hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
It’s hard to even think back on the last week because yesterday was, as my friend described it, “one of the most brilliant days of all time.” It was my birthday and I have now witnessed life for 33 years. The brilliance wasn’t because of my birthday. Rather, our valley floor rose ten inches with snow and then the universe spun the clouds into neighboring states. More than once I felt a sting of tears in my eyes. I am grateful.
My birthday celebration started Monday night, when Andy made dinner while I rolled on the floor with my kids.
That same night, as snowflakes the size of apples poured from above, I sent out a call to action. I wanted to rally mama friends to head up to the ski hill with our kids and take turns in the lodge/on the hill. Immediately I had two takers and we were off. Getting ready on Tuesday morning was kind of like trying to swim through peanut butter and the texts about caravanning, timing and all that snow rang out. Les had to back out and, all of the sudden, it felt like too much for two mamas and four small kids in seven degree air.
So we moved on to sledding. It took a few minutes of adjustment, I had been looking forward to skiing. Then Kara called and said, “It’s your birthday and if you want a powder day, you got it. I’ll take your kids.” And, of course, this made me just want to hang out on a sledding hill with her and our kids more than ever. More than skiing, I just wanted to be outside with people I love. So, we went sledding at the base of Mount Sentinel just as the sun spilled light over our valley.
Sledding was followed by hot chocolate and lunch with many moms and kids. It was fun and kind of like trying to lasso gnats while standing on a slick river rock.
The sky opened into the deepest blue, a depthless ocean of possibility.
I worked while my kids napped, drank ginger tea in the snow, fetched martini makings and headed across the alley to a spontaneous party my friend threw together. Slowly, her home filled with my favorite people. It was all so beautifully choreographed, ending with Laura and me on her couch under blankets talking until our eyelids wouldn’t stay open anymore. I crawled into bed very late. I am 33 and pretty damn happy.
I do this little list thing on my birthday, a quick sketch of what I dig. (click to read 30, 31, 32).
Before I launch into le list, I am happy to share a new dig sponsor with you, Loving Shop. She makes sweet little tutus that are perfect for twirling and egg gathering.
Just for you, 10% off your purchase this month! Use coupon code ‘DIG10’. Thanks, Loving Shop.
Margot is wearing the springtime tutu
Thirty-three things I love right now:
1. I have the respect for and confidence in my body that I always hoped I’d have.
2. Dryer lint.
3. Down dog.
4. A full night’s sleep after 18 months of not having it.
5. Sharp cheddar and peach butter on fresh bread in the morning.
6. The brief beautiful moment of snow on skin before it melts.
7. Listening to Margot talk to the chickens.
8. Art.
9. Whole milk yogurt with maple syrup.
10. Nursing Ruby in the dark, early morning between flannel sheets while I listen to the wind and snow swirl around our home.
11. A well made cup of coffee in a mug whose interior is lighter than it’s exterior.
12. Sharp scissors.
13. Nearly obnoxiously large earrings.
14. My daughter’s relationship.
15. A fully charged camera battery.
16. I hold Ruby on my left hip, perfectly crack an egg into our cast iron skillet with my right hand and toss the perfectly-split shell in the compost bowl in one fluid sweep.
17. Hearts.
18. I laugh really hard every single day.
19. Great wine and spirited conversation.
20. Sitting at my computer, putting words together while my family sleeps.
21. My sewing machine.
22. The benefit of the doubt.
23. Tight, dark jeans.
24. Planning my garden, always certain it will be more prolific and more beautiful than last year’s.
25. Pressing my face into my daughters’ cheeks first thing in the morning.
26. This song.
29. Showers with both of my children splashing in their secret universe at mom’s feet.
30. I love my husband to the moon and back.
31. Margot’s bravery.
32. I have wonderfully generous, inspiring, loving friends and family.
33. Every day.
ps
Holy smokes, I sincerely loved your comments on last Wednesday’s post, answering the question, What do you want to learn that is totally new and totally yours, something that makes you “feel your brain still getting better, sharper?” Randomly selected WINNER: Jessie said...
I want to learn to drive without fear again. …To be able to feel that freedom I felt when I was 17. I have taught myself several new things in 2010. Including; bass guitar, sewing, crochet and knitting. -(all while the kids were fast asleep) but I still have yet to teach myself to be brave again. To be able to be the type of mom who can bring my son to his preschool field trips.
…Here I am. Trying to find courage…
Any way, Margot and Ruby have the most beautiful life I have ever seen. I have been reading your blog for about 4 months now and I can’t get enough. Your life is wonderful. Keep on inspiring.
You win a custom appliquéd shirt that is totally new and totally yours, to inspire you to be brave again. We’ll chat over e mail to decide on the perfect design.
47 Comments
NO WAY! I’m FIRST…..quick….I’ll be back!!!!!
I’m glad you had a happy birthday! I made a list last year for my birthday too! 29 things I love…this year I hit 30, wow wee!
Beauty. You are so full of it and I love it.
Happy Birthday!
The more I read your blog, the more you inspire me to find happiness and something good in everyday. You optimism is such a breath of fresh air!
Happy Birthday
cheers to a wonderful day, and even better year! happy three, three 🙂
I just helped my Ben to his nap and I’m so happy to sit down and find your birthday nuggets. I love birthdays most of all.
from your list… they are all wonderful but #22 strikes me – the benefit of the doubt. Its great to give. and that feeling of recognition when you can tell, without someone even saying it, that you’ve been given the benefit of the doubt.. that’s a really good feeling.
as always, I’m grateful to read and witness your life recognition.
happy birthday!
PS – cute overload on the sister green chair loving.
Happy (belated) birthday, Nici!
Happy birthday – glad it was a wonderful day full of great friends and one heck of a family!
I love the idea of making lists each year! I may have to start copying you!
,,,love b’days lists, wait till 48 knock at your door, the list gets really good (smile),,,
,,,love the photo of ruby looking at her friend in the sled as though to say “dude, do you know how to drive this thing?”
,,,your friend’s house looks so cozy, love the wood work, the lighting and friends celebrating you,,,
,,,if anyone could “rock” a tutu lil miss margot can,,,and a tutu wouldn’t be complete without 1 frog wellie and 1 cowboy boot,,,yeah baby that’s what i’m talkin’ about,,,margot marches to her own drummer and THAT my friend is a really good thing!,,,
,,,happy to read 33 was a fun celebration,,,
Happy Birthday!! What a GORGeous sunny day, too.
I love your lists. And I *always* look forward to reading your blog. You keep it raw, real and passionate. Happy birthday.
Happy Birthday and have a wonderful year. I enjoy your blog, looking at your photos and love those kinds of lists. Thanks for showing all the snow. My boys live in Missoula and I emailed them this morning to ask them to send me pics……but….not sure that will happen!
PS.I get myself a ‘just me’ present every year for my birthday. 🙂 Just a thought.
When reading your list, I realized where Margot gets her list for “darker blue”: your love of a coffee cup with the interior lighter than the outside!! I love it!! and, more than that…I understand it!
Happy birthday! What a beautiful, ass-kicking list and life you got there!
Can’t wait to read about this lap around the sun…
xoxo
melina
http://www.thewildercoast.com
Happy Birthday Nici!
I’ve been reading for a while now, have never commented (I’m usually at work and the comment section is blocked…shh dont tell anyone I’m reading this while at work). Anyway, I just have to tell you I love your blog, you have BEAUTIFUL babies, and you inspire me. I can’t wait to be a mama someday and hope that I am as thoughtful, patient, creative and loving as you seem to be! Happy 33rd 🙂
That snowman is freakin hilarious. My husband thought I was laughing at him reading a book to our oldest daughter (which, to be honest, can be equally amusing).
I’m so happy for you, that you have such lovely friends who would plan a little bash to celebrate you. That’s just wonderful!
I totally love your list… and I just might have to steal the idea for my blog. Hope you don’t mind. 🙂
I totally blew tea out of my nose when I saw the snowman and his mustache. HIGHlarious.
So glad you had a perfectly wonderful 33rd birthday. May your year be the brightest yet. xo
I love this ripe post. Seems like your birthday was wonderful! Wish we could have joined for a snowy playtime.
Moustache snowman, tutu with mismatched boots and Margot gazing up at ski Papa are my favorite pictures. #16, 14 & 6 are my list favorites, while the way you rolled from ski run plans to snow sled play date is inspiring and a favorite for sure.
xoxo
1. When I was a little girl, I stealthily began “collecting” dryer lint. I was very sure I could fashion it into something fabulous in the near future. Maybe a duvet for my cereal box doll house? Well, my mean aunt happened upon my stash and yelled at me and threw it away.
(OK< that took a bit of a downer turn...apologies.) 2. Cheese AND peach butter? As in, together? At the same time? I’m skeptical. 3. I wrote your b-day down on my day planner a few weeks or days ago. Then I forgot to look at it a single time this week. You might as well know this about me – I can be a negligent friend when it comes to birthdays. Dangit. 4. You wear 33 quite well. 5. Happy belated, friend.
Happy belated B’day!! It sounded like a great one. I just love reading about your life with those beautiful Montana mountains as a backdrop. You’re a beautiful soul.
Lucky girls, they are, to have a mama like you. Love to you & your beautiful family.
Sounds like 33 came in grand style. LOVE the blue skies – they bring hope of spring and warmer days – we seem to be drowning in grey lately. Margot rocks the tutu…really, it’s the shoes that make the outfit. LOL. And that’s simply a terrific shot of the 4 of you on the mountain.
It’s good to love and to be loved.
Good night. 🙂
-Jennifer from Annapolis
So much love and color and appreciation and passion in your 33-year old life.
Love coming here to read about it.
XO
Rachel
The picture of Margot, a little willful person in this awe inspiring snow scene quite literally took my breath away.
I can feel your happiness. You are living your perfect life!
Happy 33rd! I hope the 34th brings more amazing blessings to your life. I can’t wait to read about your garden!
A very happy 33rd birthday to you Nici!!
Happy Birthday!
Love #22- benefit of the doubt.
If only we all gave it to each other 🙂
Great list!
Happy 33rd! I just love reading your blog.
xoxo…
I love Margot’s bravery too. I am tickled pink (or maybe darker blue) that I got to hang with you on your birthday. It was a lovely day. Looking forward to some more gnat lassoin’ with ya real soon!
Oh, it so funny to see our same day posts of apples and oranges, blizzards and beach. I stopped and stared at the sledding picture. And the tiny little ant Margot in the middle of all that snow. And as much as people swoon over my beaches and wish they could be there, I swoon over your whiteouts and the adventures they give your girls.
Love your list. Read every single one of them…loved the interesting ones like swooping shells with a baby on your hip and the simple ones like dark jeans and lipstick. I love lists of loves. A little more I know about you and a little more inspired to love the things I love…or add to it.
Happy Birthday. 32 was damn good. I met you in your thirty-second year, you know. xoxo
From a fellow list-maker, rock on 🙂 That was a good one!
Wow, I’m about the 100th commenter! Great post, great photos. Sail on!
Happy Birthday! I need to bring M out in all this snow we have. SO gorgeous this year.
PS My fave is Margot in the chicken coop. She’s gorgeous, and the chicken is pretty stellar, too.
I am a Mum and Nana, I love your blog, read it every week, so enjoy your sense of wonder and joy in your family and life – you remind me alot of my 2nd daughter, Pip, she to sees wonder and joy in her hubby, son and life .
It is a hot, humid summer in the Pacific – love your pics of the snow. .
Arohanui from Aotearoa
Came back to read and look at the georgous pictures. Snow is just beautiful! And I’ll say it again, I love how you love where you live! Most people I know who are in snow prone areas are grumpy! You don’t ever seem that way. I wish I could love where I live, but we have the other extreme where we are just hot 6 months out of the year. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it. I am 41, not even a chance I will ever like it.
OK, I will quit being grumpy! It is 27 degrees here right now and I am snug as a bug in my home and loving it. No snow, but it’s cold.
Happy Birthday!
:o)
Big Sky Country indeed.
Happy belated birthday.
What a beautiful celebration of life. Thanks for the inspiration and reminder on how to live it. Happy, happy, happy birthday!
It’s fun to wish someone you don’t know Happy Birthday and mean it from the bottom of my heart:) I am one of the many lucky souls who have stumbled across your blog and been warmed by it again and again. You and I share a back to nature mothering style that not everyone buys into. I haven’t thrown out a comment in long time, but today I must because I want to thank you for showing me the sparkle in daily life again. I have suffered the loss of a dear friend and a dear family member recently and with their departure, I’ve struggled to see the sparkle I used to revel in every single day. This list, your list of 33, brought me along way towards the light again. Thank you for reminding me of the things that make my heart sing in my own life:)
LOVE the list!
The great thing about it, is every year there is another “appreciation” to add.
I guess that makes getting older even better, right?
Glad you had a great day, mama!
You deserve it!
Love,
Jen
happy birthday! love your photos and writing! sounds like a you had a wonderful day. i really like the pic of margot carrying her doll. my girls have the same doll, we call her ‘mary’. it used to belong to my sister and i when we were young. fun to see ‘mary’ out for a stroll!
Happy Birthday! It was such a lovely, sunny day!
So glad you had such a great birthday! Nothing like heaps of new snow and sunshine to ring in your 33rd year. Love the mustache laughter, the fluid motion of egg cracking to compost bin (I have a tough time doing that even without a baby on my hip, and when I do I’m totally psyched!), and the completely joyful photo of you and your fam at the ski hill. Here’s to you!
Sounds like a FAB day. Love your list and your outlook on life! Happy Birthday #33!
Is it weird for me to comment here after I emailed a thank you? Well, Thank you again!!!
I’m also inspired to write my own list now. Again, thank you for inspiring.
Can I say it? I LOVE YOU! haha. 🙂 Happy Birthday!
Maybe you can get this comment to your winner who wants to be brave about driving. I also have a fear of driving…I used to be that carefree teenager like you – hopping in my crazy little volkswagen and just going anywhere and everywhere. You can do it!!! I started driving to my sister’s house – about 1 1/2 hours away and did that a lot…then added another place in here and there…gave myself lots of time to get there, good directions, and just took it easy, stop for coffee along the way or some treat to make it special…break it up a bit with a stop in the middle of your drive. Last year I drove myself and my girlies to the city (for us the city is San Francisco) – I was so proud and happy with myself. I have my limits…don’t like to drive in the fog,rain, or at night, but I am doing it!!! You can too!
with love and xoxo, Elizabeth
Happy Birthday.
I love your 33 things I am loving right now. A great birthday tradition.
Happy!! Birthday!! I remember last years birthday list and loved it. You are one amazing mama! And your whole family is so inspirational indeed!
:)Lisa
I love this post! I especially liked showing my daughter Lydia who is 10 and our resident chicken lady the pictures of Margo with chickens. Lydia has a bit of a love hate with her job right now!