Facing the Big D-Day

Today I signed my divorce papers.

After a 15 month battle, one might think I'd be dancing on the ceiling right now, but it's a bittersweet day. I'm excited to enter this next phase of life, but I'm also a little sad. I'm sad that my marriage didn't last, but I'm mostly sad for my children, that they've had to (and will continue to) endure the harsh reality of their parent's marriage not lasting.

My body and mind are completely worn out. I'm mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. But here I am, wanting to write, wanting to reconnect with my former self, wanting to not be afraid anymore, wanting to honestly share what's on my mind or in my heart... as I've not been able to do for so long now.

I'm back! And life is going to be good again. I just have a feeling it's going to be better then it's ever been before.

Welcome to Kate's Musings, Take 2!

No Fail Teacher Gift: Classroom Emergency/Survival Kit

I've been a class room mom for several years now, and have had to come up with loads of different teacher gift ideas for various times throughout the school year. I've learned the best gifts are either useful items that they need or special indulgences. So far, the Classroom Emergency/Survival Kit is my favorite go to gift for any teacher.

What I really love about it is how many different things you can fill it with, and all of the different spending ranges it can support! I look for cute fabric toiletry kits (like the one above) with multiple pockets to use.

A basic kit is a great birthday gift from the class. Here's what I usually include:

• chapstick
• pain reliever
• hand cream
• gum/breath freshener
• tea/instant coffee
• energy bar/granola bar
• chocolate
• bandaids
• safety pins
• pen/paper
• hand wipes/sanitizer
• travel size deodorant
• tissues

If you want to kick it up a notch for a larger class gift, throw in a few gift cards to school supply/craft stores the local grocery store, coffee shop, gas station, whatever. 

It's almost guaranteed to be a well loved gift!

Cold Weather Fun: Hanging Ice Ornaments

This week, it seems pretty much the whole country is being affected by an arctic air blast...here in Birmingham, AL we woke up to a bitter 8 degrees outside. Extreme for some, I however grew up in New England, and even spent several years living in one of the great, lake effect snow areas of our country: Buffalo, NY. So, I typically don't mind the cold, except of course, when it means my kiddos can't get much outside play time.

When Juliana got home after school yesterday, my short list of non-TV activities ran out quickly (we're just coming off of a two week winter break, so I've used up a lot of my stash of creativity with the kids!). But then I thought of this cool idea to do something fun with the cold weather: Hanging Ice Ornaments!

They were super easy to make, and for Juliana it was extra fun because she could design them using (mostly) whatever supplies she wanted. I'll admit, I even got into it a bit too.

Here's what we used to make them:

1. pie plates and Bundt pan
2. water
3. food coloring
4. glitter
5. beads
6. cranberries
7. string or ribbon for hanging

Simply pour water into your plates (or whatever other mold you wish to use) and have fun adding color and more to it!

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Inspiration Found: Connecting Faith with Social Justice, the Story of Sister Simone Campbell & Obamacare

This is such an inspiring story about faith being connected to social justice. (I think I've found a new personal hero in Sister Simone Campbell!).

From the podcast "The Good Fight" with Ben Wikler:

"In the final days before the bill passed, who saved Obamacare? Catholic nuns. Sister Simone Campbell—one of the most charming, utterly down-to-earth, and profoundly committed people I've ever met—explains why. And in the process, she tells her own fascinating story, from an anti-segregation sit-in where, as a teenager, she decided to take her vows, all the way to the present and her delight in the joyous tone set by Pope Francis. If you're glad that Obamacare is finally here—that millions of Americans are, at last, covered by health insurance—then you'll love this mini, Christmas-inspired episode of The Good Fight."

A Few Fun Elf Ideas

I love the whole idea behind the Christmas Elves, but this year, I was feeling a little bit dry of creativity right from the get go...not the best sign. But every now and then we have a few extra fun elf nights like these:

"Worst Cookies EVER!" Dog treats :)

Toasting Marshmallows!

Getting into the Advent Calendar

No explanation needed :)

Dare devil elves preparing to jump over the tied up the snowman! (This is what happens when the husband is in charge of elfing! 

Nate's 8th Birthday-A Backyard Movie Night!

Because I don't want to forget:

This one is awesome: Yesterday we overheard Nate telling Juliana that when you get to Heaven there is a portal back to Earth where you get to come back here and be a new, different baby again, which he said, means you get to live LOTS and lots of lives! Woah! I asked him where he heard that and he said, no where. I came up with it on my own. I wasn't really sure what to say or think, but I thought that was pretty awesome that he came up with it on his own.

Tonight, Jules and I had some one on one time when Nate and his dad were at Cub Scouts. While we ate dinner together she started to get really upset, and when I asked her why she was so sad, she answered, because I don't want you to die! Oh no. I've been dreading this talk.

I explained that hopefully, I still have many, many (many!) years to live, and that we should focus on spending lots of time together making happy memories.

Then I made the mistake of telling her that when she's a teenager, she'll probably want nothing to do with me! She promised to always want to spend time with me, (and I promised to hold her to it!). Then she she started talking about when she is older and has a job making cups and how she will still want me to make her dinner and do her laundry, etc....

WAIT a minute back up, I said! No, I was not upset about her wanting me to still cook her dinner and do her laundry when she's a grown woman (although I'll probably rethink that later on), but what is this about a job making cups?!!!

Well, mom, she said, you know, I want to be able to make you at least 100 mugs that say 'I love you' on them so you'll always know that I love you.

Well then world, welcome the next future cup maker, Juliana!!

Ahhhh, it feels good to be writing here again!

Life is an Opportunity: Words by Mother Teresa

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.” 


― Mother Teresa 

Return to Kate's Musings!

It's been so long since I lasted posted that I could barely remember what to do here! But it's coming back to me, and I really want to try to revive my blogging efforts. It makes me a little sad that so much of my life from the past year and half is missing from here now, but I suppose it's useless to focus on things I cannot change anyhow.

These days I'm focused on creating a healthier life for myself. I went back to work, well part-time anyhow, and am loving my job as a writer and as the Editor for My Green Birmingham! I couldn't have asked for a better job-I get to spend my hours researching and writing about green living topics, and all things Eco-minded in Birmingham, plus, I work from home, and am still able to be here when the kids get home from school in the afternoons. Hoping to build more hours in the coming months.

Nate and Jules are growing into amazing and wonderful little people. I thank God every day that I get to be the mother of these children, and try my best to stop every now and then and take note of the otherwise unremarkable moments in our lives.

I came back here for many reasons, but mostly because I'm trying very hard to create a good balance of positive and healthy routine in my life, and this has always been a terrific outlet for my writing, and of course, for capturing life as I know it.

It's crazy to think that I've been here in Birmingham for nearly three years now. So much has changed for me since I first came here, some for the worse, some for the better-but either way, I'm grateful for it all. I'm learning to see things clearer. I'm learning to appreciate more, and to live my best life. I've learned a lot of lessons in the past few years...and it all just keeps getting more interesting!

I'm hoping to come back tomorrow. I'm going to try and keep it simple, but also keep it real.

An Early Morning Conversation

This morning's conversation with Jules:

Me: "okay, we really need to try and move quickly today so that we can get out the door on time."
Jules: "are we going to be late? I don't like it when we're late mom!"
Me: "no, we're not going to be late for your school, but I might be late for work if we don't get moving!"
Jules: "oh, so we're focused on YOU today, is that right?"

This, from my still four-year-old...sigh.

365 Days of Life-Agliata Style

You may not know this, but I have another blog....that's right, another blog! And I'm keeping things simple, and more importantly, updated over there! Come and check it out!

365 Days of Life -Agliata Style

A Little Inspiration from Momestery's "Don't Carpe Diem"

Just want to take a moment to share this awesome, inspiring, and completely fabulous post, 2011 Lesson # 2: Don't Capre Diem. Written by Glennon of Momestery, this piece brings to light the is brutally honest concept that life as a parent (or really, even just as a human being) is not always about enjoying every little moment. Rather, it's more about taking the time to enjoy the occasional little moments throughout the day that are worth relishing, and doing it while they're actually happening.

Good enough for me. Thanks Glennon, you've inspired a many mamas to be a lot more honest with themselves, as well as the rest of the world!

The Power of Belief

Nate lost another tooth yesterday (the sixth?) and as he and Juliana were getting ready for bed I heard them discussing the tooth fairy.

Juliana: "I heard the tooth fairy doesn't always come through a window!"
Nate: "Really? How does she come into the house then?"
Juliana: "She has magical powers Nate, she can even come through your wall!"
Nate: "Maybe she makes herself a tiny door in the wall where she can come in and out of your room!"

And that settled it. As Nate slept last night, the tooth fairy (and her helpers) built a tiny door and hung it on Nate's wall. This morning, he awoke to find it, along with some silver dollars and a trail of glitter left by the tooth fairy.

It was perfect.

I'm dreading the day when they'll lose that ability to believe that anything is possible, but for now, I'll just relish in the pure beauty that they still do believe.

New Year, New Potential

I'll be honest, 2011 sucked-big time. I won't get into all of the nitty gritty-I'm working on letting go of things anyhow. But I will say that I have some grand plans for a better year, a much, much better year.

I'm thrilled with the coming of 2012. It's a chance to start fresh, begin a new phase, and a brand spanking new opportunity to aspire toward greater achievements!

Blah, blah, blah...I know, I know, it's not like it's a new concept or anything. But there really is something to be said about the start of a new year and all of the glorious potential that comes along. Instead of trying the same old boring resolutions this year, I'm aiming to accomplish some new goals-yeah, the kind that come with actual plans and have details spread out in front of me like a perfect road map. I don't have all the answers yet about how I'm going to do it, but I do know that this year HAS to be better than last, and that no matter what, I have to get from point A to point B, and then to C, and so on. I owe it to myself to start living life, not just getting through it.

I'm feeling giddy just thinking about it all... but I also know that I have a bad reputation for getting all pumped up about something and then as time goes on, not sticking to it. Then before I know it, I've wasted perfectly great resolutions, not to mention all kinds of effort and time.

So, cheers...here's to potential, and to a new opportunity for change! 







This year,

Enjoying A Slower, More Meaningful Christmas Season

You probably could have guessed this, but in the past the Christmas season hasn't always flowed very well for me. Don't get me wrong, I've always made it all come together-some how, some way (like most things in my life). Yet, it usually came at a price (like loosing lots of sleep, or not having time to make cookies w/the kids in order to clean the house for company, etc...). And, it always seemed to happen at the very last minute with me running around like a crazy lady charged up on a combination of pure adrenaline and guilt-afterall, my efforts were responsible for building memories for my children!

But this year is different.

With a new found appreciation for a slower, more meaningful life, I started thinking about my vision of Christmas much earlier than I ever would have before. I found inspiration from one of my most loved go to resources, Simple Mom, with her Plan Your Peaceful Christmas series. I began prioritizing certain aspects of Christmas and nixing others. So far, I'm actually feeling ahead, and because of it I've had the time to plan for lots of fun holiday activities, as well as new traditions. It's made such a huge difference-even this early in December...now I just need to keep this rythm flowing!

Slow Home Living Room: Update!

I know, I know, I've been gone for way too long- again. As ashamed as I am to admit this, one of my biggest faults is failure to follow through with all of my many good intentions! Potential New Year's goal- I'd say so.

Moving on... I do have a few updates on some of the changes we've made to our living room to help the room better reflect the slow home principles. I'm so pleased to say that all of them were fairly simple, and cost effective changes, and required very little time and effort to complete! It was just a matter of making it happen.

My goals for this room included the following:

• install curtain tie backs
• consider re-arranging furniture
• make use of extra (wasted) wall space so as to enhance it and utilize it! (add decor?)
• fix hole in wall
• arrange all wires so they're not seen
• install an outlet in the floor underneath of the couch to prevent the lamp cord from stretching across the floor to an outlet in the wall. (husband can do this!)
• Add cushions to antique wooden chairs to make extra seating more comfortable 

Here is one of the before photos:

And the After:

You can see that the changes here weren't monumental by any means, but they are enough to make a difference. I installed curtain holders on the walls so I could hold back the curtains properly, without having to twist them up and tuck them behind one of the shutters. 



 I also found these fantastic large cushions at a local consignment store. The colors on the fabric match our living room decor perfectly, and they are super comfortable to lean against, which now gives function to these once hard back wooden chairs.

Remember that ugly hole in the wall? In the above photo, you can see that we finally installed a proper box for the speaker wires...however, I still need to patch up the wall along the side.

And that awful lamp cord that ran across the floor...

Well, we installed one of these under the couch, giving us a floor outlet in the center of the room, directly underneath of the couch.

Now we are able to plug in our lamp, and not have to worry about that awful cord running across the floor!

Oh, and when Pete got to work on this project (remember he's an electrical engineer) we discovered something really cool, something that made his work all that much easier- directly under the place on this floor where we planned to install the floor outlet, there is another electrical outlet on the ceiling of our garage. Go figure.

That's when it all clicked-literally. All of the time we've lived in this house, we could never find an outlet that connects to the third light switch on this panel. Now we know. The builder of this home apparently planned to install a floor outlet, but just never got around to making it happen. I'm happy to say that the lamp in the center of our room can now be turned on and off with this switch perfectly! 

As for all that wasted wall space? Unfortunately, I still haven't come up with a solution yet.... Any ideas? Suggestions?

I'd love to hang some large artwork, and would even love to get to work on creating a few pieces of my own artwork to hang...but you know how that goes-my intentions sometimes tend to be a bit too grand. One of these days I'll make it happen!  

In the meanwhile, we've really been enjoying our first cool weather garden! It's been so nice to not have to buy certain produce such as salad greens, beans, and sugar snap peas.

I'm looking forward to expanding the garden next year to include a larger variety of things.

Over the next few weeks (because as you can probably already tell, I've kind of nixed the whole let's get it all done in just 12 weeks idea) I'll be working on the playroom/office/creative space of our house, as well as the kid's rooms. I'm looking forward to it, and am once again feeling inspired!

An Expansion into Slow Living

This week while I spent some time researching more about the slow home movement, I discovered my search leading me to a variety of other types of "slow" focused concepts. The more I learn and process, the more I realize that this personal endeavor of mine is becoming so much more to me than just a challenge to create a slow home. It's expanding to include a shift toward a slower way of life.

In my opinion, this approach isn't about slowing down so much that a person ends up on the sidelines of life, but rather that he or she takes the time to truly consider the impact, as well as the potential effects, resulting from the choices we make throughout life.

I find it comforting to know that there are people out there, lots of them, in fact, who live wholeheartedly within the realm of slow living philosophies. Among them are mothers and fathers, doctors, teachers, writers, builders, and more. They all see the incredible benefits of slowing down a variety of situations within their lives, whether it be the design and efficiency of their home, their family's hectic schedule and weekly activities, how they spend their money, or even the way they celebrate holidays and other life experiences altogether.

I'm moved by the results of their efforts, and can't help but find inspiration in their willingness to share their own personal beliefs and experiences about slow living, even if it's met with doubt or disbelief. It works for them, and it appears that is simply enough, that is the reward.

I want that.

Two months ago, I began this challenge in an effort to live a more mindful, purposeful life. I love the idea that this is a continual process, one that will constantly shift, and evolve with all of the twists and turns in my life. Yet, what I'm finally realizing more than anything, is that the philosophies of slow living are not representative of some momentary cultural trend- instead they're designed to shape and direct our daily intentions and actions toward creating a higher level of sustainability, as well as more meaningful life experiences.

And that my friends is my two cents for the day!

My 401st Post!!!!!!!!

Wow, I almost forgot to make note of my reaching the 400th post written here on Kate's Musings!

Although I have issues committing (there have been a few times when I've stayed a way a bit too long) I LOVE this space!!! I published my first post on April 15, 2008, in an attempt to create a personal space in which I could pursue my creativity and share my opinions, ramblings, adventures, quests, challenges, achievements, photos, and all around love of LIFE.

I think I've managed to do a bit of that since then, and wrote about it here: The Evolution of Me.

It wasn't long before I wrote about my passion for green living expanding and growing, and as I adjusted to my new role as a parent, I realized that it was now my responsibility to teach my children about protecting the Earth and their environment, as well as their own health.

I wrote about the crazy adventures associated with our moves...from Dublin, GA to Columbia, SC....and then from SC to Birmingham, AL and all of the temporary living in between:

The Ups and Downs of our Move

Early Morning Rambling

And then there are all of my efforts to capture parenting experiences and so many amazing moments shared with my children, such as this, A reminder of Innocence, and this, A letter to Nate on his 5th Birthday, and this, The Little Things.

Most recently, this blog has shifted gears to focus on slow home living...and I love it. It's a true reflection of where I am in life right now...making desperate, yet, whole hearted efforts to create a home that is both nurturing for my family and efficient enough to help us enjoy more of life, rather than wasting precious time and energy. I'm excited to add to Kate's Musings this area in which I can reflect and document my research, findings, challenges and successes regarding my Slow Home Challenge.

I am not perfect, and I have made lots (and lots) of mistakes throughout my 37 years. I'm a little bit out there, a little bit bold, and a whole lot passionate about way too many things. Yet, here I can be myself, no matter what. I can sit at the keyboard and just see where my mind directs my fingertips...What better a way to grow and learn then by creating a space where one can document and explore all of the possibility surrounding personal experiences?

I love that I have so many friends and family who take the time from their busy routines to stop by and visit here...I hope you'll see my life spread out here for another 400 posts!