Life is Full

 

Wow, it's been crazy busy.  I've been doing a lot of gardening - mostly early in the morning.

And we've hired two lovely new people at the store. And that always takes a lot of time.  But it is so interesting to try and discern who someone is from a single page or two of paper that they might send you.

And then there's the interview.  Interviewing people is one of the most interesting parts of my job description.

And you never know what miracle might be heading your way.  So I try to stay really open and look for little things that might mean something.  Like a funny email address.  Or the turn of a phrase.  Or an idiosyncratic interest. 

 

 And I've been going out to look at some beautiful wedding venues which is a great way for me to get inspired and revel in the beauty of the southern Willamette Valley.

 

Plus I had two lovely houseguests from Pakistan who were visiting as part of a government delegation.  (Total aside, but OMG, how do mom's do it?  Shopping, cooking, and cleaning for 3 meals a day for 3 people just about did me in. But we did have some lovely meals and I learned to cook a tasty potato dish and they loved the fruit smoothies I made for them every morning. That took just about every waking moment.)   Plus they had the most beautiful clothes.  The turquoise sari my friend on the left is wearing was just one of many stunning outfits she wore.  There were scarves and embroidered silk dresses and pattern upon pattern, plus great tights and bracelets, and plastic shoes. I want to go clothes shopping in Pakistan!  Who knew?

 

Then I went to southern Oregon, Malheur in Harney County to be exact.  Exactly in the middle of nowhere.  No cell service, no wi fi, maybe a lone goose to carry your message and that's about it.  Cowboy country and birds.  Lots and lots of birds.  Red wings and yellow heads with names like bobolink and nightjar.  One ginormous great horned owl, kestrels, and pairs of sandhill cranes with their babies.  Ducks, gulls, terns, and pelicans galore.  And antelope and jackrabbits and herds of marmots.  It's juniper and sage country.  The other half of Oregon - the eastern side.  Dry desert country.  If you're ever looking for consciousness altering experiences, I might suggest spending a few days just looking at birds.

And now I'm back home and summer is definitely on it's way.  Getting ready to make room for summer at the store~!