History On Windows

The town of St. Anthony was founded back in 1888 and on its Main Street are many old historic buildings.  On one side of a portion of the street an old building has been transformed into many small apartments quite affordable to young married couples that are attending the local college.  On the opposite side is a historic inn with colorful murals covering the windows.   That is the corner where I turn to head down Main Street to my daughter’s home that was built in the 1930’s.  The murals take me back in time wondering what transpired in the rooms of that inn.  Were there dances?  Were the womens’ dresses to the floor and beautifully hand sewn?  Were the men ‘gentlemen’ donning stately tailored dark suits?   I assume their manners were proper and etiquette was at the utmost of importance.  This romantic at heart gal yearns to take just a moment or two and sneak back in time to actually see for myself.   Until that moment can happen I’ll continue to get a little whimsy and nostalgic each time I make that corner turn, turn to my right and  gaze at my murals.

WaFd?

Every time I come to Rexburg there are new buildings and new businesses.  We turned off of Main Street and there was a new bank.  The sign said WaFd Bank and I was a little tongue tied wondering how to actually pronounce that name.  I asked my daughter and she said it is short for Washington Federal which made total sense but the sign says WaFd Bank and surely there has to be a way to pronounce that.  Of course I can’t let nagging things alone so I looked it up and it said that the bank notes that many folks already call it “wah fed” although that was not their intention.  I wonder what their intention was?

The Gift

Maverick and I have a little system.  I make his bottom bunk in the mornings and he folds up his blanket and places his little bear on top.   This little bear is special to him because Auntie Rhea brought it home for him from her mission.  Someone had given it to her while she served in the California Sacramento mission and she passed the treasure on to someone she knew would love it and cherish it.  Maverick does just that.  I think Rhea would be proud to know “little bear” is tenderly placed so carefully on his soft little blanket every single morning.

Searching For The New Life

While waiting in the pull-through at Soda Vine the building right in front of me took me by surprise.  “New Life Foursquare Church.”  What an interesting name for a church.  I pondered for a moment the thought of many different churches in the world and that we can all believe in our own Supreme being and do good in our own way and that is wonderful.   And so this little storefront with a wooden cross fixated within a wooden rectangle intrigued me.  I would assume the congregation is small and I would love to dig a little deeper into the meaning of “foursquare.”  In the meantime I grabbed my soda, pulled through and drove on happy to know that people still search and aspire for faith and belief.

Survival

Left Anchorage at 12:30 am and flew to Portland.  I was there about an hour then boarded my next flight to San Francisco.  I was there about an hour then boarded my next flight to Salt Lake City.  I found a Starbucks stand open (the only place to grab something to eat) and ordered a tomato and mozzarella toasted sandwich and watched a few downloaded TV shows until my shuttle to Rexburg, Idaho pulled up.  I was then on the shuttle for another four and a half hours to which I never even had the energy to open my thick book I brought to read.  My eyelids were heavy and my body tired from little sleep but seriously the only thing that saved me was my pillow.  I will always bring my companion on long flights and bus rides.

What Is Perfect To Me

The wooden table – classic and so basic.  Two rattan baskets – earthy and brown toned.  Pottery – off-white and textured.  Blankets -soft dusty rose to accent the budding dainty flowers popping out of the vases.  The candle – leaves a glow for warmth.  The vignette – presents the viewer with a picturesque backdrop that ties the classy styled space into one.    All of these classy items so well put together by one of my favorite vintage influencers and just one look, one glance leaves me inspired and motivated.  Strikingly beautiful.

Copycatters

We scored with two grey Crash pillows from Costco thanks to Devin and Brooke’s inspiration.  The zipper on the cushion of the loveseat came apart so it got moved into Mike’s office for anyone that needs counseling or inspiration.  We undid the Crash pillows and they puffed up six times the size that they were in the box. That was a cool experience.   Rhea tested out the pillows watching a late night movie after work and in her own words was her critique, “OH MAN MOM IT WAS HEAVEN.” 

Flowers Make A Woman Happy

My mind is soothed by what I see.  As I sit in my chair to read or write I look up to my frame TV at the artwork displayed – it soothes me.  I’ve had a winter scene up for a few months and the beauty alone gives me peace.  Now that the snow is melting and little sprouts of green are appearing I needed a fresh change.  Tulips.   Tulips are perfect.  They are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring and can mean rebirth.  I read that Victorians often associate tulips with charity.  A perfect scene to welcome the sun and warm a soul.  

All In A Day

The first phonecall began at 4 am when I quickly aided an adult child writhing in pain to the Emergency Room for treatment and relief.  All is well.  Then a phonecall that another adult child was not doing well, an early pregnancy plagued by a long migraine and I knew I needed to leave within a few days to go help with the house and the kids.  Then a text from another child asking if I could call the doctor’s office to get some lab results while she was at work – she gave permission of course.     I love being a mother.    “Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling . . . It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in.  It is what God gave you time for. ”  Elder Neil L. Anderson

Zone Conference

We love the opportunity to feed our local missionaries.  For young men and young women who serve the Lord so far from home it is the most blessed opportunity to offer them a nice home cooked meal.  They all show such appreciation and thanks and our hearts are full from serving.  “May we show increased kindness toward one another, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord.”  Thomas S. Monson