My mom is a hoarder. Not crazy enough to put on TV, but she likes to ummm collect things.
But on our treasure hunt we found this pretty little pearl. I got it from Sea World about, cough thirty cough, years ago. I remember my Grampa holding out something like a cup and a diver dropped it in.
I will find something to do with this. It’s been in a box that’s been in another box long enough.
These little weeds are like the hallmark of my childhood. I remember picking them, running through them, running away from them when they were harboring bees.
Down in the Inland Empire they are everywhere. And it brings the warm fuzzies when I see them…still. :)
When I look back on this last year I can still feel the amazing ups, the tremendous downs and everything in between. But most of all, when I look in the mirror I see the emergence of me. Of the person I long ago was meant to be but never had the courage to be.
2011 may have been the year that things started to change, but 2012 was when change transpired.
We don’t know where the road will take us every time. That’s half the excitement. Take time to enjoy your life and make changes to bring that enjoyment. Life’s way to damn short to live otherwise.
It’s been a long time since I posted a montage. So because my sister and I were reminiscing the other day and I took pictures of pictures…here you go!!!
This is my beautiful, wonderful wonder woman. My mama. This is the only photo out of chronological order, I think this was about twenty years ago.
My foxy father. No wonder why my mom fell. This was 32 years ago…puts him at about 36. I was 2.
That super cute girl in the middle with the plain white T…that’s me!! The big 2. 1980.
Me again…2 years. My mom made the scarf and hat…its where I get my talent from. The woman in the background was my preschool teacher, Miss Debbie. Crazy how I remember that.
I think I’m petting a goat. 4 years maybe? I apparently liked wearing lowcut tops even back then. :)
These three beauties are my Gramma (who I look just like), my uncle Alan’s mom and my Gramma’s sister. This was 1985 at my baby sister’s baby shower. My gramma passed away about 4 years later and her showing up in any kind of picture is rare and extremely special.
Ah…me and my baby sister. She’s 3 and I’m 10.
My sister from other parents. My bestie best friend. We started hanging out in junior high and still talk today. True, we went our separate paths, but life always brings us back together. I love her to death. Yes, that is NKOTB in the background. We were huge fans. That’s even Jordan Knight on my pillow. Let’s call this 13 years old.
My pretty dog, Spock. Had him from 1 – 13 years old. When I was 16 we had to put him to sleep because he couldn’t walk anymore. Doberman’s have an average life span of 8-10 years so we were pretty damn lucky to have him as long as we did. I still have his dog tags on my keys. He was the absolute greatest dog ever.
Just a super rad picture of my dad driving their jeep. Probably about 15 years ago.
Me and my bestie in high school. I had already started dying my hair. I don’t think she ever did…smart girl. :)
19. Drinking soda. Damn, I wish my hair was that long again!! I’m trying! I’m trying!!
Then fast forward to last Monday. Me and my man. He’s showing off his chip and Batman.
Then just Wednesday night…my baby girl and her first curls. It wouldn’t have been right without the classic hold up the phone to the mirror shot.
The Fiber Optic snowman. One year my uncle gave the entire family one.
We had ours year round in our house. We stored him on a shelf in the garage. One night he jumped and committed suicide. I was heartbroken.
This is my dad’s. Made me miss mine but it was nice to see him again.
One year many moons ago my mom and grandma made a bunch of these snowflakes.
I stole borrowed from my mom because I like snowflakes. Plus like 10+ years ago I was given that name by a random stranger in Vegas and it kind of stuck. Well it was fitting at the time…blonde, pale white, kinda ditzy.
Today that nickname still holds true. Except I’m not as pale as I used to be. Nor am I ditzy. (Still have the blonde hair though.)
But I’m unique. We all are. Some choose to hide it. Others choose to celebrate it.
I’m finally one of those…I celebrate and express myself. I finally have the confidence to do so.
Happy moment! Big Internet hug!
This cross sits on the top of Mt. Rubidoux in Riverside. And it has for over 100 years. The cross serves as a symbol for the city of Riverside, including in the seal for the city.
I am not a religious person. I have never been offended that this cross stands on public property. I believe we all have a right to practice or not practice any religion we choose.
What I get offended at is people forcing their point of views onto others. Even if you are not a Christian, the cross represents peace and spirituality.
After over 100 years of this cross, the city’s symbol, being in existence there are groups trying to get the city to take it down.
Hey, if it offends you, don’t choose to climb this hill. Choose another hike to go on. Don’t mess with a city’s heritage because you can’t suck it up and find the message behind the cross instead of the cross itself.
I grew up in Riverside and I frequent Mt. Rubidoux. It would be extremely sad and disheartening to see this cross go.
Here’s an article if so choose to find more information.
When I was young I wanted to learn to play the piano. Money was tight so I did band in elementary school with a key board.
Now my fingers dance on an iMac keyboard, but I haven’t forgotten my dreams of dancing on ivory keys.
Some day.
Ernest gets to play with this 31 year old Voltron.
Lucky boy.
My grandparents have these gnomes hanging out by their fireplace. Since before I can remember these little dudes have kept watch over family dinners, gatherings and Christmases.
They’re older than me…at least 40 years old. That’s a longtime to keep friends hanging around.
