cookies for kids' cancer

 remember this great program? Well, some great local gals (and yours truly) are making it happen this weekend right here in our little town.

Come visit Cookies for Kids' Cancer 

at the Ammon Farmers Market

Saturday, August 28th 

10 am until 2pm 

(or until the fabulous treats are gone!)

I have it on good authority that jumbo homemade oreos will be available in limited supply...

read about the mom and little boy that inspired this entire program here
need more inspiration? read about more kids fighting cancer here

100% of your donation goes to pediatric cancer. the kids. It's a cause that has or will benefit someone you know--pediatric cancer has already impacted Mr. J's family.

So, be a good good cookie and come see us on Saturday!

montana homestead

another great article in the August Sunset magazine featured the Smetanka family and their life that they describe as "straddling two centuries." Caretakers of an historic farm outside of Missoula, they do things the pioneer way every single day. And so do their kids. I hope for a visit in the near future, as it is open to the public and offers some annual festivals. The article isn't available online, but Joanna maintains a blog at mrhomestead.com, and more info is available here. And I ask myself: could I do life this way?

into the sunset

Montana has been on my mind every since our long road trip earlier this month. So, when I noticed that the latest issue of Sunset magazine featured a few pieces on the Big Sky state, I purchased a copy. So glad I did. This is one of the articles (in this case, not about Montana) that caught my eye and now has me day dreaming of constructing my own little DIY no-frills cabin in the mountains.

today I love

... pealing laughter from two little boys (for reasons known only to them)
...evergreens against a cloud-dappled blue blue sky
... fresh basil
...strawberries with brown sugar
...the feel of my baby's fluffy head against my cheek
...the sense of wonder in everything, to a child
...tan lines

.

inspiration

I'm feeling a little inspired by this and think a version might need to reside on my back patio...

quoteable

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."

--Robert Louis Stevenson

earthy art

happy earth day

owen's artwork makes me happy

they sang as they walked and walked...

I don't tweet, and I don't have much pioneer ancestry, but I think this idea is absolutely cool:
 tweeting pioneer journal entries from 1847.

[image found here]

Nigella

do you love Nigella? I do.  She's gorgeous, owns her generous curves, has genuine enthusiasm for food and for preparing it, and she just seems so real. It's extra fun to listen to her lovely British accent while she prepares guacamole or bacon-roast chicken or fudge sauce--for which indulgences she never apologizes.

totally cool

anybody gotta spare vintage vespa collecting collecting dust? I'll take it off your hands...cuz I really want one of these. 

via ohdeedo

a national treasure

We recently recognized the anniversary of a major turning point in World War II: Pearl Harbor Day. In June we recognized D-day. Last month we honored Veteran's Day.  These days bring our thoughts to one special man.

Some years ago, Mr. J and I were pleased  to make the acquaintance of Zora. He was 80 at the time, give or take a couple of years, though he looked hardly more than 60. Spry, witty, charming, filled with conviction and wisdom. He was quickly endeared to us; he flirted with me and humored my history-loving Mr. J with his stories of World War II. Zora had been there. Still practically a kid, he was among those that stormed the beach at Normandy. His personal accounts were lucid and matter-of-fact, but utterly lacking venom or bitterness. Together, Mr. J and Zora compared movies and novels with actual history. His humility is inspiring, his memory sharp, and he speaks of his experiences with reverence. He has seemed always at peace with the history he lived and the history he made.

Zora lives on the opposite side of the country, yet he has a warm place in our hearts always, and has a tender friendship with Mr. J. We received news today that our agile, spunky friend has had a stroke. It seems he will recover, but it has reminded us that Zora, a real life hero, is mortal. There are few men left in our country who can personally recount the stories of World War II. Their wisdom, their pain, their knowledge, their service must not be overlooked. One day soon, they will be gone. National Treasures are they, Zora and his unknown compatriots. Always will we consider it an honor to call him "friend." A treasure indeed.

rendition

enjoy this version of my most favorite hymn ever,

as done by Sufjan Stevens

discovered via Design Mom

gifts for teachers

teachers on your shopping list? sure, teachers are grateful for any little thoughtful gesture in their oft-thankless jobs, but check out this post at petit elefant for a few helps.

Decking the halls...

Oh how I love to put up our Christmas Tree and accompanying decorations. It's on the agenda this week, and we are practically giddy. Little M is noticing the "kissmass twees" around town and expressing excitement over Santa and Snowmans and pretty lights, which makes the decorating feel extra magical. I'm hoping to add a homemade element to our tree this year--perhaps a pom-pom garland or something felt-y. hmmmmm.

Check this photo gallery for some decorating (and Christmas Spirit) inspiration. Who knew there was a story about Christmas spiders?

Notable

I attended a special meeting over the weekend, the message of which was entirely uplifting and inspiring. To paraphrase my interpretations of the message:

The role and work of women in this world is endless and crucial and full of goodness, as each woman on earth is blessed with talents, inspiration and compassion. As we seek to serve others first and bless their lives, so will we also receive immeasurable blessings.  The closing speaker shared this quote from a beloved author.

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves

Sir James M. Barrie

Peace

I presented a nice little lesson (the lesson was nice, not necessarily my presentation) to the young ladies at church yesterday. The take-away: in order to feel more peace in our daily lives we might consider more of the following:

Love

Prayer

Service

Obedience

Study

Work

Food for thought as we start the week.

A copy of the official lesson here.

Spiritually Fed

Last night we held a special activity for the Laurels and Mia Maids. Our theme for activities during the month of January has been "faith" so to cap it off, we invited 3 lovely women to teach us about some Heroines of Faith in the scriptures. It was wonderful! I think even the girls gleaned something from the great talks that were delivered to us. 

First we discussed this brave woman who faced possible death to spare the lives of her people

Then these remarkable mothers whose commitment to righteousness wrought miracles for their young sons

and finally this amazing woman whose unwavering faith in unspeakable hardship is inspiring.

blessings

Blessings often come disguised as trials. I forget this lesson until it slaps me in the face--my all too often slow-to-be-grateful face. I need to work on that. We have a lovely, simple, modest, glorious life with so many many blessings. Just this week, little miracles (that have meant a lot to us) have just twinkled themselves our way, at just the right time. If I paid closer attention (i.e., complained less) I would probably notice even more. How we cheat ourselves with silly distractions. Pause for a moment and reflect on the little blessings, or consider how current struggles might actually be blessings in disguise. A familiar song is playing in my mind "...name them one by one..."

ahhhh, opera

I came home at the end of a very long day today and discovered a little treasure in the mail. One of my favorite people sent me a collection of her favorite opera music on CD. (Thanks!)  I was just "titillated" to put it in the stereo and let the day's frustrations melt away to La Boheme, Turandot, La Tosca.   It's universally romantic, but it doesn't have to be:  We made pancakes for dinner with The Barber of Seville as accompaniment! (B's comment: "Hey, this is from Bugs Bunny!") Among my favorites: Nessum Dorma (Puccini: Turandot), O Mio Babino Caro (Puccini: Gianni Schicchi), Song to the Moon (Dvorak: Rusalka), Che Gelia Manina (Puccini: La Boheme). There's nothing like a good aria! Next up: bubble bath, candles, and La Traviata. It's bliss!