Bucket List: Winchester Mystery House

I first heard about The Winchester Mystery House about ten or so years ago. As I write this blog, I'm trying to remember from where I heard it Seems like it was on one of those travel shows on cable. Maybe it was an Extreme Homes?

Anyway, one thing that struck me initially is it's claim that it's the house that was never finished being built. Sarah Winchester was a 19th century eccentric socialite that drifted toward reclusiveness. What began as a traditional Queen Victoria-style home eventually became a haunted maze.

Some quick facts:

• Doors open into empty space (no floor)
• 10,000+ windows
• 160+ rooms
• Staircases that dead-end abruptly
• Lots of secret passages
• Allegedly HAUNTED!

Maybe I'll take a trip out to San Jose to see it.....

Will I see you there?

Missing Mom on Mother's Day

The rings she wore, that barely stayed on her skinny fingers.

Her cackling laugh.

Her dancing.

Her juniors-sized clothing choices.

When her false teeth would unpredictably come loose (she'd cackle!).

Weekend breakfasts.

The annual birthday call to me where she'd sing "Happy Birthday".

Buying My Girls that stupid pre-fab gingerbread house at Christmas!

No matter what, I got a Valentine's Day card from her.

That steadfast support of me when things got tough.

These are a few of the things I miss about my mom this Mother's Day. And every day.

Yesterday was her birthday. Today's Mother's Day. I've done way more crying than I expected; like a useawholekleenexbox crying. That crying you do when you hide in your bed under the sheets, comforter and a sea of pillows just to feel like you're being hugged. Yeah, that's the weekend I'm having.

This means she's missed.

This means she is loved.

Happy Mother's Day, Momma!

It's May 1st

You can have your Lei Day, Hawaii.

Welcome to the United States, Guam.

Happy Anniversary to Elvis & Priscilla!

Ayrton Senna, you were a grace to this world.

But today, Cocullo, Italy wins May 1st in my book.

Welcome to the Serpent Ceremony:

Confession: Team Valor

Add me, if so inclined.

Flashback Friday: The $3000 Sweatshirt

I attended University of Texas, Dallas and I bought this sweatshirt because, y'know, school pride or some such bull poo. I ended up dropping out of school that semester, so this sweatshirt has forever been dubbed The $3000 Sweatshirt.

Boa has worn it regularly, so at least I'm getting some mileage out of it. *eyeroll*

Eighteen Years

Dear Dad,

I love you!

I'm writing to wish you a Happy REbirthday. It's a thing, right? I believe you are reborn in some everlasting way, so cheers! 

You died 18 years ago today, in body. I'll always know the number of years because it's the same as Boa's age. You should see her now, Daddy! She's glorious, wonderfully charming, intelligent, funny. She's just like you! Can you believe she'll be graduating this year? She's hoping to go to college in Colorado. *fingers crossed*

That Little One honors you in so many ways. She's keen and witty. She never met you, but she knows you, that's for sure! Just today, she told me a story of finding a penny, heads-up, on the desk next to hers at school. She recognized it was you saying hello to her! She loves you. You'd be so proud of her. 

How are things where you are now that Mom's with you? Probably a little noisier. hehe I'm imagining what that might look like. Are you two reunited? Are you lights in this galaxy? Would you be together in the same dimension? Or are you both apparitions, having drinks, listening to country music and talking about family like when you were amongst the physical living? Or am I writing to nothing, no one? 

I still have mom's ashes. She asked to be spread where you are, so that trip is coming up soon. For now, she resides with me. I talk to her sometimes. She helps me cook and bosses me about how I raise My Girls. She keeps me company when I'm home alone. 

I'm gonna wrap this up and take care of some things, Dad, but you are always with me. I'm always with you.

Miss you,
--Juliette

Merry Christmas

Follow us on IG @gabeandfinny!

Hope your holiday season is filled with love. 

May you sit in stillness, in quiet, and marvel at the moment.

Love,

Whoosh, My Little One and My Eldest

Gabe and Finn

Eighteen

It's quiet.
And dark.
And still.
And still,
I'm awake.

You, my brown eyed beauty,
Today, you're eighteen.

Memory lane moves fast!
I am so proud of you now and always!

+

I made a playlist of all the number one songs on the pop/top 40 music charts on October 8th from the year 2000 through today. Here's the soundtrack of your life:

2000: Come on Over Baby (All I Want is You) - Christina Aguilera
2001: Fallin' - Alicia Keys
2002: A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson
2003: Baby Boy - Beyonce
2004: Goodies - Ciara
2005: Gold Digger - Kanye West
2006: SexyBack - Justin Timberlake
2007: Crank That (Soulja Boy) - Soulja Boy
2008: Whatever You Like - T.I.
2009: I Gotta Feelin' - Black Eyed Peas
2010: Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars <3 p="">2011: Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5
2012: One More Night - Maroon 4
2013: Royals - Lorde
2014: All About that Bass - Megan Trainor
2015: The Hills - The Weeknd
2016: Closer - The Chainsmokers
2017: Bodak Yellow (Money Moves) - Cardi B
2018: Girls Like You - Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B

And some fun additions:

8TEEN - Khalid
Eighteen - One Direction

Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2018

May you have cherry ice cream smiles, views to a kill, diamonds in the mine, free butterfly girls and la la la la lava lamps!

International Cat Day