Sunday, April 24, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Community in action.

A good and very informative debate on Measure U, I think everyone who went heard an overwhelming amount of information that explained why this measure is wrong.

Walking Fort Bragg with my dad.

Piaci with the family.

Coffee dates with friends, and playtime at Pippi's.


New stuff in stock at Pippi's.

Baby cuddles.

A fun earth day celebration.  I love seeing how the gardens at the high school have evolved over the years.

Running into so many friends at the earth day celebration.

Family days.

Celebrity sightings, Smokey is still cool after all these years.


My yard in the early morning.

The blooming roses in my back yard.

Rain after my garden hose broke.

Science experiments, especially her large (and totally gross) jar of what she calls mischief...


Time spent with my dear Marshall.

Our lovely little downtown, I am so lucky to get to be there each day.

Redwood school and the great teachers there.

Rock band with the kids.


Being able to encourage and support someone when they needed it.

This town.  I love walking on my errands downtown each morning I love that I usually run into a friend, customer or acquaintance and and have the opportunity to share small moments special people each day.

Friday, April 22, 2016

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


Inspired by SouleMama


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday


G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Family time.

A visit with the Carr family, it is always so good to spend time with them.


Being able to take a wonderful trip to the happiest place on earth!

Watching Ro and Zo enjoy spending special time with their friends.

Being able to spend nearly all day everyday with my kids and Marshall this week.


So many moments to remember.

Being productive in the yard.

Fun with friends.

Silly times.


Rowan and her potions.

Visiting with one of my dearest friends from college. I love that each time we get to visit one another it feels like not a moment has passed.

A new neighbor moving in on Laurel.  I am so excited to have The Bookstore as a neighbor!

Beautiful weather.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Discrimination is Never Okay



Seven months ago I wrote a post called The Segregation of Our Downtown.  If you read it you may remember it, if you didn't please check it out... Or just read on.
The measure to ban social services from our downtown, Measure U, will be on our June ballot.

After two tries to get the 313 signatures necessary the  "Concerned Citizens of Fort Bragg got their discriminatory measure on the ballot.  They are now campaigning for it.  Please be aware, the people that are part of this group are ignoring reality and the facts, and are flat out lying about what this measure will do.

They claim :  "The project in the Old Coast Hotel was put there after January 1, 2015 and will be required to move."
In reality: This measure will not force the project out of the Old Coast.
First, it's not permitted in California State law to retroactively zone, or make an existing land use illegal.  It becomes “legal non-conforming.”
The second issue is transitional housing.  They have made such a poorly written measure that it can't even do what they intend.  Transitional housing is not affected by the measure.   It says that right in the measure.  (In the last bold paragraph and the last sentence it says this does not include transitional housing.) Some services offered at the Old Coast may be affected, but transitional housing will stay.

They claim: "This will not affect the social service businesses that we already have in the CBD." 
It will. Even if a social service business was in their downtown space before 2015. If the law passes they will become classified as "non-conforming."  They will not be able to move, or expand with in the CBD. 
How many businesses never need to move or expand?  In the past two months, four businesses have moved locations to or from Laurel Street alone.

They claim "Measure U is a Non- Discriminatory Zoning Change."  
Well, if you have to qualify your measure specifically as "non-discriminatory" clearly you've done something wrong.  The measure blatantly discriminates against a certain "kind" of person (specifically those who are living in poverty, homeless, disabled, or mentally ill), and says not only to these social service businesses but also to anyone who utilizes social services, "you are not welcome here."   This is discriminatory.  This is segregation. This is a Civil Rights issue.

The latest un-truth is this: "The organizations who moved in after January 2015 knew Measure U was going on the ballot and chose to gamble."
As you can see the date on my blog post linked above is September 8, 2015. Their claim that anyone "knew" their horrible initiative would be on the ballot is a false claim. They didn't even get all the required signatures turned in until the end of 2015.

I can not stand by and watch our town become a part of the hatred and discrimination that's happening on at a national level. We are better than that.  We need to continue to work at making Fort Bragg a place we are proud of.  A town that helps people.  We need to continue supporting all of the wonderful social service businesses we have in our community and we need to welcome them into our public spaces.  The people who use these services are part of our community.  How can we include them in our community and support them while also discriminating against them?

Please, spread the word. Educate your friends and family, vote NO on Measure U.  It is Unnecessary Unenforceable and Unjust.

The No on U campaign is being lead by leaders from within our social service community.
Like their Facebook page for updates.
If you want to help reach out to them.  You can email them at  fortbraggssa@mcn.org .
If you would like to make a donation to the No on U Campaign any small amount helps.
You can make donations for $99 or less  payable to: "SSA-AMU" (Social Service Alliance Against Measure U) and mail to :
Social Services Alliance
305 E. Redwood Ave
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.



Inspired by SouleMama


Sunday, April 10, 2016

Gratitude Sunday

Inspired by:  Wooly Moss Roots -Simply Joys of a Soulful Life Gratitude Sunday

G r a t i t u d e  *  S u n d a y


{Sunday's heartfelt tradition. A time to slow down, to reflect, to be grateful. A list of gratitudes.}
This week (it's been a while so...the past few weeks) I am thankful for:

Daisy chains.

Sunny days.

Long walks.

Family time.


Helping my kids with their piano practice.

Scooter-ing.

Walks with the niece.

Coloring eggs.

Easter egg hunts.



Being able to participate in Rowan's class.

Being lucky enough to have great customers and employees that make it possible for me to be with my kids so often.

Bike rides.

Helping with the Read-a-thin at Redwood school.

Easy meals, currently I am roasting veggies multiple times a week, luckily the kids like them!


Spring Carnival at the high school.  I have been taking Ro and Zo since before they were in school, it is so fun, and I think it gets better each year.

Pizza night at Piaci.


Vases full of picked flowers, spring.

Starting to plan and prep my garden.

First grade relay races, they are pretty entertaining.


My mom's quilts.

Being able to take my kids to art shows.

That my kids get to see their Gaga as she creates these pieces.

Creativity and love everywhere.



Support from family and friends.

All the  beautiful new babies joining us in the world!!! It makes me so happy.

Friday, April 8, 2016

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.



Inspired by SouleMama


Thursday, April 7, 2016

New Sign at Pippi's

If you came into Pippi's during the past holiday season, you may have noticed Pippsters Kayla and Holly were both pregnant.  And yes, to answer your most commonly asked questions, it was a hiring requirement last year.  Rachael and I decided to only hire pregnant women.  No there was not something in our water.

Both Kayla and Holly have had beautiful babies and we are so excited and happy for them.

Many of you watched me mother my babies while also working at Pippi's, you were so kind and supportive.  In that same way, I intend to support Kayla in every way I can as she returns from her leave. Each  mother is different and each child is different, so as we get into a rhythm that works for Kayla please be understanding.  If she is at the shop solo, she may need to close the door for a few minutes while she nurses her visiting baby or pumps milk for him.  So, if you come up to our door and see our new sign:



Please know that indeed we are sorry to delay your sock fix but the relationship between a mother and her new baby is one of the things most dear to me.  What they need Pippi's will accommodate.  I know while you wait a few minutes you can enjoy our lovely neighboring shops (a lot is changing on Laurel street...) when you return Kayla will be ready to help you re-stock your socks drawer or find the perfect gift.

Pippi's is a family shop.  I still bring my kids to work with me sometimes and I love that I can do that.  I love that our community has always supported Pippi's and my family and I look forward to showing Kayla that same community spirit as she begins her family.