Austin Sun Drops

Creating a bonfire

2013-03-29T16:41:00.002-05:00

I've been reading Sarah's emails for awhile. Even though the main focus of weight loss doesn't necessarily apply to me, her energy is infectious, and her random emails on life, business, and now marriage are nuggets of gold. Today's email caught my eye as I start to go on a downward spiral after finishing up a year long project yesterday. "Are you destined for divorce?" I had to read further, as poor Brando catches the brunt of my triggers every single time, and today he's getting the bottom of the barrel. A quote that stood out to me, that I have realized in other ways through different inspirations throughout the year, is, "When it comes to relationships, f**k the spark, how are you going to create a f**king bonfire?"

The comments for articles intrigue me almost as much as the article, as I love reading other people's perspectives and feedback to truly round out the article. A comment Sarah left in reply to a comment asking how to make a bonfire when you're single in regards to Sarah's suggestion to do so caught my eye, "Great question. Have as much fun as possible! Concentrate on doing things that light you up, and get out of the house. If you’re having fun, and are totally in love with yourself, you’re gonna be a frickin magnet. To me, it’s really that simple." I have believed that from day one, even when you're in a relationship I believe a small part of this still applies, especially if you're a SAHM. I have not ever been able to put this into words as succinctly and beautifully as Sarah did, though.

Thank you, Sarah, for an amazing article at the perfect timing. Now let's just hope my log isn't too wet for me to chip away the wet bark today, because I really don't feel like blowing too hard today ;) .

Dopamine and Video Games

2013-03-28T18:36:00.000-05:00

A letter to my cousin, after her implication videos are bad because they raise dopamine levels:

[to my cousin] So since you mentioned the whole dopamine thing and video games I've been meaning to sit down and research the subject. Finally had a chance to. Turns out there's a LOT more behind the scenes.

One article, Dopey about Dopamine, states video games don't raise dopamine levels any more than eating food or sex, as well as sites studies showing data regarding same. The same article argues people need to distinguish between a substance and behavior.

"we have to stop treating behaviors as if they were controlled substances. Playing video games, watching television, eating, and having sex are behaviors that can all be problematic in certain times and certain contexts. But they are not the same as ingesting drugs, they don’t cause the same level of chemical change in the brain."

Another article, This is Your Brain on Video Games, talks about video games creates new learning comparable to learning in graduate school. He cites several organizations that support gaming to improve mental cognition. He also cited several studies including one where gamers outperform nongamers, including gamers who started a week prior for the sole purpose of addressing the weakness that gamers may be more visual learners in the first place. In addition, he cited a study where surgeons who played games more than three hours a week had 37% less errors than nongaming peers.

More than several TedTalks address video games and their benefits to the real world, such as in Jane McGonigal's TedTalk on how a video game recovered her from a head injury, and Tom Chatfield's TedTalk on how gaming can increase learning, along with many others.

Do you see my dilemna?!?!

Really, if this was based on facts, there would be no dilemma. Live a balanced life, and video games are a major benefit. Don't live a balanced life, and they aren't.

The thing is, I *personally* don't like video games. I'm also a lot dumber visually than the boys and Brando. And by a lot, I mean a LOT. Also, if I don't like something, I kind of don't want them to spend time on something I don't like. But, then, who am I to keep them from challenging themselves mentally just because I'd rather spend time challenging myself in other ways?

[to my cousin] Was thinking on this and finally had time to research. Thought I'd share my research and dilemmas with you since you mentioned the one thing that got me researching :) .

Yes.

2013-03-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the awesome image, honey.

Follow Me on Instagram

2013-03-13T18:49:00.001-05:00

I finally started Instagramming regularly by giving the 365grateful project a go. Was finding it hard to be grateful for a few days and am loving the project so far! Follow me by finding sundropsonroses.

SXSW: The Local's Way

2013-03-08T21:57:00.001-06:00

In other words, how to do SXSW events the free way. I'm FINALLY home for SXSW and can't WAIT to do some of these events. I've lined out as many free and fun events I could find for the weeks. There are a few in particular that I'm SO EXCITED to go to. Kicking off with Austin Film Studios Award Ceremony After Party last night,

and another kickoff tomorrow with SXSW Interactive at the Long Center, Palmer Event Center, and Austin Convention Center. Can't wait!

Saturday, March 9th

Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds

Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys

11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation

Sunday, March 10th

Noon-11pm - NASA's James Webb Telescope Exhibit, Long Center, Free, Four stories high, 12,000 pounds

Noon-8pm - SXSW Gaming Expo, Palmer Events Center, Free, Enough said for teenage boys

11am-6pm SXSW Create 2013, outdoors adjacent to Austin Convention Center, Free, Teaching how to solder, no focus camera technology presentation

Monday, March 11th

Tuesday, March 12th

11am-6pm Vintage Clothing Arcade 2013, Valhalla, Free, Vintage clothing and music

Wednesday, March 13th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6:30am My Jerusalem
7 Amy Cook
7:30 The Lumineers
8 M. Ward
8:30 Ben Kweller
9 Michael Kiwanuka
9:30am Bob Schneider w/ The Tosca String Quartet

11am - Mackelmore, Tegan, & Sara, Waterloo, Free, Arrive early

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

Thursday, March 14th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6 Nakia
6:30 Elle King
7 Bahamas
7:30 Jimmy Cliff
8 Rhett Miller
8:30 Blitzen Trapper
9 Ingrid Michaelson
9:30 Delta Spirit

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

Noon-5pm Twangfest, Broken Spoke, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

1:30pm-4:30pm, Macklemore signing at SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Friday, March 15th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

6:30 ZZ Ward
7 Graffiti6
7:30 Fun.
8 Walk The Moon
8:30 Nada Surf
9 Tom Morello
9:30 Charlie Mars
10am: James Mercer of The Shins

12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Saturday, March 16th

All am, W Austin, $5 donation, hosted by KGSR:

8 Kat Edmonson
8:30 Yellow Ostrich
9 Ben Howard
9:30 Ed Sheeran
10 Givers
10:30 Citizen Cope
11 Keane

12pm-5pm Band lineup, Doc's Motorworks, Free

4-7pm Band line up, Patagonia, Free

Noon-5pm Twangfest, Broken Spoke, Free
Noon-7pm Ramble Creek Day Show, La Patisserie, Free

12pm-6pm, SXSW Music Gear Expo, Austin Convention Center Hall 5, Free

2pm-2am Band Lineup, Upper Decks, Free

3:30pm-8pm Band Lineup, Auditorium Shores, Free

Sunday, March 17th

Monday, March 18th

Don't forget the whole smorgasbord of free SXSW events including interactive, music, expos, and more. Some are listed above, but not all.

KGSR Parking Details: To enter the broadcast, take the stairs at the corner of 2nd and Lavaca that lead up to the ACL Live at Moody Theater. Then head left towards the W Austin. There are several paid parking options, including valet at the hotel, the City Hall garage at 2nd and Caesar Chavez, and the Amli located across the street from the W Austin. Entry is not guaranteed so make sure to arrive early.

Hawaii... Our Favorite Getaway

2013-03-01T23:15:00.001-06:00

Liebster Award

2013-01-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks to super sweet, Ashley at Lovely Little Adventure, for awarding my blog the Liebster Award! Being the dork that I am, I had to look up liebster to see what it means. Liebster is a German word (how perfect, since Brando is German) used to indicate somebody who is dear, or a favorite, such as a friend. Certainly understood why Ashley is one of "mein libster mensch" after reading her answers :) . What a fun award!

Rules:

1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.

3. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to pass the award to and link them in your post.

4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

5. No tag backs.

11 Random Facts About Me

1) I used to blog a LOT more than I do now. 90% of my closest friends I have met through my blog during the times I have been a more active blogger. Mai, Allison, Teagan, Alyssa, Jackie, Cecilia, Laura, Kristin, Courtney, Ashley, and more I am positive I am forgetting, I have met through my blog and our real life connection is just as strong or stronger. I count myself blessed and so fortunate to call them my closest friends.

2) I often feel like I don't know what I'm doing with parenting and everyone else around me does. There are moments I see that is ABSOLUTELY not true, but anytime I see another parent do something better or even just different, I'm like, "Why didn't I realize to do that?" Then, I get over it, and either get on doing whatever it was, or realize, oh, yeah, we don't do that because it doesn't fit our family.

3) Sex after twelve years of marriage is incomparable to sex while dating or during the first years of marriage. Brando and I actually waited until two weeks before we got married (long story about why the heck we didn't just wait two more weeks), but the other guys I had dated and "hooked up" with that I thought was an incredible experience? Ha. I had no clue. Pathetic in comparison. Sex after twelve years of marriage is mind-blowing. Would I have told you that five years in? Nope, I would have said it gotten better, but definitely not mind-blowing. Twelve years hit the jackpot.

4) My son has taken a bee-keeping class. Only thought of this because of Ashley's random fact that she is terrified of bees. He LOVEd it. He loves anything and everything to do with animals. Any time I see a cute animal on Pinterest I "like" it for him to go back and show him later. The latest adorable animal I discovered off Facebook for him from Cecilia is a quokka. He literally melted when he saw the photo.

5) I am starting to enjoy family time more and more and more. These years are so fleeting. I used to feel like I have to "get out" with my girlfriends and have a break. Now, I almost feel like time with my girlfriends I'm not extremely close to without my boys or husband around is wasted time and I can't wait to get back home. Usually, I won't even agree to it anymore. ESPECIALLY when I feel like that person has put me on the back burner for boys, when I have always made my friends priority, sadly over my family sometimes and whether or not I have other obligations that come up - if I 've made the commitment I stick to it. Might just be a maturity thing. Chip on shoulder moment. Sorry.

6) Yikes this is difficult! I love to blog, but lately I've been enjoying and savoring the moment more and more rather than rushing to write about it and document the photos. I still do take way too many photos, I just don't rush here to put them up. Usually, I rush to facebook these days to put them up so they're still organized :) . I also write my anecdotes there.

7) I met Young House Love! A blog post is owed this moment. But the photos we took? Um, yeah, I'm hiding behind John with my boobs putting on a show. That was awkward. Must photoshop photo.

8) I don't like to tell people I'm doing things until I've done them. Too many things in my life I've said I'm going to do, then never end up doing. The feeling of having to tell someone I'm a failure because, actually, no, I didn't do that, is almost worse than the feeling of not doing it. So now I give myself a little grace, if I tell people I tell them I'm "supposed" to do whatever the thing is but generally just don't say a thing, and just do it. This does provide awkward moments when people don't understand why I'm as busy as I am, but I figure they'll understand once I'm done.

9) Road trips used to scare me, but I have learned to love them. My first road trip I actually enjoyed was one with all of us and my sister, Windy, to Arizona to visit my Grandma. She had taken multiple road trips with her boys when they were younger and knew all the things to make road trips enjoyable with boys. I fully intended on using the opportunity to train us on how to take road trips. We stopped to visit my niece and nephew at their coffee shop and bed and breakfast at 5am for a full delicious breakfast, stopped at another local coffee shop and restaurant for lunch along the way, we stopped by a fireworks store for New Year's fireworks and spent an hour perusing the store and running around, we stopped immediately when anybody had to pee instead of waiting until the next stop, and she told us stories of how they would stop to climb rocks with her boys on the side of the road occasionally. Our second road trip was on the way back without her as she flew home after we left. We stopped by the same local coffee shop and restaurant, stopped in a small ghost town to play in the snow and have a snowball fight, stopped to climb a rocky mountain hill for an hour, stopped immediately whenever we had to go pee (WHAT a difference that makes instead of pushing yourself and being miserable til the next stop), stopped back by my niece and nephew's for breakfast and had a freakin' blast. I finally took a road trip up to Dallas alone with my boys. I was terrified, but we ended up having a blast. Stopped by In n Out too many times, stopped by Rudy's on the way for their nice restrooms, and on the way home they slept the whole way. Now I freakin' LOVE road trips.

10) I don't have a passport. I finally replaced our missing birth certificates and am working on getting passports, but I have never been out of the country except to cross the border to Canada for a 7 11 stop as a kid before they required passports to do so.

11) I haven't been drinking alcohol or caffeine since May when I thought I was pregnant (turns out it was a chemical pregnancy). I love, love, LOVE the even temper I have and no crazy highs or lows from caffeine or alcohol buzzes (the highs were okay, just not the feeling stupid sometimes when I looked back on them, but the depression and anxiety to follow I definitely don't miss) and then withdrawals or hangovers. Having a drink is SO tempting sometimes, especially when the breeze is blowing and I'm just sitting back and relaxing, but then I remember the hangover part or even just the barely noticeable tired, cranky part and I resist. Caffeine is a little easier because I can still do naturally decaffeinated (Swiss water process or C02), so I still get my occasional morning coffee or Cafe Au Lait in. The nice part is with the decaffeination I don't crave one every day, and only have them when I want the feeling of a warm cup in my hands and the soothing smell. If I'm at a place where the coffee isn't naturally decaffeinated, I order hot chocolate. Had one of the BEST hot chocolates I've ever had in Canton, Texas that way.

My questions from Ashley:

1.) What do you like to photograph most? My children. I love capturing memories and moments that won't ever happen again due to time and space.

2.) If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? Politics. I can't stand politics. I understand the need for them, I just wish people focused on issues and didn't get so caught up in the politics of things.

3.) What's one of your most embarrassing moments? Haha, I have way too many! The one that sticks out in my mind, though, is when the kids and I went on a business trip with Brando. I had taken the kids to a laundromat to do laundry. On our way back to the hotel, Shawners fell asleep. When we got to the hotel, I put him in his stroller to stay asleep and carried him with my basket of laundry in the back of the stroller down the stairs. At that very moment, Brando's conference got out. My laundry started spilling out the back of the stroller - underwear, bras, and all - as people started pouring up the stairs. Only one guy stopped to help me while the other's walked past. Laughable now, definitely embarrassing then.

4.) What do you do in your spare time? Try to fill it with making sure I have as little spare time as possible!! Generally, I volunteer for the boys' schools, take on volunteer projects, and spend time exercising or discovering new eateries or other places with friends.

5.) What words would you use to describe your friends and family? Heart.

6.) What do you want most out of life? To have children who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind, children who are full of character and do what God has put in their hearts.

7.) What's something off your bucket list? Don't have a bucket list. As soon as I think of something, I try to do it as soon as humanely possible.

8.) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Oh, geez. With a high-schooler about to graduate, crossing fingers off to college to become a programmer, with another almost graduating, about to head off to college to follow whatever God has put in his heart as a desire - same with the other, too, he already realizes that desire is to be a programmer.

9.) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Italy. Because of Under the Tuscan Sun.

10.) What makes your heart skip a beat? My husband. Hands down.

11.) What song reminds you of someone? You and Me - of my hubby and our ten year renewal.

My Questions for You:

1) Where do you see yourself in twenty years?

2) What is your absolute most favorite thing to do in the world?

3) What gives you energy?

4) What are your passions, and do they relate to what gives you energy?

5) How do you make sure to be healthy?

6) What are the top five places you've visited?

7) What is your favorite place you visited and why?

8) How do you connect with another friend - what makes a friendship close for you?

9) What is your love language?

10) Do you believe in God and, if so, why and what is your relationship like?

11) Are you on Pinterest and, if so, what do you like to pin, why, and what's your username :) ?

I'm Tagging:

Mrs. A @ Mrs. Architect (email me if you need an invite, and I'll forward your email on to her)

Teagan @ Lauren Should Have Gone to Paris

Athena @ Athena Plichta Photography

Jaymee @ JayAdores

Samira @ Official Blog of SAH aka Coffee Girl

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

2012-12-31T17:54:00.005-06:00

See ya 2012 Gangnam Style!

Enjoy this gangnam style parody I did with my grandma, grandpa, sisters, cousins, and niece, when we went to visit my grandparents in Phoenix and drove up to the Grand Canyon in November.

Don't forget to catch up with where I'm at in life. Oh, so much different than before.

This is 40cough30. Life with middle school kids.

2012-12-30T22:36:00.002-06:00

Just saw the movie This is 40 with Brando. I don't want to forget how much I relate to that movie right now, so I can look back on this time period in our lives via that movie at a later date and realize how far we have come.

Brando and I figure the basis of the movie has a LOT less to do with the age of the people than the age of the kids. My sister always told me how difficult teenage years are on a marriage, how the trials you go through with teenagers can rip marriages apart. I try to hang onto remembering how difficult teenage years are on a marriage every time we go through another episode of a boy wanting to be a man, yet still wanting to be a boy at the same time. *Almost* everything in that movie Brando and I could relate to, only switch the guy being overwhelmed by girls with the girl being overwhelmed by boys.

The technology issue - totally dealt with and recently. In the process of giving up on the way technology has taken over now. Not in a bad way. In a this is the way our kids live these days so I better figure out a way to work around the technology. Like it or not, my kiddos are learning leadership skills, building communities, buildings, and electrically engineering buildings, all with technology, and playing with their Dad to boot. Just need to work on the active part. Justinbustin does enough when sports are in season. I just don't like doing activity on my own, but I've got to start. The only time they will do something is when I've already done the experience and discipline of doing the experience on my own.

Other thing I relate to is how wonderful time alone is - how time alone as a couple InSTANTLY makes you remember why you fell in love with each other, and wonder why things are so crazy and stressed at home. Also, we relate to the exact feeling of 'we're ba-ack' once you pull up the driveway.

As I told Brando tonight, I think I like movies with the word f*ck a lot. I'm laughing as I'm typing, but seriously, they didn't use the word when they weren't fighting or being funny, and that's really exactly what I do. So hearing that language in those situations is life to me. I almost don't even notice. I remember long ago there was a movie with Mel Gibson that I LOVEd. I recommended the movie to my sis and bro-in-law. Then, they mentioned there was the f word a LOT in that movie. Oops, I didn't even remember. That's also the time I stopped recommending movies to people.

The best part of the movie was the knowing laughs of the couples in the theatre (all couples exactly exemplifying the title) and the different sexes laughing at different scenes. I tried not to die laughing at the farting scene so I wouldn't be calling Brando out. But seriously. I was DYING laughing. DYING I tell ya.

The music conversation? So had that conversation LAST NIGHT. Took Brando through all the songs I like - he says they're mellow and depressing. He took me through the music he likes - I said his music is annoying as hell. Loved seeing that scene thrown in there. Instantly relatable.

Also? The pregnancy scene? COULD SO FREAKING RELATE. Except, of course, mine ended as a chemical pregnancy. But man the sheer terror, wondering what the f*ck was going to happen. I almost wonder if I ever got pregnant again if I might not tell Brando for awhile just to keep from falling apart again. That would actually work better for me. I'm already not drinking any way. He wouldn't know the difference until we had a few months left haha.

The sex conversation? Okay, well we don't exactly have the conversation like they did, but sex is still an issue. I want more sex than he can handle. And you know why? He's stressed as f*ck taking care of his family. And in the moments he happens to not be stressed, he blows my mind. Like last night. Eight orgasms. Um, yeah. But when stress is high? Forgedaboudit.

No, but seriously, as depressing as this may sound, This is 40 (aka Life with middle school kids) made me feel better about life. If they're making a movie out of all this stress - financial, kids, parents, all of these stresses - that means this part of life is actually way more normal than people talk about. I already realized so, but don't know how to make other people realize so because all the behind-the-scenes is SO NOT talked about. Everybody thinks your prince is supposed to come and take you away. Well, they do. But then life happens. And it's stressful as f*ck. And somehow you get through marriage and life any way with a laugh and a f*ck, literal and verbal. And your prince is still there in the end. And THAT's what matters.

By the way, middle school life is where I'm at these days. Blogging, you're on the back burner. Oh, how I miss you. But when my kids don't need me 90% of the time these days, being there 100% during the 10% of the time they do need me is my priority. And I love it. Wife. Mom. Superwoman. That's me.

Life. Recycled.

2012-12-05T09:51:00.002-06:00

Just came across this old post below. Melted my heart as I realize these words ring truer and truer every passing day.

As I've been adjusting my blog and making information more up-to-date and easily accessible, I've come across old posts which have left me reflecting on where my blog has ventured along with me the last five years. My boys have grown up on this blog. From our days of toddlerdom, to home-schooling, to ventures through private school, and now public school. We've gone from the days of yore where we had nothing to do but fill our days with adventures to the duck pond, to the park, to Sea World, and fun trips. Reading over these posts, I feel a bit nostalgic for those days.

My life now is filled with three amazing men (okay, one's still working on the man part, but he's sure got the amazing boy part down) whose lives have grown individually outside of mine.

One is a manager at a bank, a photographer, an amazing lover and husband, does almost everything in the house, amazing travel and adventure partner. One is a boy scout almost to first class,

a volunteer, a leader, involved in youth group, loves to text when he can get a hold of a phone, builds web-sites, creates movies, creates Power Point presentations. One is an excellent communicator, creative solution maker, lover of all things animals,

organized as much as an adult, creator of new spaces exactly to how he prefers them, runner. All these things I mentioned are things that weren't there five years ago when I started this blog. Who knew those lazy, fabulous, wonderful, precious, quality days of yore would lead to the amazing men I have in my life today? My heart bursts simultaneously with pride, love, an ache for the simpleness of those days, and an awe for the complexity and fulfillment of todays days. The men in my life surround me with amazingness each day, and though it no longer is captured in a photo of a precious hand reaching out to feed a duck, or a curled up sleeping baby on a pillow, or toddling little feet running to check out the newest sight, or eyes searching to find the airplane in the sky, it is reflected in the choices they make, the wonder of possibility in their eyes, the moments and the art they create, and the effect of their presence on others. Boys, I am SO proud of you. All three of you. You continuously blow my mind in every wonderful way possible.

Words Strengthen the Heart

2012-12-03T12:14:00.003-06:00

Recently, I have been following an amazing lady on facebook, clicking through the occasional links to her blog posts. I hadn't left any comments until the other day, when I felt led to leave one commending and appreciating her bravery and honesty after reading a second post in a row of hers that touched my heart and tore down to the very bottom hidden pieces of my soul.

Today, I saw another post of hers that touched my heart. It spoke about the little things that eat away at relationships if we let them find their way in. One of the things she talked about was forgiveness, and as I clicked through her Things We Love link and saw she loves The 5 Love Languages book, I left a comment on the same post about the book, The 5 Apology Languages, another fantastic book.

After leaving my comment today, I continued to peruse her facebook looking for other interesting and encouraging articles she may have posted. That's when I found this.

A post on the original comment I had left. Tears welled up and spilled over when I read her post, A Comment from Rose. I don't often leave my real name when commenting on a blog, and, in fact, today I did not leave my real name when I left a comment on her blog. I left my name the first time because I did not want to leave my blog address. I know someone in real life who likes her page, a friend who is the reason I like her page. Today, I said the heck with the friend in real life finding out about my blog. I am so glad I did leave my first name the first time, though, because having my real name addressed was more powerful than I could imagine.

I realized I've been hiding behind my own masks. The masks of this blog, my documented life that I look back on and only see the highlights of, the masks of pictures upon pictures that record amazing moments in my own life. Is it possible to be jealous of one's own life? That's how I feel right now, as I sit here in misery on a Monday morning with my kids all grown up, at the age they are not needing me 90% of the time yet needing 100% of me during that 10% of the time they need me, wondering what my purpose is, reading posts like Deidre's with tears falling down my face realizing I'm not the only one out there feeling purposeless. Realizing I *can* do something even with feeling that way. I'm still not sure what, but every time I read a courageous, heartfelt, raw post like Deidre's, I believe I get a little closer to figuring out what God's purpose for me is, to finding out what gives me energy where I can keep going with every passionate fiber of my being.

One of those purposes being realizing how powerful my words are. This isn't the first post that has been made about a comment of mine I have left. This isn't the first time I've noticed my words have made a difference in someone's life, even sweeping changes in some lives. Instead of feeling fearful of saying something wrong, God fully intends for me to use my voice and the passions he has given me that I am oh so slowly discovering with strength. I'm slowly learning this.

Thank YOU, Deidre, for your post. Thank you for bringing me out of my rut today with a glimmer of hope. We are nothing without hope, and today I needed that hope.

Find Deidre on facebook and on the internet at WifeMomSuperwoman.com .

Signed using my real name for the first time on this blog.

Rose

Sailing Monterey Bay

2012-10-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

Sailing. My favorite activity in the world, yet I can't seem to bring myself to get excited about spending seven days on a cruise ship next summer. At least we will be near the shore in an intensely gorgeous place covered with glaciers and wildlife, the likes of which I don't see here. I do love the shore view. Watching the shore is one of the most intense relaxing moments for me while sailing. The few times I went to Alaska as a child, the memories of the glaciers, the bald eagles, the moose, the ice sculptures, still stand out in my mind. I don't have a lot of childhood memories that are picture perfect and clear as if they were yesterday, but Alaska is one of them. How do you feel about sailing? How do you feel about cruises? Ever taken a cruise to Alaska? Convince me to go!

Now this, the boat below, I could spend seven days on, a short swim from shore and lazily tanning on the deck, sipping drinks, taking in the sights.

Harbors are such a peaceful place. Sailing out of the Santa Cruz, California, harbor into the wild blue yonder, with rows upon rows of boats patiently waiting for their owners to arrive and take them on another wet wonderland adventure,

sails dancing in the sunshine, providing dappled shade for those below.

Shawners gazing out upon the wonders nature has to hold,

boats with their sails blustering in the wind, flying creatures that also happen to float perfectly well, hazy mountains,

smooth shores along the ragged cliffs,

Walton lighthouse with the beach just beyond to one side, the harbor on the other,

the wharf, a sight to see, buildings suspended over water,

the perfect gazing spot,

a safe harbor for barking seals.

A more romantic place for me, I could not imagine, except perhaps the beach Brando proposed to me at - less than a mile north along the shoreline.

Sailing, my favorite place in the world.

Silliness ensues after the water lulls me into a relaxed state of being I never want to leave.

My view as I sat across from my family.

My Mom doing the Titanic with the boys.

Doing our own version of Titanic. Yes, I did the arms.

Feels like we're alone on the ocean, suspended over water.

Gazing upon the water, looking for a jellyfish. One will come my way.

Hearst Castle

2012-08-27T17:36:00.005-05:00

Thought I'd pop in and say hello! It's been super quiet over here due to my super business which resulted in prioritizing said blog lower on the totem pole.

Keep your eye out for an online book tour stop here on yours truly blog from a good friend, Samira Hodges, author of Milestones young adult novel, about her recently released sequel, Milestones Return to Camp.

In the meantime you can make up your own stories about the vastly intriguing Hearst Castle with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast which we recently visited on our vacation down the Pacific Coast Highway. If you ever have the chance to go, go. The most breathtaking coastal views I have ever seen viewable the entire drive up to the European style castle and from the entire western side of the building alone are worth it. And I had just driven south on the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey and Carmel, through Big Sur to Pismo Beach.

Enjoying the Little Moments

2012-07-30T16:56:00.001-05:00

Posts like these, like this one from one of my favorite bloggers and graphic designers (she did my header!) as of late, Jaymee, who detail the little nuances that make life fun, make me excited about blogging again. Too much time has passed since I appreciated the little things. Sometimes I look around me at the places that I enjoy, like a vineyard tour in the hill country for my birthday- we've actually done one before and this time we recreated some of the photos from the previous tour- specifically these two,

Solaro Estate, our first stop for my birthday hill country vineyard tour

live music on the rooftop over the lake that we've been enjoying as many times as possible - we've made it up to five and will miss these nights now that the series is over for the summer,

Uncle Billy's Rooftop Over Lake Travis free Sundays hosted by KGSR

and all four of us working on a prayer path at our church,

Creating a ditch for the stone edging of the prayer path

and remember what the days were like when I used to blog fervently.

Picturing every small detail with wonder and delight, not only in my head, but on film, so YOU could see it, too. I delighted in sharing every detail with you, so you could experience the moment as did I. Somewhere along the way, I started doing the same things over and over, and as much as I still delight in each moment, I lost the drive to share each detail with you... over and over. Even the new things, I wanted to savor for myself as preciously new. Have me and whoever I am with being the only one wrapping up every detail and savoring it. I wanted to enjoy the moment. And enjoy the moment I have. Only I don't have them not only for you to enjoy as well, nor for me to look back and enjoy again myself.

In all reality, though, I am enjoying a new found freedom in not feeling tied to having to capture and share every little detail on film. Some I share on facebook (you're welcome to friend me, just please don't mention my blog on there as it is still anonymous), but most I keep in my heart. Piling up the moments and enjoying each moment of relationship shared in them.

I'll be back, because who can stay away from blogging once you've realized the world it can open up with new friends and new found joy in the little things. I'm not taking a conscious hiatus, either. I'm just relaxing from the blogging world.

And the winner is . . .

2012-06-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

*drumroll please*

Teagan of Teagan in the T.Dot.O!! Even though the T.Dot.O. is obviously a Canadian blog, she fortunately also has a US address. Teagan happens to be one of my real life friends, and I am so excited for her to win this gift card! Of course, there were a few other real life friends and lots of blog friends that definitely deserved to win.

Although she is much more gorgeous than the blonde in this photo, this dress totally reminds me of a dress Teagan would wear and look smoking in, like she does in everything.

Teagan, I already have your address, so your gift card will be on it's way.

While I have your attention, I noticed a phenomenon with this being my first giveaway. There is such a thing as blog giveaway spammers. People who troll blogs looking for giveaways just to enter and move on their merry way. Troll is a harsh word, and I mean to use it. Spamming blogs for giveaways is so far from the spirit of blogging that it hurts my heart. It takes the privilege of blogging and leaving a comment on someone else's blog down a notch to more general internet fodder. I've seen a few friends leaving spam blog giveaway comments on facebook, and I noticed it in spades here. Easy to find - just google their email address and the search results pop up with the email address as a comment on blog giveaway after blog giveaway. I almost fell for spamming giveaways myself when I was offered this sweet giveaway of my own - I googled a few giveaways and entered so I could win my own Shabby Apple gift card. The friends I've seen spamming blog giveaways on facebook aren't malicious friends, and I believe they are doing it innocently enough, as I was, but being on the other side and seeing how far removed spamming giveaways with comments is from the spirit of blogging, I'm sad I got caught up, even for a moment.

That being said, and to end on a high note, I am loving these giveaways! I have been approached to do a few reviews and/or sponsored posts for products I haven't heard of and wouldn't support if I had and have turned each one down. Hearing from Shabby Apple was a delight and a win-win - my readers got to hear about a product I LOVE, got a chance to win a gift card to said store, and I'm crossing fingers I discovered some fabulous new readers :) !

Shabby Apple Gift Card Giveaway

2012-06-11T17:03:00.000-05:00

How would you feel about a Shabby Apple give away?

I hope you said extremely happy, because that's exactly what's in store. Shabby Apple has offered to give one of my lucky readers a $50 gift card, and now is your chance to win it.

If you haven't heard of them yet, Shabby Apple makes the most wonderful timeless, classic dresses in the most fabulous designs separated into collections from eras such as the silent era, geographical locations such as Rome and Yosemite, and colorful ones such as Carousel. My favorite is the Set Sail collection. Mostly because I could actually see myself wearing a majority of those dresses. However, my absolute favorite dress of all time that is unfortunately no longer available was in the Paris oh la la collection, the Bonheur.

This dress takes me to the scene where Diane Lane wore a similar dress in Under the Tuscan Sun when she went to meet Marcello in Positano.

Add a black belt to Shabby Apple's version and it's exactly the same dress. Oh, if only I could enter this giveaway and win it if they still had it myself!

I've been a huge fan of Shabby Apple - liking their facebook page, sharing their dresses with friends, and poring over their site - even before they approached me about their giveaway. I could go on and on about their gorgeous collections from their regular breathtaking clothing line, swimwear, to maternity wear as well as new mama nursing friendly dresses - what a concept, even to little girls' dresses which totally makes me melt as my mother used to dress her, my sister, and I, in matching dresses which she made, but I'll stop here so you can actually enter and save the rest of my gushing for another day.

To enter, leave a comment on this post, become a follower of my blog, and 'like' Shabby Apple's Facebook page. Must have a USA shipping address to be eligible for entry.

To make the deal even sweeter use the Shabby Apple promotional code pinksundrops10off for 10% off your order whether or not you win. Code expires July 12, 2012.

The winner will be chosen randomly and announced next Tuesday, June 19, 2012. Good luck!

San Francisco Dreams

2012-05-07T15:25:00.001-05:00

In the beginning of May I went to San Francisco for a quick, less than 48 hour weekend trip for my niece's 21st birthday along with plenty of other family.

One of the things my niece wanted to do for her birthday was check out this wave organ that her and her friends had tried to find but didn't succeed. I found the location online, and after a phone call once we showed up and still couldn't locate the actual place, the sweet lady on the phone was able to direct us to exactly where the wave organ was located. The entire wave organ was built from stones from a graveyard. When the waves come in, the various pipes produce different tones. The best time to go is at high tide and a full moon, one of which we went at, and the other of which had occurred the night previous.

So peaceful to listen to, especially with the view of the Golden Gate exactly as you see it below. I apologize I'm not able to make these panoramas any larger.

On our way back from discovering the wave organ that even people who have lived in San Francisco for years don't know about, even when it's in plain sight by the Golden Gate, we discovered the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is much more well known, however, I had never been. I was in awe of the beauty with this place as well.

Ocean swells

2012-05-05T09:36:00.001-05:00

My MILs current dining room reminds me of her previous guest room. Gives me such a peaceful feeling.

A Visit to the Past? Why, Yes, It Is

2012-04-06T17:50:00.001-05:00

I'll freely admit this is a repost of last year's Spring Break. Only because I have not gotten to our insanely wonderful Spring Break trip this year. Enjoy! And if you're anywhere near Pismo Beach in California, you won't regret visiting Sycamore Springs.

For a rundown of the whole trip and links to other activities from our vacation, go here.

Our first day in Pismo Beach we hit up the natural mineral springs hot tubs in Avila Beach at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Brando had the brilliant idea of splurging on massages beforehand. Generally they have you use the hot tubs beforehand, but because we were headed to dinner afterwards and Brando wanted to make sure we could rinse the massage off, he insisted we use them afterwards. Fortunately, Ashley (oh I hope that's her name!) at Sycamore Mineral Springs was kind enough to make sure we would have one afterwards as she knew they were not booked at all for the Friday afternoon.

We arrived for our massages and entered the cute little gift shop area,

and then through a walkway to our massage area. We were met in the lobby by Ashley and sent back to change in the lush bathrooms.

Once changed into our robes we headed to our beautiful private couples massage room.

I love the details adorning the door handles.

The entire grounds surrounding the massage room were stunning.

Inside the rooms you could hear the birds tweeting outside.The ceilings were open at one time when the rooms were private jacuzzi rooms and now have gorgeous wood covering them giving them an open airy feeling. The black curtain appears to be used to separate the two massage tables.After our fantastic massages (wish I could remember the names of the masseuses),

we headed straight up to our private outdoor natural mineral springs jacuzzi. The walk itself was lush green, and gorgeous. When we got to our stairs that had the sign directing us to our hot tub,

I absolutely LOVEd that we had a private little walkway to our very own hot tub.

The views of the other hot tubs through the trees was beautiful.

Once we got to our own little place (as you can see, I couldn't be bothered to stop walking to take the picture, thus the blur of action)

we were relieved to see no one could be looking down on us from above.

Brando hopped in right away.

An hour or so of soaking,

taking fun photos,

and taking in the beauty surrounding us, we leisurely headed back to the main shop area to walk around.

We had seen a purple tree orchard and a sign for a labyrinth on the way in, so now was the perfect time to check it out before the sun set.

The labyrinth was mesmerizing.

Yes, I attempted to walk it, but gave up after the first 5 minutes as were on our way to dinner to see my childhood best friend. The purple tree orchard was my priority any way, with it's gorgeous blossoms and volcanic mountains in the background.

Stunning. I love how relaxed my smile looked and felt after the massages and soak.

SXSW Free Event: Glomper Recharge Event

2012-03-05T12:03:00.003-06:00

After you've added the below FREE event to your calendar, check out my SXSW Guide.

If you're a local, you know that there are many, many free SXSW events around. So many you may not even have to pay for a badge to be fully occupied. And if you're not, shhhh, don't tell anyone I told you. If you're marking your calendars now, make sure to put this one on for this awesome free SXSW event this Sunday, March 11th, from 3-7pm at Launch787 next to Moonshine Bar & Grill hosted by my amazing friend, Mai.

Free drinks from Sweet Leaf Iced Tea, Graham's Texas Teas, Treaty Oak Rum, Waterloo Gin, and High Voltage, free food from the super yummy and popular Verts from the Austin Gypsy Picnic, and a photo booth by Generation Domination. Located next to Moonshine Bar & Grill @Launch787. What more could you ask for? Perfect event to stop by to recharge from the weekend's festivities! RSVP not required, but you can RSVP here or on facebook. Go, and, if you see Mai, tell her I sent you!

Also, if you are out and about during SXSW and you find yourself in need of a pedicab, look for the Glomper branded ones and pedicabs wearing Glomper shirts, they'll give you a free ride!

Here is the media release from my girlfriend with more information on the financiers and creators of a super fun app behind the event, Glomper - see the last paragraph for a chance to become part of the beta group for Glomper:

I'm working with a group making a new geosocial service called glomper. Glomper is designed to help you easily find out what your friends and people nearby are up to tonight, involve into their activities and share your own. Both mobile (iOS & Android) and web versions available to let you always stay updated about your friends' plans, opinions, favorite TV shows, etc. You can tag people in posts/ events and assign location. Social (co-)check-ins can be cross-posted to FB or Twitter. The service is in the closed beta now and will be launched officially at SXSW.

Our mobile app is strongly event-focused - it is more about partying, planning parties and easy adding photos/ videos from a party and comments on them to the appropriate "event". We are planning to focus on that one for SXSW as we know it is a hot issue how to spend your spare time during off-hours.

Here is some screenshots of what we already have and I will try to describe what is to be there soon.

- Place page is a page you would get to by clicking at any location tag within the service. This kind of page has all the info about social activities performed at chosen location - it contains all events that took place there, all people who checked in and all pictures they posted.

- Explore page. This one has everything which is going on nearby - all posts, checkins, pictures, events. You can view them within a list as well as on an interactive map.

As for mobile app - you will see all the events nearby by type/date and you will be able to share your plans to visit them before they have started and then to check-in when you have arrived. Path-looking like interface will help you to share photos/emotions/updates from the event easily.

We aren't trying to compete with foursquare or facebook for check-ins, just integrate with twitter, FB, instagram for all-in-one access to a stream of people's photos so you can see where you want to head to or what cool thing is happening on that date/time. You don't even have to integrate with other social networks, it can be silent as well. We are similar to Glancee or highlight in the sense that you can find who of your friends are nearby and where you should go, I think the interface is a bit more user friendly for both droid and iOs, and again, it is more event focused.

We have an event planned on Mar. 11, at the Launch787 space from 3-7 next to Moonshine bar and grill. Hopefully you can come and learn about the app and use it for the rest of interactive events you plan on going to. If you are interested, we can send you a beta version of the app to try. It's in closed beta and I'm using it on my droid and it's pretty awesome, hopefully you can be some of the first to use it and beta test it during SXSW. Any feedback would be appreciated so let me know if you want me to send you a link to the app when we launch it and twitter.com/glompr would probably be the fastest way to reach me if you are having probs with the app during SXSW. The party invite link is http://www.glomper.eventbrite.com .

For My Son Who Inspires Me

2012-03-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

Dear friends,

Shawn has been running in a running club for the past two years. Now, he has decided to run in a fun run next week for his school that will provide their school playground with a shade covering for these hot Texas days.

His goal is to run 25-35 laps. Will you make a pledge to support him?

Let me know by leaving a comment or messaging me with your pledge per lap or flat donation amount and email address and you will receive a confirmation email. He'll let you know when he's completed his run next week and you can pay for his completed laps by check or online for a $2 processing fee due by March 20th.

Tomorrow, March 2nd, is the deadline for his pledges. If 21 people can each pledge $1 per lap he will meet his goal for pledges.

Thanks in advance. I wish I had the dedication he does for this and love supporting him in his passion for running.

Rose

Sunday Fun Day

2012-02-20T10:32:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, Brando and I attended the Austin Monthly Bridal Bash with my girlfriend and her fiancee.

Side note: How hot is my husband? He's prepping for surgery for his sinuses and has been taking Prednisone to prep (an awful drug along with 90% of drugs in my opinion, but him being able to smell again for the first time in eight years has balanced out my worries) which has completely cleared up his sinuses and has even made his face look different - less swollen and puffed up.

I was sort of expecting a Tribeza type bridal event like Brando and I are used to and were so inspired by, but I'm sad to say it was nothing like it. The tickets were a lot less expensive, and that must make the difference. Unfortunately, I'm not even sure they pulled it off well for the price of the tickets. There were three aisles and the center aisle had a strange inward triangular setup that left some of the booths crowded in the center facing each other with barely enough room to walk in between. There was a lot of bumping into each other at the end of our time there and I am glad we came early before there were so many people in such a crowded space. There were a few booths at the end that were completely uncrowded, which I thought was strange to have them there when the space could've been used to make a more free flowing area for all the booths. Then, there was a gentleman's lounge that perhaps could have been better utilized for more booth space as well to allow more space to walk around. As it is, the gentlemen's lounge was almost unnecessary as there were enough cupcakes and other treats as you walked around to keep most gentlemen happy.

Any way, this wasn't meant to be a review of it, but that's how it went down. We had a blast, any way, til' we had a beer just before we left and our stomachs hurt from the over-carbonation of the Miller Lite. We knew it was the beer and not the freshest yummiest gummy bears ever, because my girlfriend was the only one who didn't drink though she ate the gummy bears as did I and her stomach was fine.

Later in the evening, after I laid out at home for a few hours (love Austin weather!), Brando and I went on a date to the Cheesecake Factory. The evening was perfect to sit outside underneath the gas heaters. Brando had already eaten at home, so I ordered a few fun appetizers, fried zucchini, my favorite, and an oh so delicious gorgonzola, pear, and arugula flatbread.

I also ordered hot tea which felt so quaint with the honey, lemon, and basket of bread next to it.

We enjoyed the quiet patio until it slowly filled up at Austin's normal dinner time - 7pm. Since we already ate, we were happily on our way by the time it got too crowded.

Love the Paris cafe feel and lighting of this photo

A gratuitous photo of Brando and I at the bridal event and I'm off for the day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-15T17:35:00.003-06:00

Looking for things to do in Austin, whether you live here, are visiting, or maybe even looking for things to do in Austin while at SXSW aka South by Southwest? Check out this treasure cove of things to do in Austin from GSD&M's Pinterest. My Valentine gift to you! Don't miss my own collection of favorite things to do in Austin, as well.

Image created with Red Stamp

The photos above are perfect for this post as the first two are in Austin, and the third, TSR, is a short twenty minute drive south to New Braunfels. From top to bottom: hiking at Commons Ford Ranch, symphony at Zilker Hillside Theatre, and wake boarding at Texas Ski Ranch. TSR also offers wake boarding, helicopter rides, sphere rides an indoor trampoline park, and ATV riding!

2012-02-15T17:33:00.002-06:00

Moments of My Week

2012-02-13T10:48:00.000-06:00

I love seeing other people's Instagram feed posts, so I thought I'd do my own. These are from the last two weekends and this last week.

1. Being 'pinned' by my Star Scout. SO PROUD OF HIM.

2. Breakfast made by my boys and I - Shawners made blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, Justinbustin made oven-baked bacon, and I made the eggs.

3. Sunday brunch and shopping date with my man

4. Flowers from two separate occasions from my man -

the small one while we were on a date, and the gerberas just because

5. Black Forest and white chocolate raspberry macarons at La Patisserie with Mai

6. Strawberries and cupcake wine on a lazy Sunday afternoon

7. Valentine's chocolate strawberry cupcakes from Lick It Bite It or Both

8. And last but not least, puppy chow made with Shawners - he hasn't forgotten about it after Ashley gave us puppy chow in Arizona

Austin Sun Drops

Creating a bonfire

Dopamine and Video Games

Yes.

Follow Me on Instagram

SXSW: The Local's Way

Hawaii... Our Favorite Getaway

Liebster Award

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

This is 40*cough*30. Life with middle school kids.

Life. Recycled.

Words Strengthen the Heart

Sailing Monterey Bay

Hearst Castle

Enjoying the Little Moments

And the winner is . . .

Shabby Apple Gift Card Giveaway

San Francisco Dreams

Ocean swells

A Visit to the Past? Why, Yes, It Is

SXSW Free Event: Glomper Recharge Event

For My Son Who Inspires Me

Sunday Fun Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Moments of My Week

This is 40cough30. Life with middle school kids.