Shake it.

We made rattles out of plastic eggs and rice during parenting class for work this week. This little guy was WAY pumped about the new musical instrument he had just created. 

Sitting in Darkness

Someone once told me that to truly appreciate light you have to first sit in darkness. I was bummed when I missed the bus to the gym this morning, but then I turned around and saw mountainous backdrop of the channel barely visible by the sunlight that was not yet in sight. I took a walk down to the water and sat in the dark. Slowly but surely the sky lit up and I just took a moment to appreciate the light and have some much needed reflection and solitude. 

Unlimited Joy

Just because I have been absent from the blogging scene doesn't mean that my days haven't been filled with Joy. I took a hop, skip and a jump (plus 4,000 miles & 3 plane rides, one pictured left) headed to Harrisonburg, VA to celebrate the Love of my beautiful housemate of the Barbie Dream Mansion, Sarah Lynn McKinney and our first "Ken," Luke Saunders. To make up for lost time, I'll share with you some things that brought me Joy on my wonderfully overwhelming adventure to a place I call home...

The wedding was at CrossKeys wine vineyard, right near JMU in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. It was 4:00 pm and 75 degrees with beautiful sunshine and a pleasant breeze. 

Unlimited Joy...literally. My dream come true. 

Also a dream come true. 

I kept spinning in circles seeing 360 degrees beautiful people that I love so much all in one place and my smile was as just as big as these ones are. Maybe even bigger. 

Sunset over the Blue Ridge mountains during cocktail hour.

The courtyard all lit up while we were "walking on broken glass" inside lighting up the dance floor. 

We will always live the dream. 

Oat Eaters Anonymous

Our names are Nicole Ferraro & Cathleen Balantic and we have a problem.

Pictured left is the remains of the oats that we have consumed in less than 6 weeks (we actually threw some containers away). Yikes. Hey, at least they're heart healthy!

Happy Alaska Day!

Everyone STOP and take the day off for Alaska Day! Today is an official state holiday celebrating the formal transfer of the territory of Alaska from Russia to the US that occurred on October 18th, 1867.

Washable Paint=GREAT Invention

I got to finger paint with a 2 year old at work. We were talking about toddler independence in a parenting class and put it into action what we learned with the craft portion of the event. It had been WAY too long since I had taken part in this fun, liberating and slightly messy activity. I love my job.

Extra! Extra!

Made it in the Juneau Empire today. Someone told me that it would be no more than a month before I was in the newspaper or on the radio. Common occurrence around here. They were right on target. I love the small-town feel of this place.

Winter On The Way

First dusting of snow on the mountains. I can't wait for it to get down to the mainland and I am very excited for an Alaskan winter! I should probably purchase a winter coat eh?

"It's like a washing machine out there"

65 mph gale force winds. White caps, trees blowing sideways, cars swerving down the road. I Went for a walk to the beach after I left work early because the power went out. I literally was almost lifted off the ground...it was wild. I felt alive. And don't worry, I didn't blow away

Stop & Smell the Sunshine

The sun made me sneeze today when I was walking to the bus stop. I just love it when that happens.

A Stranger's Story

As part of United Way's "Day of Caring" we spent the day cleaning a woman's house who is 85% blind. She is diabetic and is a cancer survivor. Chemotherapy and her diabetes caused her to lose most of her eyesight. Her son, and main caretaker, passed away a few years ago. The house was in shambles. It was like an episode of Hoarders except add a layer of dirt and animal hair over every floor and surface. It was very satisfying to decrease the clutter and improve the cleanliness and felt great to help but what was most interesting was going through a huge jam packed closet with her. She sat in the chair while we pulled things out, explained them to her, she touched them and told us what to do with each item. Most of these items came with a story and I had a unique and intimate glimpse into this stranger's life. I left a bit emotionally overwhelmed, very very dirty and sad. I took a shower and some deep breaths but this experience still seems to be lingering...

Beauty Of The Mundane

Everyday on my walk into work I go past the same incredible view of the channel with the mountains in the background. It always looks a little different and I'm always excited to see what each morning has to offer. Today was pretty spectacular...

Only In Alaska...

Shhhh...The Bagpipers Are Coming!

My office put on our monthly family night at the library. We had bagpipers, scottish dancers, cotton-ball sheep making, yummy porridge and storytime. Good times had by all.

A Beautiful Gift

"Wake up in the morning and I give thanks and praise.

Open up a gift called a brand new day." -Mos Def

What I walked out my front door to...

Am I Imagining This?

Went out for a boat ride today while the salmon that we filleted was smoking. I'm feeling more and more Alaskan by the day. Being out in the middle of the channel with 360 degrees of wonder, a crisp breeze and bald eagles flying overhead was...unreal?

Fish Fillet

So I can check filleting a salmon off of my list of things to do in life. Alaska is famous for this nutrient filled fish and at our first monthly, Americorps "All Corps Day" we got to assist in it's preparation. It was a gooey, slimy and interesting endeavor that I'm glad I was able to partake in.