Heartbreaking and Heartwarming

Heartbreaking.....

I have a friend named Kim.  She and I were on dance team together at Texas A&M and lived together with another roommate in a duplex.  Kim is/was one of those radiant people...beautiful inside and out...smart and sweet and upbeat.  She was even a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader - she's that all-American girl that you want to hate and envy but just can't because she is so genuinely nice.

Kim is a mother of two, a little girl named Viv and a little boy named Sawyer.  My heart is breaking for Kim, her family, and her loved ones. 

Kim's words:

Sawyer ... ...

November 21, 2008 – December 12, 2016

Sawyer did not lose his battle with medulloblastoma brain cancer; he kicked its ass for 20 months. 

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)

i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; 

and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) 

~ E.E. Cummings

Something like this happens, and I stop in my tracks.  I reflect.  And, honestly, I ask myself "what can I do to be a better person and give more to the world?"  Please, in Sawyer's honor, hug someone you love a little tighter, spread kindness to those that need it, maybe (if you feel so inclined) donate to your local children's hospital, hospice care, or cancer research institute. 

Heartwarming.....

Today, we celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary.  I failed as a good little blogger because I had no "anniversary" post ready to honor this event.  But, when I heard the news about Sawyer, this guy is the one who held me and wiped my tears.  He is the one that recommended we find out if there is somewhere specific Kim's family will recommend donations to be sent.  He is the one who mentioned Viv, Sawyer's sister, and how tough of a time this will be for her.  I'll be honest - he isn't always known to be compassionate or tender-hearted, but I am the fortunate one that knows that side of him does indeed exist, and I know it well.  In this moment of heartbreak and grief, my heart was warmed by the realization that this is the one who is by my side during such times. 

If you want to read about our special day, you can do that here:  The best wedding ever*

Happy anniversary to us!

I show you my books, you show me yours... vol.23

Jana & Steph are bringing us book lovin' bloggers our favorite day of the month again - Show Us Your Books day!

Here's what I've read since the last link-up:

1.  Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo -  a delightful little book that is nominated for Best Middle Grade/Children's Book on Goodreads Choice Awards 2016. 4/5

2.  Tequila Sunset by Sam Hawken - Don Winslow's The Power of the Dog & The Cartel may have ruined all other fiction books about the drugs, gangs, and violence on the U.S./Mexican border (because they were just SO good.)  That being said this was still an entertaining enough read.  3.5/5

3.  The Girls by Emma Cline - DNF - Rebecca Jo mentioned something last month about wanting to drop kick a book that she didn't like.  That's how I felt about this pretentious, try-hard story.  I didn't even make it to Evie joining up with the cult.  I couldn't get there.  I used to not quit books, but my book lovin' blogger friends have taught me that if something ain't workin' for me, then it is just fine to move along.

4.  When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi -  

I know that people have fled war torn countries for ages, but this book feels timely and relevant. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but anyone that wants to close borders or not help refugees should read this heart-wrenching book.  4.5/5 5.  Cross the Line by James Patterson (Alex Cross #24) - There are better Alex Cross books than this one, but it still (as Steph says) passed the time just fine. 3.75/5 6. Blood Wedding by Pierre Lemaitre - A bookstagrammer (is that what we're calling these folks) that I follow gave a glowing recommendation for this one, so I picked it up, and I'm glad I did.  There's a whole lotta crazy goin' on in this book.  If a quick-read crime/mystery/thriller with crazy ass characters is your thang, then I recommend this book.  4.5/5 7.  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein - What I loved about this book: strong female characters, a depiction of the important roles that females played during WWII, and a strong female friendship.  Because of those things, I really wanted to love this book, but for some reason, I just liked it.  Maybe it's timing.  I'm busy.  I'm distracted.  My mind is going a million miles a minute with lots of things going on..  So, maybe I wasn't able to get absorbed by the story the way I needed to be.  3/5 8.  Escape Clause by John Sandford - I'm a John Sandford fangirl.  I've read every book in the Lucas Davenport series, and now every book in the Virgil Flowers one.  As most series go, some are better than others, but for me, they've all be enjoyable.  Sandford's characters are truly, well, characters. Currently reading:  Plan B by Jonathan Tropper Now is the time that I pimp my book challenge.  Many of you know it, but just.in.case you don't, check it out - Book Challenge by Erin.  Kick off your new year by reading books amongst a community of supportive, encouraging book lovers.  Click the links below: Our goodreads group Our facebook group Hooray for books!!!!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.102

'Tis the season that I send several overseas packages. 

This is one of the libraries I frequent. Ain't too shabby. 

Christmas drinks with my fellow Texas A&M grads at Blu Bar (level 36 of the Shangri La hotel.)

These were our views....

...Sydney was really showing off her beauty this week. 

Christmas drinks turned into Christmas shenanigans. 

Worked 6 days this week with long hours, but I still managed to get some presents wrapped too. 

Expativersary

Eight years ago, I landed on Australian soil and began my life as an "expat".  Honestly, I'm not sure that I even knew the term "expat" then.  What I did know...this was going to be a massive life change and challenge with new adventures in store for me. 

The term "rollercoaster ride" is often used as a metaphor for life when we experience peaks and valleys, highs and lows, twists and turns, fear and exhilaration. The last 8 years of my life could be described by all of these things and more. 

And, would you look at that. Bon Jovi has a song on their new album titled "Roller Coaster", and it's one of my faves.  How fitting.   

Happy "expativersary" to me!

A Different Way to Celebrate December

You may have heard me mention jenn (she likes lowercase) around these parts before.  She's the only blogger buddy that I know and am friends with in real life, or as the kids say it "irl".  Like, we've shared a meal in person kind of friend.  (Not that I wouldn't be happy to do so with many others of you...there's just this thing called an ocean that separates most of us.)  In fact, I've known her since before the world of blogging...way before.  We shared the same homeroom from 9th through 12th grade. 

She created this super clever, creative, fun scavenger hunt of sorts that helps put some positivity, goodness, and kindness out into the world.  Here's a recap of her November adventures.  She's doing the same for December.  I know, I know.  Decembers are crazy busy for all of us.  But, I'm going to try to squeeze a few of these activities into my month.  Why don't you join us?

From jenn's post:  ten things to celebrate in december: a scavenger hunt

December 1, 2016

it's ten this time because a) time, b) money and c) it's my bloggy and i can if i want to. mental floss compiled a list of fourteen days to celebrate in december. i'm using some but not all because of the aforementioned reasons. if you choose to blog about this, photos are required, but they don't have to be selfies (see reason c). you can do them in any order you'd like. they do not have to be tied to their day. you've until december thirty-first to complete this thing.

one. december first. national pie day. also national eat a red apple day. buy, or if you're feeling especially awesome, bake an apple pie and take it to the servers of a favored restaurant. they bring you food and drink at your beck and call. be sweet and bring them some treats.

two. december second. national salesperson's day. i've done more than my share of time in retail hell. i know how dreaded this time of year is for the gals behind the counter. when you're out shopping for those special gifts, ask an associate what a good pick-me-up would be. what can you do to put a bright spot in her day? chances are good it'll be a simple as a cup of starbucks or, in the case of one of my manager friends, a route forty-four diet coke from sonic with hardly any ice in it.

three. december fifth. bathtub party day. things are about to crazy, yeah? or maybe they've done so already? all the shopping and the baking and the trimming of the tree... treat yourself to a time out. snag a favored scented shower gel from bath and body works (or wherever you go for that stuff... i'm partial to bodycology's white gardenia, which can be found at the grocery store for like four bucks), pour a glass of wine, put on some music or listen to a bit of an audio book you've been dying to read but haven't had the time. give yourself a blessed hour. your family will probably thank you for it.

four. december sixth. st. nicholas day. surely you know a nick or a nicholas (or maybe a nicole?). take some time out of your day to send a special note to that person. 'tis the season...

five. december tenth. nobel prize day. here's a list of the laureates in literature. choose one and share a line or two from a work you admire.

six. december twelfth. poinsettia day. pick up one of these gorgeous creations and take it to a friend you've not seen in some time.

seven. december thirteenth. national cocoa day. take a breather from the christmas shopping. treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate.

eight. december fifteenth. cat herders day. surely you know someone who's got one too many cats in his or her house. and surely those cats are wreaking havoc on the christmas decor. find a cute cat card and send it their way. they may be needing the reminder of why they love the things right about then.

nine. december twenty-first. winter solstice day. the longest night of the year. the hardest time of the year for some. there are those who are grieving. there are those who are in the throes of some pretty wicked depression, and this time of year is NEVER good for them. find a way to bring them some warmth, to shed some light. check with your local service organizations and see what you can do to help those in need. take some flowers to a senior living facility. treat a friend who may be grieving to lunch or a movie. or just sit with them for a while. listen.

ten. december twenty-eighth. national card playing day. we spend so much time on our phones or sitting at computers being "sociable". try getting a group of friends together for a game of hearts or spades, uno, skip-bo or phase ten. turn the television off. sit at a table and enjoy each other. have a game night. unwind.

My mother as a pin-up

I've been on a roll with tattoos lately.  I'd had a "wishlist", and I've been knocking those out since finding my little superstar of an artist, Melanie Milne.  In October, I got a tattoo in honor of my dad, and I mentioned one was in the works in honor of my mom too. 

My mother taught baton twirling in my early childhood.  She can still pick up a baton and do some pretty impressive tricks with it.  She taught me in my early years.  We marched in parades and went to competitions.  She was/is energetic and enthusiastic, and everyone loved/loves her.

Me...during my baton twirling career

Rewind to times before my childhood...and before she was my mom...this woman was a drum major during the 1960s.  Not just any drum major, but she led a band of over 300 members, and this band's claim to fame during their tenure was they played the National Anthem during the opening of the Houston Astrodome. 

I used to work with a guy that went to high school with my mom.  He told me that when she took the field that all eyes were on her.  He may have been slightly infatuated all those years later. 

Fast forward...I'd always wanted a pin-up of some sort, and I wanted a tattoo inspired by my mother.  Drum majors, majorettes, baton twirlers, and even pin-ups are "Americana" identities.  It just seemed to work together.  In fact, when I told my tattoo artist my idea, her reply was "that is sooo American, and I love it!"

So, here we are.  She's working.  I'm wincing (in pain).  We're both singing to Eagles Greatest Hits vol.2 and talking about her recent trip to New Zealand.

And...the finished project...I just love her!  (her as in the tattoo, my mom, and Mel, my artist)

My mom has her own sound when she sends me a viber message.  I heard it as I was getting the tattoo.  She asked what I was doing.  So, I sent this in return.  Let me clarify, my mom doesn't like my tattoos, so I had to tell her to not be mad.

Her response was that it was "nice", but she hoped the picture was just a drawing on paper and not on my body.  Ha! 

What do you do that drives your mother crazy?

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.101

This red velvet donut with buttercream icing and candy cane decorations was as sensational as it looks. 

I might've got carried away with tree decorations this year...my back patio trees even have lights. 

I love the jacaranda tree in front of my house. I don't love sweeping up after the jacaranda tree. 

I had a realization that yes, I am old, when I walked through H&M and decided everything was crap. 

A book & my snuggly boys ... Not a lot of things that are better than this. 

Street art in Newtown

Sunday brunch with a girlfriend was a great way to end the week. 

 Happy weekend to you!