{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you feel inspired play along with Soulemama. 

xo.  

Valentine's Day is ...

Valentine's Day is:

• Thrifted pillows embroidered with love
• Fresh bed sheets (even though I won't be home to enjoy them)
• Mama unloading the dishwasher after coming home from work
• Papa reloading the dishwasher after he comes home from work
• Heart-shaped breakfast for the young man who stayed home sick
• 1st grade embroidery made for a special friend
• Messages of love on our newly painted chalkboard pantry
• Beef stroganoff bubbling away in the crock pot
• Chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes in jars
• Five precious minutes with the hubbie (he'll come home from work just as I'm leaving)
• The prospect of a lunch date tomorrow (if we don't opt for a nap instead)
• Knowing we are doing what it takes to keep ourselves afloat
• Homemade valentine bookmarks and pretty pencils
• A kitchen table shrouded in glitter
• Forgiveness to the makers of the mess
• Having an open heart and extending it to all who cross our path

Another year has passed. We are still here. Still tip-toeing that financial tightrope. And we are so tremendously lucky. We have each other. We have our health. We have a roof over our heads and food to eat. We are insured and employed. We have learned (and continue to learn) the art of frugality. We are weathering the storm.

And, most important of all, we love and are loved.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Frugal Friday the Valentine's Addition

I'm sitting in my favorite chair watching the snow come down; gigantic fluffy flakes -- perfect for catching on your tongue. Perfect for dancing in; arms out, palms to the sky, deliriously spinning, spinning. And when the snow settles, when it forms fluffy nests on the ground, it will be perfect for snow angels.

Tonight the hub and I are going out in the fluffy white wonderland. We'll bundle up, knit hats and scarves, gloves and woolen jackets. Tonight we're celebrating Valentine's. And yes I know it is the 13th. Friday the 13th to be exact. One thing I've learned from working emergency -- celebrations are about sentiment and not a date on a calendar. So, even though I don't have to work tomorrow, we are celebrating a day early. Tonight we won't need reservations, we won't be fighting crowds and we won't be paying for overpriced meals. Instead we're going to happy hour at a local hot spot. Then we're going to walk around town for Winterfest. There's even a wine walk to get people into local businesses. Hey if recession = free wine then bring it on!

As for gifts ... still the simple frugal route.

I'm knitting the hub his very own pair of fuzzy feet.

Clearly they still need to be felted. He's a big guy but not that big!

From the hub I'll be getting a pedicure (no, no he won't be painting my nails himself - that would be a frightening endeavor). Our neighbor is a manicurist and does inexpensive pedicures from home. An awesome foot rub and pretty toes nails? Can't beat it! For a week or two I'll even look presentable in yoga class.

As for the kids we got them treasures from the Goodwill; a crystal growing kit for the boy and shabby chic room decor for the girls.

Holidays are about family. They're about love and caring and togetherness. They are not about money or gifts. Many think Valentine's is a hallmark invention. And indeed it may be but you don't have to buy their pitch. Instead go out on Friday the 13th and fill the world with love!

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