Do you remember the candy, Big Cherry? It was my favorite growing up. I could count on a good family friend, to sneak me one, at the little league games. Every single time! Or my Auntie Joe, bringing one over, after I finished my dinner. Yum! Those were the days. :)
Today, I got a delicious Big Cherry! Ya, I know. It's early in the morning. But yum, it was good! Honestly, I didn't know that they were still making them. I never see them anywhere.
But Dr. M walked in. 2 precious candies in his hands. So we sat and ate. Enjoying our bliss in complete silence. The crunchy nuts, super sweet filling, and the yummy cherry! This is going to be a great day. Happy Saturday! ♫
The moment I seen this necklace, I had a smile on my face! It is just the cutest thing ever. The pinwheel reminds me of my childhood. And summer. All those summer evenings that I spent with my Grandma S. Sitting in her porch. Playing with pinwheels.
You know the ones. You would buy them at the store for a dollar. They were made out of a very thin plastic-foil type of material. You'd play with them all summer, and then, you weren't quite sure what happened to them...
This necklace just reminds me of a time past. Filled with laughter and happiness. Now, I'll be saving up my pennies for this little gem. Oh, I just can't wait! ♫
It's been a few years since I've seen my nephew. The last time seen him, he was in the hospital. He had nearly died. I went to visit him. Although he couldn't speak, I knew he recognized me. I went as often as I could. Which honestly, was not near as enough. But I tried.
It's weird. You know, we pretty much grew up together. Sure, he's a few years older than me. I was in elementary school, when he was in high school. But we always seemed to have a bond. We'd joke. and he'd always take care of me. Almost like he was my big brother. :)
Years later, and shortly before he was hospitalized, he had a son. The most precious little boy I've ever seen! So cute. And my nephew made sure to bring him by. He wanted his little boy to know his "Gramps," my Mom, and I. I enjoyed all the time we spent together. I really cherished it.
Long before I was a "Nana" to many little girls, my nephew and his girlfriend, asked me to be their son's Godmother. I was so excited! I even went out looking for a cute tuxedo and all. But like I said, life had some twists and turns for us. And my nephew was soon fighting for his life. The Baptismo was no longer the priority.
It's been years. Many, many years. And my nephew and his little boy are always on my mind. I often wonder how they are all doing. I pray for them. And I ask God to watch over them. To take care of them. Because I love them so much!
This song, always reminds me of my nephew. Funny how just when I'm thinking about him, I hear this song. I can still see him dancing to it. When I was little, my sister lived in this trailer. My nephew would blast his "jam" and dance. Literally, the entire trailer would shake. I thought it was so funny. So he'd do it more. My sister didn't always feel the same way.
I really wish that I could see my nephew and his little boy again. I miss them so much! Is it nuts that I still have presents for him? In my closet! I just wish that I could see them. To make sure they're OK. Either way, they're always on my mind, and in my heart. I just hope,that they know, just how much I love them both. ♫
I almost got married once. Only a handful of people know about this. Until now. But ya, little 'ol me, once almost got married. Here's the story...
When I was a freshman in college, I was juggling a lot. It was the first time I lived on my own, I was in college, had a new mortgage, worked a "real" job, had to figure out how to do laundry, I pumped my own gas for the very first time, and "really" cooked! I was just trying to survive. Oh, and then, 9/11 happened. That changed a lot. 9/11 would change a lot about my future education plans. Things that I never thought would change...they changed!
Some time between starting college, and 9/11, I met him. My Music Man. The one man, that would haunt my life...and at times, save me from myself. He was that man that every single female fell for. Every SINGLE one! Which isn't horrible when you work for tips...you know, as a Mariachi. But from the beginning, I never felt “worthy” of being around him. Like I wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t the way he acted, or treated me. But the way other people viewed him.
We became fast friends. Spent lots of time before and after rehearsals together, laughing and talking. Before long, we were in the same Mariachi, spent at least 40 hours a week together. And learned how to pack food in our luggage. Anything to save a few pennies, to pay for college. Yes, we took oranges, peanut butter, and crackers with us to Orlando. Because we were poor…
Ya, we figured out that I cheered at his old high school. At least 8 times a year. My Music Man is 3 years older than me. But he still went to his old high school’s games, after he graduated. During the time when I was on my high school's varsity cheer team. He went because his younger brother went to the games. His brother is younger than me.
Yes, we had met years before. When I cheered. And he was trying to figure out how we (the cheerleaders) could bend “like that.” And how in the heck, could we pull off those tricks. And why in the heck would we cheer, in the middle of a snowstorm, in tiny skirts. We were hardcore cheerleaders. The ones from his high school, they rarely went to the games. And our coach, well she thought that cheerleading was our life. We didn’t miss a thing. Including the Band Competing in the “Battle of the Bands.” Yes, we cheered for that! :P
So ya, we met. We actually shared a meal. Because 5 of us, and our coach got stuck, in his hometown. And we were stuck at Wendy's. Eating French fries and Frosties, at 2AM, during a snowstorm. We had met. He actually bought us real food. As in meals. I remember him telling us, “You ladies need a proper dinner. I saw how hard you worked. Very talented.” The only guy on our team was with us. And he was not impressed. I remember him calling him a Jack A#@. Under his breath of course. Did I mention? He was also my best friend. Somewhere between passing out the food, and going for ketchup, My Music Man asked me, for my phone number. And I gave him, a friend's phone number. Instead of mine. :)
But in college, it was different. He made my heart skip a beat. My tummy would get butterflies. And well, it just felt “right.” Hilariously, we were set up together. To sing. Lots and lots of duets. Which required a crap load of rehearsal time. And a bit of acting...
We started to realize things. Like he lived a few blocks down the road from me. Any given day, we were both happy to be eating Ramen noodles. Yes, we were those "Poor College Students." He walked to school, to save money on parking. I spent hours in the library, trying to save money on books. We both enjoyed old movies, and the craziest jokes. Running was our second favorite past time, to music of course! And hunting, fishing, and camping...well to both of us, it's just a part of life. :) Let’s not forget Salsa dancing. And the occasional midnight, ice cream run. :)
I also had a roommate that was making life horrible. So I needed someone to vent to. To tell how frustrated I was. Because I did everything in the house. All the cleaning. My food was frequently stolen. Things were being broken. No one cleaned but me. And well, my roomie wasn't doing anything. So I vented to My Music Man. Who listened. Really listened. And at the perfect moment, gave me one of those big bear hugs. Remedy to all!
Then, one day, we were talking to some friends. They had recently gotten married. And now, 90% of their tuition, books, and fees were paid for. Why? Because they were a married couple. HELLO!!! The bells were going off. We had this amazing idea...
It was the end of January. I was a freshman in college. I needed money. WE needed money! Ya, I had scholarships. But well, I needed help living. You know, once in a while, I wanted to eat a decent meal. So the idea was born.
We decided to get married. Nothing else would change. He'd stay in his $1000/month apartment. The entire place could fit into my living room. No lie! And I'd stay in my home. But school, it would be completely paid for. Completely! It sounded like heaven. :)
Being the chivalrous man that he is, My Music Man decided to take things into his hands. He paid for our blood tests. Yes, our state requires them. And he footed the bill for the license. He also went to an Antique Store, and bought us rings. They were the perfect fit. No sizing required! Quite beautiful, if I say so myself. :) We were all set. Our appointment with the Justice of the Peace was set. 4PM on a Friday afternoon. It gave us enough time to make it legal, and still make it to our Mariachi gig. How very romantic we are! :P
Well, our vocal lesson lasted longer than it should have. And we couldn't find a parking. Which made us late. And we missed our appointment! We couldn't wait another 30 minutes for the last appointment. We'd be late to work. So we figured we'd try again, the next week.
God had other plans. You see, My Music Man's Dad, is good friends with a certain Indian Chief. Who signed a certain paper, declaring that a certain man was at least 33% Native American. This allowed the government to pay for his entire tuition, fees, and books. And he got a monthly stipend. This happened on Monday. 3 days after our original wedding date.
So now, we didn't have to get married. His school was paid for. And with that extra money, well he paid for gas. To get us to work. You know, we had to travel, at least 50 miles one way, to gigs. And we did this 4-5 times a week. I also had a steady stream of food. We now lived off of PB&J sammies, or bean burritos. We were really living it up!
In the years that have followed, actual “real” proposals have happened. With big diamond engagement rings and all. So fancy! He's gone on to bigger and better things. Traveling the world, performing his beautiful music. Making a 7 figure salary. Touring with amazing performers. As the jobs have gotten better, the rings have gotten even bigger. And I've still said nothing…
I'm not sure what it is. But I don't want him to "settle." Or feel obligated to me. I started thinking about this recently. Because we had a serious conversation. And we also went down “Memory Lane.” Because he was getting ready to sell one of his cars. And we found a small box. With that beautiful ring.
The one that he bought. At that dusty Antique Store. The original ring. That would have made me his Mrs. And he my Mr. We had planned this, to pay for school. But he's not the kind of man, that would just walk away. I've always known that. Had we gotten married, all those years ago, we'd probably have 2.5 kids by now. With some dogs running around. In a beautiful home. My Music Man providing for his family. Allowing me, to live out my dreams. Because, he's that "Old Fashioned Man."
I'm not sure if our path was a good one, or a bad one. Or if we really should have just gotten married. Could you have imagined how we would have told our families...talk about insanity! We may have killed my Dad on the spot! And his family…well I don’t even know what to say. Did I forget to mention, just 6 weeks later, we were in Sin City. Oh ya baby! We almost took the plunge again. This time, I don't really know what prompted it. But we were standing in the “Little White Chapel.” Calling some friends. Apparently, you need a witness or two. :P Instead of saying "I do," we shared a mini wedding cake.
Out of all the men I've ever known, he is probably the only one, that I really saw myself, having a life with. Envisioning our life together. All those conversations we've had. Talks about how many kids, where to live, careers, finances, and religion. All of those things. By the way, we wanted 3, maybe 4 kids. And 2 dogs. :)
But in the end, I'm just not sure. I don't think I could ever really give 100% of myself to anyone. I'm just not that person. And honestly, he needs that kind of a woman. He was meant to be an amazing husband and father. That much I know.
After nearly 10 years, I know that much. That this man, no matter what he says, needs that kind of a woman. That gives 100% of herself. And as much as I want to be a SAHM and wife, I'm just not sure we were meant for one another. But, I thank God every single day for him. He is definitely one of my very best friends. We've had our good times, but we've also had some of the worst times together. And we've made it out of those bad times. Actually, those bad times, made our bond stronger. Much stronger. He knows some of my deepest, darkest secrets. The things I’m most afraid of. And I know all about his dreams for the future.
Who knows. One day, I might just show up, in my hometown. Newly married. I might still become that "barefoot and pregnant woman." His Mrs. and “Baby Mama.” The one that gives up her career, to be the SAHM. You know the one. That makes all the class snacks, goes on every field trip, and has dinner on the table...when her hubby gets home. I guess you just never know what My Music Man and I will do. There have been so many opportunities. You just never know...
And just a little bit of fun. But really I like that song. You know, our life paths are not set in stone. Not yet anyway! I might just pick up and do something silly. Like let myself fall in love. There is still a little bit of hope out there. ♫
This song, since I was an itty bitty girl, reminded me of my Daddy. I used to sing it to my Dad. All those years ago. I remember my Mom buying me the tape, with this song. And I played it over and over. Years later, this would become my favorite song, to sing in the band.
Even way back then, I knew I had a very special Daddy. A Daddy who loved me so very much. That he would do anything for me. Which included all those Barbies, violin lessons, and school trips. But part of my Dad's love, it also included lots of discipline. I'll be the first one to tell you, I'm so grateful for that. At the time, I was scarred of the paddle. I knew when I was in trouble. I knew that I was in for it. But it made me a better person.
As a small child, I also learned the lessons of hard work. Not many kids learn this, as early as I did. Walking up at 4AM to go to Auntie C's house, or Daycare. Seeing my parents work hard. Watching my Dad's literally bleed from hard work. All the hours and hours, that he put into supporting our family. I'll never forget that.
I can tell you so many stories about my Dad. Fun adventures. Even silly things like buying 3 cases of tomato sauce...when my Mom sent us for a can. 1 can! Or distracting another customer at Wal-Mart, so I could get a few packs of notebook paper, from their basket. Come on, they had 2 cases. I just needed 2 packs. :)
Not everything about our relationship has been easy. But I'm grateful for it. I'm so thankful to God, that he gave me my Daddy. The man that loves me. Just because I'm me. Not for any special reasons. I've always known that he loves me and my Mom. And I'm so thankful that as an adult, I'm so much closer to my parents.
I've been so lucky. I've had parents that have seriously supported me. With everything that I've set out to accomplish. Whether it has been moral support for school, or encouragement for my music. I've been lucky. What other Dad, would sit and listen to their daughter, crying on the phone, at 3AM? Not many. But my Dad has been so supportive. Giving me wisdom. Offering advice. Even when I didn't particularly want it...or feel like I needed it.
This year, it's been tough. The last 6 months, they've really tested us. In so many ways. But I'm so thankful to God, for giving me my Dad. For allowing me to be here, when he's needed me the most. And whatever it is, I'll be there for my parents. I owe them so much.
Just 6 months ago, I was pleading with God. Asking for just a little more time. More time with my Daddy. I know that unlike many people, I won't have my Daddy for a long time. He's older than most. But every precious moment that God gives us, I'm so grateful for.
I think about it often. What am I going to do without my Daddy? I'm not sure. But I do know this much, he's given me so much. So much to comfort me, when I need it. Knowledge that will lead me, when he is no longer with me. Love that will always be in my heart.
There are certain things that I wish for. I wish that one day, my Daddy will give me away. That he'll know, I've found a good man, to share my life with. I'd be over the moon, to share my kids with my Daddy. To see the joy that his grandchildren could bring him.
I could go on and on. But more than anything, I want to celebrate, honor, and love my Daddy today. I want him to know, God couldn't have given me a better Dad. My Dad is not just my Dad. He's my best friend. I just hope that he has many more years of love, happiness, and health ahead of him. Happy Father's Day Sunshine! Love, Your Morning Glory! ♫
When I was 16, and a junior in high school, I signed up for a music class. It sounded wonderful! I'd have 3 electives, 2 of which were music classes! This class was supposed to be about ear training, writing music, and learning about music history.
In all reality, we just watched a lot of movies. With really good music. For 90% of the time. But we always knew 1 thing, we'd have to write a song for our final exam. We were told this in August. And we'd have to perform this song, or have someone else perform it for us, in May.
I don't think many of us thought about it. At least until January. It was always at the back of my mind. But I rather enjoyed it, way back there. Then 2 days before our recital, I realized, I had no song.
Yes, I had waited all that time. Not without a plan. Because there was a piece that I was working on. In my violin lessons. I didn't like that song. And I would always make up my own music, on page 3, 10 bars in. My teacher wasn't too thrilled about that. But it got me through my lessons. And eventually, I was given a different piece to learn.
That was the melody I'd use. As inspiration. The one I had made up at bar 10. The one I always got in trouble for. Honestly, I never put pencil to paper. Never had a better plan than that. Didn't practice. Wasn't worried. In the end, it all worked out beautifully. The song was amazing. I received a standing ovation.
But I couldn't repeat it. Not even if my life were at stake. My parents recorded it. With about 15 other families. But I couldn't repeat 10 bars of my composition...
Now 12 years later, I've realized something. You can't put things off. You simply can't put off what can be done today...for tomorrow. That much, I've learned.
And as I pulled out of my driveway this morning, I realized something important. I'm glad I don't put things off anymore. Why? And how does this story all tie up together?
Well, the "Codes Man" was out. At 6AM. Notebook, computer thing, and pen. Happily walking the street, writing tickets, leaving notices, and doing whatever else he does.
I saw neighbors scrambling. You know, trying to get out to their yards. Making an effort to clean, before he got to their home. And I was so happy, to not be them. To know, that just days ago, I cleaned my yard.
Sure, at the time, I had wanted to sleep. To rest. To be lazy. To recover from the graduation party, and the wedding. And to be cool. Instead of sweating in triple digit weather. But I worked. And this morning, I was glad I did.
For me, there are no fines. No notices. None of that. Back in February, a lady was arrested for not keeping up with her property. Crazy! But they're strict out here. And we all know it. We just have to stay on top of. Honestly, I'm glad those crazy days of procrastination are long behind me.
Instead, I'm at work. Getting the payroll ready. Snacking on some pecans and a smoothie. Dogs at my feet, beautiful flowers on my desk, and an easy feeling about my day. It really does pay to work hard first, and play hard later. I'm just happy that I was 1 step ahead of my buddy...the "Codes Man." ♫
I'm not talking about dresses I'd wear today. Oh no! I'm talking about all those dresses I wore as a little girl. They seem to be making a comeback. Have you noticed? Lots of bloggers are hunting for them. I read about "Vintage Lovers" searching high and low. And you see so many little girls wearing these cute dresses.
Just take a look at this picture. I swear, I wore almost all of those dresses! And this is not a picture I took. Rather, one that I found online. But look at these fun dresses. From times past. When life was easier. And do we dare say, full of a lot more fun!
I know, I know. Most little girls didn't have the number of clothes, dolls, and books that I did. But those little dresses, were definitely my favorite! A number of which, my Mom mad for me. And although, some have been lost through the years. Thanks to relatives that never returned them. :( I still have a number of these precious gems. Who knows, one day, my own daughter might be running around in my favorite dresses! ♫
My heart is completely broken. Shattered to be exact. My "Superman" has lost his cape. 3 days after finding out, I think I'm finally processing everything. Patrick is no longer with us...
My friend, he was so much more than a friend. He started out as my parents' boss. Then became their friend. He was my mentor and role model growing up. And I can proudly say, as an adult he was my friend. And my second Dad. I say Dad instead of Father, because he was that close to me. That special and important to my heart and soul.
There are more times than I can remember, when I would call him to just talk. Talk about school, life, whatever was on my mind. And he was always there for me. With the best advice. Telling me how important all these things in life were. Like a college education, a good home, responsible finances, a good man to love, and even some time for my hobbies.
I knew Patrick for over 20 years. In those 20 years, he became one of the most important people in my life. I can say that full heartedly. Patrick was there when my family was not. For all the big steps and moments in my life. He was there. I could always count on him.
Even in my darkest days. The days when I wasn't so sure about my next step. He was there for me. Guiding me, and cheering me on. Without ever asking him, Patrick was just there. No matter if it was for a funeral for someone in my family, or just to listen to me talk. He was there for me.
I knew he had health problems. He was battling some of the most critical illnesses that I've ever heard about. But he never complained. Never showed signs of weakness. He was always so strong. So optimistic. Even knowing, that one day he would pass away from these very illnesses.
That's tough. But Patrick taught me so much. Especially in his last few months. He taught me about grace, love, and perseverance. Mostly, he taught me about faith. I always thought I was a religious person. But Patrick is someone who sincerely lived by the ways of God. I will always remember that.
In these tough times, I try to remember the things about Patrick that made me smile and laugh. His love of eating. I don't think there was a single thing the man didn't like. But his favorites included carneadovada and pineapple upside down cake. I would bake him cakes, just to see his eyes light up. Oh and his love for Sabor a Mi. :)
There were also the years and years, of him trying to set me up with his son. It really made me laugh. Nothing could stop him. Not the fact that I went to one high school, and his son to another. Our schools were rivals. He thought we'd be a perfect pair. Because I was a cheerleader and his son was a basketball player. Nevermind years later, when he tried to set us up again. His son had a girlfriend. But Patrick was trying. He never could accept that I'd never be his daughter in law. He even joked that he should have had another son.
I'm going to miss Patrick so very much. He was definitely one of my "7 Pivotal People." I owe so much to Patrick. I'm going to miss those hugs. And our long chats. I'm going to miss the silly e-mails. And the fact that I never got my #2, 3, or 4 pictures. Or that he broke his promise to be at my wedding. But I'm always going to carry Patrick in my heart.
Today was a very fitting day for his burial. Today is Fall Equinox. If you knew anything about Patrick, you'd understand the importance. The big rain storm that we had today, happened just as Patrick was being laid to rest. It felt like the world was weeping for this great man, just like we were. And as I sit here typing, and smelling the fresh crisp air, I can't help but to play back so many great memories of my dear friend, Patrick. Rest in Peace with the Angels in Heaven. One day, we shall meet again. ♫
My heart is ridiculously heavy with grief today. It's going to be a tough day. And all I can think about is the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Fishin' in the Dark." Weird I know. Maybe it's my brain's way of dealing with this tough day.
I'm not 100% sure what's going on with me today. But this song is helping me get through the day. At least, thus far. And I'm very grateful. It's funny how that works. But this is one of my favorite songs. I don't know why. It just is.
Isn't that weird? There are lots of songs that I just like. I don't really know why. I think that it has a lot to do with my childhood. You know what? Country music will always have a special place in my heart. And today, I really need some of that. Just to get me through the day. ♫
I don't know about you, but I'll never forget September 11, 2001. I was a freshman in college. Literally, I had been in school for just a few weeks. I was living on my own for the first time. And I was 100s of miles from any relatives.
That morning I was running late. Why? I don't really know. But as I went to turn the TV off and run out the door, GMA came on. I'll never forget the look in Diane Sawyer's eyes. It was so scared, and sad. I sat down on my bed and watched. I literally didn't know what to do.
I remember seeing the 2nd plane hit the World Trade Center. And I felt all the air being sucked out of my body. I didn't know what to do. But I had to get to school. As I drove, it looked like a relatively normal day. Except, it was really foggy. Totally odd for the desert.
When I got to school, I turned on a TV in the lobby of the Music Center. And I continued to watch GMA. More students came, as well as professors. And we watched as The White House was evacuated. Shortly, President Bush addressed the nation. We hear that another airplane has hit the Pentagon. And that yet another might be in "serious trouble."
Our professors were white as ghosts. Nobody wanted to move. We didn't know what to do. Or what to expect. Just before 8AM MST, we watched the South Tower collapse. We were numb. Didn't know what to say, or what to think. We knew our country was being attacked.
This should have been the moment we started singing. The moment that our class would have normally started. With 30 something music majors. Too tired to deal with "Ear Training." Instead, we were watching an attack on our country.
Around 8:30AM, we watched the North Tower collapse. We also learned of the crash in Pennsylvania. At this point, our professors took it upon themselves, to cancel our classes. Our university, well was pretty much deserted. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we were always the 1st department with classes.
I remember getting into my car. And hearing so many sirens. Seeing low flying aircraft. And seeing the National Guard driving down the road in their big military vehicles. I'd actually run into a few guard members, on the way to my car. They were securing our university. And there was also a bomb threat at our local newspaper.
Being that we are located in the middle of so many military bases, it wasn't strange to see the military out and about. But like this, it just sent chills down to your bones. You saw so many emergency vehicles going in all directions. Which was so crazy for our small town. As I got near my home, I figured it would probably be wise to fill up my car with gas. I drove down the deserted street, and I filled up.
Then I headed downtown. I needed a book for the following day. That is, if we were going to have class. I got there just as the owner was closing up shop. He quickly sold me the book. And told me to go home, and to stay there.
I drove to the local Wal-Mart. Maybe not the smartest thing. But I got there, bought lots of water and some food. I had no clue what the next few days would hold. By the time I got home, it was just after 10AM. My nephew, he was nowhere to be found. He had already started to go back home.
Me? I called my parents. They were in a mess. Trying to get students home. Dealing with the chaos. I remember feeling relief. I heard their voices. And I knew they were OK. We hung up. But not before telling each other, that we loved one another. And I turned on the TV.
I watched coverage from that point until 4PM. When I had to go back to school for rehearsal. All classes were cancelled. But not our rehearsal. I remember watching these events unfold. And feeling so sick. So helpless. So lost.
After our rehearsal, I walked outside. And I saw a mass of people. They had gathered in the middle of the field. Praying, singing, and crying. Everyone had candles. I joined in. And all I could think about was my best friend. I knew she was going on a trip to NYC that day. I prayed that she was OK. But I hadn't talked to her.
I'll never forget that day. Or the days following. The feeling of patriotism. The constant crying when I watched the TV coverage. How alone I felt. It was scary. And I was so sick to my stomach, that so many people lost their lives.
I see today as a time to stop and reflect. To think about that day. And to celebrate the innocent lives that were lost. All those people who had no idea what was happening. To the heroes that died trying to do good. September 11, 2001 was a day that has forever changed us. But it's a day to remember and reflect. It's a day to remember loved ones. To remember the lives that were cut short. It's a day to say God Bless America. We're still the land of the free, and the home of the brave. ♫
The weekend has gone by so fast! I still can't believe it. It's almost time for me to leave. Yesterday, we got here. I drove my car because I need to leave straight from here tomorrow. I have a 6 hour trip tomorrow morning. But I don't mind. I was actually about 30 minutes ahead of my parents. Which turned out to be a good thing. I got here before them, and I got to sit and talk to my Tatie. Turns out Nanie was out of town.
But Tatie and I sat and talked for a good 90 minutes. About all kinds of things. We just caught up. Talking like the old days. I always enjoy hearing the stories my Tatie has to tell. We fed the animals and sat with Tiger (his cat.) Honestly, I enjoyed that the most. Just sitting there talking.
Over the last 2 days, I've managed to do a lot of cooking and baking. And I mean a lot! The food always tastes so yummy here. I've already made 2 cakes. :) My mom has been cooking breakfast, and I'm doing the rest. And we've been crafting a lot! I finally made Mi Princesa's purple tutu. And I've been working on baby stuff. The blanket for my best friend. And some baby sweaters. But I've really enjoyed it!
Tonight, my Mom and I went through a bunch of my old stuff. Lots of my things from my childhood are here. So we went through boxes of toys, books, and clothes. And we laughed so hard! But it was nice to go down "Memory Lane." My mom even gave me one of her old dresses. I'm going to wear it for an upcoming gig. :)
I definitely needed this. I only wish that I could stay longer. I just want to sit outside, under the trees, and read. I wish I could spend a month here! I honestly feel so much better. And I haven't even been here for 24 hours. I guess I just missed coming here. When I was young, we'd come almost every single weekend. But, I'm just grateful for the chance to come out here. To spend time with my grandparents. And to breathe some fresh air. ♫
I'm a college student by day. And a musician by night. I love to craft and cook. I LOVE rainy nights. And I like to spend my Sundays watching NASCAR. ♫
