An old truck

A beat up old Ford…

that might be all you see. But there is more, oh so much more than that.

When I was a little girl, someone stole my grandpa’s pick-up truck. This is the truck my father found to replace it. It wasn’t fancy but my grandpa loved it and it became his main source of transportation. It carried him over Pacheco Pass to visit us in the San Joachin Valley. Eventually it took him to Texas where he built a little house for himself and my grandma. He drove it across the border to care for the rancho that had been in his family for generations. He drove it to the flea market, the H-E-B, to church many many times and for many years.

My grandpa lived to celebrate his 99th birthday. He still danced and loved and told detailed stories. He was actively involved in his church, and had a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. And then one day all his strength left him. In the blink of an eye, he transitioned to his eternal dwelling.

And his truck is still here. This week I learned that grandpa has let a homeless man sleep in the camper shell for the past few years, and even made a bed for him in it. That may sound crazy but it brought a smile to my face. That was just like him, to love on anyone who needed him; to use what he had been given to help others.

A plan for now

I’ve been crafting a mental summer bucket list, as the days grow long and hot; a reminder that summer approaches. I don’t want to lie on the couch all season and complain. I need to grab life by the horns, or however you grab life.

I’m picturing library trips, dancing through sprinklers, exploring the various thrift and vintage shops down the street, and lots of trips to swimming pools. 

I’m reminded daily that my life is not as awesome as the instagram squares I scroll through. I don’t get to sneak off to the beach whenever my heart desires. It can still be wonderful, though. I can create some intentional goals and I can make the most of the hours and minutes each day. And I can focus on being content instead of contentious. 

I will choose to find joy in a muddy plastic swimming pool, and laugh with my wild boys who happen to be running naked in our backyard.

Because this is me, now. I am going to enjoy my now. 

What’s on your summer bucket list?

-Bunny

joyful.

I remember watching Miracle on 34th Street (the 1994 version is my favorite) with a belly full of turkey, and getting that giddy realization that Christmas was fast approaching. 

As a child, my mom would wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to do anything Christmas-related. But once that last bit of pumpkin pie was eaten, we’d pull out this old Christmas record (we were a little old fashioned) by some woman named Evie who had blonde bowl-shaped hair and pretty soon the record player would be spinning “come on ring those bells, light the Christmas tree!” And I knew it was open season for all things Christmas. 

Now that I’m grown, I still struggle with tiny guilt pangs if I do anything Christmassy before Thanksgiving. (Thanks, mom) But come Friday, Christmas is on. This year we opted for a skinny tree. So far I am not regretting it, not one little bit. 

  
And I couldn’t resist immediately pulling on the Pimpin joy baseball tee that my sweet husband surprised me with, yesterday. 

 
I love the story behind this shirt. It’s a perfect reminder to spread joy, not just at Christmas, but always. 

I don’t have my parents old record player but I plan to share new traditions of Christmas joy and cheer with my two little boys and darling husband in the next few weeks. 

Cheers!

-Bunny

Thursday three: lazy day motivation

Blustery autumn days always require some extra motivation to get me going. I long to wear pajamas all day and curl up with my littles sipping hot tea and watching Disney junior. But life waits for no man, er.. wo-man. So, I muster up motivation and inspiration from a few of my favorite fall things.

No. 1: The Pinterest worthy outfit. 

Mine takes the form of ripped Boyfriend jeans, a baggy sweater and navy Birkenstocks. The rips make me feel like a rockstar, the sweater keeps me warm and the sandals are just comfy while still looking polished.

No. 2: Freshly baked artisan bread.

I always feel like a domestic goddess when I bake bread. But I have a secret: this is literally the easiest bread recipe ever. I mix a big batch of dough and then freeze it in individual loaves. When I feel like eating oh so delicious, crusty, freshly-baked bread I just thaw it and pop it in the oven.

No. 3: A sweet & festive treat.

Candy corn is not just for Halloween. I keep enough on hand to last me through Thanksgiving, basically one bag since I only eat a few pieces at a time. It doesn’t hurt either that candy corn in a mason jar adds instant Thanksgiving cheer without being too fussy.

I’m definitely inspired, now. May you be inspired in your space with the people and things you are already surrounded by.

💛Bunny

Thursday Three

In this beautiful central California, where I happen to reside, spring weather dances wildly between sunny temperatures, breezy sweater weather, and lately, rain. The weather constantly crushes my wardrobe dreams. But, I’ve enlisted some styles that are mostly weather-proof. Check out my 3 current faves: 

Bangs! Blunt and wispy and always ready to party. Pinterest worthy fringes for some inspiration!

  Classic Aviators. Similar at Nordstrom Rack.

 Bright prints on teeny Crossbody bags. Find similar styles from Betsey Johnson.

Weekend countdown is on! Happy Thursday 🙂

💛Bunny

Learn stuff

Yesterday a student asked me what the Latin meaning for “tempo” is. Without thinking I reached for my phone, then I caught myself. Silly me; I studied Latin for 2 years. The answer must be lurking somewhere in my brain; yep, there it is. The word tempo, I explained, comes from the Latin root tempus and means time. So tempo has to do with time, timing, or keeping time, usually referring to the speed of music. “Okay. Thanks.” 

The moral of the story: Siri/technology creates indolent creatures that have the means to find answers but lack real knowledge or skills. Don’t lose your knowledge to a tiny computer that may overheat and explosively decimate you at any second. Read a book, talk to a smarter human, explore. 





Yes, please.

Is it absolutely ridiculous that I really want eyes tattooed on my hands? If it is I might not even care.

💛Bunny

Cheers to 30 years

This past week, my darling husband celebrated his 30th birthday. I crafted and thrifted and came up with a birthday party to suit his personality: an intimate gathering of games, beverages, & lively conversation surrounded by a few of his favorite people. Take a peek….

Did you love it? We definitely did.

-Bunny

one blissful summer day at a time..

My blissfully lazy summer holiday is better shown, not told. I’ve lost myself in the heat and hazy happiness. For now I’ll only concern myself only with today, and it will be fabulous.

-Bunny

free.

Sometimes I have an urge to wander; to let down my hair and let the breeze lift my spirit. Also, I’ve been thinking about fanny packs, lately. Like, Lot.
Realizing that they can be both trendy and functional.

Perhaps my sudden urge for a fanny pack (or bumbag as the Brits would say) stems from the fact that I spent several of my childhood years in the 90s. Back in 1991, my neon green fanny pack with a panda face on the front was so styling.

But seriously, they do go well with my need to wander. Hands free is so liberating, and the sweet pack I scored screams “modern hippie”, which I am. Give fanny packs a second go? I say a heartfelt, “Yes! yes! Yes!” You just might love one, too.

Where will you wander this weekend?
<3Bunny.