Father's Day

Dad, farmer, coach, advice giver, fixer of all things, fisherman, provider, runner, hunter, builder, strong, moral, unwavering, determined,  family man.  These are just a few of the things that come to mind when I think of my Dad.

Growing up I never feared my Dad but I've always had a healthy respect for him and I never wanted to disappoint him. Kind of the strong, silent type his actions have always spoken louder than his words and through the years he has always been there with love and support. As a child I thought he was the strongest, smartest, fastest, coolest man on Earth. I always knew everything would be okay as long as he was there. In my eyes, he was Superman and there wasn't anything he couldn't do. I know now that he isn't the best at everything, but he is still the best at being my Dad. I will always look up to him with admiration. I will always seek his advice.  I will always think he is one of the greatest. I will always be a "daddy's girl." Happy Father's Day, Dad.  I love you.

Vision to Reality: Outdoor Nook

It took several months, many trips to the home improvement store, some doubt, a few smashed fingers and lots of curse words but FINALLY it is finished. The vision I first had last fall for our patio has finally come to  fruition.  

This project really kinda began last summer with the soul smouldering heat we experienced for so many months. The scorching sun kept us from spending much time on our patio because we have very little shade in our backyard and a patio umbrella can provide only so much relief.  I knew we needed to make some improvements to our outdoor space if we wanted to enjoy it on those smoldering summer days, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the project.

What we started with

I started by making a check list of what I wanted the space to be. What kind of characteristics I wanted it to have and what kind of functionality.  Here's what I came up with:

-shaded

-intimate

-comfortable

-rustic

-eclectic 

-ample seating

-ability to lounge 

-lots of color

-outdoor dining 

-cozy

-touch of whimsy 

-upcycled materials

I began scouring the internet and magazines for ideas. I did endless Google and Pinterest searches, looking at pictures of outdoor spaces til my eyes glazed over.  I was a woman possessed. I quickly came to the realization that in order to make the space exactly how I wanted it and keep within budget we would need to build most of the components ourselves.   

The first task was to find a way to add some relief from the sun. With a little pinspiration, I decided on a pallet wall to add shade and enclose the space a bit to give it that cozy, intimate feel. I like using pallet wood for building projects as much as possible because first of all I can get them for FREE (who doesn't love that?) and secondly I am a strong believer in upcycling.  We began the first phase of the project last Fall by building the pallet wall, 2 pallets high by 2 pallets wide.  It was really easy and really cheap to do. We dug some holes, filled them with concrete & set 2x4's in them.  Then we left the pallets intact, slid them over the top of the 2x4's and attached them with wood screws.  I'm sure our neighbors thought we were crazy when they saw this structure going up in our backyard but what they didn't know is that I had a vision and it would all turn out alright. Even friends and family had skepticism and concern when we told them we built a pallet wall, like what the what?  

Getting closer...

And so our pallet wall stood out there all alone for several months, through the Winter and early Spring until temps began to warm and we had the motivation to start on the second phase of the project: building an L shaped "couch."  We decided to go the easy route and purchase treated lumber for the 2 benches that would make up the seating area. This was by far the most difficult part of the project due to all the measuring, cutting and trying to get everything level. In the end though, the benches turned out just how we wanted so it was worth the frustration.

Next it was time to build a patio table that would fit the space and help add character. I wanted to use pallet wood for most of the project and wanted a rustic, patterned look kinda like an old wooden floor. Again there was lots of measuring & cutting not to mention what seemed like an endless amount of sanding to get a splinter free finish.  Landscaping timbers were used for the legs (another cost saving idea!). When the table was finished I had a moment of anxiety where I thought it was too pretty to put outside and considered moving it into the kitchen; I eventually calmed down and came back to my senses. 

Love this retro flower pattern

When all the building projects were completed it was time for the final phase: finishing off the space with cushions and decor. I was going for an eclectic look so I didn't want everything to be matchy-matchy but I did want it to coordinate.  This lead to me driving all over the St Louis area trying to find the right size cushions in the right color combinations at the right price.  The best selection and prices were at Old Time Pottery, Garden Ridge & Gordmans however I still found myself making some of the pillows to really get what I wanted. Adding the cushions, pillows and a few other finishing touches brought it all together and brought my vision to reality.  Voila! A cozy, rustic outdoor nook.

This has quickly become my new favorite space. I could eat every meal out here and easily spend all day lounging and reading. I'm trying my best to get Luke on board with the idea of "outdoor living" but he is reluctant and maintains that what the space really needs is an outdoor television. Eerrr, NO! Totally defeats the purpose. It's alright though, I won't mind having this spot all to myself, listening to the birds sing while sipping a glass of cold sweet tea. 

Bosco-Approved

Bark in the Park 5K

My hubby has always been the strong, athletic type but he has never been much of a runner. He likes doing cardio workouts on equipment at the gym but turns me down when I ask him to join me on a jog. He has insisted he is "not built for distance running" and I've always called BS.  I believe that anyone can be a runner if they have the mindset to do so. It's mind over matter;  forcing yourself to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

So, you can imagine my surprise when a few weeks ago Luke asked me to run a 5k with him. I happily accepted the invitation and told him to pick the race. He began his training, running on the treadmill at the gym and doing a few outdoor runs with me. 

This past Saturday we ran the Bark in the Park 5K: Luke, Ellsie and I. It was a very warm, muggy morning and I was a bit worried about how Luke would do in such conditions but he ran very well. Watching him cross that finish line was one of my proudest moments as his wife. It may have only been a 3.1 mile run but the fact that he took the initiative to give distance running a try and then complete his first race makes me unbelievablely happy. He has finally come to the realization that he CAN run distance and even live to tell about it.  There has even been talk about our next race and increasing mileage. 

Running isn't easy. Far from it. Running takes a lot of discipline and dedication but I feel the payoffs are well worth it: health for the body, mind & soul. The rush that comes with crossing a finish line. The euphoria of your legs finding the perfect stride and feeling like you could run forever. The high and sense of accomplishment after completing a good run. Luke has had a taste of these experiences and I hope running has him hooked like it has me.  I have visions of us running side by side for years to come, pushing each other to go faster, go further. Striding and striving together.   

Thoughts on Boston

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I, like most of the country, have been glued to the news since reports of an explosion at the Boston Marathon began to surface Monday afternoon.  When I first read a tweet from a local news station about it I could hardly think of anything else. Is this really happening? Surely it's some sort of bizarre accident. That night watching news reports and seeing images from the scene I had an ache in my heart, a lump in my throat and I felt an inexplicable anger.  Maybe I'm having such a strong reaction to this attack because I'm a runner.  I come from a family of runners.  I have many friends who are runners.  I've been a participant in one of these races.  I've been a spectator at one of these races. Not even two weeks ago Luke and I were standing in a place very similar to that Boston finish line as we watched one of our close friends complete the 26.2 miles of the GO! St Louis Marathon.

If you've never participated in or cheered someone on at a distance race its hard to describe the atmosphere.  These events are teeming with energy.  There are feelings of excitement, pride, happiness, encouragement,  camaraderie, anguish, suspense and elation all mixing together to produce a one of a kind experience for all involved.  There are runners helping runners.  Bystanders cheering, clapping and screaming til they are nearly hoarse for people they've never met. Volunteers offering much needed refreshments, care and kind words. A community coming together to champion perseverance, dedication and the human spirit.  These events seem to be the embodiment of all the American ideals, so such an attack is more than disheartening. 

(image credit)

We as Americans have been stunned by this attack but I feel its effect on the running community is more prevalent.  The victims of Monday's events were not just those who were injured or killed by the blasts.  The victims are everyone who was participating in the marathon events that day: volunteers, spectators and runners.  Actually, you could reason that all Americans were victims that day. This was a direct attack on our way of life; our love of sport.  It has been uplifting to see the outpouring of love and support for Boston. Everywhere on social media sites there are photos and postings about runs and races dedicated to those who were affected by this tragedy. Throughout the country runners are coming together to honor victims and to express an act of unity in the community.  That's what I love so much about runners and Americans in general.  In the midst of adversity, we always find a way to persevere and triumph.  All across the United States people are coming together to stand against fear; to spread love, hope and peace when faced with hate. 

I challenge you all to take a little time this weekend to get out and dedicate a walk or run to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.  There are several websites and Facebook pages that have created commemorative "race" bibs that you can wear as a visual dedication if you would like. Or  you can just take that walk or run and mentally dedicate it by praying for the victims as you go.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and those who continue to be affected by these tragic events.  May God bless us all. 

Runners Unite Bib Website:
http://www.runjunkees.com/

Snow Daze

It's been a rare occurrence the last few years to get much snow accumulation in our area.  And when ole Jack Frost does have his way the snow usually melts in about 24 hours.  This makes me a little sad because I LOVE snow. I feel that if everything is brown and ugly during winter, why not cover with a white, glittery blanket? Just my opinion.

You can imagine my excitement last Thursday when giant snowflakes began descending from the heavens with a fierce intensity.  Road conditions began deteriorating quickly so Luke and I both ended up back home before noon.  We had several inches of snow within a few hours and I COULD NOT WAIT to get out in it.  So, like a couple of giddy school children (ok, I was the only giddy one, Luke was a bit reluctant but played along)  we bundled up in our snow attire and headed outside. 

 It was so quiet all you could hear was the falling snow.  Not another soul was outside in our neighborhood. A beautiful marshmallow world all to ourselves. We grabbed our sled from the garage and went to it, sledding down our driveway and cul-de-sac.  At one point Luke said "I can't believe I'm almost 30 years old and I'm out sledding down my driveway with my wife."  My reply was "That just means you're doing it right"  

Saturday we ventured out into the snow again.  The sun was shining and made the snow the perfect melty consistency for snowman making.  The saying goes when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  Well I say when life gives you snow,  make snowmen.  We started out with the intent to make a typical snowman but when Luke began talking about meeting up with friends to watch the Mizzou basketball game against Kentucky that night, I had the idea to make a Snow Truman.   The picture below shows what we ended up with.  I know what you're thinking: yellow snow!  Get your mind out of the gutter!  I don't doubt Bosco, Ellsie and Oscar's ability to make that much yellow snow but we used watered down craft paint for the color and applied it with a soft bristle brush.  MIZ!  ZOU! 

This little venture has me eager for more snow so I can attempt more sculptures. Snow is so easy to work with it may be my new favorite art medium.  Only downfall?  It melts. Quickly.  I'm not too upset about it though because I had so much fun creating and sharing our work with the world.  Snow Truman will live on in our hearts, minds and social media forever :).

I know that is has snowed quite a bit in Missouri over the last week.  Snow can cause a lot of problems and can be a major annoyance for some people.  The thing is it's only here for a short amount of time.  Before we know it the sun will be bearing down on us with a vengeance and we will be reminiscing about these snow days when the temperature is 100 degrees out.  Not to mention all the snow is helping ease the effects of last summer's horrible drought.  So for now, go out into the snow covered world with reckless abandon.  Have a snowball fight.  Go sledding.  Build a wicked snow fort.  Make a snowman or snow sculpture. Surrender yourself to the childlike wonder that still resides somewhere inside you.   Be in awe of the beauty of a winter wonderland.  Like I said before, it won't last long. 

Last Train to Clarksville

The first weekend in February we took a day-trip to Clarksville, MO to meet my parents for a little eagle watching. We did NOT take a train there (don't think its even an option) but I like to use song lyrics as much as possible in day to day life.

 I don't know what it is about little river towns but I am completely infatuated with them.  They are always so lively and quaint with much to explore and usually teeming with history.  Clarksville did not disappoint. 

We began our day at the lock and dam to scout out the eagles.  It was a cold day so there was a decent convocation of eagles along the river.  Did you know that a group of eagles is called a convocation? You learn something new everyday. See, this blog is both fun and educational. And if you already knew that little fact, well you're just a real smarty pants.

The dam has a great overlook platform complete with telescopes to aid in your eagle viewing.  We were amazed at the amount of pelicans (a group of pelicans is called a pod or scoop incase you were wondering) that were also populating the area. There were HUNDREDS. Guess I never really thought of Missouri as a hot spot for aquatic birds. 

After freezing our faces off eagle watching we decided to take a little walk about town and take in the sights. Each shop in the downtown area is adorned with nostalgic hanging signs. You can tell that the town has worked hard to preserve the historic buildings and promote it's business district.  The area is absolutely adorable.  We enjoyed walking from shop to shop checking out the offerings and chatting with store attendants.  And can you believe that my dad didn't complain even once while we shopped?  This astounded me.  He was either genuinely enjoying himself or age and time with my mom has slowly worn down his will to protest.  Either way I'll take it.  Love you Dad!

Bee Naturals was one of my favorite stores and where I scored this amazing skin creme.  I have a problem with obsessively washing my hands and during the winter they can get super chapped.  This creme comes in stick form (like deodorant) which I've never seen before and is really hydrating without being greasy. Did I mention it also smells ahh-mazing?  As in I dab a little around my nose so I can inhale it more, amazing.   They have a website that you can order from.  I recommend you check it out. 

I was pretty upset that Miss Tiffie's Candy was closed that day and not just because I was unable to indulge my sweet tooth.  I was really looking forward to meeting Miss Tiffie.  A name like that conjures up images of a sweet, elderly southern woman with a delightful accent and even more delightful personality. The kind of lady that you just want to wrap up in a hug and spend the whole day listening to her stories. Perhaps someone that is a mix between Jessica Tandy's character in Fried Green Tomatoes and Paula Deen. Get the idea?  Maybe it's for the best that the shop was closed because I'm just not sure Miss Tiffie can live up to the fantastical version of herself that I created in my mind.

(Source)

After not much debate (surprisingly) we all decided on The Farm Cafe for lunch. What an excellent, excellent choice.  This little eatery is something you would expect to see on Washington Ave but not in a small, rural town.  Artisan coffee, fresh, wholesome farm to table foods, delectable desserts and a wonderful cozy, laid-back atmosphere.  This is definitely a place I could spend A LOT of time.  Our lunch was delicious and the peanut butter pie we had for dessert will knock your socks off.  Seriously. If plan to go you may want to bring an extra pair.  The experience has made me very eager to check out Overlook Farm's other restaurant, The Station.

church window in Clarksville

Antique doors

Our day-trip to Clarksville was time well spent. Beautiful sights, historic buildings, a variety of shopping and wonderful dining. If you get the chance you should take a drive down Highway 79 and check it out for yourself.  You won't regret it. 

Links: 

 http://www.clarksville-mo.com/

http://www.facebook.com/CoolBeansClarksville 

http://www.overlookfarmmo.com

http://www.beenaturals.com

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was pretty great this year in the Bryson house. Though today I feel like I have a bit of a valentine hangover after all the sweets and champagne.

Luke and I kinda have a Valentine's tradition in which we use restaurant gift cards we received during the holidays to get a carry-out dinner.  We bust out our wedding china, (which we NEVER use. Someday, right?) light a few candles and turn on relaxing music.  I did a little decorating to make the occasion feel even more special.  We usually enjoy our dinners with the TV on (I know, awful!) so it's nice to sit down to dinner without distraction and really focus on each other.  It's something we should strive to do more often. 

This year I skipped on buying Luke the mushy, gushy, glitter-covered card I usually present him with on Valentine's Day.  Truth be told, I think the whole concept of receiving a card is pretty lost on him. I know he appreciates them but if he didn't get one, he couldn't care less.  I wanted to give him something a little more man-friendly and rustic.  After some thought I came up with the idea of carving our initials into wood. I went to Michaels and bought a natural wood plaque.  After attempting to carve into the wood and realizing how difficult it was I opted to use a woodburner pen instead.  So I have one of those now. If you ever need something burned or want a really intricate skin brand, let me know. Anyway, this is what I ended up with. 

It isn't exactly what I imagined because I had a miscalculation while applying the stain (too much). Then I freaked and tried to thin it out by applying water, which led to the plaque cracking.  Ugh. I was pretty upset at first.  However, upon thinking about it I decided that what the plaque became through error was more representative of love than what I had pictured in my mind.  It isn't perfect. It has smudges and cracks and it's a little rough around the edges.  But it's still there, it's still held together and I think it's beautiful. And the best part is that Luke loves it. 

To round out his Valentine's Day gift I made Luke his very favorite dessert... red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting in cupcake form.  

                                         

Luke did pretty amazing job for Valentine's Day.  He gave me blue hydrangeas like the ones I carried at our wedding, chocolate covered strawberries and a beautiful figurine.  I'm blessed to have such a thoughtful husband.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day and felt lots of love.

2013

Here I am, standing in the doorway of yet another new year. 2013.  Wowza. I will do my best to steer clear of tired thoughts and expressions about new years but bear with me if I falter.

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 First, we all survived another hectic holiday season (hurray) and we also survived the "end of the world" (double hurray) so congrats to us on that. Feel free to pat yourself on the back :) Now to the point of this post. I have never been one to make New Year's Resolutions.  I always laugh at the packed gym parking lots and the spike in the runner population after a new year begins.  I laugh even harder at the mostly empty gym parking lots and vacant sidewalks/trails a few months later.  But hey, good for those people for giving it a whirl.  Maybe NEXT year.  Still, like most I can't help but feel that sense of refreshment and newness that comes every January.  The wonderment of thinking about what this year might bring.  Instead of specific resolutions I'm hoping to just have more purpose this year.  I know, sounds kind of broad and vague but this feeling that I have is really hard to define.  I've always been the "go with the flow" type.  I don't typically ruffle feathers and I always hesitate to get outside my comfort zone.  I tend to be more of a quiet observer who takes it all in.  But I feel like I'm done with that.  I want to take steps to change.  I want to shake up my routine and push my own boundaries.  I want to be more intentional in life.  I want to get involved.  I want to be open to new things.

So where to begin? Well so far I signed up for a class at church and I'm loving it.  I need to sign up for more when this class concludes.

I also feel like I need to get outside my own head and stop worrying so much.  Stop worrying about what might happen, what others might think and just go for it.  I can't let "maybes" hold me back anymore. I'll probably slip up some where and someone will think I'm strange. Who cares?  Normal is boring.

I need to express myself more.  Through art, dress, words, blog, whatever.  I've been meaning to get back into painting and drawing.  I just need to DO IT.  It's as simple as sitting down with a piece of paper. I also have a closet with clothes I've never worn because they are a little edgy or daring.  I just put the finishing touches on this feather capelet.  I think its beautiful and unique.  I hope I'll have the guts to wear it out.

 I want to start meditating.  I need to find a quiet place in my home where I can be by myself away from all distractions.  Where I can sit in silence and open my mind and heart to what I may not be hearing in the chaos of life. A time and place where I can also reflect and pray.

Meet new people.  I have a bit of a start through the class at church but I want to meet all kinds of people.  Maybe some that share my interests in music, crafts, the outdoors, running etc. There are all kinds of sites online that allow people to connect with one another.  I need to start taking advantage.

Volunteer.  I want to find a way to give back using my time and talents.  I'm the proud momma of 3 wonderful rescue dogs and I should pay forward the love and happiness they have brought me by volunteering at an animal shelter.  I would also like to get involved in the outreach program at our church that works with under-resourced areas of St. Louis. 

Do more home projects.  I love a little DIY.  I need to tackle some of those items on our "to do list."  Like putting up a tile back splash in the kitchen, refinishing our counter tops or renovating the bathroom.  Or maybe I can finally do something with this retro china cabinet I bought almost a year ago.  Oh the possibilities!

Explore the area we live in. Can you believe we've lived in the St. Louis area for 5 years and I've never been to the Botanical Garden or Grant's Farm?  I know.  I should be slapped right in the face.

Go to more concerts, plays, festivals and other events.  In St. Louis there is some kind of event going on every weekend.  I should partake in more of them. 

Travel more.  Even if it's just a day or weekend trip.  We explored Alton, IL a bit last weekend and had a blast.  We're also heading to Hawaii this summer and hopefully Colorado as well.  I would love to see more of the country by taking road trips and camping.  Just have to talk the hubby into it!

I think that list kind of gives a general idea of the direction I'm heading in the new year.  Now is the start.  If I keep myself open, anything can happen. Here's to the possibilities of 2013.