Create a success list!

As the year is wrapping up, I'm starting to ponder.  I could think of all the things I want to change for 2013.  and Yes, of course I can think of all the things I didn't get done or start or even do right but that would be silly and mean to me!  And I'm not going there... so I thought lets make a success list.  Wanna join me?  

I'm wishing you an amazing New Year filled with all the things that are fulfilling, beautiful, and bring you creative joy, health and happiness!

Thank you for making my day and stopping by each time, it really makes me smile!  Join me for a creative, exciting, inspiring year where we can grow happily together worldwide! 

xxxxxoooo Michelle

A fisherman's wife, a tale of a day

I woke up startled when I saw the time (6:30) and ran to the light in the kitchen, I missed him.  But, atleast he wasn't late, he never is.  I call to see if I can catch him, I don't.  I must have drifted off to sleep because Andy calls, I can tell by his voice all the agitations flowing in his mind are paying a toll.  

He didn't want to go fishing, the weather is suppose to be 35 F & blowing 15-20 possible snow, rain.  It's a day trip, he left at 5:30 am and should be home by 9ish tonight.  He didn't want to go work on the boat yesterday in the cold or the day before in the cold and rain or even the day before Christmas Eve.  But he did - for free.  That's what a fisherman does. Getting the boat ready for a trip is a given, you show up, work as long as it takes with or without lunch then the payoff is a trip.

I have to go back and tell you, he hasn't gone fishing since Hurricane Sandy hmm... 8+ weeks ago.  We've had a blast during that time, soaked up every bit of family life we could but time off has weighed in - Andy's grown worried, plump (me too) from livin' the good life, frustrated, our bank account dwindling, fulfilled and ready to go back to work all at the same time. 

The call finally came and we're glad...just why today as I always say.

xxxxoooo Michelle

For more post on being a wife of a commercial fisherman, read these:


Pretty Perk of a fisherman's wife, easy craft

Treasures from the sea

In memory of...

My new cell phone...

Don't you just love it!  I call it the Pink Hottie by Dollar-Rama.

It rings only when I want it to, has a little button that says, How may I help you?", the time is set so it is always lunch time or sleepy time and I never have to worry about charging it.

In this day when cell phones are a must, it's nice for me to have a "cut the cord" option and I've been feeling that way lately- I'm working on  getting my creative groove back.

I hope everyone's finding their groove today, whatever it may be! xxxxxoooo Michelle

Christmas Time...

Hi It's Nyla and it is 3 days till Christmas and Santa is coming soon my elf on the shelf is in my stocking and I'm making cookies on   
Monday!!I have my Christmas tree.                                                  

Have a merry Christmas love Nyla!!

I Love Us!

This is the first thing I see when I wake up, it's on my wall, it's big, sparkly and a reminder to me.  Even when I'm grouchy, grumbly, silly and goofy, I love us and that means my family, my super dooper friends everywhere and all of you out there!  

Have an amazing time out there and know that you are loved even when you don't know it!         (I just wanted you to know it :) 

xxxxxoooo Michelle

Finding Home...

A while back we went to the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton College.  It was the first time for us, and boy what a compelling jewel of a museum! 

The Noyes Museum is a wealth of creativity and inspiration in a natural setting that soothes the soul.  I'm in love with all their current exhibits but the one I'm going to boast about is 
"Finding Home".

It is an exhibit by artist, Seth Camm.  He touches a subject that is an ugly, pushed to the side kind of one, "Homelessness".

His paintings eloquently captures the beauty of his subjects.  Not only can you see the paintings but this exhibit takes it a step forward by providing an audio of their stories which you can hear at this link Finding Home Exhibit. 
(Be sure to listen to JoAnne's story, her beautiful song will no doubt bring a tear to your eye.)   

I feel the "Finding Home" exhibit touches a tender spot in the fabric of our country that seems to be growing by natural disaster and personal circumstances. This exhibit takes it beyond seeing the paintings, the provided audio of several stories as well as sharp, crisp  photographs of the many homeless people of Atlantic City, NJ hits home and does what I think art should do - makes you feel and think.

I started writing this post awhile back, throughout my days, this exhibit has lingered in my mind.  As I sat tonight eating my homemade chicken soup, I felt humbled, grateful and a bunch of other emotions but mostly wishes filled my heart that people of our  world will all one day feel the warmth & love of a safe home and community; the comfort and nourishment of delicious food prepared with love; and the beauty of our world rather than the distraught, struggle and ugly.

Thank you Seth Camm, Noyes Museum of Art and all the people of the "Finding Home" exhibit, I'm so glad I got to hear your story.  You have made a difference to me! 

Click on the links for more information about the heartfelt artist, Seth Camm and more about the Noyes Museum of Art Stockton College.


Some days are difficult but today, I'm choosing to find the beauty in the day.  xxxxxoooo Michelle