About The River

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Staying Centered

Staying Centered
by Collen Newquist

Every now and then, this happens: I get caught up in work, money, busyness, worry, stress, and what - ifs. I find myself freaking out about the future, anxious about the present, caught in a spiral where I want to wail with unhappiness. Then I stop and breathe and step off the dizzying merry-go-round that goes nowhere - and that I put myself on in the first place and I immerse myself in something that brings me back to my core like baking.
It's amazing how cooking can bring me back to my senses, in all meanings of the word. It is a type of meditation for me, or prayer. It is a way of giving thanks, of showing appreciation for family and friends. It's awakening that pulls me into the moment with the savory goodness of flour, butter, yeast, cinnamon, and the simple acts of slicing, stirring, sauteing, shaping. Cooking is so basic, so necessary, and so good for my soul.
That, I decided, is what makes for a balanced life: pursuing what is essential to my well-being and soothing to my soul. When I keep that criteria at the forefront, life like is baking a homemade pie - so satisfying and so delicious.
 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Love Adds A Little Chocolate

Love Adds a Little Chocolate

Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to enclose a little love note inside...Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers!)...Duty gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated, but love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it.

Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often, love adds a little chocolate.
 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Night Ski

We are blessed with a lighted ski trail. Airport runway lights are what they used to light the trail. I like how they recycled something that would have been tossed.

Skiing at night is a favorite of ours. If we are lucky we hear owls. Owls are beginning to find a mate. The woods is still, just the glide of our skis and WHOO WHOO!








Friday, February 22, 2013

On the Road Friday

I figured we needed some color this Friday, after all the snow.
So lets take a trip to a garden.
 July 2012, our dear friend Judy took us on a garden tour.
We had a wonderful time. 

A fairy garden. I love the little chair. 
 
 The story about the door.

Our gardener and tour guide, explained she found this door at a garage sale for $10.00. It sat in her garage for two years. Then inspiration! She knew just what to do with it.

I love it!
 "Hello" said the tree.

 I love this idea.
 My son Sam captured this photo. I like it.
 As we all enjoy the moisture we are receiving, we can think of how beautiful spring will be.
We are blessed with the snow, because our area is very dry.
I know the plants, grass and trees will be very happy.

Thank You for coming along today.
Enjoy the weekend.
   

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Snow Day craft

The Weather Channel has Northwest Wisconsin getting hit by a big snow storm. We all say "Bring on the S.N.O.W!"

I know some of you are not so excited.
If it is because of shoveling...I have two young men to help me out, so I am lucky that way. :)

If you are cozy inside and would like to try a fun new project using canvas, a black sharpie marker and water color pencils. 

Check out our snowmen on canvas.  
 I am disappointed in my photo's, sorry.
Atticus created a Frosty the Snowman, with the black magic hat.
 I did an on the angle snowman. The boys thought this was cool.
   Sam created a stocking cap snowman.

This was a fun project. The boys love to work on canvas. We hit a bargain at Michaels not long ago. So it was an inexpensive craft as well.

Have fun creating!
 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Snow + TePaske's = Snowmen

Our little neck of the woods recently got a nice snow fall. We were very happy! All four of us got out and built snowmen.
 "Welcome"
This handsome snowman greets you at our front door.
Because we do not use our front door in the winter, he is actually blocking the front door. 
 Atticus built this snow monster.
I love his angry eye brows!
 Jeremy and I built this fine Lady of the Snow. She is all ready to hit the town.
 Sam built a Lego snowman!

Guess what we are in for right now?
NEGATIVE WIND CHILL
-30
No, I am not joking.
No, we do not like this kind of winter. We like snow winter, it does not snow at -30.

Staying warm and looking outside at our snowmen...I think they might even be cold tonight!    

Monday, February 18, 2013

Book Across the Bay 2013

We did it! Atticus is in the orange hat, moving quickly across the finish line.

It was cold! By the 8K marker we were getting very cold. Atticus actually cried at the finish line, his hands hurt so much.

Today, we are home and warm. Everyone is proud we made it again, across the bay.




Friday, February 15, 2013

On the Road Friday

Hello
It is Friday and we will be heading off to Ashland, Wisconsin today. One of my favorite towns in Wisconsin.

This weekend we will be participating in the Book Across the Bay. Check it out here.

Here we are...last year 2012!
Each year we try to think of a fun glow stick idea. See my shamrock sunglasses up top my head. The boys put glowsticks on their ski poles.  

This video is one of my favorites. It really tells the story behind Book Across the Bay.



Have fun watching the video and I will tell you all about our 2013 Book Across the Bay next week.

     We are also excited to visit my blogging buddy and her family, Angie.
Check out her blog Messy Cars and Muddy Shoes

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day



Wishing you all a wonderful day!
We made up a fun Valentine ~ Snowflake banner for our entryway. It is a fun way to say "We Love You."



Happy Valentine's Day!

xx oo   

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

My Valentine House

 This is my favorite house on a drive we take. I just love it. I always ask Jeremy to slow down so I can take it all in. Don't you just love the little window up top. Oh, the garden, is so beautiful, I just want to take a stroll.
Now in a cottage built of lilacs and laughter. I know the meaning of words "ever-after"
polkadots and moonbeams 
Wouldn't tea out on the lawn be fun!
I always smile at Jeremy and ask him "If comes up for sale, will you buy it for me?"

Grow old along with me the best is yet to be....
Robt. Browning  

Monday, February 11, 2013

Just in time

This simple little Valentine, is just to say to you, that if it rains, or if it shines, my love for you is true.

This post is just in time, in case you have stumped your mind. What can I say to my Valentine.

Check out all our cards at our Etsy shop. Just clink the camera on the top.

Have a Happy Valentine's!
xx oo  

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Think Quotes

Success is not built on what we accomplish for ourselves.
Its foundation lies in what we do for others.
Danny Thomas

 This photo is of my boys and our neighbor Fern. The boys took care of Fern's garbage, got her mail and checked on her daily. She became a special friend to them. Asking them questions about the fort they were building. How school was going and what plans they had for the next day. Fern  is now smiling down on us. I am so thankful for her help in setting up the foundation we are trying to teach our boys.

Today I am linking up with Lori with Think Quotes
   

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Admitting to a mistake

Human Relations 101
The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake. 
 
I posted Human Relations 101 on Tuesday of this week
click here in case you missed it.
 
Judy from Cranberry Morning shared a wonderful comment.
 
Wonderful, Carla! Why is it that some people feel that admitting to a mistake or that they were wrong (and not a mistake) is somehow admitting a huge character flaw??! Being wrong is wrong, not unforgivable.  
 
Thank You, Judy. A great reminder for us all. May we take this and change how we act towards others. Pray that our actions will help others see a difference, and want to KNOW what that difference is.
  

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Fun Facts of February


 February is all about LOVE?

Hold on...

Here are some fun facts to share with family and friends, when you ask them to be your Valentine.

Black bear cubs are being born.

Great horn owls are nesting.

Canadian geese are mirgating north.

We are gaining two minutes of daylight a day!

If you would like to  surprise your Valentine with this cute fella above, check out my post Valentine Man   a fun easy craft to do.

 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Human Relations 101

Human Relations 101
The six most important words: I admit I made a mistake.
The five most important words: You did a good job.
The four most important words: What is your opinion?
The three most important words: I Love You.
The two most important words: Thank you.
The one most important word: We.   

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013

On the Road Friday

Today we are heading for a river walk.
Our adventure will take us to the Elk River located in Price County, Wisconsin.
 The Elk River is a fast moving river, it does not usually freeze in the winter. It is full of beautiful rapids and slow bends.
 Two exploring boys and one exploring dog. I wonder what kind of treasure they found.
 Frozen river foam. Cool stuff!
 Ice, we found chunks of ice. 
Look at the smiles, you would have thought they found gold! :)
 Beauty in winter.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you for coming along on our adventure along the shores of the Elk River.