SUMMER - at long last!

WE

LOVE

SUMMER

My goodness, it feels so good to look outside and see colors! I put as many colors around here as possible and they are making us smile and feel happy! Ahhhhhhh, summer :-)

I know I have not posted in ages.  We've been time deprived.  Every moment seems to be spoken for.  And then when a spare moment comes along we find ourselves sleeping (napping, we call it) and trying to recharge our batteries.  We are also a little bit energy deprived!

First of all, Paul is working a physically demanding job that starts with his waking up at 4:30 AM! Then often he works as a bartender in the evenings. So for him it is like working first and third shift.  It's hard to work this pace when you aren't in your twenties any more!

I work at the Rusted Periwinkle a couple of days per week.  I'm volunteering at the weaving room in Crossnore and doing the best to keep up with laundry and the house and cooking and making Paul's meals.  Also Shannon and I are very busy trying to get the art thing going.  For most of everything I have been doing you can go here. (the art blog)  There are lots of tidbits about the shows and etc., plus some details about the weaving endeavor and a few personal things.

We try to visit our local farmer's market friends weekly. 

This is Abi and her son Finn from the Hen's Tooth Farm.

 Amos and Kaci from Trosley Farm right here in Elk Park --- great farm dinners fyi

 Shannon selling her mushrooms, handcrafted mountain furniture and some polymer clay pieces

And Sarah Green with her fabulous organic herbs, lettuces, asparagus and garlic. She is also a potter!

We still try to attend pottery class on Friday mornings. (no photos right now, sorry)  We are doing our best to keep the garden going and the weeds at bay, albeit a fight to the finish I imagine! 

 Potatoes that Paul & Christian planted

 Peppers and squash (not shown)

and we still have strawberries, believe it or not!

We have even been able to attend a couple of social events - one of which was a wonderful Solstice celebration with friends we've been fortunate enough to gather since we've moved up here.

There were a lot of things to offer up to the Summer Solstice powers to be:

Austin (our first born grandson - my son's first son) turned 11 years old on the 18th! I just don't know where all the time has gone.  He's very grown up sounding!

The "kids" are all safe and in one piece.  Jenn's health is much better and pretty stable.  She and Victor (and Christian, of course) have found a real home in  Free Chapel where they worship and find great support.  Christian is continuing to heal and get his strength back.  He is in school for the summer with speech therapy and such.  We are looking forward to his visit the end of July.

Jon continues to chef and work crazy and insane hours.  Melissa is in nursing school and has given her life to that.  She is doing quite well and seems to be a natural with the whole thing.  Austin and Cade are in their summer routine with Jon & Melissa, and I'm sure the house is filled with energy and then some!

Nina is still working for the "knee walker" company in Orlando and awaiting her placement in nursing school.  It's a demanding process and a real trick to get in a slot apparently.  Our fingers are crossed for her.  And we will be seeing her soon as she is coming to visit mid July and celebrate her birthday with us! Thankful for the folks who come to see us. :-)

These are just a few of our many blessings we gave thanks for on the Solstice!

My heart seems fairly heavy with compassion for so many of my sweet friends who are dealing with unwanted health issues, grieving/healing and in various stages of losing family members and loved ones, enormous financial challenges and even marital stress. It seems like the whole world tilted on its axis in January of this year.  From the tragedy in Japan to our own little corner of trauma hell, it has just been a LOT to try to digest and conquer.  These are just a few of the things we asked help for on the Solstice!  Grateful for the longer days to accomplish all the goals!

And so, we continue to count our blessings!  If you are under the impression I am in the midst of a pity party, I am not.  I am just trying to be honest and give you a clue as to why the blog is not so up to date.  My momma taught me if you have nothing nice to say, just don't say anything.  I spend enormous blocks of time working it all out so I can remain positive and happy.  At the end of the day, there just isn't much energy left.  I'm trying to concentrate on the art because it's constructive and therapeutic.  Also, I like it!

So, in case you don't feel like visiting the art blog, I'll leave you with this! (our motto)

And lots of wishes for blessings to you all!

Cheers!

Paul and Cheri