Why I’m glad I have boys

Have you seen this?

I mean, come on. A pole dancing doll? Seriously?

I’m not sure that it’s any better than the bazillions of “guns” out there for boys, but please.

What’s next? The “Dick” doll who shoves dollar bills in the Pole Dancing doll’s panties?

Geez.

Kris

 

A blustery night

All yesterday it rained and rained here in SE Michigan. Our grass went from a sickly brownish green to a full blown green, especially after today’s almost continuous downpour. Last night, however, we had quite the excitement as what we’d like to think of as a mini-tornado blew through. Fortunately, all that happened was a very large portion of a tree was stripped from the base, and an outdoor canopy and swing took a little dive across our patio.

My oldest is especially suspectible to thunderstorms since right after we moved here, the tree closest to his window was hit by lightning. He, of course, was a bit agitated, but thought it was cool that he was able to see a tree flying through the air. I didn’t think it was cool, but thanked the heavens that the tree didn’t crash into the house.

A few miles from us, however, wasn’t so lucky. We heard that indeed a tornado touched down in our township and that it ripped through two sections of an apartment building. Red Cross was already on the scene this morning helping those who had lost their home. I pray that they’ve found shelter.

Also, I hope that our friends in Texas are safe during this turbulent weather season.

Peace,

Kris

 

It’s not easy being green…

Aww….this poor white polar bear is green with envy because his ex-mate hooked up with his best friend.
Just joking – the polar bear took a dip in an algae-infested pool at a zoo in Japan. Crazy.

Saw this on Yahoo! and couldn’t help myself.

Hope all is “green” in your world.
K

 

Happy 4th of July

A little late here, but I thought I’d wish all Americans a Happy 4th of July.

Last night, our town resurrected fireworks. It was the first time my kids were able to see fireworks in their hometown, and boy did they enjoy it. We watched them over at my dad and step-mom’s house with a few other family members. It was a beautiful night, and all had an enjoyable time. I think I’ll write our local newspaper and let the township know how much I appreciated them running this family event.

Hope your weekend is grand!

Peace,

Kris

 

Don’t even think it!

Game 4 went to the Red Wings. Yes, we here in Hockeytown are not surprised, but we are superstitious enough to not mention anything else. Just yet.

Talk to me after tomorrow’s game 5.

Kris

 

A new book

I just started this wonderful memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I have to admit that I really want to reprise my study of the Italian language! If you aren’t aware, eat, pray and love chronicles her year spent in Italy, India and Indonesia after divorcing from her husband. It is a year that she has taken off from work as a writer/journalist to discover her true self.  She is funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I’m still just in the beginning of her travels, having only arrived in Rome a few weeks ago. I’m loving it like no other book.

Peace,

Kris

 

American Idol

Yes, I’ve been sucked into this show. But in my defense, it’s only been for the last two seasons. I’d listened to my sister and niece talk about the show for years, and I finally succumbed. I have to admit that it is entertaining, and by watching it on TIVO, I can skip through any parts (or singers) that I don’t want to hear.

This brings me to David Archuletta. Am I the only one on the planet who doesn’t like this guy’s voice? I have nothing personally against him – he seems like a great, down-to-earth, guy. But there is just something about his voice that makes me press the fast forward button immediately when he comes on stage.

I much prefer the voice of rocker David Cook. Now that’s my kind of singer. There’s substance to it, gritty, volume. I hope he wins it all.

I’m winding down a very, very busy week. Today I plan on doing nothing but my current wip. It has got to get done, and no one else is going to get it done except me. Next weekend the hubby and I are heading to Ohio for a RWA conference, and I’ll be lucky enough to meet my agent face-to-face. I can’t wait. I have to be able to tell her that I’m almost done, like 80% done with my edits. If not, I’m afraid she’ll kick me to the curb – cliche, I know.

Have a great day, and if I don’t write before, have a great weekend.

Peace,

Kris

 

Yoga, flowers, and my brain

The month of April has flown by so quickly. I know that my perception of time has changed as I grow older, and I can only attribute that to the amount of things I do each day. Some days are filled with obligations, and those are the ones that fly by almost instantaneously. Other days are slower, but seem to go by just as quickly. Why does this happen? I don’t know, and if I think about it I’m sure I’ll start a rant about how mothers don’t have enough time in the day. But that’s old news, and I’m tired of it. I’ve realized that I need to make myself a priority in order to be happy.

So, In order to combat the endless chatter that goes on in my head (and keeps me awake at night), I’ve taken up yoga. I have to tell you that I love it. When I’m done at my class, I feel so happy it is not even funny. After the first time, I asked my friend who’d joined me, “Do you feel good?” She gave me a strange smile and shook her head. I thought it was because I had finally taken the step to making time for myself. After speaking with another friend who is very close to becoming a certified yoga instructor, she told me that one is supposed to feel like that after yoga. She told me that I was able to connect the poses within me, and that was the reason I felt so good.

Now when I go to yoga class, I anticipate feeling good. Sure the vinyasa yoga is tough on the upper body, but I love it. I love how I feel when I’m done. My mind is clear and, amazingly enough, I feel energized. I’ve even started doing an AM Yoga practice and sometimes a PM Yoga practice – all depends upon when I decide it’s time to go to bed.

Another thing that I’ve been trying to do it relish the sight of my spring flowers. They truly are gorgeous. Here. I’ll show you some – please note that these photos do not do them justice.

I love this picture of my salmon colored tulips. These are almost now depleted. They lasted at least five days, and I enjoyed them every day.

This one shows all the colors of the tulips that have bloomed in my front yard. The salmon colored tulips are in the row beneath the hummingbird feeder – note: the boys have seen the hummingbirds, but I haven’t. I can’t wait to see my first hummer of the season!

Our Weeping Cherry is more beautiful each year. I can’t wait until it is huge and all those pretty lilac blossoms are everywhere.

So there is a bit of Michigan spring for you all who live elsewhere. I’m certainly enjoying it. I hope you are too where ever you are. Remember to take some time for yourself. You’re important too!

Peace,

Kris

 

Where has the time gone?

Today marks the month that my oldest son will turn 9. I can’t believe it. Remember when you were young, and the days seemed to go on forever? Summer vacation seemed to stretch and stretch, and it seemed like it would never end?

What has happened to that time reference? Someone told me once that time seems to move faster the more experiences you have in your life. That your brain fills up and with so many points of reference, the brain makes you think that time is moving faster.

I don’t know if that’s true or not. What I do know is that I’m shocked that I have an almost nine-year-old and that this year I’ll start a new decade. But…as my grandmother used to say, never feel your age. I certainly don’t feel like I’m going to start my fourth decade in four months. Not at all.

We’re in the midst of spring in Michigan which means we have weather that combines snow, rain, fog, sun, and wind. My early spring flowers have made their way through the mulch and are trying to bloom. Little yellow and purples ones, with names I have forgotten, have made it and have opened their petals to the elements. I’m grateful for these little bursts of color. Soon my front yard will be the colors of the rainbow, and this thought makes me very happy. We’ve had a long winter, and I’m ready for spring.

Peace,

Kris

 

Reading is Fundamental is about to lose their funding

Please see this site to show your support in this very important issue.

http://www.rif.org

Funding is scheduled to be taken away from this program. Please visit the site and let your government elected officials know that you care about books getting into the hands of children.

Peace,

Kris