VT scents, shopping-boy, & reddish!

1. Flowers from Vermont!

2. My son is learning how to budget - and he's doing it all on his own now! I sent him to the store with a list, and he came back to showcase the savings and purchases! Seeing as I know nearly 40-year-old men who can't even do this, it's an ECSTATIC thing!

3. Results from a non-toxic hair lightening technique:

(my hair used to be BLACK!)

Yours?

crack, $1.00, & Monsanto-Free!

1. A visit to the Chiropractor, which resulted in beginning the traction work to re-align my neck to get its proper curve back again.

This is what my neck looks like now:

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And this is how it should look:

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The forward curve of my neck is actually causing trauma to my brain stem, causing headaches, fatigue, and misfires of messages to my brain from my body, and vice versa. To be correcting this is definitely a HAPPY thing, because the results are going to be lowered pain, better health, more energy, and clearer thinking!

2. The good Samaritan at the hardware store, who insisted upon giving me a dollar to pay for the putty knife that I needed. I would have had to spend 9 more dollars to meet the minimum credit card charge to pay for it, as I had no cash. After recently witnessing & experiencing a butt-load of ugly behavior from the majority of the residents of Attleboro...that ONE person's tiny gesture had the power to restore my faith in humanity again. Amazing.

3. There was a box at the post office that I wasn't expecting, filled with home-made non-GMO POPCORN covered in nutritional yeast from my sweet, incredible, and talented (in SO many ways) *sistah* in Portland, OR!

I am going to SAVOR the WHOLE BAG with my son, later this evening to a movie. :D And the card? It's staying on the table for a while, propped up with some rocks that my son collected last week ;)

summer, summer, & summer

1. The daily flower picking my son has been up to, which keeps a consistent fresh bouquet around the house. AWE!

2. Finding nature and magic in an an urban jungle.

3. Creemees. For those of you unfamiliar with that term, it is the PROPER name for a soft serve ice cream.

Oh, if only they were as big as your head!

And yours?

GPA, strikethrough, & a ritual

I wish I had pictures to go along with this post, but most of it can't be captured with images, only words, so here goes! 1. My 12 year old son graduated from 6th grade today with a stellar GPA. We've been considering homeschooling for next year, and although both of us are hesitant, we're still looking into it, which adds a sub-happy to this: I feel as though I have the opportunity to meet a like-minded community of parents through this research! 2. The past week, I've been keeping my "to-do" list in an open text file on my laptop. Since I spend most of my day glued to the screen and online, I've found that this alternative to the handwritten list has actually produced a more successful outcome! 3. Ordering dried sage online is far cheaper (even with shipping!) than any purchase I've ever made in a retail shop. I've cleansed our home, and burned a little more here and there to keep the smell lingering. It has definitely made a difference in the home's "psyche". BONUS: The Chiropractor. OH, SWEET AMAZINGNESS, THE CHIROPRACTOR!

super woman, suspensions, & laughing at cops

1. I was an over-achiever today: biked to get groceries, finished a filing project, found necessary documents, moved furniture, made a donation to my Catalyst4Change campaign (here!) on behalf of a friend, paid off my credit card in full, drank a higher water goal, made some up-cycled envelopes out of junk mail, made a Thai recipe for tofu a la Pinterest, and finally got some movies I've been pining over.

2. My son came home with some news about school that thrilled me...he's been bullied, and I'm happy to hear that the school is taking the APPROPRIATE repercussions on the offending punks.

3. Biking without the iPod in my ear is actually more fun than with. Especially when you see a police officer NOT abiding to the law of "pedestrians have the right of way" and he yells at you, while you simply yell back, "WHAT?" as you ride away toward your destination.

P.S. The Police in my city are known for their corruption, so pissing them off in any little way that I can, when they are in NO position to take me, as a bicyclist, into priority, is just priceless. PRICELESS! :D

successful brunch, K9's, & hacker on the rise...

1. A "breakfast" that went on far into the afternoon with my landlady...and was enjoyable, pleasant, and made an impression that I will not soon forget.

2. Going to the dog park, 20 minutes out of town, with a friend who is active in the support of our OWN city's dog park coalition. (Bonus- my son was so happy to go with her, because, in his words, "she's always got something to talk about", and she and I have a mutual understanding about people, too...)

3. Messaging and commenting and posting back and forth with my son via Facebook. Teaching him a little HTML and setting a plan to teach him more over the summer...I can't believe how fast he's growing up, and also that he's so interested in learning code!

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oh, your turn! :D

art/signage, nameless faery, & the vibe

1. My son let me put this in his room. He was initially pissed off over it, but when I danced around with a crazed smile on my face, he laughed and said, "fine."



2. This guy (YES, he's a BOY. BOYS can be faeries, TOO!). Still nameless, but he makes me smile when I think of who gave him to me.



3. I feel as though this home has a different and more positive level of energy somehow. I've been having a very stressful situation where I live, and having to face fears and overcome them (even though there are more to go), I'm FINALLY figuring out that gentleness is the way. That, and big comfy hoodies that are like ten times your size.

feats conquered, guests of honor, & liberty

1. I can't believe it's already June, and although I feel as though I've gotten nothing accomplished in the first five months of this year, I've realized that I have, in fact, done some pretty cool stuff. I'd list it all, but I don't think that's necessary...

2. The unexpected brief visit from my former neighbor was a breath of fresh air - he and his lady will never compare to any other neighbors of mine - we went through a flood together and his bottom floor was wrecked. I let him live with me and it was such a peaceful easy feelin'. Frequent dinners together in each others' apartments are something special never to be forgotten. AND the visit from my dear dear friend which lasted a bit longer was like having a sleepover when you're both in your thirties, and doing all the things you REALLY enjoyed with each other as younger women without the immaturity. I learned, I shared, I listened, I loved. I miss them already. But it IS a happy thing, missing them...because I know we'll see each other again soon!

3. Something compelled me to make a phone call to see if someone who really hurt me was out of town, as it was this very person that brought me here. And I got an unpleasant (yet pleasant for me!) confirmation that I don't have to be looking over my shoulder all summer!

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Okay, maybe that image is a little dramatic, because there's no freakin' way I'll find a wheat field like that nor linens as white as clouds nor will my hair grow that fast, but it sure does express how good it feels to be free for a few months! And who knows, I might just go blonde, too.

fruity, quadruple A's, & a certain artist I know...

1. The color of strawberries. They are just delightful!

2. My son made honor roll, YET AGAIN! (bragging rights!)

3. The most incredible, thoughtful, crafty, creative, and beautiful gift arriving in the mail. This is one of the perks of Facebook...through it's impersonal nature, it has brought two people together again in a most appreciative way, and also kept the USPS workers employed! Love to my dear friend, Rachel. ♥

floatation device, weight-lifted, & bending the rules

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1. Getting out of the house for hours on end with a dear friend...I'm pretty sure it saved my life.

2. Finally finding some support for some issues that have been creeping up on me. Falling through the cracks of the system takes its toll.

3. Another dear friend, along with her incredible mind, has come up with a way to visit me without me having to "disobey" my lease. Loopholes are a beautiful thing!

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typing w/chamomile, 40 minutes that go by in a flash, and Invisb!tch.

1. Chatting with my mom on Facebook. Although it is nothing like sitting down face to face and enjoying a cup of tea with her, it IS free and fun, plus I still get to enjoy a mug of tea at the same time!

2. A phone call from a friend. She has a way of thinking and understanding with an insight that is incomparable to most. It is such a blessing to know and love her!

3. I've tried to keep myself from listing A., Media and B., Food as any of my happy things because when my son and I were in the beginning months of sharing our three happy things together over dinner, we noticed that movies, video games, and meals were popular "happy things" for him, and I wanted him to look deeper into his days and recall something beyond such trivial-ness that made him happy. But, I'm gonna let that rule pass right now, because the two of us watched the most hilarious movie I think I might have ever seen: Superhero Movie. Leslie Nielsen, Drake Bell, & Sarah Paxton make this highly underrated film ridiculously funny. My little guy and I were near peeing our pants and, even as the credits rolled, we continued laughing as we mimicked our favorite scenes to each other!
Here's a clip:



And you? What are your three happies?

chore-boy, Dutch-boy, & long yellow fruit.

1. My son did the laundry for me on Mother's Day. Of course, this was my only gift...but I'll take what I can get. He does the dishes, takes out the garbage & recycling, and also gives me a back rub whenever I ask, so really, I'm pretty lucky - plus - he volunteered to do the laundry...!!!

2. Curry combs really do the trick to loosen hair on the dog...I gave him a good grooming today and he LOVED it. Letting him lounge around with no collar on is a treat for both of us: that thing isn't weighing about on his neck, and..well, he's just so pretty!

3. Bananas. Because sometimes, they just hit the spot.

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no gift gobbling, relief, & feng shui

1.Dutch didn't eat the wildflower seed paper I made.

2. My son offered to do the laundry tomorrow for Mother's day!

3. Space saving furniture moving.

Elmo death, musings come true, y ensalada!

1. Dutch killed Elmo. No, I mean he ripped that mofo apart as if it was his last meal...

2. Some of my Pinterest musings are actually working! Celery stalks & lettuce leaves are shooting up from the refuse of a store-bought bottom of each:

3. colorful and satisfying salad! YUM!

Bonus: GROWTH on the porch garden! (I wish you cold see this a little more clearly...but, at least you get the hint from this panoramic shot!

vroom, ruff ruff!, & dairy.

1. A dear friend let me borrow her car for a few days. She has offered it many times, but out of guilt I always decline. This time, I realized that she must be offering it because it would actually make her feel good. As hard as that is for so many to understand, I can only compare it to gift-giving during the holidays...it really does make you feel good when you do things for other people.

But it still makes ME feel guilty to accept it! After declining it again this time, she went on about certain parks and paths/trails and other things my son and I (& Dutch!) would be interested in, and how they are not within biking or walking distance, and I could at least use the car to take them there. So, I accepted, knowing that it was something we could both benefit from...and also because I have a billion creative things that I can do for her in return!

2. Taking Dutch to the Dog Park again, meeting & greeting other dogs' owners, and laughing at my own pooch's antics.

3. We had gift certificates for a sandwich/ice cream shop from Christmas that had gone unused. We figured today, with all the sunshine and warmth, would be a great day for a picnic, using those certificates for sandwiches! Unfortunately, the sandwiches were unsatisfactory, with rotten lettuce and stale bread. It kind of ruined our picnic, as we were very hungry but were in no way inclined to eat them...we decided to bring the remains back to the shop and ask for a refund.

No problem - we got cash back instead of gift certificates (!!) AND, the manager said to pick out a half-gallon of ice cream on the house to take home! FAITH RESTORED.

Okay, your turn!

Farm day, hummer phrase, & strong beer

1. Cinco de Meow (a cat-shelter fundraising event) at Seven Arrows Farm. If my own photos don't give it justice, you'll just have to make a visit of your own...OR, come visit me, and I'll take you there!

My son is ninja-posing in an authentic bamboo forest!

What a beautiful fountain! All of the ponds here have algae...and FROGS!

Okay, clearly this is an herbal HAVEN. There are also semi-precious stones, rocks, incense, and even the occasional faerie house made of birch bark and twigs. As a Vermonter, I was thrown into a magical, meditative state almost instantly. The smells and vibrations emanating from this shop were so strong for me...and to find out the owners used to live in VT!!!! I think I just had a little orgasm!

2. The term, "environment-raping vehicle" coined by a new friend, and fellow Attleboro Dog Park supporter. I challenge you to come up with a BETTER name for a Hummer than that!

3. The fact that Steel Reserve beer is 8.1 percent alcohol in Massachusetts. In Vermont, it's only 5.9%...explanation needed.

Bonus! I won a hand-blown glass bowl in the fundraising raffle! WooHOO!

nature girl!, writing checks, & nomnomnom

1. After Googling a certain route, Dutch and I went took our usual morning stroll in a completely different direction. What we found was a place of peace, where birds sang symphonies, spirits were at ease, and flora & fauna frolicked in its natural surroundings. Here are some photos:

2. All the bills are paid. Of course, that means I'm broke now, but ALL THE BILLS ARE PAID. *enter relieving sigh*

3. I cooked every meal to the highest nourishment standard I know of today. Breakfast was incredible:

Lunch was even better:

And dinner? perhaps the best of all: Vegetarian Gluten-free Lasagna. No noodles. Just squash, veggie protein crumbles, tomatoes, spices, and, of course, cheese!

sweet setter, scrambled eggs, & zzz's

1. Another trip to the Dog Park, with a snuggly Gordon Setter and more good company.

2. Saturday morning breakfasts with my son. We try to have a breakfast together at least once a weekend, if not both days. But this one turned out particularly colorful and "steamy!"

3. Sleep...BEAUTIFUL sleep. I don't think there's such a relief as waking up after three days of exhaustion to a full night's sleep, sans-nightmares!

And now, it's time for (drum roll, please)...

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PANDA COFFEE!

non-denominational, driver FAIL, & the perfect man

1. A woman saw my necklace today and asked me if was of a certain spirituality, because of what the pendant symbolized. When I answered that it was a guide, but not really a religion for me, as I was lacking a place to practice and others to share that practice with. She was non-judgmental and told me, "That's okay, dear, all you need is yourself to speak with your higher power." It warmed my heart.

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2. Some guy tried to kill me on my bike today. One of those, "I'm holier than thou because I drive an expensive car, have a show-off bluetooth set in my ear, and am wearing a tie that cuts off circulation to my head causing me to be mentally challenged" types. After I flipped him off, he actually pulled over onto the shoulder, which he thought would force me to stop. Little did he know I've been biking for years, within traffic, through the woods, and am quite skilled at navigating my carbon-footprint-less bike through many a challenge.

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So what did I do?

I effin' rode around that bastard, and cut him off in return...and I took my sweet time getting to my destination while he was trapped behind me on a narrow city street, completely unable to pass me. :D I. am. AWESOME.

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3. Last night, my son and I had a surprise "date night." I made a killer meal, perfectly timed with his expected arrival from playing with his friends; he showed up on time, we had a wonderful dinner conversation, he did the dishes, took out the garbage, and even did the recycling afterwards! He asked me if we could watch a movie, but I was looking up recipes to make snacks for him to take to school.

His defense? "Mom, I just wanna spend time with you, I can go another day without snacks."

OMG IS HE AWESOME OR WHAT? I swear, I don't know how he turned out as incredible as he did...he couldn't have learned it all from me, that's for sure...



BONUS: I smelled the most heavenly-scented lilacs on the morning walk with Dutch!

growth, the groove, & two legged dog

1. My indoor garden is beginning to show some promise! The three-season porch is the best part of this apartment.

2. I'm back to blogging again, after a fantastic trip to my home state of Vermont. It took me a couple days to wind down from seeing so many awesome people that I've been missing for so long.

3. On our walk this morning, we came to a bridge and Dutch did his "stand up with paws on the railing while looking over the edge curiously" routine that he used to do at a certain bridge we walked past daily when we lived in Vermont. Watching him do this brought back happy memories, and almost caused a couple accidents...he stands about 5'3" when he's on his hind legs, so it created a kind of freak show for cars passing by...LOL!