Ben is back!

No secret that I love Ben Howard. There is something in his music that brings the water and fog and rain and the wind in your face to mind. Let me get my wool sweater out before we talk.

I've seen him live a handful of times and each time life was so different. The second time Joshua and I had split, I saw him alone in the U District- I thought my heart was going to splinter apart. But I don't hear that sadness the same at all now. I hear my patients saying goodbye to family and life and living while they are living. And I hear happiness. Music is not intrinsic to me. I can't even talk about it properly! My poor sister is constantly trying to talk to me about some new awesome band that I've never heard of. I could, and do, go without it most days.

But there are some people I continue to carry with me as truth and Ben is one of them. As I change his music changes. I cannot wait for his new album.

google: kittens

Sometimes at work I just google kittens.

It makes for the nicest breaks.

And the Philadelphia Zoo came up with the smallest wild African cats. Dear God.

Work.

On tough weeks at work I go back to this article over and over again:

In abusive and toxic work environments we can shield, protect, and provide safe havens for co-workers. Maybe it's because you have a certain scope of power and can use that power humanely and restoratively. Maybe it's simply that you are a healing and welcoming presence at the watercooler. Regardless, your mission in that toxic work environment is to be a haven of protection and healing.
Many of you are doing exactly that today. Work sucks. It's a toxic place. The boss is abusive, a petty tyrant. But for as long as you are there in that place you spread your wings and protect those around you.



TO DO:
I am going to speak calmly and only speak truth and not always speak. 
I will be gentle. 
I am not going to condone bad behavior by laughing or by staying silent.
I will be one of the good parts of the workday.

MISC

This weekend mom and I went to Portland. We ate at Bunk Sandwiches and went to the Zoo and wandered around downtown and completely bombed Galaga at the Nickel Arcade. And we went on the Pendleton factory tour. It was delightful. As was returning to Roo. Rooster loves baskets. She also loves a toy mouse we found under the stove (along with a ton of her dry food and nine pens. NINE.) 

Eloise showed me a song last week at singing and I love it.


I watch this kitten almost every night. BECAUSE IT IS THE CUTEST.


This cuff was in the Nordy's fall catalog. I dig it.


Apartment Therapy had this beautiful tiny house this week. I love tiny houses. And flower crowns.


Lastly, galaga on computer.

WHOA.

I was looking for hairstyles (I'm letting my hair grow over winter) and stumbled upon this AMAZING photo of Tegan and Sara.

Enjoy.

MORE SHOES. ALWAYS SHOES.

For summer.

For winter.

Joshua says I buy too much brown. So I'm switching to tan. Brown's cousin.

BOOOOOOTS!

I am not buying these boots. But aren't they cute?

Rug.

Joshua found this rug at World Market and I think we might actually buy it.
Who would have thought?
I'm not really sure how it blends with the rest of our stuff but he loves it and it has tassels.
TASSELS.

26.

I got to sleep in AND my own doodle! Today is going to be great!