As I was compiling this list, I realized I had a lot of favorites in June! I ended up editing the list down a bit more because it was getting pretty long. I think that’s a sign that it was a good month. That doesn’t mean everything went right or smooth, but it was full. Full of learning and doing … Read More
born on the fourth of july
For most Americans, the fourth of July is about celebrating our independence. As I was growing up, that was the same for us, but there was an added celebration in our family. It was my Opa’s birthday. And he didn’t shrug off his birthday as most people do when they age. He declared his special day to everyone within earshot … Read More
number one
On my @marianparsonsart Instagram, I shared my very first oil painting along with this caption… Number one. This was my first attempt at oil painting just over two years ago. You can see my tentative use of the paint. The barely-there stippled cloud declares my uncertainty. The mishandling of the colors and weak composition show my lack of knowledge and … Read More
all things lavender
When I shared my “secret” for making my house smell nice, I received several requests here and on Instagram to share the exact lavender products I use. Well, I aim to please, so here are the products I use in our home… Actually, before I show you the specific products, I’m going to make a request. I have learned that, … Read More
ecridor retro fountain pen
I used to spend my birthday money on clothes. It just seemed like the thing to do. Go out, do a little shopping, buy a few new things. But, a few years ago, I realized that those clothes just got lost in the rotation of articles pulled from my closet when I needed something to wear. I didn’t remember what … Read More
May 2019 Favorites
May was a good month. That’s a simple, but true way to say it. I’ve loved the cool spring weather in Minnesota. I enjoyed being out on walks in the mornings and sitting on the porch in the evenings. And, while it’s been stressful at times, I have been loving work. I am working on all sorts of new things…things … Read More
simple summer dinner
More and more, I don’t mind cooking dinner, but I hate having to use creative energy to figure out what I’m going to make for dinner. I do like meal services for that reason and we do those occasionally, but I’m on my own most of the time. That means that I keep things pretty simple… naan pizzas, breakfast for … Read More
What’s your number?
I’ve heard about the enneagram number for years, but I never even looked into taking a test. Finally, enough people mentioned it to me that I thought I might as well take the test and see what my number was. I found one online that claimed to be fast and accurate (and free), so I took it. You can find … Read More