Ok, I"ll admit it but sometimes I like a cloudy, cool day.

It gives me time indoors during a hectic, visitor-filled summer here at the lake. A break from the heat and sun. I need a time to spend indoors, collecting my thoughts about future indoor projects and what's to come in September. It can also be a creative time spent with my journal and planner. A time for Pinterest and Instagram (yet again...).
   
     This past week (Monday - Friday mid day) has been free of visitors to our lake house. It has been wonderful

     I'm TOTALLY looking forward to establishing a "loose" routine this September. Morning routine, detail clean, power walk, art/journal time, lunch/internet, errands, create time, dinner prep, etc.  I believe I will really enjoy retirement!
 
     So, til later,
                           Aimee

A Little Bit of WILD In Me

     I'm sure you've read a book that speaks to you. Reminds you of your younger life and brings you back to revisit your actions, thoughts and feelings. 

     Whether happy or sad, it reminds us how far we've come. This happened to me as I read Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I instantly found myself thinking about a younger time, probably age 20 or 21. A very free and happy time in my life. We were hiking/biking for a week straight until the rain took over. We traveled from home, up through the Kancamangus Highway with all our gear stowed in our bike panniers and backpacks. I remember sewing those panniers at home on my sewing machine, hoping my machine would hold up to velcro straps and canvas. As I sewed, I planned our trip in my head, how to cook on the trail and what to bring. I read camping books and cookbooks. I was a regular at EMS. Located in Mamaroneck, NY, while I lived in Westchester at the time. I knew about sleeping bags, closed cell mats and single burner stoves. I learned how to cook an egg in a brown paper bag, how to fashion a camp oven and even bake on the trail. (I don't remember doing this though). I dreamed of NH and our weekends together but especially this trip ran through my mind as a symbol of freedom and a return to nature.
                             

             

     Cheryl called her pack, "Monster", and how she felt it was an appendage of her body. She packed rather heavily but everything had a purpose. She could repack all her gear into it in record time, knowing all her belongings and where they fit like a puzzle. I remember putting a lot of thought into "just the essentials" and packing them efficiently. I even had a good luck pickle pinned to the outside of my Kelty exterior frame backpack.
     Strength, muscle, sweat, cold, wet,  joy, speed, euphoria. These are what I experienced. I miss that. I can still feel that feeling.
     Would I go back? Could I go back?
      Let me just keep this idea in the back of my mind. Maybe I'll pull it out later to work on it or maybe I'll just keep it stashed away. It definitely is a part of me, woven into one of the many layers that have made me what I am today.

     Sometimes all it takes is a good book.

A Day to Recharge

     Sometimes you just need a day. A day to get back on track and think about your direction. A day to take stock and move forward. This is one of those days. 

     We've had an unusual two weeks. "A' has been in the hospital and is now recovering at Mass General. Heart surgery to fix a valve and an artery. She is recovering today and will probably be coming home later in the week? We went to Steve's (Selig) funeral yesterday. So sad to see the family he left at such a young age (71). He was so active and full of life, it's hard to believe. Spent the afternoon at the Winni Yacht Club talking to family and friends. I think the kids kept everyone smiling. David is so darn cute!! And Ella is learning about heaven and how she can't talk to Pappa Steve again. My heart goes out to the family. Watching my son, Chris, searching for Tammy in the throng of people. Giving her comfort and reminding her to "take deep breaths", etc. She always feels like she constantly has to be responsible and pushes past her feelings. She is great for Chris and I believe they complement each other.

     So, on another note, I've been a bit creative in the past few days. That always feels good. I just finished a new project. Something different for me. An altered vintage suitcase! It was so much fun and it turned out beautifully. Not sure how to do the outside but am getting ideas from my YT viewers. Here's a picture of the inside. I LOVE it!

     Below is the process video.

     I'm attempting to create more and keep posting on this blog more regularly. Wish me luck!

     Til Later ~

                       Aimee

Busy Times & New Visitor

     We've had a very busy week this past week. "A" is in hospital, waiting for surgery now that they finally found out what her problem was. We have had Samantha ALL week and it started out Horribly! Cat was cranky and Sam was always yapping and requiring Dave's undivided attention. Day by day, it has gotten better. She is learning about us and we are learning about HER and all of her quirks!
Needless to say, she needs alot of exercise and human contact! So, this is what happens each night around 8:00 pm.

So, today is our last day with Sam. She really does love us now and will be super excited when she sees us again, I'm sure!

     On another note, I've been digging into my social media more fully. lol! And have recently posted 3 You Tube videos!  One is of the weekly Farmer's Market here in Wolfeboro and the next one is of the Annual Hospital Street Fair and the vintage goodies I picked up.  Enjoy!
Off to Trader Joe's tomorrow. Post a haul??? Depends how tired I am.
     Here's to a fun, productive, creative week!  

            Aimee   :0)