Happy New Year's Peas...

Thursday, December 31, 2009



Happy New Year's Eve!!! This year we are finally participating in the old southern tradition to make Black-eyed Peas for good luck in the new year...oh, and if you add some greens you'll be rich too, lol.

In case you haven't heard of this tradition, and if you're interested, here's some history and info about this little legume...The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:
  • Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
  • Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
  • For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. (ugg)
  • Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year. (ouch)
To sum it up..."Greens for riches, and 'Peas for peace and prosperity". Oh, and the hubby and I decided to start our own tradition by throwing in a kiss and a bottle of champagne or two for extra good luck. ;) So, I hope everyone enjoys the Full Blue Moon that won't happen again on NYE until 2028 and I wish you all a fun and safe New Year's Eve...

"Good luck everybody"!


Thank You...

Wednesday, December 30, 2009



It's hard to believe that my humble, little blog has had 1,000 views since I started it five months ago...so, I wanted to sincerely thank all of you wonderful readers who take the time to stop by. THANK YOU!!! It means so much to someone like me who never thought I would post anything on the internet, yet alone some of my deepest "notions" along with other fun and eventful moments in my life. I appreciate every single one of you and hope you enjoy my posts throughout the next year as well!

On a side note...I chose the above picture because we had our first snow of the season here in Portland! I was SO happy...I love the snow, adore it actually. Especially in the Pacific Northwest. The way the snow blankets the pines is just beautiful...and so peaceful. The hubby and I took a walk with huge, fluffy snowflakes coming down all around us and it was like being in the middle of a winter wonderland. Have I mentioned how much I love it here? Ok, maybe once or twice. ;)

Thanks again, everyone!


New Beginnings...

Monday, December 28, 2009



I hope everyone had as beautiful of a holiday week as we did...now New Years is upon us and my heart is full of warmth. I'm looking forward to some new beginnings to this life which I'm already so grateful for. My heart feels just like the gorgeous photo above...a seedling that is ready to bloom into so much more, something just as beautiful as the last, but simply taking the next natural step. I'm very thankful to feel so full of pure, quiet love today.


"There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth - not going all the way, and not starting" ~ Buddha


(Image courtesy of David Eugene Photography)

And to All...

Friday, December 25, 2009


MERRY CHRISTMAS


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...

Thursday, December 24, 2009



I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful Holiday Season! Enjoy the love, laughter, good food, surprises, and life's little treasures that the holidays bring...oh, and don't forget a cookie or two, or three, or...well, you get the idea. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!


Welcome Winter...

Monday, December 21, 2009



Well, today is the "official" first day of winter and I'm very happy it's here. Winter brings many special gifts. What are your favorites? Here are some of mine...

Snowflakes
Hot Cocoa
Christmas Trees
Cuddling up in a Warm Blanket
Roaring Fires
Icicles
Snowball Fights
Sledding
Mountain Tops covered in Snow
The Smell of Pine
Crisp, Fresh Air
Cozy Slippers
Warm Winter Coats
Curled up Kitties keeping Snug and Toasty
Tranquility
Snow Days
Holiday Lights and Celebrations
Fleece Sheets
Flannel Pajamas
...and the Sparkle of the Morning Frost

Happy Winter Solstice Everyone! Enjoy the shortest day of the year!


Duck, Duck...

Saturday, December 19, 2009





...goose! Ok, call me crazy but I'm in love...I saw this little guy on another blog (A Cup of Jo) and I love him. He's a crazy looking little striped footed goose and I love him. Sadly, they are currently all sold out of this adorable organic goose, but I'll be watching to see when he's back in stock. Ooooooooooooo...I just checked while I was writing this and he is back in stock!!! Ok, I think I may need to be my own secret Santa here and one cute little stuffed goose may now have a new home! (you never read this hubby...you are getting sleepy, very sleepy)


"Why Oregon" Series (post 2)...

Wednesday, December 16, 2009





Multnomah Falls - Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR

For post 2 in the "Why Oregon" series I chose the gorgeous 620 foot high Multnomah Falls which is the second highest year-round waterfall in the country. Since I decided to choose pics taken in the winter, the falls are partially frozen and you can't quite see the magnitude of them (and the pics only show each half of the falls). This amazing waterfall is just 30 miles outside of Portland and changes drastically with all the change of seasons. We've been there quite a few times now and there are several great hikes, including one that goes to the top of the falls, and approximately 77 waterfalls located in the surrounding area. Here are a few links with additional info and photo galleries...



Info about the lodge and the bridge...the Benson Bridge was built in 1914 and the Multnomah Falls Lodge was built in 1925.

The bridge puts you right in the middle of this spectacular waterfall, but be sure to wear something that can get "rained on" because you're up close and personal. The beautiful stone lodge is full of character and a great place to get warm and cozy, grab a beer or hot chocolate, and have some good food...all while enjoying the most amazing views at the base of the falls and two beautiful old stone fireplaces. We've been there for lunch and highly recommend it, but I've also been longing to go there for breakfast to try their specialty Oregon huckleberry pancakes ever since I saw them on the Food Network Channel. So, if you're ever visiting, definitely take the time to stop by and see the beautiful Multnomah Falls and don't forget to pick me up for breakfast on the way!


My New Favorite Thing...

Saturday, December 12, 2009




I love, love, love to cuddle up in a warm, cozy bed when it's cold outside (or anytime really) and I've discovered my new favorite thing to be comfy and cozy...fleece sheets! It's like wrapping up in "one big soft cuddly warm comfy cozy giant blanket" (all one adjective, of course). I love them even more than flannel sheets now and as you can see so does that adorable little kitty up there. Try to find a luxurious, good quality, extra soft set and I promise you won't be disappointed.

So, this winter when it's beyond chilly outside, be sure to treat yourself to this soft and toasty pleasure...then snuggle up (grab a friend if you wish) and enjoy! ;) Make sure you take your socks off though (at the very least) to experience the soft, velvety feel...or even better yet...go completely "Au Naturel", wiggle around a little bit, and you will be in pure heaven!


Jumping for Joy...

Thursday, December 10, 2009



I just finished my last final exam for the Fall term and I could not be happier!!! After completely overloading myself this term, I learned my lesson and should have a much easier time next term with one less class. I guess all the hard work and studying until 2am every night paid off though, because by some miracle I managed to get A's in all of my classes. WOO HOO! At least it was worth it! Well, here's to a beautiful three week break and some long needed rest and relaxation...oh, and some jumping of course!


O' Christmas Tree...

Monday, December 7, 2009



This was a wonderful weekend that ended in "The Great Christmas Tree Hunt". It all began Saturday night...first, we headed out to a Christmas party at the beautiful Ponzi Vineyards and afterwards we proceeded to downtown Portland for a nightcap at Portland City Grill, it's on the 30th floor and has the most amazing views of the city. Then on Sunday we headed out to Christmas Mountain Tree Farm...

We try a different tree farm every year because there are so many in Oregon (and many of them, this one included, are actually within 20 minutes of our house). Christmas Mountain Trees take you on a tractor-pulled wagon ride up the mountain which led to a beautiful vista overlooking the Columbia River and Mount St. Helens (the pic above gives you an idea and I added a link below with some more pics). It was a spectacular panoramic view amongst all the Christmas trees. http://www.christmasmountaintrees.com

The funny thing is, we found a gorgeous noble fir within five minutes, but of course that was just too easy, and I made the hubby hike around in the freezing cold for another hour and an half...only to lead us back to the very first tree we found, hehehe...sorry hubby. Somehow he was able to cut mr. noble down even though the poor guy practically had no feeling left in his fingers and off we went. It's a good thing I put a little extra whiskey in his eggnog and became a feisty, fiery redhead this weekend or he may not have forgiven me. ;)


Introducing the "Why Oregon" Series (post 1)...

Tuesday, December 1, 2009



Teardrop Pool (highest lake in Oregon) - Three Sisters, OR

I am thankful every single day for waking up in the gorgeous state of Oregon. So, I thought it would be nice to start a series highlighting different parts of the state. I haven't been to all of these places yet and this will give me even more motivation to take trips within our own state as often as we can. We always get drawn to the coast, but we have to remember how much natural beauty is out there to explore. Post 1 is the unbelievable Teardrop Lake in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area located in Sisters, OR. It's the highest lake in the state and clearly one of the most beautiful vantage points. It sits on South Sister Mountain and has a trail I look forward to hiking.



I hope you enjoy my series of "Why Oregon". I will try to include a web link with every location that has additional pictures and information and if you've never been to this amazing state before, hopefully this will give you some inspiration to visit and a sneak peak into the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Enjoy...