Feel Good Friday 68

Maybe it’s spring in the air but there’s a spring in my step this week. I don’t know if you noticed (probably not), but this week I shared more blog posts than I did for almost the whole month of February. Or close, anyhow. Between my first spring tour, my spring mantel, my poem and this post, that makes four. If my math is correct.  I studied English, so no promises there. Whatever it is, something has me feeling a little more energized and motivated and maybe even ready to tackle a little project or two – no promises! Chris bought a new car so perhaps I just feel lighter now that the deed is done. I mean, lighter because it’s not hanging over our heads, but slightly heavier because oh-crap-here-comes-another-car-payment-who-wants-ramen-for-dinner. As Chris said to me when I was stressing out about the timing of the new car and things like, you know, the looming college education of our offspring, “We will be fine.” And we will. Is it too late for me to sell my eggs? Or maybe I can get an affiliate link for his car (not one)? Anyhow, car stress aside, life is good and I have lots of happy-makers for you today, so start stretching out your face because it’s gonna be smiling big soon. (This blog uses affiliate links and I am an Amazon Associate.  I earn a small commission on purchases made through qualifying links.)

Exciting News

Let’s start with the most exciting news I have this week. My fireplace is sorta famous and is in the April issue of HGTV magazine! Obviously, I was so excited to take this photo that I didn’t even bother doing anything with my face or hair which had come straight from soccer sidelines where I wore a hat.  It’s fine because the real star here is the fireplace anyhow. And Frank the bison. He was ready for his close-up.

A Hilarious Show to Watch with Teens

I’ve been asking Emmy to watch this Netflix original show by Mindy Kaling with me for a while and she was finally up for it. HOLY HECK, it has exceeded all of my expectations! We have been in stitches watching Never Have I Ever and quoting it to one another throughout the day. The cast is utterly brilliant and the writing is incredibly funny. All in all, a perfect show to bond over with your teens. Emmy and I both have a dark and sarcastic sense of humor, so this show was pretty much made for us. Actually, a couple of weeks ago when Chris was car shopping, he talked about maybe getting a Toyota and said he’s always had good luck with them. Emmy, looked up and dryly retorted, “Until you crashed it.” I looked at him, face beaming, and I said, “I’m just so proud of her right now.” She’s definitely the apple to my tree. And we’re of the Granny Smith variety- a little tart.

Book to Read with Older Kids/Teens

While Emmy and I share our trashy teen television, Sawyer and I share a love for dystopian young adult literature.  He’d been a fan of the Hunger Games series, so a couple of years back I suggested Lois Lowry’s The Giver, which is the first of a trilogy. While I hadn’t actually read it myself, the description sounded to me like something he would enjoy, plus it had been the 1994 Newbery Award winner. Well, The Giver delivered. He loved it and when I was recently looking for a quick shorter young adult read, he suggested it to me. It was a quick and easy read, just as I’d hoped, but it was also such an awesome story that truly makes you think and appreciate what we have. If you’re looking for a book to discuss with your kids, it gets the Bustamante seal of approval. Kid tested, mother approved.

Empowering Thought

It was International Women’s Day this past Monday, and this quote by one of my all-time favorite poets, Adrienne Rich, sums it up for me. We need to show one another what’s possible through being role models as well as encouragers and visionaries to our fellow females. (Image source: Good Housekeeping. Find many more inspirational quotes here.)

By the way, I loved seeing all of my friends share photos of their daughters with captions of empowering messages. I gave Emmy a high five and said “Happy International Women’s Day!” That’s how we roll.

A Stunning Home

When we were looking for a house here, I reached out to a long time blog friend, René of Cottage & Vine. She helped us find the right realtor and we ended up moving just a street over from her. Anyhow, O.Henry Magazine (where I work) features a house in each issue so I suggested her home to my editor. Well, that’s it above being photographed for the April issue. I have to say, it’s really exciting to see that my work here sometimes intersects with my work there and it’s absolutely thrilling to see this feature happen for a friend.

Intriguing Podcast

I’ve shared Oprah’s SuperSoul podcast before here because I am a huge fan.  Actually, when I was listening the other day, my brain went to what would happen when Oprah dies. Who will be able to fill her shoes? I started to worry and get a little sad about it. I’m sure that makes me sound a little crazy, but by now I think you already knew that about me. Ok, back to the actual episode at hand. She recently interviewed Andra Day (BTW Andra is short for Cassandra, so I was pretty stoked to hear that commonality between us!) about her leading role in The United States Vs. Billie Holiday. Day talked about how she basically channeled Billie Holiday to play this role. Her story was incredible and so interesting to me. I’ve added the movie to my personal watch list, too, because it sounds like it’s a worthwhile film. By the way, Day just took home the Golden Globe for this role!

Little Moments

I love to share my small life moments here because it’s a reminder to myself and to you that these little moments in life are where the magic happens.  Chris was out of town this week, so I was getting ready in the bathroom with Wilder by my side. He sees Emmy and I use makeup and is naturally curious. I believe in allowing him to try everything. As you can see, he used my lip gloss here, sorta missing his mouth, and looked up at me and said, “Mommy, I look pretty.” I smiled at him and said, “Yes, you sure do!” Of course, we wiped off his chin before heading to school. Although I’m not sure why. The mask would have done a great job hiding his mess.

Before I sign off, here’s your PSA. Set your clocks ahead one hour, my friends.  Except for you, Arizona, home of the free and land of the No Daylight Savings Time. Do yourself a solid, and go to bed an hour earlier Saturday night.  You’ll thank me when the kids wake up at the same time which is now 5 am. 😉 Have a fabulous weekend, friend!