{8.8.08 world inspiration}

Seriously, I'm one of the least athletic competitive people I know. You think I'm joking? My saying is, "if you want the dang ball, just take it!" I really could care less about winning (let me clarify - winning an athletic game). I appreciate others that have that competitive strain - good for them! I just don't care, so by all means just "have the ball". That being said, I love the Olympics. I just wouldn't want to compete. I get overly excited about the bright colours, beautiful images and the heart behind representing our own! {Actually, maybe it's the Opening Ceremony I really love about the Olympics...hmm.}

{there are hundreds/thousands of photos already, but these struck me as gorgeous. soak up all the colours!!}

[photo credit: Guo Lei-Xinhua]

{here's the USA!!}

[photo credit: Mike Hewitt Getty Images]

[photo credit: Cameron Spencer Getty Images]

[photo credit: Jamie Squire Getty Images]

[photo credit: Jonathan Ferrey Getty Images]

{fireworks on the roof}

[phot credit: Adam Pretty Getty Images]

{had to give a shout out to La France!}

[Photo Credit: Cameron Spencer Getty Images]

{look at these breathtaking colours!!}

[photo credit: Mike Hewitt Getty Images]

[photo credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images]

[photo credit: Xinhua]

{a little girl dancing}[Cameron SpencerGetty Images]

Have a splendid weekend, and if you're watching the Games, soak up all the beautiful colours and unique wonders of the different cultures!

Do you like watching the Olympics?? If so, do you have a favourite part?

:: all photo credits listed above photo. if not listed, click on picture. ::

{happy thursday}

My drive to work is so beautiful {especially when crossing the floating bridge}. I can't fully capture it...since well, I am the driver. And - I'm pretty sure clicking photos while driving isn't "allowed". Or maybe it is, and all the law cares about are cell phones. Hmm. Either way, today was spectacular! I just took three shots, because I thought it was going to a cloud filled day, but within minutes (literally) the skies turned from dark rolling clouds to a bright blue sky. Oh, the wonders around us!

Hope you enjoy all the wonders and beauty around you today!

Happy Thursday

{cracking an egg}

My maman* has some amazing qualities and talents. One of those, includes cracking an egg with one hand. Sure, people can do it, but she does it perfectly every time! She always uses this method. In fact, I can't recal ever seeing her use two hands. Here she is teaching my husband the exact art. He got pretty good at it too!  Can you crack an egg with one hand?

{*maman = mom. We were celebrating her 50th b-day this weekend. She looks amazing I might add! Love you maman!!}

{the coast}

There are several cities that I love along the Oregon Coast, but one that I truly fancy is: Seaside. The beach isn't too big, the people are friendly, the atmosphere is casual and though it can be hot, it's never too severe. In fact, the wind is a perfect place for kite flying!

{I love this set of swings on the beach. Has a vintage feel when your up close.}{I couldn't get many pics of the town (my camera died. ugh.) But, Broadway Street is full of quaint shops, good food, singing vendors, vintage archades and many, many people!}{The sunsets were especially spectacular! The camera just doesn't do the colors of the sky justice!} {Here are some random 'family' pics :: totally casual and non-assuming. We had fun flying kites, playing v-ball (not not me, of course), roasting marshmellows, playing games, and just hanging. Wish I would have gotten more pics!}

Wish I had more pics! lol. We had a blast - Can't wait for next time!

{s'mores and melty chocolate}

Where have I been? I don't even have an answer for you. I will do better! I am getting a better grip at balancing this season, and so you will hopefully see the fruit of that soon - instead of wondering where I disappeared to!

Either way, my husband and I spent this past weekend at the Oregon Coast with my family. In part vacation, in part celebrating my maman's (mom's) birthday! I decided to save the "family pics" for my personal blog, but couldn't resist showing some food ventures on this one.

How many times have you roasted marshmellows in your life? Oh, the memories and grand experiences. This time, however, may have been one of the more memorable for me. We finally mastered the art of melting the chocolate. But first....

{digging the pit}

{stopping to take our "classic" photo pose}{first classic attempt at melting the chocolate. just doesn't do the perfect job though.}{...adding a another cracker adds support and also keeps the bottom of the s'more from burning. Then, placing the hot log above the chocolate melts it perfectly!}{ending result: perfection! - roast marshmellow using standard method.} {enjoying the treat while the sun slips away. beautiful.}Do you like to melt the chocolote? If so, how? Or do you just prefer the melting that happens when the chocolate and roasted marshmellow meet?

{tuesday's top: fall style}

No. That's not it.

I know what you're all thinking..."she's in the mood for Fall because she doesn't like the heat. You think she could be satisfied, since they moved to a location that barely whipsers summer's name. She should be happy that the sun is shinning and that it's not raining, because in a short while...that will all change. Can't she ever be satisfied with the weather?"

Back up friends. That's not it. I may not proclaim to be a lover of summer time, but I do like the sun. (I just prefer it at 70 degrees.) The weather has been perfect here though! It suits me just fine. No, it's not that...it's that I love, love, love (autumn) clothes and bags and shoes and yes, bouquets of sharpened pencils WAY TOO MUCH. Fall is just perfect. (For me at least.)

I've been thinking about this daily...and is it really my fault? We live in a society that promotes tomorrow. Always have to have the next best thing before it's even necessary. So, I go into the mall - just perusing (and picking up some needed warmer coverings for our air-blasting office), and what did I find???? FALL EVERYWHERE. Oh the joys! I really was in bliss looking at all the sweaters, scarves and mostly the array of fall colors mixed with the perfect compliment of brown leathers. This I love up coming season. Give me my cup of good hotness, place me in a leather chair, and curl me up in a blanket.

This season always throws me back to: "bouquets of sharpened pencils". That's why this week's "best old favorite movie" award goes to YOU'VE GOT MAIL. Perhaps I should wait until fall, but I'm too anxious (and I love this movie). It's not my most favorite movie, but it is my most quoted. I can pretty much slip in a quote from this movie during most life activities! I hear a scene and I can play the whole movie in my head. I like the movie because it's adorably whimsical. And though it's not an independent Cannes Festival fave, it is wonderful.

Happy Tuesday and happy (almost) fall!

I officially dedicate this to me, my forever Rooms: Tracy, and other lovers of bouquets of sharpend pencils! ;)

{weekend get-away}

My family has always vacationed on the Oregon Coast. It has become one of my most favorite places to visit, not only because of the fond memories surrounding the familiar place, but because the beaches are strikingly gorgeous, the quaint towns, though filled with tourists, offer a variety of activities and nothing is more delightful than a bonfire at the beach on a brisk evening. I can see us now, wind-whipped hair, shorts, sweatshirts, sandy feet and a fire blazing away.

This weekend my husband and I will be driving down for a weekend get-away! Whoo-hoo! We'll be meeting up with my parents, brother and his gf, and my sisters. It'll not only be fun just to see them all, but we'll also be celebrating my mom's 50th! It couldn't be in a more fitting place!

HAPPY FRIDAY and HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!

(I found the pics on a quick search at various destinations. I'll be sure to bring my camera and take lots of my own pics for an update on the weekend!)