Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes

The only constant in this world is change. You can count on it. If things suck, they will change. If things are good, they will change. If things are indifferent, they will change. Weather changes, the landscape changes, habits change, styles change, and my moods change. This whole year has been full of changes for me. I sold all of my goats and focused on making beer and wine soaps, while continuing to make milk soaps; goat milk, cow milk, coconut milk. I started making hand bound journals, which has been tons of fun. I will confess that they haven't been a huge seller but they sure are fun to make. I still have hopes that they will catch on and give me a reason to keep making them. The big change in my business as well as hard times economically put a change in my sales. That change was not good but I am an optimist so I have high hopes that change will happen in that area as well.

Another big change is that our oldest daughter finally got her Canadian husband living here just short of their two year anniversary. They lived with us for a few months and now have their own place. Which leads into another big change, we have only one child left at home! We have five all together and have also had various others family and friends live with us over the years so having only one is a HUGE change. I am not sure that I really like it but I am sure that I will get used to it.

We officially gained a new son this summer when our middle daughter finally tied the knot. I was actually the one to tie that knot and let me tell you, it was not easy. It was a regular cry fest. Watching your sweet baby girl walk down the isle as the beautiful bride is hard enough, but when all eyes are on you and you have to say the words that unite them, OMG! One of my sisters actually asked if I needed to have someone step in for me because I just couldn't quit crying, which made the groom cry and then the bride was tearing up. There was danger of make-up being ruined. All in all we made it through and it was a beautiful wedding.

Shortly after the wedding our third daughter's boyfriend asked permission for her hand and of course, they want me to officiate. Ugh, I see another cry fest in my future. She is gaining two beautiful little girls in the deal and I am thoroughly enjoying watching her learn how to be a step mom, especially since I am her step mom. Even though I raised her, blending a family is tough work. As much as I am laughing at her I am glad that I will be able to help her through it gracefully.

One thing that didn't change was that we took our annual trip to Reno for the Hot August Nights car show. It's always fun to get away even though my husbands 57 Olds was not ready in time. I got this great picture with our friends in the car ahead of us.

And then I had a good laugh when we came upon this scene in the street.

I call it "Elvis needs a new leisure suit"

Another big change is that I got a new tattoo. I love the art of tattoo and couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a new piece from visiting artist, Tony Mitchell. Tony has a shop in Port Orchard, WA and was just in town for a few days. He was sweet enough to fit me in to his busy schedule and draw up this original piece for me and I love it.

It's hard to imagine what changes are coming in the future. I am always looking for them, I know I can count on them, good, bad or indifferent, I embrace them. I might as well because I sure can't stop them.