2009 = Nature

Happy New Years Eve!

New Years can often represent a fresh start in a new look, attitude, or plan. Goals are thrown about; some serious, some ridiculous.

I just plain want to have more, freshness. Fresh foods to eat,  laundry to hang, and goodness sakes, I’d love fresh bread, daily…with butter.

Most of all, however, I am bone-breaking, heart-longing for, dying without one thing…Fresh Air!

It is my goal this year to be in nature, for 30 minutes or more, everyday. Yes, thank you for the reminder, I know where I live, snowy Minnesota. I think I want to tackle it anyway. Okay, I’ll let myself off the hook for anything below 0 degrees; those days I’ll just do 2-3 minutes before frost bite kicks in, eating away my very skin.

So nature, here I come again, returning to you for some much needed, bigger-than me, time. Time to see, feel, and hear the work of God all around me. Time for my lungs, heart and every inch of me to say…I am alive and well, take me to see the world (though I am sure many of my adventures will begin and end in my very own yard).

front-door-insideToday, I took the kids on a sled-walk. No need for bicycles or strollers to transport us around. The streets are covered in ice. I am not exaggerating. We traveled the neighborhood with binoculars in tow, searching for snow-birds. Then we played at the park followed by some cocoa, pretzels, and chocolate snowmen.

mollys-cocoa

rys-cocoa

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Lingering Christmas

I am not tempted to make a check-mark on my list called, “Take down Christmas”.  My bathroom’s red and green fingertip towels are in no danger of being sequestered to the attic any time soon. I love the twinkle lights, in and on my home, that brighten the dark, wintry nights that lie ahead.

The Holidays seem to linger at my house. For starters, the week following Christmas, I have three parties to attend. I still have ornaments to buy for next year. (Yes, I am that cheap, that I will buy keepsake Hallmark ornaments the year ahead or 5 years ahead; even though the imprinted year will be not exactly, how do you say… accurate.)  I have grown so accustom to eating other people’s baked goods, that I may just have to do some Christmas cookie baking of my own.  I have soups to simmer with left-over ham. And I will continue to watch films from my Holiday movie collection well into 2009.

Most others rush to pack away decor, dishes and photos in big plastic bins the day after December 25th. I will be here, most of January and maybe a few days of February, sipping cocoa, letting the lights twinkle, and still talking about true meaning of Christmas.

Below are some more images from Christmas…I just can’t let go. I love Christmas!

Our first year doing Santa.

Our first year doing Santa. Ry told us about how toys get to our homes, "Jesus makes the gifts, you know, Santa just delivers them to us."

He filled our skating sock stockings with care.

He filled our wool-sock stockings with care.

We found a ornament on Grammy Kris' tree of Neat Pete circa 1st or 2nd grade.

We found an ornament on Grammy Kris' tree of Neat Pete circa 1st or 2nd grade.

Nothing says, Christmas, like letting an 18 month old try to put her bow onto the family cat.

Nothing says, Christmas, like letting an 18 month old try to put her bow onto the family cat.

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

…at least that is what the song says, right?

Summer, in all it’s sandy glory, is pretty wonderful too.

Here are some wonderful things from this time of the year, in no particular order.

1. Felt snowflakes; I made a garland of white lights and a variety of gray snow flake ornaments for over the sliding glass door.

felt-snowflake

2. Milk and Cookies; Is that patio furniture still in plain sight? Why yes it is. BBQ, anyone?

ry-having-snack

3. Handmade Gifts; Great Aunt Mary Jo and her friend Diane made a set for Molly’s doll crib; Wool socks so colorful and warm…from who else? Julie, my knitter friend and co-worker.blurry-molly-with-quiltsocks-from-julie

4. Bundled Children; I think Molly and Ry look like such a great team as they slide down our backyard together on a sled.

molly-and-ry-sledding

5. Warm Cozy Nights; That don’t start until 9-something because Ry, 4,  just has to push the limits by getting out of bed…every night.

cocoa-slippers

It is a wonderful season. Thank you all that have been so loving at Christmas and throughout the year!

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Not-So-Fun Part of the Season

As if unexpected car repairs (leaving me stranded in a snow storm for an hour); leaky faucets (ruining everything under the sink and more); a goose egg on my dear Molly’s fore-head; and watching my G-ma GG come near to the end of her days is not enough…my Uncle passed away 7 days before Christmas.

I do not share the above list for pity. Rather, I share it to keep it real. My heart is balancing on a tight rope of darkness and light. Hope and Joy are ever present even during the most difficult days that turn into difficult nights. I have comfort from the Comforter, Jesus.

I strive to be graceful under pressure. I am saying hello to peace. Long ago I used to only find a nightmarish anger. Praise God for love!

I would like to share some of the love I had for my Uncle Mick.

Dear Uncle,

My heart is heavy with loss. My memories of you are strong. Your laugh is still with me.

Thank you for your continuous generosity, genuine curiosity and unyielding verbosity.

Thank you for fighting for your nation and your brothers. Your sacrifice has been an inspiration.

Good-bye Uncle Mickey. I hope to see you again.

Greatest Love and Respect,

Jessica

Uncle Mick at a family party. (I am in the background).

Uncle Mick at a family party (summer 2008), ever ready to engage in discussion, sits in the living room as I busy myself in the kitchen. (I am in the background).

21-shots

21 Gun Salute to Mick's service in the Air Force and Vietnam War.

My newly widowed Aunt Rosie receiving Mick's burial flag.

My, newly widowed, Aunt Rosie receiving Mick's burial flag of the United States of America.

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Welcome to Just a Blink

My Family

Hi! My name is Jess.

When I'm 90 I'll probably feel like my whole life was just a blink. Even my early 30's it feels like life is speeding by.

Just A Blink gives me a place to jot down all that makes my life full. I write about thrifty home decor, family life, and finding simplicity.

My posts cover everything from my garage sale addiction to how I live my faith.

Thanks for reading along. Watch as time flies, it'll be fun!