as well go to the grocery store. Maybe I could just wrap it into one trip. If I do it right after this, I might be able to fit it in before picking up the kids from school.

“into downward facing dog.”

Oh, I need to get some dog food. Can’t forget that. They have been eating bread and peanut butter for two days. Ouch, I don’t know that I am supposed to bend like this. I really should do this more often so that I’m more flexible. It would be so good for me. I should get in really good shape. Then I could get a new dress for Danielle’s wedding. Which reminds me…

“And lower into plank pose…”

What the heck is plank pose? Anyway, I need to send a check for my nephew’s birthday. And I can’t forget to drop off a check to the kids school for their lunches. This pose is really hard, but I can feel muscles I didn’t know I had. Interesting.

“inhale and slide back into child’s pose.”

Childs pose. I like child’s pose. Not a lot of work.

“From here I want you to take a few cleansing breaths. Clear your mind.”

Clear my mind? Is she out of her mind? I have entirely too much to remember to be able to clear my mind. For instance, I need to gather all the information to submit the taxes to the accountant. I also need to make a dermatologist appointment for Shelly. I didn’t like the way her mole has changed colors. She really should stay out of the sun. If she only knew how important it is to take care of her body. Like with this yoga. I’m so proud of myself for carving out the time-

“Inhale. Deep cleansing breath.”

-to come and do something good for my body.

“and exhale out through the mouth”

This really does feel good. I should make the commitment to myself to-

“Clear the mind.”

-make it here several times a week. And water. I should start drinking a lot more water.

“Inhale. Fill your body with oxygen.”

Maybe I should take naps. Certainly vitamins. That would be so good for me.

“Exhale all your stresses away. Feel your body relax.”

I wish I could relax. It would be so nice to be able to let go and…

“be in the moment.”

Yes, that would be nice to…

“just…be.”

-Piper Stewart 2011

What a day….

An excellent morning of water aerobics, and breakfast out with my favorites. Then…. this….

Boo….

Dreaming of Europe

Just found out for sure that Europe is happening. AGAIN! So excited, so nervous, so dreading the length of the flights…. Ah well…

This time we will see Paris, then spend some time in Nice. Ahh Provence.

The Mediterranean. My very favorite place in the world. We will stay in the walled village of St. Paul de Vence, as we have in the past.

It is breathtaking, and never the same twice. Finally we will take in the beauty of Venice on a river cruise, to relax, drink wine and see the beauty of the city.

Now I just have to pick up some travel tips, language cd’s, hints from friends……

Ciao!

Welcome to Wonderland!

I am a fun, sarcastic, coffee fueled girly girl. I love red wine, chocolate, travel, writing, photography, building, painting, sewing, pottery, being under construction, figuring out new things, anything pink (especially when it comes to power tools) and playing. I don’t hold still well, and I hate being cold. Or sticky. I HATE being sticky…. I have a wonderful, yet “Grumpy” hubby who supports EVERYTHING I do, and has never (yet) run away from one of my “big ideas!” We have a huge slobbery dog, who I affectionately call “fugly.” I am allergic to him, he drives me crazy, but he scares exactly who he should, and his smile is adorable, so he’s a keeper in my book… I am a mum to 3 of the most diabolical, clever, FUNNY, not-so-little kids (I use the term loosely, as one has outgrown me this year). They are my dance partners, best cheerleaders and most supportive critics. And they have absolutely no idea just how much their hugs & kisses are worth! I love to giggle, look for joy in the little things, feel that each day is a gift and figure that this life must be enjoyed to the fullest! Grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up and get comfy. Take a peek around and feel free to laugh right along with us while we make our memories!