Friday, August 6, 2010

Life Goes On... Lasting Memories Linger, We Learn...

On Tuesday, my dearly beloved great-grandmother passed into another great adventure.  She had lived on this Earth for over a century (104 years, to be exact).  That's a lot of life.

Oma, as we young folk called her, was a wonderful woman... a little old lady that had lots of stories to tell, and lots of things to teach.  She was a strong woman, full of life and a strong belief - in people.  I'm not going to get all religious now and tell you she has left to be with Jesus, because, well... different people believe and think differently.  But no matter, I believe she (at least her spirit and her memory) is off to galavant the next mystical experience.

And she has left us to learn from her.

I met her when I was 20.  (I know... a little late in life to meet a grandparent or other relative, but hey... it's a little complicated.)  I spent almost a year getting to know her.  I learned her stories. I also learned how to make a pie crust (with perfect flakiness) and Stollen (German fruitcake).  I skipped on the sauerkraut, as the smell made me nauseous.  I developed a love for gardening and came to know all the flowers. (My 5yo can name a bunch of different flowers, now, too!)  I nurtured a love of bird-watching.  And I wrote.

I left and semi-kept in touch over the years. My two oldest have met her. My youngest... didn't. But, I teach my children what I know, what I've learned from her. I also pass on her stories.  Stories tell of a true life.  A life that was long and full.

I won't be able to attend services, but that is understandable. Everything is so far away.  But her memory is not. Yes, I am saddened at our loss. But... she lived a long and full life. She left in peace. She deserved that.  She taught me a lot, and for that, I can pass that on as well.

Rest and fly in peace, Oma. Your memory and teachings will be cherished forever.

**Note: If you would like to read the obituary for my Oma, please click on this link.  Thank you for understanding my randomness and all-overness, as that's where my mind is... at the moment.

Blog Her '10 for Some... Home Her '10 for the Rest of US!

This week has been a whirlwind of busy-ness.  There have been babysitting jobs, tennis practice, fun trips to LAX, doctors' visits, playdates, Chuck E. Cheese, cooking, food, drinking, driving (not together... don't worry), school registrations, car-pooling, and I could go on...

Lots of my Twitter, Facebook and Bloggy-World friends are in NYC, living it up at BlogHer '10. I envy them. They are visiting, socializing, eating, networking, learning, and hopefully... having a great time. I've never been.  First of all... I don't blog enough to "make it worthwhile." Other reasons I didn't go? Um... finances being what they are, I seriously didn't have the cash (or the credit, for that matter) to go.  I have lots of reasons:  school starts next week. Ick! Our summer is O.V.E.R.!  Also, my 16yo European traveler was coming in Wednesday night (yes, she arrived quite safely, thank you for your concern...) and had late registration Thursday morning.  I also had tons of laundry to do (vacation stuff + regular everyday stuff = LOTS of laundry). AND not to mention there would be no one to take care of my three lovelies here, at home.

My kids are old enough to stay by themselves. Uh, yeah. Well, they should be. And yes, they (the older two at least) could probably watch the 5yo. However... how would they all get to practices, babysitting jobs, etc. AND how would my husband be able to sleep during the day without me to keep the place quiet? Hmm?  You have no answer? Well, I do! I am staying home.  Yes, that IS in my job description... SAHM (stay at home mom). But... today, I met someone in the bloggy world is also a SAHM, but the end letter refers to something entirely different. He is a student, who I believe stays at home otherwise, with his kids. This is fantastic. I believe it's greatness.  Anyway, he is fabulous. His writing his witty and fun. AND he created Home Her '10!!!

For all of us who didn't getta go! Now there is a great network of people who are enveloping this experience and making the best of it.  There is lots of fun, and lots of charm, and a whole lotta incredible people. They might not all be SAHM's (moms or men), but they all blog to some extent. (Most are a lot more on top of it than me...)

Oh! What's his name? So sorry... I got so excited about the whole thing... @BackpackingDad on Twitter and you can visit his blog (Backpacking Dad). If you're interested in checking out other writers (complete with some giveaways!) of HomeHer10, check out these linked up blogs... We're all in it together, and making the best of it! (And thanks to Toni for hosting the link-up!)

I'm just glad to be a part of it and see so much participation. FYI, though... Next year, I hope to actually be able to go to BlogHer... I heard (from a little bird... Thanks, Tanis!) that it will be in San Diego (August 5th and 6th).  Hmmm... I could even commute there... (provided SCHOOL doesn't start even sooner next year!)

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Another GIVEAWAY - Something to Cherish FOREVER!

I've recently discovered something, thanks to Linda, at MyTrendyTykes.com. First, let me tell you... I don't wear jewelry. I usually tend to think it's rather gaudy and not my type. But... I found a place that makes classic, unique jewelry, customized to you, and includes everything important (FAMILY!). The Vintage Pearl is this such place. Yes! It really does exist.

I'm shooting for the eternal heart (on the "Unique" tab). I would actually wear it! It is gorgeous, hand-stamped artwork that fills my heart with WANT!

You can choose to order one on your own, or you can take your chances and enter TrendyTyke's giveaway (for a $75 gift to The Vintage Pearl) and wish yourself luck. Hurry, though. It is only until tomorrow (August 2nd).