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Maria, Armand, Stacia, Janece, Amira, Paul~





Tori, Alex, Bambi~

Game nights are a regular event at the Bird House, probably since Max started in high school, playing Magic the Gathering, and having friends over for games and events. So that was about 5 years ago. Of course, if we take video gaming into account, then we have to go back to the 90's. Echo the Dolphin, anyone? Zelda, Katamari, Dance Dance Revolution? When my Grandparents, Eunice and Oscar, lived with us (1995-2003), we played dominoes, especially when Aunt Becky and Uncle Dan were visiting. Now, we host Dungeons & Dragons, about twice a month.

But we have never, ever, never had a Solitaire party. Well, not officially.

Yet...

This was a D & D night, and dinner, and quite by coincidence, friends came with cards, and then Maria brought out some spare decks, and then we were having a Solitaire party. Well, not officially. But happily.

I love Home.

Still Celebrating

We had a fun party to celebrate Maria turning 15, then we had some more fun. When we asked Maria what she would like to do for her actual birthday, she came up with a perfect plan, and we were more than happy to fulfill her wishes. So, for a start, we had breakfast at her favorite french toast spot... where they add coconut and lots of berries. Then we went to choose our Christmas tree. We found our favorite in record time, and then another, smaller tree tempted us. A birthday tree, for our quinceañera? Irresistible. Then, home... which we agree is probably our most favorite place to be, and where we all watched Elf, and loved on Cairo.

Please Enjoy

Happy Thanksgiving! I feel right in the middle of my favorite time of the year, and I love, love, love Thanksgiving... a family day, a home day, a thankful day, a gather and share day, a day to celebrate intention, purpose, love, tradition. This year we made plans with Holly and Rich, and Ruth, and we began the day, Geoff and I, on our bicycles. On bicycles, despite the obvious signs of foul weather.

Sometimes, the world leaves a cue... and when it's a happy prompt, I take it to heart. Please enjoy.




We were at the furthest point from home, just finished checking on the Moment's cats, when the rain started. It started hard, and increased. Then came thunder, and hail, and with the thrill and exhilaration of fear and excitement, I screamed for about 60% of the ride home, the other 40% I was laughing. Even with some rain gear, we were soaked through and drenched beneath that!

I am thankful for neighbors that share from their homes and gardens. I am thankful for our bicycles, and how Geoff maintains them, and supports me, my healing. I am thankful for helmets, and gloves, and the way it feels to laugh and scream at the top of my lungs. I am thankful for the garage door opener, dry clothes to put on, a washer and dryer to take care of our messes. I am thankful for views, nature, the horizon, rocks, sage, storms, and cold air. I am thankful to be close to friends, to be entrusted with the care of their pets, to feel a part of a community.



William, Max, Anakin, Maria and Izzy~




Izzy and Nick~


Geoff and Holly~




Ruth-Mom-Tutu~




Denise and Chris~

Holly and Ruth cooked and served a beautiful dinner, and we were joined by Rich's brother and sister-in-law, Denise. We had Anakin for furry, happy company, and games to play, stories to share. I am thankful for all the times we can be with each other, with family, with friends. I am thankful for our pets. I am thankful for the connections we make, and the comfortable and easy way we pass the time catching up, playing. I am thankful to be invited, included, to participate and contribute, to make plans. I am thankful for our children, to be in their company and enjoying our time together. I am thankful for memories, for the comfort of recall, and appreciation, so that all the loved ones I miss can still be with me in my thoughts and heart, in my values, and hopes.

BOoM Emporium

Our Etsy shop is the boomEmporium... The Benevolent Order of Makers are selling their wares, art, and works... for now it's all about our hand carved, original designs and block prints on napkins and tea towels. We look forward to expanding and sharing more of the many articles we create.

This is all new to us. Thank you for your patience and feedback. And thank you for visiting our shop, and telling your friends about it, spreading the word, sharing our name.

Opening at Noon PST

Today, at noon pst, we will open our Benevolent Order of Makers Shop, at Etsy. That's a long name for a little shop, so we gave it a name nearly as long, which we will post here when the *doors open!*

This link will show you some of the items that will be available.

I am tweaking, still. And nervous. There were a lot of decisions to make, and questions to address. I am on the fence about international shipping, and... well, more, which I know will eventually sort itself out. For certain, I have a greatly raised respect and awe for all you online makers and shop keepers; you're amazing! Friends, thank you for your support, encouragement, and patience. I hope we manage all of this with grace and efficiency.

Quinceañera