Dora, the attack vehicle

Dear readers - who would have known that a vehicle, an inanimate object, could be so wicked?  I am here to tell you my woeful tale, that ends in injury. So fair warning, this may be disturbing to some people.

It all started one sunny, warm summers day - you know the kind, bees buzzing - the sky blue and beautiful, children laughing...so warm in fact that you decide to roll you window down low and use your hand to surf the breeze as you are motoring along..  I was innocently doing such a thing, I had my hand out the window.  We had just dropped Geneva's friend off and I had placed the crook of my arm on the window sill of Dora and we drove off.  Thats when Dora snapped from being mild mannered, sweet and reliable Ford Explorer to a snarky b*#!@..... we were no more than 2 seconds from the house and she snapped shut her locking mechanisim jamming my tender flesh in it.  Of course, the vehicle was loaded to the gunnels with Mr Big, Geneva and her two pals so I was careful in my selection of language to express my displeasure at Dora and my agony and having my flesh peeled from my bone:

 "GOD DAMN IT I HATE THIS CAR"

Strangely, the car ride back to the park seemed quiet after that....

Yawnville

So exciting, Mr Big won tickets to a Zoo concert.  It was an easy win - reply to said text message and be in the running for free tickets. 

SHAZAM!

Moments later he was the happy holder of tickets to see Mary Chapin Carpenter and Marc Cohen at the Zoo.  For those of you who have been to Woodland Park Zoo you know, its awesome.  I've been to three concerts there, all with Mr Big - 1st was to Nanci Griffin (wonderful) 2nd was Carbon Leaf (Lame sauce) and now this concert.  The highlight of the concert was certainly to be able to sit close with my sweetie in a warm (55 degree) for Seattle evening ... and I like these two artists, but honestly - the concert sucked eggs.  Boring boring BORING.  We stayed for Marc Cohen's set and only for 1/2 of Mary's. 

So we made our way out of the zoo, past the penguins...but wait....whats that?  A PEACOCK, a huge brightly colored PEACOCK sitting quietly and unassumingly on the wall above the penguin enclosure.  Honestly friends, if I were a peacock and lived at the zoo, that's where I would perch - #1 penguins are very fun to watch (and mock), #2 if I lost my footing and fell in the enclosure I wouldn't be someones dinner - penguins are civilized, #3 from this lofty perch I could be properly adored by all the zoo goers.  And that's what I was doing, adoring - inching closer and closer with my camera to snap a memory of the peacocks splendid colors ... i was almost right under him and THRILLED that he hadn't noticed me when I heard a faint voice "Maam, MAAM - DON'T.GET.ANY.CLOSER - It's mating season and hes been jumping on people and biting them".  Say no more zoo person - I'm asses and elbows out of there....at least I got my shot right? BAAAA no shot. DAMN IT.

A visit to Bastyr

Our friend Sally is getting married on July 2nd and I was so thrilled when 1.  she invited Mr Big, Little Mr Big and I to the soiree and 2. she asked me to take the photos.  Of course a flurry of activity ensued including a little field trip to the location, Bastyr University in Kenmore. 

Thursday is my day off so I picked up Mr Big

and Tadpole

and we headed out to Kenmore. 

Course what field trip is complete without a special delicious coffee....Coconut Dream to be precise.  If you find yourself at Tully's and are a coconut fan like moi DO NOT get this drink.  You will be bitterly disappointed.  Is it a good coffee?  Sure.  Does it remotely taste like coconut? No.  Sad Day.  At least I snapped a groovy picture in a puddle

Thats the reflection of me and the clouds in a puddle with a vintage filter on the photo - its a break away from my usual type of work but I quite fancy this... anyways...of to Bastyr!

This is the entrance to one of many couryards.  Its quite a beautiful campus housed in what used to be a monestary.  It still maintains its serenity and we found ourselves whispering to one another and feeling like we should have asked permission to be walking around. 


As you can see, it is still like winter here in Seattle.  Sigh.  Im sure that the blue skies and warmth will be arriving any day now! Fingers crossed for Sally's wedding!

As well as the lovely buildings and chapel Bastyr also houses a wonderful medicinal plant garden, and that gave pause for lots of lovely pictures

This plant had probably 5 or more bees on this one flower head! Plus, guess what else they had there?

TURTLES.  And quite a few of them too!  They were nestled in a beautiful triangular pond and heaven only knows how they dont get out of there...mind you, its a lovely spot if you are a turtle, gorgeous orange Koy, deep green leaves and lillies - what could be better?

Here's one in for a dip.  I loved that the water was so still that it reflected the clouds.

After taking a good look around we decided to head out for dinner at Tai-Ho in Kenmore.  As we were on our way good news - the sun came out

Mr Big and I have always wanted to sample the hand made noodles (thats the major draw) AND you can watch them do it which I love....

So I can report our noodles (in the hands of this expert noodle man) are voondabar.

Pike Place Market

This past weekend we had a lovely time visiting with Tadpole and Ronnie.  We had hoped to go to the Fremont Solstice Parade but we were cursed with the poor weather ..and so decided to go to Pike Place Market instead.  I think that the rest of Western Washington decided the exact same thing because we were packed in there like sardines.  Luckily there was a little corner for us at the Athenian (my favorite place to hang out)

and we had a delicious breakfast and view all at once.  Even though my phone was almost out of juice I had enough to shoot a few wonderful pictures, how can you not when you are there?

Rachel was back.  There was actually a guy STRADDLING poor Rachel's face so instead of photographing him I took pictures of her hoof prints

and there was a million bikes there too...

and the balloon man.  How much more delicious could he be you ask?  I'll just say he is RIGHT IN FRONT of the mini-donut stand, so his aroma is delectable  (ewwwwwww) ...but at least it cancels out the weird bubblegum and dna smell wafting from gum wall right?

I don't know why, but I never noticed that there is a clock under the famous Pike Place sign...am I the only one thats never noticed this?

then...my phone died, and in my hurry to leave the house I also left my main camera.  So this friends is where we leave off ... just know that there were a million wonderous photo opportunities at the museum of glass, all of which I missed. ...

Cats with wings?

Woah, uh mazing
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1049610/Ready-Tiddles-Meet-cats-sprouted-wings.html

17

Before I talk about 17, let me talk about something close to my heart. 

I love this bath.  Everytime we go to Lowes I have to visit with it.  I did'nt actually get IN IT last night but I did visit with it again, and I hugged it, just a little bit ... before people crowded around to mock me.  I love the curves, the silver metal feet - plus, its so shiny.  Basically - whats not to love?  One day I shall have you...

And now, 17.

Remember 17?  17 was a weird year for me - I finished up high school then returned again at my Dad's insistence.  I was soooo ready to be done with school and sooooo ready to be working.  I was also ready to leave home and be on my own - despite being ready, life had other plans for me and I ended up enduring another year at high school and another year at home.  I say enduring because at the time it seemed like a chore, looking back it was the perfect thing to be happening!  It really was a glorious last year before entering the real world of relationships, heartbreak, bills, working and so on. 

My stepson Elliott turned 17 today.  Mr Big and I woke him at by storming his room in the early hours shouting happy birthday greetings and shooting him with confetti cannons.  Because it was 5.45am I didnt have my camera with me to capture the moment...I did later though...and here was one of El's gifties. 

These are treking/walking/running shoes that Elliott has been wanting.  I love that he isnt afraid to wear fun things like this.  Its inspirational!  You're an awesome fellow Elliott!



15 days...

Dear Reader
Sorry.  Its been 15 days.  And I have no actually real excuse aside from a lame "i've been busy" to offer you.  Anyhoo, recap on the past goings on that have kept me from you:

SOPHIE's 3rd Birthday

There's something about Soph that's so charming.  It's not only that she looks like a fairy with her whisps of blonde hair and tinyness, but its her personality (hilarious) and her scary incredible intelligence. 

MOM TO SOPHIE:  I see you are drawing lots of circles.  Can you draw me a square

SOPHIE TO MOM: No, but I can draw an octagon, would you like that....

See what I mean.  Scary - and yet charming all at once. 

We really enjoyed Soph's third birthday - it was a princess theme and Kirsten her mom did an amazing job with the part design.

THE WEATHER

Even though it is June and its supposed to be delightful easy breezy blue skied days the above has been more the norm for us.  Those of you that know me well know that usually I prefer the rain, love the grey and chilly.  Usually.  Right now I want to punch rain clouds in the snoot.  Im sick of them.  I want my fill of vitamin d.  Mooooooaaaaan.....

ELLIOTT

Have I mentioned to you that El has come to live with us permenently?  Its actually been awesome.  He is a terrific person and I love having him with us.  We've been able to be a part of some milestones - first up was the milestone of part one of his drivers test for learners permit...he was close to passing but not quite.  Better luck next time bud.  I love that we celebrated PRIOR to the testing. We are an affirmative positive family us Allens.  Soon friend, soon you will need to be weary of driving when Mr Elliott is on the roads (but I know he will be a terrific driver).

BILL AND MELINDA GATES

One of the rare sunny days in Seattle this spring happened a couple of weekends ago and it coincided with Mr Big and I attending the opening of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  There were quite a few people waiting to view the beautiful facility but it didnt take long before we were in schmoozing with other members of the community. 

This building cost millions - they were very thoughtful and responsible in how the built on the site and what the used to construct the buildings with (very enviromentally concious).  Plus, what a wicked spot for it, right under the space needle...

Im not sure if you are familiar with the humanitarian work that is done here.  Its spectacular.  They are really making a change in the world.  I actually was very emotional walking around the building knowing how much they do.  Thank you Bill and Melinda Gates.

FREMONT MARKET

This was our first time at the market...and I loved it!  I had no idea that it was so large, its really a nook and cranny kind of place with most of the usual things - stores with sterling silver creation, stores with crazy garden ornaments, a cool vintage section and then some less usual things.  Case in point Danish Ebelskiver's.  Basically these are a pancake BALL filled with delightful things.  I went for nutella (how can any sane person resist it?) and raspberry jam with cream cheese.  Mr Big went for lemon curd and butter and salmon, cream cheese:

While we were sitting eating these delights a lady came up to me and held out the lead to her pup and asked if I would take care of him while she shopped....ackward pause...of course I will look after a strangers dog.  Actually he was a darling sweet boy, part pug, part something scruffy and his name was pepper...isnt he sweet...

after we pup-sat Pepper we continued our walk around and snapped up the deal of the century - two antique Chinese window screens for only $50 (for the two)

GENEVA

Who knew?  Geneva has been going to dance classes and is, according to Dot, third best in her class.  As you know, I am not known for my graceful ways, and sadly - neither is my beloved.  So Dots news fell on grateful ears and so it was with great excitement that we headed to Gen's first dance receital in "tree of life" at the Mountlake Performing Arts Center.  Great facility incidentally and it was such a pretty pretty evening

I find it hard to believe Gen is third best - she was the best dancer by far.  It was a very enjoyable 2 hours

and as if it couldnt be topped guess what else.  I had a profetic moment.  Gen had danced, the little kids came out and danced for an awwww moment, and then they all came out for their bows and curtseys.  At that moment I said to Dot and Gary..."the only thing that would make this better is confetti cannons".  Within seconds there was a double boom and confetti blasting out everywhere! YES!  Basically I think every performance should cresendo with this. 

So thats what we've been up to....see, busy right?

Thank you to Born to fly bloggie for posting this beautiful quote.  So true.  I've always love Bronte

Memorial Weekend

This weekend honors and remembers those brave men and women who died in service to America.  At church we also expand this to include all those that have touched our lives in someway and have since passed away its always a very special service for that reason.  With the four year anniversary just having come around, I was thinking of my Nana, Ann. 

Prior to the service you are invited to bring a flower with you and as you walk to the entrance of the sanctuary there are flowers for sale.

 After a few announcements the band plays beautiful music and the congregation is invited to walk forward to the stage where about 30 vases are waiting to receive the flowers people bring.  Each flower represents the beauty that person brought to your life, and that life keeps blooming.  Kathianne suggested that they are never really gone and said on the way into church this morning she had glanced across a couple of lanes on the highway and realized that a person was looking at her as she looked at them...you've done that before right?  I loved that she used this analogy to explain that when you want to remember someone that has passed over you only need look towards them, remember them..and they are right there looking back at you "from the other lane".  Beautiful right?  I loved it.  Fortunatly they had tonnes of tissues so it was all good, and then they started the procession up to the front while a couple of ladies sang "Because I knew you" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UFpQtOuOnc don't listen to this unless you are willing to shed a few tears, but it was really perfect for this ceremony.   

Nan, Because I knew you, I have been changed - - for good.  I miss you every day.

After everyone had taken their flowers up front this is the beauty that was left:


We finished up by singing America the Beautiful as the closing song in salute of those who have passed away that were in the armed forces, it was perfect

Im so glad that I am part of such a great community at the Center for Spiritual Living.  They do things just a bit differently, but different in an excellent way.

Happy Birthday Little One

It's your birthday today. You're two and I can hardly believe it. Seems like only yesterday that your Mum and Dad were calling to tell us the news that you were on your way to brighten our lives with your perfection.

I wish that we lived closer. I would give anything to be able to see your sweet face more. I love it now that Dad, Mum and I got smart and we now have Skype capability. I guess when you get older that will be something old fashioned, but right now its new. I got to hear you giggle while Dad tickled you on Friday night, and see Mum push you around on your new bike. It made my day, but then - it always does.

I want you to know that I love you very much, I miss you and I cant wait to see you next year. Happy birthday sweet boy!

Here you are when you were first born

and how here you are - a baby no more at 2 years old:

Beautiful video

Click on this.  Its great!

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Bits and Bobs

I recently downloaded an app called "instagram" on my iphone.  Its a photo app so you know Im all over that... its really fantastic because not only does it allow you to have a rolling photo journal of daily photos you take (and post) but its also social because you share you photos with other instagramers all over the world.  One of the people on there posted a photo from The Eden Project in Cornwall and it led me to their website... HOW EFFING COOL that they have a web cam on this..:

Giant corn on the cob?  No.  Deep breath readers.... ITS A FLOWER BUD that will soon open up to have a giant stinky blossum.  Word.  Even better....it has a webcam on it so you can check in, real time, from across the miles to watch its progress.  This thing would be a bitch to repot right? 
Its a Titan arum - which is the world largest flower.  If I were a teacher (SIL Verna....) I would totally show my kids this.  The flower is endangered AND once it blooms it only lasts for a couple of days before it goes toes up.

This upcoming weekend is Memorial Weekend - one of the very few long weekends that we have here in the states, so as you might imagine Akeeweegirl and her family are very much looking forward to the rest.  Unfortunatly the rest part is a dream I think because I already have about 17 million jobs in mind for me (and the fam :-) ) to work on.  Course there's the garden, thats a constant, and I also want to repurpose a bookshelf into...a better bookshelf that it currently is.  In my mind the finished projay looks incredible, but Im not the handiest person sooooo...we shall see.  I also want to hang mirrors, paint frames, do some art work, plant some veggies...Im tired just thinking about it!

Got the coolest thing for Fathers Day gift for Mr Big, I cant say what it is (he sometimes reads this) but I know he is going to lurve it!!  I wish it was fathers day today so I could surprise him with it.

Have a great weekend friends!

I'll miss you

Dear Miss Oprah
I've grown up with you, and as Madonna said - you have been a mother to millions, including a simple kiwi girl from Auckland, New Zealand.  Oprah, I love you and I'll miss you.  I know you are a faithful fan of Akeeweegirl....or at least you would be if you knew about this little bloggie, Im sure it would be one of your favorite things.
I never got to go to see your show even though I have been to the beautiful city of Chicago several times, I'm sorry about that - it would have been wonderful!
I was watching your farewell spectacular last night and I was so emotional throughout - it is incredible how much one person can do, and you've done SO much good, not just here in the states - but all over the globe.  Thank you for being an inspiration in my life. 
Love Feefee

Maggie at http://www.mightygirl.com/ has put together a little flickr group to showcase some of the great teachings Oprah shared over the years, things that resonated.  If you want to join in you can post your photos at the group #thanksoprah - here's my contribution

Golden Gardens

People.  Seriously.  Its spring here in the Northwest.  How bout some freaking SUNSHINE ALREADY? Arrgh!  I am completely sick of greydom (which is weird, I usually embrace it)...but im ready to break out the sundress, ready to complain about it being too hot...

With this in mind I was so excited when, a few weeks ago Caroline mentioned that she was hosting her sons first birthday party at Golden Gardens.  This is a wonderful spot, just outside Seattle proper.  Perfect for a first birthday party.  It was freezing cold.  But you know me, I always like to look for a silver lining.  I found four.

Number one.  Olly.
This kid is a delicious morsel.  Anytime I am in his presence is a good time.  Just look at this wee cherub...this is Mr O not eating, but sucking, the life out of his birthday cupcake.  Like most 1 year olds this is his first taste of one, and he was definitely savouring it....and concentrating..at the task at hand.  Happy Birthday lil fella.  Love you oodles.

Number three was Miss Sophie.  Shes a little poppet too and its co-incidentally her birthday celebration this coming weekend.  She will be 3.

oh, did I mention the weather? Brrrrrr

and yet strangely after all is said and done, this too was a silver lining, Number three actually.  Number four was spending time with the love of my life, Mr Big AKA Gary.  Love you honey.

My Workplace

Honestly, if when I win the lottery and am swimming in million dollar bills I don't think that I will be working here at my present place of employment.  THAT SAID - I cant help but love love love where I work, and this is almost exclusively because of the people I work with and the simple fun that we have together.  Today is a perfect day to explain what I mean.

Firstly this is the conversation I have

UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #1: Does anyone have a plastic bag

UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #2: I do... (stands up in her cubie and this is what we see)

ME:  Bingo, UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #2 has one or two in her stash to help...

I don't know about you, but I think I counted about a gazillion bags here.  It was made even funnier when this exchange happened:

QUEUE raucous laughter following UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #2 showing the plethora of bag choices....

UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #3:  what is all that garbage doing at your desk?

UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #2:  this isn't garbage!

.....silent pause......

THEN, Kind Kirsten brought in her red wagon to lend to Caroline.  Caroline's son Mr Ollie is turning 1 and is having a barnyard themed party so what better to compliment all the decorations that a red wagon? 

and then the shannanigans ensued. 

and then...Unnamed friend demanded a ride (and as you can see there was some speed wobbles and an austin powers style turn happening here....thank goodness Carrie is practising before the prince gets in on the weekend!!)

and then she was off....to get coffee 

This didn't even draw a crowd, because we were surprisingly stealthy about the whole operation.  And yes, we were on our break.

Unnamed friend being the strong negotiator and sharing caring kind of person she is hopped out of the wagon and tried to get UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #4 to join in the fun.  I think UNNAMED EMPLOYEE #4 is saying something like this when I took the picture "emmmmmmmmm I don't think I should...ps, girl, where are your shoes?"

 followed in quick succession with...."ok, I'll give it a whirl"

but in the end....

Scaredy cat ...