Life at a "Swell's" pace

Five Simple Things (January 10)

Hello.

Here are five things things this week.

1. This park.

We took a walk through Avery Park in Corvallis, Oregon, this week. There was a small cargo train derailment near the park, so we watched some of the cleanup efforts, as well. We have always loved this old coal engine that's setup in the park for people to climb on. It was once the backdrop of our holiday cards one year when Skylar was four and we still had Baz with us. This picture with Skylar and Hardy are perfect to go with the one of him and Baz all those years ago.

2. This art.

I bought this painting from a Twitter friend. She used spray paints and was feeling down about how it turned out, so I bought it. I love the Scream movies, and this painting is so quirky that it's perfect for what I want to use it for, which is a library, or possibly a studio later. The Ghost Host on Twitter is a cool person to follow, too, if you're into horror and Scream.

3. This game.

My sister and I used to play Skee-Ball at an arcade in Hot Springs, Arkansas. My dad would take us to the Hot Springs Mall and give us about $5 and let us play games. The place was called Aladdin's Castle and to this day I have great memories of doing that. My dad tried hard to connect on our level, and I think he did a good job taking us to different places when we were growing up. I think back on that time period and my dad was younger than I am now, and had two girls. We would go to play games at Aladdin's Castle and have corndogs at Corn Dog 7. I found this mini desktop Skee-Ball game. I ended up sending it to my sister in hopes that it would bring back those old memories for her, too.

4. This day.

It was a weird morning-type of week this week. No wind, not mist, just fog and flat. We are still in the winter months here, so it's to be expected. But, with the wind not blowing even a little, it made these flags look eerie. Which, I do love.

5. These papers.

Skylar made us all, including the animals, honorary members of his railroad company, Deer Pacific. We feel special.

One last thing:

I bought this 12 Days of Beauty from Whole Foods and I waited until December 25 and kept opening until January 5. Those are the 12 days of Christmas. I loved everything in the different advent windows. I couldn't pick a favorite, because they were all great!

Positive affirmations this week:

"Tomorrow is a new day." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (January 3)

Hello.

First of all, Happy New Year!

Here are five things this week.

1. This gift.

This Brookstone Golf Club Set was a gift that Jeff received for Christmas. The golf clubs are pens and the golf bag is their holder. We had to try it out, of course.

2. This light.

We continued to light the menorah for the fifth and sixth night of Hanukkah this week. The days are almost over.

3. These candles.

The seventh night of Hanukkah. One more night until the light shines bright for all to see. Our current menorah is one that was sold by Kohl's, but I can not find it on their website. We bought it in store, but I did find this one from Williams-Sonoma that I think is just as great.

4. This candy.

Still finished up some Christmas candy. These Lake Champlain Chocolates are the best chocolate you'll ever eat. It's rich and creamy and definitely a chocolate that stands out among the rest. We used these little candy canes in hot chocolate, too. Lake Champlain Chocolates also makes great hot chocolate options, as well. I also love their Peppermint Crunch Coins.

5. This night.

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Happy Hannukah.

One last thing:

Getting in the miles slowly.

Positive affirmations this week:

It's a new year and a new chance to start again, and give it 365 more days of making it through. This year you are going to be the best version of yourself you can and you're going to be just fine.

You can do this!🌈