Sometimes the small things are the big things

Hmm, it's like all of a sudden summer has come to an abrupt halt. No more kids on the playground or at the pool. Even the weather has changed. I was actually cold this morning in a long sleeve shirt while I walked the dog.

Speaking of my pug puppy, still fighting little mini battles every day to keep that dog well. I thought it was funny (and kind of sad) that J treats his plush toy puppy the same way I do Sam. He gives him pretend pills out of an empty medicine bottle, he wraps up different body parts with gauze and treats wounds, and pretends to put antibiotic cream everywhere. I was really impressed that he watches me so intently, nothing escapes him at all.

Which is why I've got to be easy on the swears no matter what life is throwing my way this week. Last week was just the pits. I was paralyzed with indecision and fear and it was just an awful week. I am determined that this week will be better, somehow, even though little has changed. Spending too much time with our real estate agent looking for someplace to live. I'm more determined than ever leave renting (and all the problems of this house) behind. My favorite thing about looking at houses? The fenced in yards with actual grass. I know that seems like a small thing, but it's actually a huge thing to me.

On the scrapping front I've just been editing photos, and sketching ideas. My terms for American crafts and Cocoa daisy don't start until Sept, so I've just been taking it easy waiting for that. I'm really excited about the Ali Edwards CD kit, love Ali's favorite things. (I guess they are my a few of my favorite things too.) She has great taste that girl. I've been organizing my scrap room, I got 4 reveal bulbs for the torchiere for $6. So, lighting situation solved inexpensively. I got rid of a ton of paper, mostly my basic grey collection. It was totally out of control, and I don't want to be a paper collector. I want to be a memory collector. I took it as a sign that I hardly ever use it to get rid of it. And that stack was 1/2 a foot deep. Sad really. When it was all over with, I had completely filled a large tote with paper, embellishments, and magazines to get rid of. It feels good to be back to empty for the moment, although I wish my mojo wasn't stuck on E.

I've decided to participate in my friend Kristina Proffitt's card drive for Kate. You can click on the link and read about it here. I think that one of the best ways to be happy in this life is to focus on helping others. I know that when I read about this family's tragic situation that I didn't feel like my week was going all that badly after all. It gave me some much needed perspective, and I'd like to give that family a little smile with a card if I can. I hope you will consider making a card for this. It takes so very little to give someone hope, which is actually something very big.

Happy Monday to you! Until tomorrow.