Five Simple Things (July 25)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These chimes.

We have been in a holding pattern of grief lately because of the loss of Hardy. We have never been a family without a dog, and right now, things are weird for us. Eleven has been showing signs of depression and loss as well. Having this grief that you hold onto for an animal is hard to describe to people who do not have pets in their lives for a long period of time. Hardy was with us in our family for over 15 years. It's an incredibly hard loss to even attempt to articulate to anyone. My sister took this opportunity to give us something into which we could put our sadness into sound. These wind chimes were specially engraved with our dear Hardy's name and bring us a bit of comfort when they chime. Right now, we are not in a good place with our sadness, so anything is a help, especially something we can hear besides people saying, "I'm sorry" as if that's all anyone can say. Sometimes "I'm sorry" isn't necessary and at times isn't the right thing to say when someone is dealing with a hard loss in their life.

2. These bracelets.

A few bracelets we have been wearing lately. Beaded Rainbow Bracelets that let LGBTQIA+ people know that we are advocates and that they are safe around us. The last bracelets are made by indigenous Americans in order to raise money for those needing legal representation against what is happening to every brown and black individual right now. Native Americans are the first inhabitants of the United States of America and to have a white man say that they need to prove their citizenship is disgusting. People that support the current administration during these state-sponsored discrimination or systemic/institutional racism have no place calling themselves patriots, or Americans. The America I want to be proud of is one that allows everyone to live their life free from racism, discrimination, prejudice, and cruelty. One that allows anyone to live here, no matter their skin color, or nationality. One that other countries want to do business with and one that doesn't have a president only serving what is right for him and not the entire country. With what is happening currently, there is no such thing as the United States. It's getting killed every day by selfish, ignorant, unqualified people who are loyalist only.

3. These stickers.

With Skylar being part of The Commuter at Linn Benton Community College we always get to see the cool stickers they pass out of the college, or add inside the magazine. I love reading his articles in the magazine and I am so glad he decided to be part of the editors.

4. This bowl.

We found this tray this week when we did our weekly errands. Skylar is going to use it in his room for his watch, and jewelry. It's a beautiful tray made of mango wood and tells a story. You can pick up this tray here from Birdmoss.

5. This book.

I recently picked up this book at a bookstore. I love honey bees and all bees, as a matter of fact. I love how they go about their lives and do their everyday tasks without even having a blip in their routine. I love how they work as a community, but also mourn the dead when their time comes. Humans could learn a lot for bees in a way where everyone is included and has a job without casting judgement or discrimination on each other. I am excited to read this book cover to cover to learn more about how amazing bees really are.

One last thing:

Always the best foot warmer.

Positive affirmations this week:

Never believe that you are too hard to love no matter who tells you that. Anyone that states those words isn't in control of their own emotions or feelings. It's a projected statement that falls completely back on the person that said them. Your worth isn't determined by someone else's insecurities and immaturity. You are so much more than that.

You can do this! 🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (July 18)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. This addition.

We picked up a new something for No Rain the Bus this week. We are still working on the exact solar panels that we want to mount on the top of the bus, but for now, this Jackery will definitely be great!

2. This update.

Along with the Jackery, we started getting the bus ready to rip out the old flooring and lay down new flooring. There is still that certain "school bus" smell in the bus, and we are thinking it might dissipate once the original flooring is gone. I also want to keep a small piece of the old floor for nostalgia. I do love the bus with its original flooring, but it is pretty beaten up and needs a lot more care than we first thought. You can keep up with our bus conversion progress on the blog here, or through our Instagram or Threads.

3. These flowers.

Another week of bringing fresh flowers into our home to boost my mental health, and everyone else that sees them.

4. These gifts.

One of Jeff's gifts from a coworker after retiring. This was such a thoughtful thing to do for him. He misses some of his coworkers, but he is glad to be able to relax and not worry about airplane dimensions and military contracts.

5. This post.

"Feel anyway. That's how we stay human." I love this so much. I've always been called oversensitive, or too sensitive, by, honestly, jackass people who came through my life. What's disturbing about their saying those words is the fact that how can they not be sensitive in a world full of things that we should feel more deeply about? Whether they were saying it out of meanness or because they really can't feel things on a deeper level, I am proud that I can. I will embrace my sensitivity because if it sets me apart from people who don't, I feel really good about that.

One last thing:

These brass ornaments are available in the shop right now. They are made from solid brass and are a cute statement on a desk, a bookshelf, or as a clever gift to give. The praying mantis is 78mm x 23mm in size and the snail is 17mm x 60mm in size. They are priced under $11 and would be a perfect addition to anyone that loves a statement piece. You can check out the rest of the Five Simple Things shop here.

Positive affirmations this week:

The main thing to remember is, it's okay.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

Five Simple Things (July 11)

 Hello.

Here are five things this week.

1. These blueberries.

Straight from out own blueberry bushes. The best thing is being able to walk out of your own door and pick straight from your own garden.

2. This face.

I just love this face. I am so proud of him every single day. I am a lucky mom.

3. This moment.

After 25 years at the same company, it was his time to relax. We love how hard he has worked in those 25 years, and not a day goes by that we are not grateful and appreciative of how much time he has scarified for us. I am happy that he will get some downtime and be able to sleep in a little from waking up at 4:00 a.m. each morning. Retirement looks good on you, Jeff!

4. This kitty.

She's so pretty. She loves looking out the window and talking to the other kitties in the neighborhood.

5. These covers.

New mattress covers for the beds on the bus. We are slowly getting things finished in No Rain the Bus. Slowly but steadily everything is coming together.

One last thing:

This Organic Surf Wax is now available in the shop. It's made from all natural ingredients (organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, lemon essential oils). Each wax comes individually wrapped as a package of three. Three bars weigh 3.4 oz. It's handmade in small batches in Hawaii by My Manoa.

You can check out the rest of the Five Simple Things shop here.

Positive affirmations this week:

Child abuse at a young age affects more than a child's mental health; it also affects their physical and emotional well-being over time. Children growing up in violent households can become oversensitive, emotional, violent, or even depressive. Children are resilient, but when abuse, whether physical or verbal, never ends and continues into adolescence, it leads to damaged adults. The worst thing about growing up in an abusive household is feeling like there is no one to tell you that it's going to be okay. Because of that, you suffer alone. As someone who has been in that environment, the best thing I do now is stand up to any form of bullying. Child abuse stems from a form of bullying, and feeling alone as a child has created the person I am today. Therapy helps process some deep emotions, but the external emotions are difficult to handle on some days. One thing I am thankful for is how kindly I treat others because of the abuse in my past. Some people turn to violence after abuse, but I ended up with feelings of kindness that allow me to make everyone feel included and important. The downside of that is being taken advantage of because kindness is seen as a weakness. It took years of therapy for me to understand that being taken advantage of and being thought of as weak because of it had nothing to do with me or who I am as a person. Familial abuse is the hardest abuse to accept and work past. Cutting ties, even with blood relatives, is sometimes necessary to end that cycle. Not feeling guilty about cutting ties and setting boundaries is another hurdle to work through, as well, but it is doable. If you are working through past abuse, be it childhood abuse, domestic abuse, or family abuse, remind yourself that you are worth so much more and you are strong.

You can do this!🌈

Have a nice weekend.

July Fourth

 We kept it lowkey this year with the fireworks and just bought a box of poppers/snappers, and sparklers. It was an early night of doing stuff and we were in bed by 10:00 p.m. because of a busy day the following day. It was still a lot of fun! I found this bulk box of snappers at Costco and Skylar paid a lot of them across the road to hear the cars driving over them through the night. Our secret "weapon."🎇