Gallery

Since I'm having some trouble with my new website store, I've been asked to place a gallery of pictures of my hand made items here for viewing. If you see something you just MUST have, send me an email, and we can discuss it.

Thanks for looking!

We're Moving!

Our retail site is now open at www.homespundreamings.com. Come on over to find our Vegan Bakery and Fiber shop to find something hand made, just for you.

We figured out how to upload pics, finally!

Pathetic, I know. But at least we did it!

I'll upload a bunch of pictures here now, but I want to notify anyone who follows this blog (is there anyone, really?) that I am going to be moving my blogs around a bit. I plan to end up with three blogs; Madhyatmika, for my health/spiritual/personal journey, this one, which will be moved to WordPress as a retail site for my handmade goods, and a new family blog, yet to be named, for all family things. I find WordPress much easier to use in a number of ways (sorry Blogger!) and think I'll be far more likely to post more often there.

So for right now, here's the last year, in pictures.


Last Thanksgiving. The Beloved, and cousin Kevin, passed out on the couch after an overage of Turkey Dinner. Aren't they adorable? To me, this is the greatest compliment to a cook. Can't wait for this year! (Vegan Turkey, anyone?)










Then, Halloween. We didn't seem to get any pictures of the costume, but we did get some of Murphy's first attempt at one of my favorite Halloween games. It's harder than it looks! Is this just a New England thing?









My asbestos friend Barbara came to visit us, and we had a blast. Here and gone way too fast. And of course, not enough pictures. (When will I remember to take them?!)







And then, just one lone picture of Eric. We were at Los Corporales, just this month, watching the Beloved play the blues. (I did get some pictures of that too; maybe I'll get them up soon.) It was a fun night. There is nothing better than having your family around on a cool summer night, listening to some awesome music.


That's it for now; but be on the lookout for the new blogs; hope to see you there!

Murphy's Baptism

Murphy was baptized today into the Mormon Church. He looked so grown up and so handsome. Everyone was so kind to all of us. It was a beautiful day, and the ceremony was lovely. Tomorrow he goes for Confirmation. He's very excited about it.

The thing that touched me the most was this lovely poster that Primary made for him. It's so sweet (both literally and figuratively!) A lovely reminder and momento.

It says There's a Symphony in heaven today because of your Grand baptism. All of your sins are Rolo washed away this Payday. The holy ghost you receive will help you make Good and Plenty choices Now and Later. So when you get in a Crunch remember your promises and choose the right! We are proud of you and love you to Pieces!

All the words with caps are replaced with candy of the same name.

Big Happenings!

Ok, so it's been a while again. We've had big things going on though, so I'll take some time to update you.

Murphy has been busy. Playing baseball, doing really great. The Tigers have clinched first place in the division; playoffs start next week. As does the home-run derby; we have high hopes for a run or three by our slugger.

On one hand, he's the jock, slugging it out on the baseball diamond, and running like a madman on the soccer field. But he's got his sensitive side; he takes after his Dad. He's learning guitar, and is a chip off the old block. This week Montessori had their annual Spring Sing, and the Mankins were stars!

Dad is teaching there, the very youngest kids, and he got them to sing some great songs. They were so cute you just wanted to squish them all.

Then Murphy got to play his first gig on guitar, head banging to Pantera's "Walk." The parents in the audience were a little taken aback, but the kids worked hard on something they really wanted to do. Murph was AWESOME.

There's more pictures coming soon, and some of my cool new office also; but enough for tonight.

Family Updates

Murph had a game today, and played GREAT! They won (GO TIGERS!!!!). His leg is getting better through strategic rest, proper stretching, and advil. He still isn't back to normal, but he can run well enough to play. Today he played first base, and he's getting really good at it.

Flash seems healed too. He's done with his anti-inflamatory meds and isn't limping anymore. He's back to jumping all over everyone and slobbering us all with kisses. We are very VERY happy about it.

Eric's had a bit of a delay with his job; worked for the first week, but complications (having nothing to do with him!) forced a delay in opening; hopefully next week he'll get to go back.

Billy, here to have some eye surgery in Ventura, is recuperating and going wild on our yard; the orange tree in the back looks better than it ever has done since we've been here. He's currently ripping up the sprinkler system to find a leak. He's an amazing guy! He even tackled the "stuff" garage, which is so far above and beyond the call. He found my music I'd written a decade ago; I"m so grateful!

Peru and I celebrated our TENTH anniversary on April 1. It has gone by in a flash. Doesn't seem possible it's been ten years. They've been the happiest years of my life, and I thank you, my beloved. I am praying for many decades more.

I'm still recuperating too. Breathing is better, though I still get short of breath with physical labor. Life has pretty much returned to normal. I go for my follow up visit to the pulmonologist on Monday to be cleared.

At the end of the month, Barbara is coming to visit; I can't wait! It'll be so good to see my asbestos friend.

Happy April to All!

Osgood Schlatter Disease

That's what Murphy has.

Sounds terrifying, no?

Not as bad as it sounds, luckily. It involves the stretching of a tendon attached to the kneecap, aggravated by exercise and a growth spurt in preteens and teens. Hopefully it will resolve with NSAIDS otc and rest, and he'll be able to get back to the Tigers soon.

Ironically, I've been lecturing Murphy on the importance of stretching before exercise and cooling down after. He has not seen the import until now. Once again, Mother Knows Best. Heh heheh.

Off to study Spanish and Notary stuff...