Is It Just Me

or is anyone else having an issue inserting images to Typepad? Did't someone just comment that they were having some trouble too? Anybody?

Anyway, I was all set to show off my crafty costume handiwork here but I can't get any photos to post. Dang. Looks like you're going to have to click over to Mother May I to see the Halloween goods.

And one more question, has anyone else made a dent in their kids candy bags already?

Freedom Found

Hey, the photo I posted yesterday popped up over at Mamazine this morning. How cool is that? Yes, of course they asked permission to post it and I was thrilled to share.

I love what Sheri shares in her post. What are your thoughts on the subject of finding your freedom? Have you experienced any of these conflicting feelings? Her line about feeling guilty for the happy resonated with me. Not because I feel guitly for the time or the happy but I discussed this with a friend just yesterday--Without the struggle of the juggle, without the angst of feeling pressed for time or anything else for that matter, who are we? As mothers? As women? Have we gotten so attached to all that baggage that we actually do feel guilty for taking a moment? For feeling peace? For the happy?

I think this is a very important subject to ruminate on. Let's discuss, shall we?

What Lies Before You

Something about this photo with this quote really moved me. Sigh.

It was just what I needed to start my day in a heartspace of appreciation and gratitude. Hope you start yours the same way. It makes everything that much sweeter.

A Not So Random Theme

DesignMom is having one of her fabulous Random Givaways again. Dang, those things are amazing! Anyway, this one is extra special because the lovely items she is offering up are near and dear to my heart...literally. P.S. Did I tell you I met DesignMom at BlogHer and she is totally amazing? In case you wanted to know.

Pop over and leave a comment and you too will be in the drawing to win one of these gorgeous pieces of Blue Poppy Jewelry. And since the one I covet (because it's one I yet to have for my very own) is the Three Wishes Necklace, our theme this week is THREE.

Good luck in the drawing (you are going to enter aren't you?) and also in shooting for this week's theme.

I Really Love to Dance

Something tells me that you just might have the perfect photo for this Blog Blast contest.

Do you? I thought so. What are you waiting for? Post it and WIN!

Dancing + Shoes = Dancin' Shoes! Like the kind you can win in the contest.

As soon as I post mine, I'll post the link, I promise. Do let us know in the comments here is you entered!

Cooking up Kindness

Over at the Parent Bloggers Network there's something cookin'. They're hosting a blog blast for charity in conjunction with iBakeSale. Have you heard of it? It's a great fund-raising site. You sign up over there (for free) and list the charities you want to help support. Then, when you shop online, some of that money goes to the charity of your choice (whatever percentage you decide). Very cool. And what's really unique about it is that you can register ANY charity in need of some cash...even if it's your kid's school or soccer team. Not a bad way to raise much needed funds for your local group.

I've signed up supporting Heifer International. You know I love the organization. Wanna help me in my efforts? The great thing about iBakeSale is that you don't have to choose just one group to support. You can list as many organizations as you'd like to contribute too. A perfect way to share the wealth.

Anyway, this whole idea reminded me of the kindness Melody is cooking up over at Slurping Life. She's having her own personal fund-raiser for a family in need. Praying for Parker is a cause beyond worthy. Melody said,"Those of you who know Parker, Tammy and family, personally or via blog, will understand this need.  Those of you who are not familiar with Parker, please visit the blog to learn more about this adorable and medically fragile child.  Along with Down Syndrome, Parker lives with several medical problems. His family struggles due to inconsistency, reluctance, and refusal on the part of their insurance company to pay for necessary medical equipment, adequate supplies, medical services and ongoing therapies.  The family is unable to qualify Parker for Medicaid or any other government provided services...it's a system that often just does not work for those who need it."

The Love for Parker fund-raiser is starting on Monday so be sure to check in at Slurping Life then. There are prizes and everything. Melody, what else to say but you are awesome.

Between iBakeSale and Slurping Life, good things are heating up.

Eye Pod

I don't have an ipod (that shouldn't surprise you) but if you do perhaps this might be something you want to do this weekend.

Have a great one.

Nancy Who?

Nancy Drew, that's who!

My daughter and I got to catch a sneak peek of the new movie Nancy Drew starring the adorable Emma Roberts (who by the way, has a blog of her own at the Nancy Drew Movie web site). The movie hits theaters today and my guess is that it'll be a huge hit with the girls. I know mine loved it.

I reviewed the movie over at the new and improved, recently relaunched AlphaMom, if you'd like to read all about it. If you go see it with your daughter I'd love to hear what you think...feel free to comment over there if you have something to share so that others who read the review can get some perspectives from other Alpha Moms (that means you).

Lots of Love

Motherhood is crazy. Our hectic daily rounds are woven together with chaos and absurdities; meals to prepare, diapers to change, shoes to tie, hair to braid, school, soccer and swimming lessons, teeth to brush, stories to read, and kisses to give. Sigh. And in the midst of it all there sometimes lies a crystalline moment when you experience a poignant exchange with your child, an understanding, a meeting between you when when you are able to observe your child in all their beauty. You recognize that there is so much more than the swirling ordinary days. There's magic. Your child is an exceptional person in their own right and nothing exists in that instance but more love than a heart can hold and the pride that only a parent knows.

Tonight in a giddy serge of energy my daughter begged me to cut her hair as she has done on and off for weeks. We had agreed to make an appointment to cut it at the start of summer. But that wasn't soon enough. It had to be tonight. And it had to be me that cut it. I agreed (at which I am still slightly stunned). As we discussed how short was short enough she asked how much we'd need to cut to be able to donate it to Locks of Love. It was a request that came out of the blue. Something she came up with on her own. She had a friends donate ponytails last summer and she never forgot it.

They need 10 inches for a hairpiece but the best we could do was 7. They won't deny a donation of less than 10 (but more than 6) and since it was the best we could do she wanted to go for it. We combed out her clean blonde waves, pulled it back in a pony, debated a bit, dried it, and then cut it off. We both gasped as we took turns holding the ponytail in amazement (and maybe a tiny bit of shock). She put it down on the counter and said, "I think it's really nice to give this hair to someone who really needs it." And she nodded. I agreed and we spent the next half hour playing with her new, tousled A-line cut. "It feels good" she kept repeating. "It feels good."

It most certainly does.

An Invitation

No, this is not about another contest, I swear.

Details over this way.

Dear god, I just had to edit the title of this beacause I spelled invitation wrong. Oh boy. Thanks Kristen.