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About Me

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas Poem | 2015

2015 - a turning point year,
big trips, job changes, & continual cheer

Old Faithful we saw and the Grand Tetons too.
We went to Connecticut to help the 'rents move. 

Tommy passed another actuarial exam,
a key designation now in his hand!

Sarah joined a new marketing team,
promoting golf courses & living the dream.

We've very excited for the New Year ahead,
growing our marriage & by Christ being led. 
Merry Christmas!!

-SJW

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Christmas Riddles

This year’s Christmas Trivia is more like Christmas Riddles. Inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas Song, each correct answer will contain a lyric from the song – one word from one of the gifts. For example, an answer to the riddle could be “Dancing with the Stars” because “dancing” is one of the lyrics within the song, “nine ladies dancing”.
You might be able to answer the riddle on its own but cross checking to see if it aligns with the song lyrics will be helpful. For example if the question was about a sweet fruit bearing plant. “Pear Tree” and “Fig tree” could perhaps both make sense, but you’d know it was “pear tree”, since that matches the song! Yurtle the Turtle could be another answer because of “Two Turtle Doves”

Number 1 – 10 and Good luck!

1. These sweet treats are like little cocoa fortune cookies.
2. This Seattle restaurant is known for their benedicts and egg bakes. The little brick building is quite charming and they welcome people of all sizes.
3. His name is a riddle –better not to say it at all.
4. This musical sitcom stars Shirley Jones and David Cassidy. They sing like kin.
5. This 1963 Horror film took flight.
6. These are often a symbol of love or fidelity because of their seemingly monogamous relationships. They also contrast ugliness.
7. Part worker bee, part emotional lifeboat, this person is responsible for sincere sentiments and providing their signature.
8. A valuable magnetic pointer. Sounds like one of his dark materials.
9. This musician led many children astray. What a rat!
10. BONUS: Cumulatively, 364 total items are delivered by the twelfth day. Since 1984, the cumulative cost of the items mentioned in the song has been calculated. What is the total costs for all goods and services in 2015? *The people mentioned in the song are hired, not purchased.

** Answers at the bottom of the page **

1.       Dove Chocolate 
2.       The Fat Hen
3.       Lord Voldemort  
4.       Partridge Family 
5.       Birds 
6.       Swans 
7.       Maid of Honor 
8.       Golden Compass 
9.       The Pied Piper 
10.   PNC Bank, the bank that calculates it every year calls it the “Cost of Christmas”– for 2015 it is $155,407.18.

Counting,

SJW







Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?

I decided to watch You've Got Mail this weekend. I have never been a great movie quoter, but I've watched this movie so many times that I can indeed quote most scenes. 
Here are some of the good ones - 
Quotes
It's hard to beat the romance, banter, & sweet story line of Joe Fox & Kathleen Kelly!
Also, these DIY mugs are just too cute! I might have to make this little craft project myself : ) 
Enjoying the "152 insights into my soul",

SJW

Saturday, December 12, 2015

A Must See Musical

Mr. Fleece & I  saw the musical "Come From Away" this weekend. It's based on the incredible true story of a little town in Newfoundland, Canada on September 11, 2001. After the terrorist plane crashes, air space was put on pause & 38 airplanes were diverted and directed to land in a little town called Gander. With 7,000 new strangers in their town, the hospitable islanders displayed incredible kindness & generosity.
The Seattle Repertory Theater put on a fabulous performance - the dialogue, singing, minimalist set design & intricate role play & choreography were phenomenal! More than that, the stories themselves, of the people & their experiences were engaging & heartwarming.
If you are in Seattle, I highly recommend seeing the show. Even if you're not a musical person! The show has gotten such a positive response that they extended it through December 20.

If you aren't in Seattle, here are a few short news clips of the story. Mr. Fleece & I think the show will become the next big thing, so maybe one day you'll have the chance to see it. For now, you should at least be aware of the story : )

Short video (6 minutes)
Long video (43 minutes)

Inspired,

SJW

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Preferences | Blogging

Here's what I tell people who are thinking about starting a blog. 
Have an angle/key focus...but don't limit yourself.
Use an easy to spell/understand & clever/fun blog name.
Keep entries short. 
Photos are necessary. 
Don't apologize for not writing in X amount of days/weeks. 
If you ask a question at the end of a post, know that you might not get any comments.
Blog because you want to. 
Use spell check. 

Blogging about blogging,

SJW

Monday, December 7, 2015

Local folk | Bedlam

When I say let's meet for coffee, what I really mean is let's go drink hot chocolate in a charming cozy environment. I particularly like Bedlam in Belltown as it's close to work and convenient to our church building & several friends' homes. The 8 oz. hot chocolate is served with hazelnut flavoring & only costs $1 + tax : ) Hard to beat that! The decor is quite eclectic, pups are allowed, & there are even board games to choose from! It's solidifying in to a firm favorite. 
Globe column. 
Cozy schmozy. 
Reading John Steinbeck!
High caliber company. 
Taken over by Bedlam,

SJW

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Life Wright Now | November

Watching
the temperature drop...
Also this video of Adele : ) She's pretty great.  

Eating
dates with goat cheese & basil. A simple no-cook crowd pleaser!
Next time I want to try drizzling honey & adding almonds. 

Reading
Just started "Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America"
I'm intrigued by the hype & like Jean Louise in Go Set a Watchmen, 
want to make my own opinion ; ) 
Listening
Kodaline has been poppin' up on my Pandora recently & I really like "The One"

Let Advent begin,

SJW 

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Giving some thanks today

No great recipes to post, no stunning tablescapes to share, just a record of my thankfulness for the opportunity to host Thanksgiving for our community. For sweet friends/neighbors who loan you their dining room table to make it happen. For Mr. Fleece & his dedicated research to pull off a yummy first-time turkey : ) For friends that enjoy drawing turkey hands with crayons. 
For the way good food tastes!
Happy & Full,
SJW

Saturday, November 21, 2015

The pineapple express

Pineapples are perhaps the friendliest fruit. 
Bright, colorful, & of course, known for being quite hospitable : ) 
Perusing Etsy, here are some cheery pineapple-y finds. I love them all!
Tea towel
Card
Tea towel
Print
Pillow
Necklace
Wall decal
Meanwhile, snacking on these,

-SJW

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Jet setting to the East Coast

Mr. Fleece & I leave for the East Coast today! Excited to eat good food, visit dear friends, & pose by some fun monuments!
 
Let the vacation begin,

SJW



Monday, November 9, 2015

A grown up Nancy Drew

I've just uncovered a delightfully fabulous show on Netflix. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Launched in 2012, this Australian TV series knows how to hook their viewers. It's Mary Poppins meets Sherlock with the fashions of Downton Abbey mixed with Mad Men. 
Just take a magnifying glass to the main character, Phryne Fisher. 
She's stylish. 
Glamorous. 
Charming. 
Playful. 
Sophisticated.
Sassy.
Classy.
Clever.
Curious. 
Cunning. 
And not afraid of danger. 
I rest my case,

-SJW