Remember To Notice

There has been a whole lot of darkness in my life latley, things from the news and world in general, as well as more personal realities. It's easy to get depressed or to feel like giving up. What's comforting to me though is seeing the beauty in everyday things, it helps me realize that there is something much greater and much more beautiful then all of the horrible things that constantly demand our attention. So to celebrate that, here are some pictures from a walk with my love at Kelsey Creek Farm when there was an amazing rainbow.

This week make a note to yourself to "remember to notice" look for the good things no one can take away and take comfort in that.

Grandma Cook

~ My Memories of Grandma Cook ~

My Grandma has struggled with all different forms of cancer for many years. She would never let you know it nor could you have guessed, which is why I will always refer to her as the strongest woman I know. Here are some memories I have of Grandma Cook...

Grandma to the Rescue:

When I was little my Mom used to have Andy and I (the twins) eat at a kids table in our laundry room. One morning Grandma Cook was on her way to our house to visit, while my Mom was finishing cleaning up the house all of a sudden I screamed, "watch out its gonna tip over," and lifted up the little table we were eating our cereal at. Andy my brother grabbed his cheerios and saved them, but I forgot about my bowl and it slid across that table right into his face. I thought I was a goner as my Mom grabbed a white towel, which we hated because she almost ripped off our skin every time she wiped our faces, poor Andy. While I was standing there crying, and explaining it was an accident, good ole Grandma Cook walked in with her booming voice, "where is everybody" she then began to take my side and explain to my mom it wasn't my fault (which she couldn't prove) and then gave me a bag of m&m's which may have started my insane addiction to them.

A Field of Four Leaf Clovers:

We used to go visit Grandma Cook in her old yellow house every once in a while. I remember one time visiting her and Grandpa Cook, when my mom just didn't want us kids around. She told us to go outside and leave the adults alone. My Dad tried to help and said, "you can come back in once you have found a four leaf clover." So what did Grandma Cook do, she came outside to "check" on us and brought us a scotch tape dispenser with which we taped together a bunch of "four leaf" clovers. Once again Grandma Cook to the rescue.

Bridal Shower and Wedding:

I would be kidding myself if I tried to portray my family as put together or the least bit normal, and Grandma Cook always knew that, but this never stopped her from attending ever big life moment I ever had. Grandma has been in the crowd for me and showed support of me through all of my graduations, concerts, through my wedding, bridal shower, and all of my birthday's. Grandma Cook saw me as me, Ash, and I only hope that I will be able to live my life as courageously as she did not ever letting anyone limit who I am and can be. 

P.S. 

This has always stuck in my mind and is something I am proud of Grandma for. She was the first Female Bus Driver in Clark County she drove a bus load of kids every day down rural roads and was offered less pay then a man. She demanded equal pay and was granted it! Classic Grandma Cook. 

I love you Grandma I know you will be in a better place, and with Grandpa Cook. You are by far the strongest woman I know and I can only hope that one day I will be as great a grandma as you were to me. Thanks for always having my back and creating a sense family when I know it was hard to.

Love you always

Ash

what is a narm?

I have to share the miXmedia membership to the Bellevue Arts Museum. It is a membership that costs $100.00 for two people when purchased through BAM. This membership grants you access to over 550 museums across the United States as part of the NARM or North American Reciprocal Museums >>>Click here to see all of the Museums covered by this!!!!!!<<<  It really is a deal and I think more people should know about it.

Because Paul and I are members we were able to visit the new Museum of History and Industry in Seattle. Honestly, I would have totally paid for this museum experience even if it wasn't on our card. The fact that it was though was a major plus. Paul and I stayed at MOHAI for about two hours and could have been there even longer reading about Seattle throughout history. 

Some of our highlights from the Museum was the film and music section- there was a great replica of the Fraiser Show set! My favorite part by far was John Grade's "Wawona" sculpture you can see the pictures I took of it below along with a short clip of it in the making.

enjoy...