Sisterly Picnic at Griffith.

What is it with women loving picnics?  It's an ongoing joke between my friend Rachel and I.  All I ever want to do is go on a picnic.  And NO ONE ever wants to go on one.  Whenever Bryan asks what I want to do on date night, I usually suggest a picnic.  Let's just say that suggestion hasn't been noted since our courtship.  {Dudes HATE picnics and going on walks.}  It's a known fact.  I think it goes against their very nature. 

Last Sunday evening felt tres autumnal.  I immediately thought of how lovely it would be to eat al fresco.  Fortunately, my sister happily complied.  We walked to Griffith Park, and enjoyed a lovely picnic together.  The Snowmen mugs are a gift that I'd rather not discuss.  They are the antithesis of ergonomically correct.  The bottom two pictures are our interpretation of trolls. 

Creativity Tuesday: Fall Procrastination Station.

Sister was in town this weekend. We were able to spend Sunday together playing. We decided to have craft night that evening.  We pulled out some water colors, and created patterns for fall leaves.  I used a cookie cutter as my template for the leaves.  Then cut them out of the water colors.  I love fall with all my heart.  Since the leaves don't change in Los Angeles, I make them change indoors. 

Remember.

Remember when my hair was ever so long?
Photo Street Cred: Chanelle

Sister's First Macaron.

There's a first time for everyone.
It's magical. It's delicious.
It's the French Macaron.
P.S. Isn't sister gorgeous in pink?

This Face.

I'm missing my partner in crime today.
I wish we could do some exploring together.
Grab some gelato?
Go to LACMA?
Arts 'N Crafts time?
Veg out on the couch?
{Loud dramatic sigh.}
That all sounds so lovely.

Sister Play Date With Chalk.

I am a huge advocate of childlike play.

For just $1.00 I purchased some sidewalk chalk,
and experienced priceless, silly fun.
I loved my chalk flowers and owl!
Sister made a darling hopscotch,
which had us giggling like school girls.
Do yourself a huge favor;
make some time for play!

Dream Catcher.

I'm loving this week.

To Market, To Market: Santa Monica.

My sister came into town for a week long visit.

On Saturday, Bunny and I picked her up from LAX and
dashed straight away to the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.

When crossing upon the above market stand Bryan commented;
"Those are some cool carrots." And they really were!

Chanelle and I have been having such a fantastic time.
We've been sight seeing, working on arts and

crafts, laughing and over eating.
Many more fun adventures are in the works.

Update.

For the past five days I've been in Arizona spending time with my sister and family. Last week was literally the epitome of stress and anxiety. Later in the week {when we could exhale} it was filled with laughter, gratitude, and tears of joy. My sister went from the Intensive Care Unit, to Trauma, to the Physical Therapy Ward. Chanelle is doing much better after one week and two days post accident.

Her current prognosis; she still has the pool of blood on the left side of the brain. This will take some time for the brain to completely absorb. This injury caused some damage, and manifests itself with her altered humor, temperament, taste for food and drink, and short term memory. Her clavicle is broken, but the pelvis is fractured. She is working with amazing physical therapists daily. The goal being to get her coordination and strength returned, while working her joints and preventing atrophy from bed rest.

Sister also works with an occupational therapist to flex her brain. They ask her numerous questions, critical thinking situations, and have her solve riddles and puzzles. In short, she's exhausted. But we remind her that she keeps asking to go home, and her only ticket is through following the strict regimen. She's working very hard on doing what the physicians ask of her, and I'm sure she'll be out of the hospital as soon as feasibly possible.

I want to thank the fifty people that have visited my sister and family at the hospital. Thank you to the people who have sent flowers, cards, brownies, balloons, and delicious meals. Thank you to the kind nurses, doctors, therapists and support staff. And least of all, best of all, thank you to each of you that have sent their prayers, good thoughts and encouragement to not only my family, but myself. I am deeply touched. Four friends candidly told me that they don't even believe in God, and or aren't religious, but they were going to pray to a higher power on our behalf. I was completely in awe. Please accept my honest gratitude for all that you have done, and continue to do.

Love,

The Yazzies, Pennicks, and Mattices

Image via powodzenia

So Much Heart.

The day of my sister's accident I was given an origami, dollar bill heart. Mr. Hiro (a lovely Japanese man who wears a gnarly mustache and has a hunger for Harley Davidsons) gifted this to me as my tip. I had no idea how appropriate and symbolic it would be for the following week. My sister, family, and I have seen more heart and love bestowed in our directions then we ever thought possible. I thank each of you for your genuine, over-grown, beating hearts.

What I am grateful for this week:

1. My sister

2. Thoughtful Doctors and Nurses

3. My family

4. Love

5. Prayers

Sister Update.

Yesterday was a long, frightening day. But by evening I received some amazing news. Chanelle's brain stopped bleeding in one chamber. It's still bleeding in another area, but the Neurologist was pleased with the progress. He was able to take Chanelle off of the respirator and she came to a little bit and spoke! Doc said she has a very long recovery ahead of her, but he feels that she's out of the danger zone.

Chanelle is still a critical patient and continues on in the Intensive Care Unit. Due to the head injury, the doctors haven't even begun to tend to her broken pelvis and clavicle bones. Sister has a long road ahead of her, but she had a great break through yesterday.

I want to thank each of you for your prayers, e-mails, flowers, and texts. You haven't the slightest idea how much your kindness means to my family and I. It brings tears to my eyes to think of your kindness on Chanelle's behalf. I know in my heart of hearts that God heard each petition offered, and a miracle transpired. I'll continue to keep you posted of Chanelle's progress. Thank you once more from the bottom of my sawdust heart.

Love,

Ashley