Failure

Not everything in life turns out. It's like fiction...and writing.

I was trying to make a bracelet out of my old Starbucks cards. I thought they were plastic. . . right? So, I could shrink them into perfect bracelet charms (do any of you remember shrinky-dinks?)

Well, I tried.

I took my cards and laid them out on wax paper

I punched a hole out so I could string them on a braclet
Then I baked them at 350.

Unfortunately, it didn't work.



But, just because that idea was a complete and utter failure doesn't mean I won't try another project.

It's kind of like writing. Just because one story is rejected doesn't mean I'll give up on writing. Why would one failure have to reflect on another?

I'm not going to give up. I'll keep trying to put my words into stories and my ideas into crafts.

Providence Bridge Pedal

Sunday I woke up with a sore throat and was worried that I wouldn't be able to make the ride but, after a hot shower, I was ready for another busy day.

The Providence Bridge Pedal has a bike ride for every skill level. There is a 38, 24, and 14 mile bike ride option.

We signed up for the easiest of the three. And it helps that it's a party atmosphere here in Portland on the bridges, with live bands, balloons and families riding tandems. I always have a lot of respect for Moms and Dads but I have even more respect for the parents riding with baby buggies attached to the back of their bikes. Of course they had to be in super shape, which I'm not.


I was wishing I would have pulled my bike out earlier than the morning of the ride - if not to get in shape, then at least to check the tires, which were flat.

But 14 miles later we stopped at Starbucks and had an iced coffee - Yummy reward. Then we rode the six miles back home. It was tiring but a lot of fun.


The Providence Bridge Pedal supports the Heart and Vascular Institute at Providence Medical Center. It's a good cause and a fun ride over a lot of the bridges in the city. Plus, if you aren't a bike enthusiast, you can walk a five mile Bridge Stride for the cause.

Did you know that Portland is the number one city for biking in the country? If you're planning a trip to Portland in the next year, you should plan it around the Bridge Pedal/Bridge Stride, you'll end up getting the best views of the city and be heart healthy too.

SEATTLE Weekend - It Was Wonderful

We went to Seattle for a family wedding. Saw family, made new friends - it was all wonderful.

Crossing the river from Oregon to Washington, the Columbia was filled with boats - it must be fishing season.



In Seattle, we went down on the waterfront to get coffee at the first Starbucks.


We walked through Pike Place Market, forgot it was the beginning of Spring Break - WOW - was it ever crowded.



Played a few impromptu games of bball at my cousin's house.



Jake was playing in flip-flops but boy-oh-boy can those boys jump.

It's not always easy to please six people, but we all had a good time.