Summer in Salt Lake City

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

A walking tour of Salt Lake City is what some of us decided on for Saturday. We haven't explored downtown much since we moved back and not by foot much at all. It's been on the list of things to get to. The forecast was 90s for highs so we headed out late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. (Yes it's a "dry heat" but hey, that's hot)

The tour commenced in the car whilst the driver (aka me) wandered around downtown looking for a place to park. This took a long time. Imagine a long, long time of me making discouraging comments about my ability to locate such a spot, the other drivers, and the unfortunate placement of detour signs. I am so not the person for that job. I can't spot the spots until I am right up past them. Easily overstimulated. Poor sense of direction. Just not my strong suit all around. So the parking part was not fun.

The walking with the camera part was more fun. It always is. : ) We started from west Temple Square.

Checking directions and where to find the Apple Store and dinner.

We spent some time shopping at City Creek which is about as lovely as it gets. Feels way more like a European market town than an outdoor mall. BUT it has West Elm and Anthropologie. Win, win. I found two books we are going to talk about more this week at Anthropologie of all places. I am a little obsessed with them. More to follow.

Walking towards the Salt Palace.

The Capitol Theater is being reno'd and the sidewalk opposite was as well unfortunately. Such a fabulous facade even if I can only share a peek of it. It was just cotton candy colored wonderfulness. Like a vintage carousel on a wall.

Oldest and youngest sons : )

We stopped for dinner and then walked back to the van. It was absolutely ideal weather by then. Balmy without a hint of breeze. That meant the reflecting pool at Temple Square was able to do its job nicely. After waiting for it to settle again after a certain 10yo tossed a pebble in. ; D

There is never enough time when you see your adult kids. This is the pain of this stage of life as opposed to the sheer exhaustion of the early years of parenting. It's what causes old moms to say all those annoying things about cherish the moment and these days are over too fast and blahblahblah. We know it's annoying. We can't stop ourselves. The words tumble out of our mouths even while our inner younger mom selves remember exactly how exasperating those comments were. But for real, y'all. You become greedy with these moments that once seemed to defy all laws of time passage.

These were my moments this weekend. They are over now but they were wonderful.

Spiritual Preparation of the Teacher – Montessori

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

While rereading one of my favorite old books (here) I found this gem that went into my commonplace/quote book (housed in 99 cent composition books):

"He must rid his heart of pride and anger. He must learn how to humble himself and be clothed with charity. These are the virtues he must acquire and this inner preparation will give him the balance and poise which he will need…We insist on the fact that a teacher must prepare himself interiorly by systematically studying himself so that he can tear out his most deeply rooted defects, those in fact which impede his relations with children." - Maria Montessori The Secret of Childhood

everyday miracles

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”

Tim Hansel, You Gotta Keep Dancing

yee-haw!

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

One of the highlights of the summer was daughter date with Alannah to the rodeo. As you approach the fairgrounds your heart beats a little bit faster. Boots and hats at every turn. Flags flying and music playing. Everything that's good about Americana was there in abundance.

We went on military appreciation night and they did not disappoint. Mounted flag bearers from all branches of the military rode in. Skydivers brought in the various branch flags.

And Old Glory.

By the time we got to the riderless horse I had to put my sunglasses back on. After 30 yrs with the USAF and now several more as an Army mom, I am a puddle by the time the anthems are over. It's just a lot for a heart.

We were treated to an incredible show with a fabulous emcee and clown duo. And even better music selection.

And those faces. : )

We left the park after dark, totally pumped up. It was one of those nights that renews your faith in your fellow man.

the small moment

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

"Whether one looks at a star, a child, a moment of sorrow, or a time of gladness,

blessed is the ordinary.

I believe the small moment is the carrier of God's more endearing gift, and that it must not be permitted to slip away unsavored and unappreciated."

Gerhard Frost

Noticing and savoring lately….

Summer at Hickory Hill Farm

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Before this summer is completely over I am determined to document the things we have seen and places we have been together. I'm serious. Gonna try anyway. First stop…Wisconsin.

When we were in Wisconsin we were able to catch up with an old school friend. About the same time we left the Rockies for our European adventure some years ago, Gretchen left the Rockies to create a new life for her family back on the soil she grew up on. Back in the day her parents had farmed this land and sold Shaklee vitamins to my husbands folks. She inherited their love for the natural world and the great outdoors. When both parents were gone she had a vision to bring the old homestead back to life as a modern market farm and is working hard to do just that.

It is a year round effort to cultivate Hickory Hill Farm. Nothing goes to waste. In the spring they tap the sugar maples for syrup. Summer time they hit the farmers markets with organic veggies, eggs, edible flowers and wild-gathered herbs. In the fall they harvest corn, spelt, and wheat. Winter brings fresh cut pine and dried roots to the market stalls. In between there is weeding, mending, reparing, building. It's just awesome. It's a lot of work. A way lot. Food, it's a miracle truly.

Once upon a time I thought this was my destiny. It turns out I was wrong but it is super inspiring for me to follow Gretchen's journey. She is amazing. So glad we were able to visit in person.

And, people? If you have never looked out over a lush, central Wisconsin valley and smelled the veggies and grain ripening in the heat or felt the rain pelt down from heavy clouds overhead, you don't know what you are missing.

It was good to be back.

indecision

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

I love that this moment is sort of suspended in time now with the click of the shutter. Intrigued, tempted, but stopping for a second to see how that works out first.

So very her.

Lately

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

It's been almost a sure thing lately that if I sit and type it detonates a kid bomb someplace else in the house. Or I begin to nod off because the days have been full and I should be in bed instead of typing.

You probably cannot relate whatsoever right?

A very "lately" update. Lately….

– Our oldest's beloved of several years has moved in with us while they save and plan their future. It is a singular blessing that as big kids get busier and busier and leave altogether we sometimes get to borrow another for a season. As it turns out this awesome young woman also does math. MATHEMATICS. Math problems. (insert a moment of silence here) God is good, people. She quickly and enthusiastically began to trouble shoot any math challenge happening as we wrap up the bigger kids' straggler assignments from the 'big move year.'

– The sewing machine is set up. I am picking up odds and ends that didn't complete the move with the rest of their group – thread etc. Next up is some hemming/altering and some Christmas crafts. Because why? Because you do those now or it's just too late.

– It's raining and 65 this morning. That never happens. It will soon stop happening and be 95 again. Today is awesome.

– We moved bedrooms around some when Julie came. The boys have their own dorm of sorts now and needed another twin bed. I got on our local craigslist equivalent Saturday night, found a pair of vintage solid wood twins very like the ones we have. We picked them up this weekend for FREE. They are as beat up as the ones we have but it doesn't matter. We are stripping them all and hoping to restore them to Leave it to Beaver, 50's era boy room glory. Husband volunteered to head up this project. You heard him. We are holding him to this.

– on a related note we began looking around at what we could potentially sell and listed a non-working lawn mower the previous owners left here. It sold immediately, paying for our drive to get the beds and all the refinishing supplies. Looking around for more stuff now!

– A thrift shop trip is happening this week for miscellaneous containers to store a plethora of DIY cleaners and condiments. Homemade gatorade. You name it. This country has more delightful household and workout and snack products than you can shake a stick at. My wallet has not been as impressed as my children have been. Serious DIY happening in the kitchen this week.

-I have been a pinning fool, preparing for the above plus the new school year. It looks like with a few tweaks we have most everyone doing American history and life sciences this year. (even the college student!) I am amassing videos, books, and hands on extras. If you want to follow along, hit me up over there.

– Lots of wonderful stories every night. The girls are completely absorbed with Brambly Hedge right now after looking at the anthology cross-eyed when I brought it home. As it turns out it meshes perfectly with the Sylvanian Family/Woodzeez obsession they share with their new neighbor friend. Tiny felted critter village underfoot. I love this. I'm just gonna say it. I want to live in Brambly Hedge. Short of that, I would like Jill Barklem as my personal decorator.

– We are taking advantage of every festival, parade, live music event we can in our new locale. After one such outing with husband and Brendan we splurged and went to the 'fancy' Italian restaurant where I used to meet my mom friends when we lived her 15 yrs ago. Alfresco dinner for three with my guys follows here:

What? You write right on the tablecoth? For real? Why yes. : )

Paleo, where e'er you go. Thank you Tucci's.

I think half the people under this roof need rides to someplace else today. Abbie needs a footwear upgrade. She says she is looking for some 'country style shoes' specifically. What are those I asked. She can't say exactly but she assures me she will know them when she sees them.

Good enough. We are off to see what we can do.

Hope your 'lately' has been awesome.

Where’s Archie?

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

When I saw him crashed on the bathroom rug the other day I knew I better get pictures before he doesn't fit on it at all.

We call this rug his Poodle Puppy Camo….

zzz…..

Horse and Hitch Parade, Ogden, UT

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Kim Halloran-Fry

Ogden, Utah has kicked off its annual Pioneer Days celebration. Many cities across the state have a holiday air around July 24, the commeration of Brigham Young and his followers entering the state. It has grown to emcompass a wider celebration of the pioneer spirit and the people who are keeping it alive today.

There are all sorts of western events this month. We didn't want to miss the Horse and Hitch parade, epitome of home grown fun. People line the downtown streets to watch local groups and stables parade down the wide boulevards, many in costume. Big people and very little people cowboy up on this kick-off evening.

Americana at its finest. Love. I hope when my kids think back on summer they think sidewalks and sandals and flying candy and marching bands. Magic doesn't have to break the bank. It most definitely doesn't exclude those who aren't blessed with bulging pocketbooks. Dad's folding chair lined up next to your's on a summer evening trumps the hundred dollar Disney pass and hour long lines. Every.single.time. : )

Thought you might want to take a look around downtown while we are at it. Each year the painted horses are on display in Ogden, painted to showcase some part of local culture.

Starry Sky Journal

Reflections from Starry Sky Ranch

Category Archives: The Ranch Hands