Monday, May 29, 2006

Thinking of my Grandpa.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

The Spirit of Receiving

I found out today that I have been the recipient of an incredible gift. I was given a ticket to BlogHer. Remember the generous people at Minti that were giving tickets away? Yep. They offered me one. I am elated and bursting with gratitude. I had a bit of help from two wonderful and kind bloggers and to them I am grateful as well.

Still buzzing from the excitement and truth be told, the shock I have been dreaming all day about the approaching July weekend in San Jose. Being surrounded by many of the amazing women I've come to adore in these few months of my blogging experience (see expanding blog roll), talking (FACE TO FACE), learning, and if all goes well, eating and drinking (moderation, moderation) sounds like the coolest possible way to spend a long weekend. I feel like a kid anticipating a trip to Disneyland. Oh, the glorious butterflies!!!

This morning my horoscope made mention of "a small windfall". As far as I'm concerned, I believe my ticket to BlogHer fits the bill in a BIG way.

Thank you Clay and everyone at Minti.
You've made me a very happy MommyBlogHer.

Beautiful Words

Besides going on and on about myself, my most favorite thing about blogging is the continual discovery of awe-inspiring women. As I travel my path along the Super Highway (yes, I do believe, dare I say it, there can be magic and mystery found on the Internet), I am inspired, challenged, tickled, and awakened by people I've never met and somehow through shared experiences and the desire to express oneself and be heard, I feel overwhelmingly and gratefully connected to them.

I can think of nothing better than to stumble across words, photographs, feelings that perfectly articulate something that's lived in my heart and maybe even wanted to convey but have lacked either the clarity or energy to do so. Yesterday amidst my clicking, I read a few gorgeous posts from a woman, a mother, a beautiful soul that offers the most heartbreakingly beautiful thoughts and images on her blog La Vie En Rose.

When I got to the post called Ache I swear, I felt as if my soul had been painstakingly yet tenderly exposed. The post, both an answer to the Mama Says Om theme from last week, and a letter to her child, said things I only wish I could say to my daughters. It's a must read for all Moms. I'm thinking I might ask her if I can print up two copies and then sign my name to each of them and slip them into my kids baby books. Just kidding. Well, maybe only a little kidding.

Check out Michelle's sweet life and be inspired.


And for a sweet pic of me and the girls, clicky right here.

Monday, May 22, 2006

DUUUUUUUUUUUH

It has been brought to my attention (thank you little sister) that ever since my "big ClubMom blog launch" (which wasn't big in the least) I have offered a defunct link to the site over yonder in my sidebar. DRAT!

Well, I've fixed that glitch and now no one has an excuse not to stop over and say 'Hi'. At least once. Actually twice. Because I'm reeeeally hoping to get a little REdesign help with my blog masthead over there. I'm not liking it much at all. So, when I get it all spruced up, I'm going to beg you to go back. I'm so not past begging to get you over there. Get used to it.

Ooo ooo, and there's a really fun blog I discovered recently too that I want to share with you. BUT, I'm making you travel to get the link. I am soooo not past manipulation to get you over to my new blog either. Get used to that too.

And if the mystery link doesn't entice you, well, then I'm gonna give up some links here to a few of my favorite ClubMom blog posts thus far. Then, if you read them you'll spot "Picture This" in the sidebar and take pity on me.

Diary of a Playgroup Dropout, Purple is a Fruit, Diary of a Single Mom, & The Gimlet Eye.

Go on now, clicky clicky.

Friday, May 19, 2006

The Spirit of Giving

Many of you know about the big annual blogging conference coming up called BlogHer. Heck, a big ol' bunch of you are going. I thought about going, OK, I agonized over it. There was a buzz around it when I fist began blogging a few months back and my original thought was, "How FUN would that be? But how silly of me to go to something like that as such a newbie. I dismissed it for the reason of mere Mother-Martyrdom. But a martyr only to myself. See, I have this tape that plays over and over again in my mind, "You can't afford that Tracey. You can't expect to just fly off and spend the weekend doing something fun. You don't deserve it. You're not a real blogger." The dialogue goes on and on. YAWN.

Well, recently I have become aware of some incredible people doing some really generous things. I'm talking about the GIVING of the BlogHer Tickets. First, I came across Sue of Red Stapler who held a contest to give a ticket away. My inner dialogue began to shift. I got all giddy..."maybe I am worthy, maybe the fates will allow me to go by winning this contest, maybe I am a real enough blogger, maybe, maybe..." Hope, confidence, and excitement crept in and I was feeling great. But I didn't win the contest. IzzyMom did. And if anyone deserves to be the recipient of a random act of kindness it's Izzy. And what does she do? Turns right around and GIVES it to someone else. Someone who needed it and is grateful and I'm really happy for her. How can I not be?? So, instead of being disappointed, I am inspired. So much generosity...it's refreshing and uplifting to say the least. Winner or not, Sue's contest gave me just what I needed. A little lift, a change of heart, the glimmer of hope that wonderful things happen all the time and it's through giving that they do and above all that I am worthy and deserving of whatever my heart desires.

And now, I present you Clay Cook from Minti. He has TWO tickets he's giving away for the conference. The kindness-can you take the kindness? At the news, my heart leapt. Another chance! So I sent in my paragraph about why he should choose me and am eagerly waiting word. And, get this one, I wasn't going to blog about it because well, I wanted to win and I didn't want to share. But, that just doesn't feel right. It feels really crappy. So, I've had another shift of the change-of-heart kind. See what all this generosity is doing to me??? It's making me a better person all around. I love when that happens. SO, I am encouraging you to check out Clay's post at Minti about the give-away and try it for yourself, if you're so inclined. Minti is a super-cool site for parents anyway, so be sure to stop by.

Who knows, maybe I'll see you at Blogher, one way or another. And if not, I know there will be a gazillion incredible bloggers that will post about it!

Good luck. And I really do mean it!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

The Luv

There has been so much Love swirling around the MommyBlogoshere, it's been awe-inspiring. Her Bad Mother and IzzyMom have written up shout-outs to tons and tons of incredible bloggers in easy to click lists so that we all can partake in the linkathon. I swear, it's like hitting the MotherBloggin' MotherLoad.

As I was basking in the afterglow of the Mother's Day posts, mouse in one hand, tissue in the other (and that's no lie, I can be so emotional) I came across a touching commentary of Mama's Day at The Wallpaper of My Mind. Ladies, there is an angel among us and I do believe her name is Misha. I implore you to go read her post. I promise you'll leave with goosebumps and a little perspective on the wonder of Motherhood. If you're not convinced by that post alone, just mill through her archives.

Somebody give that girl a halo.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Are You Gonna Blog About This?

Hub- "Have you posted your first blog entry for your new thing?"

Me- "I have."

Hub- "Did you write about how I rock your world?"

Me- "Uuuuum, no. But if you'd like me to, I will."

Hub- Laughs, blushes, and walks out of the room.

Monday, May 15, 2006

It Has Begun

I've posted my very first offering at my new ClubMom blog, Picture This.
Come by and post a comment.

Please.

Pretty please.

Prettiest of pretty pleases.

OK, that's all the begging I'll do (for today anyway).

Sunday, May 14, 2006

MamasDay

Inspired by HBM call to honor the Mothers, I offer my gratitude to a great many women in my life, both of the literal mother kind as well as those women that fit the bill in other ways. Mothering is about nurturing and guidance and loving unconditionally. And I know for certain that women don't have to be Mothers to fall into this category (as we were reminded in this post today). If I listed all the women I cherish in my life, we'd all be here for days so, since this is a blog, and those that will read this are mostly bloggers or blog-readers, I will make the list for those women. I only hope that in my daily life I show my appreciation for all the rest.

First on my list is my oldest friend claddyjack who although is not a Mother yet, will be an awesome one when it's time. In High School she gave me my first journal (she handmade it) which in turn changed my life. And for the last year has implored me to begin blogging. Alas, I finally dove in. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here. She is an incredible woman; beautiful, funny, courageous, and inspiring. We have leaned on one another for many years and I love her dearly. Go say hello. She's got some great things to say.

Next, I celebrate one of my first MotherLifelines who was there for me daily (literally) as I navigated the treacherous MotherSeas for the first time, long before we had ever even heard the word 'blog'. Peet'sMom has saved my MotherAss on many occasions (I can only hope I've returned the favor) as we raised our babies together living mere steps between back doors. She's new on the blog scene (even newer than me) so go Love-Bomb her for me, would ya?

And now, the second time around, I've had the infamous Coffee Moms to depend on. None of which are bloggers (YET) but some of them read, I offer only words of thanks- although words could never e.v.e.r. express the love.

Today, in what I am considering a new chapter in my Motherhood story, I honor the MommyBloggers that have so generously accepted and befriended me. I somehow feel like I belong to a really special club (even if just in my own mind). I am sooo happy to be here. The woman of which I speak are on my blogroll (I will be adding some new gems I've found as well)and if there's anyone there you don't recognize, please visit and give them a big wet virtual kiss.

Lastly, to my real live Mommy who raised me in the best possible way so that I have been able to nurture my own daughters, guide them, and love them unconditionally like she did me.
I love you Mom.

I'd love you even more Mom if I could borrow those shades.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Saved

I was rescued by a superhero this morning. I was reminded of the beauty and joy that is life.
In an attempt to show my appreciation and admiration, I am using her post as a springboard into my own.

Zero Circle

Be helpless, dumbfounded
Unable to say yes or no.
Then a stretcher will come from grace to gather us up.

We are too dull-eyed to see that beauty.
If we say we can, we're lying.
If we say No, we don't see it, that No will behead us
And shut tight our window onto spirit.

So let us rather not be sure of anything,
Beside ourselves, and only that, so
Miraculous beings come running to help.
Crazed, lying in a zero circle, mute,
We shall be saying finally,
With tremendous eloquence, Lead us.
When we have totally surrendered to that beauty,
We shall be a mighty kindness.
-Rumi
Thank you Andrea for sharing that.

Monday, May 08, 2006

ShutterMom Comes Out of the BlogCloset

As some of you may have heard (from the Terrifying Blogging Overlord or other sources), ClubMom has gone blog. Well, not all blog but at least some blog and that's pretty great. At least I think so. And why is that? Well, I answered the call to be one of their Founding Bloggers and they went for it. Yes, what you read is true, I got a paying blog job. And to that I say "YAY!" and also "YIKES!" because I'm thinking what you're thinking, how the hell am I gonna come up with something everyday to write about. And if that alone doesn't put the fear of God in me, my daughter seems to have chosen this moment in time to give up napping which only means less time to attempt to write something of any value for TheClub. The pressure! Breathe, breathe. But, I'm really trying not to freak-out just yet. There's plenty of time to be fearful, tired, and up all night blogging. Right now I am giddy and nervous and eager to get the blogball rollin' and start my new adventure.

OK, so I got a job. But, what's it all about? Simply stated, I'm gonna get all up on my pedestal and talkatcha like I know what I'm talking about even more than I do now, and I'll be doing it from a new web address and have to follow a "theme" if you will. My home at TheClub will be labeled as "Photography and Art" I guess, which would make sense being that photography is my "thing" however, there's going to be more to it than that. My thoughts flap and fly amidst all-things-creative and it's my intention to write about anything and everything that floats my artistic boat. Photography? That's a given. Art? Sure. Crafts? Sometimes (I do have young children and I dig the crafts). Encouraging you (yes you) to write, document everything that moves (somethings that don't), and recognize the value of creating beautiful things for yourself and with your children? That's a yes, yes, and yes, in a big fat run-on sentence nutshell. There's lots of tid-bits I've got up my sleeve that I hope will get you over there to read my stuff, and if it all goes as planned, keep you reading. Time will tell.

So now you know what's on the horizon for me and hopefully for you. I hope you'll come on over to ClubMom and see what's cookin'. There's a bunch of really cool women who will be doin' it so there will be a ton of stuff to read. Amalah has already begun so be sure to read her "round up". Yeehaw!

Although my ClubBlog isn't officially launched yet (soon, very soon) you can register with ClubMom (it's freeeee) so you're poised and ready. Click on the big red square button down there on the right sidebar (see it down there?) and do your thing. Then, once you've registered, you can participate in the "Network"(or not). You'll find me there. I'm ShutterMom and I want to be your ClubFriend.


Thursday, May 04, 2006


What thuuuuuh...?

Seems to me, every once in a while you just gotta question some of the details of everyday life. There's a crap-load of stuff we should be worrying about, but it's the day-to-day subliminal info racing by us at warp speed that just might be the biggest danger. There's some weeeeeird stuff going on and it's time to talk about it. I was inspired by the "WTF Wednesday" post by Her Bad Mother because sometimes there really is no way of knowing the gravity of what's going on "out there" and it's my thought that if we bring it to forefront, well then, maybe the blogoshere will serve a bigger purpose than just gathering the bloggingcultmamas together to prepare them to take over the world (although that's a pretty good big picture purpose and one that I'm behind, BTW).

I have a whole slew of stuff I've been collecting, politically incorrect kid's literature being my favorite, but today, I present to you graphic and very disturbing (drum roll please)-
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and their "Special Edition Shapes".



Let me walk you through what's going on here. This dinosaur is juggling Kraft's new shapes which are, are you ready? The US and Dinosaurs. If this isn't a WTF situation I don't know what is. Although I was pretty stumped by the building block conspiracy, this one frightens me even more. My take? Something like "See George W. with his big head and small brain juggle the US and 'Godzilla the Terrorist' with a shit-eatin' grin on his face. Vote for him cuz he's gonna protect you from the bad-guys."
This got me thinking, maybe most of America didn't actually want him in office again, maybe it was the mac & cheese working it's Republican brainwashing magic?
Nah, that'd be letting the stupid Americans off the hook and I don't have the heart to do that.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Some Kind of Family...

One day last week (don't ask me which day because it's all a blur) I was desperately trying to distract Iris in attempts to ward-off an inevitable tantrum, so I kindly asked her if she wanted to watch Cinderella II when we got home. Before she could answer, my oldest daughter interjects, "Mom, she shouldn't be watching a video today, don't you know it's Turn Off Your TV Week?". Of course I knew because anti-TV posters were plastered all over the doctor's office walls and you know how many times we were there last week. My swift and steadfast reply, "Well, Julia, we aren't a Turn Off Your TV kind of family."

And if that's not something to be proud of, I don't know what is.