Abigail...Meet me on the other side ok? Promise? I love you!

Our beautiful "fraidy cat" Abigail will say farewell tomorrow. She was with us over 9 years and brought a smile to our face with her silly personality. She was a rescued cat that was pampered and loved til her final day. We are sorry you got sick Abby. Please be there to meet us on the other side. We love you still. My heart hurts. Abigail Lee Erickson. May you be happy and healthy again in heaven. All my love...

Gamma loves Major Briggs. G'nite big boy!

I'm much more into Facebook now...

I dread the thought of updating my blog lately. Seriously...it's just so much easier to comment randomly on Facebook. For those of you not into the whole networking thingy...get with the program. I don't know how much longer I will use this blog. If you need help getting set up I can assist. Just call me. In the meantime...here's what's going on in my life....I met a young lady from Hawaii (a free spirited artist) who called me to personal train her in pilates. I've been working in a few appts. with her (she's staying in Roch. while getting checked out at the Mayo Clinic) while teaching 3 other pilates classes, setting up and successfully selling at craft shows on every other Tuesday, Each Thursday, & a few weekends, and trying to find time for re-stocking my inventory (this is becoming difficult). I think I'm prepared for the next show with my trays restocked and a few prayers for no storms tomorrow for Thursday's on First in Rochester. I have this weekend off and am hoping to have some down time since I haven't had any in forever! Oh...and who the H*ll is cleaning my house? Not me! It's a disaster and my poor kitties are the ones to suffer. Try and work in a work out or 2 for myself and you get one girl who is feeling compromised. This was the year I made the resolution to focus on me and I don't feel as though I'm able to do that in the last month. Frustrated? yup! I'm ready to make a few adjustments so that I can refocus and get back into some sort of routine. Hopefully after the next month things will slow down a bit and life will come back into sync. Hopefully. In the meantime...just try and keep up with my madness ok? Ok!

4th of July...Rain, Rain, & then a Beautiful Sunset!

Huge thanks to Jackie for the Pictures. I wouldn't have had any because (once again) we forgot our camera. It rained all day so we didn't get to do a family photo (& our family is getting sooo big!). The rain finally stopped about 8:30pm so we could view this beautiful sunset. The fireworks started shortly after. A good ending to a fun day...despite the rain!

My Beautiful New Fountain...

Rick fixed the liner in my pond so I could run my new fountain. It's soooo calming and beautiful. I love

angels! Come visit for a little time in my oasis. I'm home most days!

Wild Ride....

It was a wild ride at Thursdays on First yesterday in downtown Rochester! We fought 40-50 mph wind gusts all day long and the market ended up closing at 6:30pm for weather. Seriously- I lost $150 retail value in merchandise! Thankfully made up for it in sales but wouldn't do it again if you paid me! Last week we had rain and I left early and now this- -It's got to get better than this right? Ugh!

Thursdays on First


Location:  Peace Plaza Downtown

1st Ave SW & 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

Rochester Downtown Alliance

Time: 11am-8:30pm

Price: Free

Weekly market. Vendors, food and entertainment

Thursday's on First and More- Just a sampling of some pendants available...

If you're looking for something unique for a special occasion check out my crystal pendants.

Unique designs by me at Crystal Notion. Email or call for more info. Custom pieces can be made too!

caeenterprise@yahoo.com 507-202-3276

Need a little motivation?....

http://www.bestofsuccessmovie.com/miami?cm_mmc=MIAMI-_-NL-_-06.14.2010-_-TBOSmov

All Washed Up...

So today was opening season for Thursday's on First in downtown Rochester. Last year was amazing! This year...if today was any indication, is not so much! It rained all day up until 3:00pm and just as the skies were getting lighter and the rain was stopping the organizer came around to tell everyone that 30mph winds were on their way. So in a panic I packed up all my glassware and displays that I spent 2.5 hours setting up and hauled it by hand to my car (I didn't think I needed my hand cart today) . A big HOLLER goes out to 3 very lovely vendors near me that helped me to haul it all. On my way home the skies were clearing and the wind never appeared. I was soooo disappointed to see all the people at the market when I watched the 6pm news. I could've been there! Uuugh! Oh well, I had to make a  decision to take the chance and stay or play it safe and save thousands of $$ in inventory and displays.  I have a whole summer of events to participate in so I needed to play it safe. That's the way it rolls I guess. You win some-you lose some. It's a gamble and our weather is so unpredictable. I at least made $100+ more than I needed to pay my rent for the day so I won't complain too loud. Pray for me next week and come on out to see Thursday's on First! It's sooo much fun!!

Guess where Jamey and Kate are?

Maybe someday I'll get to Paris France too but in the meantime I'll live vicariously through them. Beautiful!

Have fun in Germany and France! Bring back lots of pictures!

Megan and I were going on a walk this evening and this was the beautiful sunset that greeted us. I honestly almost cried it was soooo beautiful. I don't think I have ever seen anything quite so beautiful. We both just sat down on the side of the road and watched as it set. What an amazing sight. You know how you always see these kinds of pictures on calendars or post cards? Who would ever think you'd be lucky enough to witness it in your own front yard. Thank you God for the beauty of our world. (Picture was taken with Meg's phone so the quality isn't the greatest. Sorry!)  

Summer's HERE!!!!

Rick got me this custom made fountain for Mother's day. I love it!!!

Rick is smoking a brisket for dinner. We've invited friends over.

And now we're ready for our first summer campfire! I can't wait!!! 

Come Enjoy your Saturday Afternoon...

I'll be there selling my wares. It's supposed to be a nice day. Come on out and enjoy your day!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

You sure know how to have fun!

Someone Celebrated 30 Years at IBM! Congratulations Rick!!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/vDtB6KpQthDldFS3

I'm very proud of you and I guess you deserve to play a little!! Click on the link Please!

My New Fountain for my Garden...

Rick let me pick out a new fountain for my garden! I am sooo spoiled. It's gonna look really awesome in my garden pond! It's being custom built right now but I'll have you all over as soon as it's installed! Can't Wait!!!

A flower for you M'Lady?...

Why Thank You Major Briggs! You are sooo thoughtful!

Uninvited Guest...

 My cats go out to the edge of the yard every morning to snack on a little long grass. This curious deer didn't like the idea that Abby was in her territory. She stomped and snorted at her. When Abby finally decided she'd had enough she mosied her way back to the deck and the deer followed her. It was hilarious! These pictures were taken from my bedroom window. I just sat and watched the whole thing with a huge grin on my face. I love living in the woods!

When Dogs get behind the Wheel....

Major Briggs says, "Where to pretty lady?"

Yup-Pretty Sure We're into Spring!

Bleeding Hearts and Bluebells...Ahhhh...Spring ;o)