Sound of Madness

As spring goes into full swing, I am reminded of the things in life that make it all worth living. The leaves on the trees re-emerge, flowers blooming, and the scent of fresh cut grass fills the air. Once again the children can engage in recreation outside until dusk falls. Its times like this that I consider myself very blessed. Raising six children can be such a financial struggle sometimes. I was actually in a pretty nasty funk Friday worrying about how we were going to make ends meet. But yesterday, we took them all fishing, and my pity party was ended abruptly. At the end of the day, the littlest one had just taken a bath and crawled up in my arms. That, in my mind, was what was important. It’s the small things in life that we stress about that do not matter. I suppose I need to keep reminding myself of all the blessings that God has given me. I have the most loving husband anyone could ask for. Six healthy, beautiful, bright kids who I adore completely. Food to eat, a...

The longer I am away from Vegas, the more I want to go back! What is it about that place that attracts people like magnets? I am not sure exactly WHAT it is, as I have been trying to figure it out semi-unsuccessfully. It must just be the ambiance, or the fact that you can walk around with a drink in your hand at any hour of the day. Las Vegas is a place to escape without being judged or hated. You can wake up at noon, and stay up until morning. Nothing closes, and there are no RULES. Its almost a fantasy city. So maybe that is it...Its an escape unlike any other place on earth. At least that is what it was for me. As you can tell here....I was oblivious to the rest of the world besides my husband, and this was at 5:30 in the morning!! As soon as I get an awesome commission check, we're going back!! :)

Its been a while. Yes, I too am amongst the millions who do not take time for myself to reflect on what I have and been given in life. I do think about writing in my blog, but having such a busy life I forget and (THE MICHELE QUALITY) procrastinate. Ahhh...how do I dare catch up on what I have been up to?! Well, lets see. The end of February, Dan and I went to Vegas for a week and had the ultimate time of my life. I cant even begin to tell how I felt while I was there. Its amazing how I want to go back so bad right now. It was 7 days of NO children, and pure fun with my best friend. We did so much while we were there. It was just constant running around and seeing what we could see in the time that we were allotted. I did have the time of my life, and I would be willing to stake my life on that. I cant even begin to describe how I feel right now. I had lunch with my mother today, and all I could talk about was how great my life was. I almost feel undeserved. The winery is going as plan...

Say Cheeese...and look ANYWHERE but the camera. See how obedient I am?

The wonderful man of my life took his girls to the 'father/daughter' dance tonight. The girls were so beautiful and exited! It was great to see how he interacts with them. I put a TINY bit of make up on the older one, and he was not really thrilled...HA! Its going to interesting to see how he does when those apples that inhabit his eyes, are 16. And let me tell you, they are going to be gorgeous girls (non-bias opinion of course). I guess that is why God has placed me in his life, to help them introduce the boys. :) I have such a great role. I am NOT their mother, but more like an older "stepmother, friend, confidant". Maybe the infamous WICKED STEP MOTHER is just a myth. Maybe, just maaaybe, she is someone who adores her step children just as much as she does her own. We all know how much I am into the adoration thing, now, dont we? hmmm...

I have officially entered the real world. Yes, I finally got a new laptop! Now, how cool is this? Laying in bed, writing in my blog. Wow. It actually has this card installed with wireless, so I can be "virtually" anywhere, and be online. Okay, I will admit, I am really impressed with the advances we have made as humans. Think about it. We have come from the wheel, to electricity, to the telephone, to vinyl records, to VHS, cell phone, to CDs, to wireless (communications in "thin air")...Tell me that doesn't just freak you out just a LITTLE!? It is so awesome. Anyway, things are going great being married to my best friend. He still ceases to amaze me. I can be so bitchy sometimes, yet he still shows me everyday how much he loves me. Everyday I feel like this is the best day of my life. Who needs to win the lottery, when you have everything you ever wanted right in front of you????? The wine thing is going good... We occasionally check the PH levels, and the brix...

2006. Here we are in a new year. I've got a new life, and a fresh outlook on life. For so long, walking in circles..Now am on the path I was suppose to follow. Going down the road hand in hand with an amazing family. Actually GOING somewhere now, instead of banging my head against a wall in frustration. My world now has all these colors that I have not seen since I was a child. Its amazing how when you are happy, everything seems brighter. Everything smells better. The sounds around you are sharp. Life is something you want to embrace, savoring each day as if it were your last. I took an offer to work for Re/Max. Yes, still real estate. But more opportunities for me to make a lot more money than I have in the past. Hopefully I can make a killing and build that dream home that we long for. It may take a while, but in the long run it will be worth it. Small post, but a post nonetheless... Happy New Year!

There is a calming feeling that becomes me when I think of the things I have endured in my life, opposed to where I am right now. The many times in my existence that I had wished I was born someone else are many. The nights I cried myself to sleep are also...many. Now, however, there are no more sleepless nights, no more tears, and no more wondering why I was cursed. For the only thoughts that creep into my head are that of happiness, hope and freedom. 32 years and finally free from misery's grip. A prisoner in a dungeon deep Sat musing silently; His head was rested on his hand, His elbow on his knee. Turned he his thoughts to future times Or are they backward cast? For freedom is he pining now Or mourning for the past? ~Anne Bronte

That had to have been the best day of my life. The children did great, and everything turned out perfect. It was very romantic, and as we read our vows to each other, I had this sense of calmness fall over me. It was sureal. I am on a high right now. We were truly very happy. Long deep breaths are in order....Whew!

This has got to be the most chaotic week I will ever have. Hopefully by Saturday I wont be dragging myself down the aisle, barely awake. I seriously doubt I will sleep at all the next few days. I am not getting the dreaded cold feet though. I am actually looking forward to marrying that man. He has been so awesome lately. Amidst my craziness, he is calm and so helpful. 5 more days until the happiest day of my life.

Look into my eyes, what do you see? Admiration Pride Do you see? A look that says Everything will be okay You’ve calmed me Made me feel normal again Can you hear my heart? It beats for you Take my hand Walk with me a while Talk to me Tell me your fears I’ll listen My soul feels comfort The solitude has vanished I’ve been found No more hiding The moment you were born I knew I treasured you The perfect child Smiling so bright Thank you Jesse...You’ve rescued me more times than you know

Okay, I found this website. He is a photographer named Eolo Perfido. Check it out... http://www.eoloperfido.com/portfolio.htm What an amazing talent this man has! I think this pic is my favorite. It really rather depicts my life up until last year. I'd love to have that "eye" to be a great photographer. I think that it would be so rewarding to do it. Ah but alas, my calling is in the wine field. I'll be using more of my smelling senses to have that career. And leave the eyes to the photographers

Last week we got a chance to stop by Icicle Ridge Winery in Leavenworth. I would not normally post a winery, but this one was exceptional. Its a log home that the owners actually live in. Yet they are open daily for tastings. Their wine was very good, and the company was even better. Dan and I have been to several wineries, but this one was different. The atmosphere was very welcoming. Worthy of putting on my blog I thought. :)

We will have this one day... I KNOW it. I want to walk through our vineyard of wine grapes savoring every smell, sound, and touch. It would be pure bliss. Absolute serenity.

Christmas is around the corner. Where did the year go? I assume it was my fault for not paying attention to the past 11 months. They flew by me without notice. Nevertheless, the holidays are here and I must somehow figure out how to plan a wedding, buy presents, plan family get-togethers, and attend all of the things I need to attend. Oh, and on top of all this, sell the calendars that I mentioned in my last post. I seriously doubt that I will be sitting down much the next 45 days. Ahhh...But guess what? I am off to Hawaii in February. That will make it all worth it. So not much time to blog today. And if I do post anything at all the next few weeks, it will be short and to the point. Which is probably better than reading my ramblings anyway, right? :) Happy Thanksgiving!

Here it is! In print, and in my hands shortly!! This is the second year that my business partner/friend and I have created this unique calendar. It will prove to be a better year, as Barnes and Noble will be picking this up and distributing it in the multitudes. Anyone interested in ordering one, just email us at kathy@winestyle.com

Its been an unproductive day at the office so far today. Winter is definitely setting in and real estate is slowing to a tortoise-like pace. I organized my desk, emailed some friends, made some phone calls in preparation for the wedding, etc etc etc. Oh yes, I am getting married on the 17th of Dec. That's right, you heard me. ONE MONTH away!! Not that I am stressed out in any way, noooo not me. (ha) I'll just be glad when it is said and done, and I get to spend the rest of my life loving that wonderful man. I never have felt this strong about anyone. Never have I had so much in common with another person, let alone a male! We were destined to be together...I just know it. He makes me feel good. Well, maybe " good' is an understatement. He makes me feel AMAZING!!! The way he looks at me, the things he does, the things he says. Just last night out of nowhere, he looks at me and says, "you have the most beautiful eyes". Did he HAVE to say that?! No. A couple wee...

Thought I would do a little "not that it matters to anyone" list... I love doing things that benefit no one. 1. I absolutely love wine. Smell, taste, and concept. 2. Was born and raised in Prosser. Used to live in Oregon, hated it. Oregonians are a different breed of people for sure. 3. I can play the piano. Well, I USED to be able to play. It’s like riding a bike isn’t it? 4. I am the biggest procrastinator on earth. 5. I’ve been married twice, and am in complete lust/love with #3…This is the one that will last. Third times a charm, and all that jazz. 6. I over-analyze everything. If its symbolic, I will find it and pick it apart. 7. Try to be a good Christian….I hold God above all others. I love giving things to people. Whether it be material or an act. It is miraculous the way it completes me. 8. I’ve never taken any hard drugs. Never liked the feeling of not being in control. 9. Speaking of control. I like to have it, but rarely get it. Not that I am out of control, just ...

Okay I am writing in my blog once again…Am I poisoned by the need to feel that relaxation that precedes my writings of nonsense? It is a drug, and I crave it more today than most. As I sit here in my office, I am burdened by the thoughts of anger and the need to decapitate something. Thoughts I do NOT normally have. After all I am a confident, strong woman right?! In love and in a great frame of mind most the time… Yeah, well that gal jumped out the window, and stepped in front of a moving vehicle. It must be something in the air. It is Halloween, and since I am dressing up like a witch, I must be mentally preparing for the role. I rarely have this sinister side creep up in me. Yet when it does, I am surprised and shocked. Could be the fact that I am getting these enormous bills from my lawyer still. Sixty dollars for a “review” of a document??? Eighty dollars for a 5-minute phone call to my ex’s lawyer??? How do these people sleep at night?! Blood suckers, every last one of them.

To have a friend that never judges is one of God's greatest gifts. And to truly call someone the "best friend you have ever had" is an even bigger blessing. There are those people we get to know and life takes you away from them for a time. What makes a difference, is if you are brought back together, and you are as close, if not closer than before. I am so very blessed.