Happy Memorial Day!

I'm off spending this day with my family. I hope you are, too!

Please take a moment and remember the many lives that have been sacrificed to allow us the freedoms we so dearly love. Also, the men and women who did not give their lives, come back from war forever changed. This in turn changes the families they love.

To my loving husband, thank you for your 20+ years of service in both the Navy and Army National Guard. I am proud of you beyond words, love you deeper than the ocean, and you make me happier than I ever dreamed I could be! To all our men and women who serve, THANK YOU!

It's Just All So Ridiculous!

Happy Monday!


It's still Monday even if almost 10 PM EST! I'm late today because I was trying something new, I digitally recorded my Monday Motivator and after numerous takes and retakes, here I sit penning the darn thing! Laughing! This is especially funny because I truly do want to do some digital recordings for my Intentional Winning series. I've written some killer speeches and have grand visions of what great pieces they will be for people everywhere to enjoy, wake-up, and feel inspired to get back to creating their lives! Can you feel it? I'm pumped up! Well, take one, take two, take fourteen, take fifty-two...holy cow, can't I find one I like? Laughing! The information I write in my Monday Motivator seemed absolutely ridiculous when I recorded it. So tell me, why do you guys like getting it? What is it that has you e-mailing me when you don't get it? Do tell!


So here I am, writing to you to share what we did this weekend and what's on the agenda for the coming weeks, but it all seems so trivial...so much so that I'm having difficulty spelling it all out. In more than ten years, I've never thought of the Monday Motivator as...what? Unnecessary. Yeah, it's that, but more what I am feeling is that it's silly...why do you care what I/we did and are planning to do? Am I experiencing an awakening? Could it be that I've grown enough that I can now see how ridiculous it is, how self-absorbed it is to think you really care what I do every week, all year, for more than ten years? (as I toss my head back with hysterical mad-scientist like laughter!)


I really do think this is funny. Bear with me for another few years and maybe you'll learn I died in the original Oceanic flight 815 crash and you've had to live in purgatory with me for the last decade while I find my way to admit I'm really not all that interesting and I can finally close my one eye! For those of you who think I've really lost it, I have, that was the general synopsis for the finale of LOST, the television program.


For a motivator, take this: Feel free to be who you really are, even it it means asking why people love you, choose you as a friend, or do business with you. In essence, I believe that is what I've just asked from all of you. No matter what I get back, I know who each one of you on my list are and I adore each and every one of you! Big kiss!

One Of 52 To Make You Smile

Quotes That Resonate

Entrepreneurs and their small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in the United States. Ronald Reagan

Welcome AMGEN!

Welcome to a new week! Our weekend was full of fun even though we had to balance some a challenge...where to start?

Dave took ill. This is weird because 3 weeks ago I was dealing with something more than an upset stomach (but that description paints the picture), then last week Mason had his first bout with barf, and then Thursday it was Dave's turn. Turns out Dave got the official diagnosis of diverticulitis. Ironically, the meds they prescribed made him feel worse than the original symptoms that took him to the hospital. In any case, other than the Partak-Merry-Go-Round of belly issues, we managed to make the most of the beautiful weekend.

Friday evening Dave took Mason to his first Civil War re-enactment at Gibson Ranch in Sacramento. Mason had a ball and I can't help but think Dave must have been very proud to take Mason and introduce him to something that he loves so much. Mason had a blast! Now before you ask, I made sure Dave took the camera and even then, no picture! I was told pictures were taken and Dave could get them, but, well, you know how that goes.

Thank you Mike for carrying my huge prize to the car! It was fun.

That is Lance there at the front of the pack
(not really the front, that's just my excellent photography!).

Saturday, I had the day to myself and there was lots to do. I did the usual, ran to the bank, picked up some fresh produce from the farmers market, Spencer needed dog food, I had to go to the post office, and a few other stops before finally making it home. I made cookies for a project I'm working on and then through a series of phone calls it turned out that Mike and Lisa Leis ended up at the house for a sleep over. What fun! The three of us went to a fundraiser for Mason's school and made our way back to the house where the hot tub was waiting. Also waiting were Dave and Mason, finally home from their event.

Lisa and I had some fun with The Mad Housewife!

Oh, and the wine is excellent, too!

Sunday, Dave's meds were taking effect which really meant he was feeling worse than before so Lisa and I after a leisurely morning of coffee and conversation headed over to Confluence Kitchen and Market to watch the AMGEN bike race. We had a ball drinking mimosas, eating excellent food, and visiting with friends. Lance and his buddies zoomed by in the blink of an eye and before we knew it, the party was over.

Tomorrow we are all back to work and it sounds like Mother Nature is, too. Rain is on the way. I have to say, I love that Mother is working with us and making sure we have the sunshine for our weekends and the rain we need to fill our lakes during the week. Good job!

Have a great week, I know I will!

Happy Sunday and Monday!

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm traveling this week and will share all of the details with you when I get back. For today, let's give our mothers lots of love and attention.

Dave and Mason always make Mother's Day nice for me. They went to the farmer's market and bought me beautiful flowers and fresh cherries! Oh, it's that time of year again and I love the cherries

I hope you have a wonderful mother's day and if you don't still have your mom, find a lady that you love like a mom and call to tell her you're thinking about her!

Lots of love until next week!

What a weekend! Dave was out of town on Army business so Mason and I were left to our own devices!

On Saturday night we went to Ken and Dahlynn's annual Uno De Mayo party. The first Saturday in May, whatever it turns out to be is the X De Mayo party, so fun. There were plenty of kids so Mason had a ton of fun, and I got to visit with some of Dahlynn's friends that I only get to see once a year. We really had a nice time.

On Sunday, I moved my desk and office supplies from the downstairs studio up to the guest room. This is a big deal because as it was, I was working from the kitchen table and that meant that the kitchen/dining area was always cluttered. I kept trying to find a way to make it work for both and it simply was not working. Now, the guest room can still host our visitors, but it also works as my office. It was tough doing it by myself, but you all know me, when I put my mind to something, it happens. Today my back is wishing my mind wasn't so strong willed!

This week is very busy, I'm continuing to stay on top of my declutter project I did a year ago and I am sending out Mother's Day gift boxes. I have a few orders and those will have the finishing touches put on them today and be mailed out tomorrow. They include a hand decorated butterfly cookie, several varieties of Smoshpellows (homemade marshmallows), chocolate dipped Oreos, and some pretty candies. All wrapped in tissue and mailed - pretty hand written card included! I'll post pictures here as soon as I get them all put together.

Remember this as you go through your week (and your life!), always remember in your heart that you are far bigger than anything that can happen to you. I hope you all have a home run kind of week and even if you strike out, know that you will get another chance at bat. Happy Monday!