Just the Facts #16

 

"Open your eyes to the beauty around you, open your mind to the wonders of life, open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself." (Maya Angelou)

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 Happy Friday, everyone! You know what that means – it's Paula Facts time! This week, I'm taking a little trip down memory lane to talk about some of the vacations I went on when I was a kid.

 

    Did you go on vacations when you were little? If so, where did you end up? I'd love to hear about your childhood adventures!

 

1. Growing up, August wasn't just another month; it was the signal for our grand family adventure. We'd spot my dad pulling up in my grandparents' camper, and in a matter of days, our two-week vacation would begin. My mom would orchestrate the packing of clothes and snacks, and together we'd spend an entire day getting the camper spick and span, ready for the open road. The night before departure, we'd practically burst with anticipation, heading to bed early only to wake up while it was still dark. My sister and I would try to steal a few more hours of sleep, but the thrill of the journey was too strong. We'd just lie there, gazing out the window, counting down the minutes until we set off.

 

2.  My parents used to give us ten bucks a day, free rein to buy whatever our hearts desired. And what did I desire? Usually, pens or pencils emblazoned with city names. Pretty thrilling, right? But show me a $1 grab bag, and suddenly, all bets were off. That's where my daily allowance truly vanished. A simple mystery bag was all it took to make my day!

 

3.  My romantic life started early, and I mean early. My first kiss happened at Disneyland when I was just two years old. And let me tell you, I was no shrinking violet. I spotted my man, went full aggressor, grabbed him by his big, floppy ears, and planted a huge one right on Dopey. He probably didn't know what hit him.

 

4.  Our eighth-grade trip to New Mexico was a game-changer for me. I was so fascinated by the Mexican culture that I couldn't stop talking about it! That very summer, my family of four embarked on a New Mexico adventure, exploring Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Soon, visiting the Santuario de Chimayo became an annual pilgrimage for us. As the years went by, our little group grew, with my grandparents and then my sister and her family joining the tradition. It's a place that holds so many memories, especially as both Cuinn and Kyle were blessed there.

 

5. My all-time favorite vacation was an incredible journey through the stunning landscapes of South Dakota and Wyoming. It was a trip packed with iconic sights and unique experiences that I'll never forget.

We kicked off our adventure in Wyoming with a visit to the majestic Devils Tower, a geological wonder that truly inspires awe. Next, we ventured into South Dakota, where we marveled at the monumental Mount Rushmore, a testament to American history and engineering. For a dose of nostalgic fun, we stopped at Flintstone Land, a quirky blast from the past. And finally, we explored the otherworldly beauty of the Badlands, with its dramatic eroded buttes and pinnacles. Each stop offered something different, making for a truly diverse and exciting trip!

 

6.  Living in Colorado means having endless opportunities for amazing getaways right in our backyard. Every summer, my family and I would explore the state, whether it was casting lines in a serene mountain stream, visiting the iconic sights in Colorado Springs, or discovering hidden gems right here in and around Denver.

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

It Has Been Raining For Days

 "Practice the pause. Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you're about to react harshly and you'll avoid doing and saying things you'll later regret." (Lori Deschene)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

    If you're anything like me, you've been looking out your window this past week wondering if the calendar suddenly flipped back to February. Here in Colorado, we've been experiencing a wild stretch of weather, with daily rain showers since Friday. And get this: some areas in the mountains received a foot of fresh snow!

 

    That's right, a foot of snow in late May. Naturally, the ski resorts still open were absolutely thrilled, extending their seasons and giving powder hounds one last hurrah.

 

    The consistent rain means I can probably hold off on watering the lawn until the weekend, which is a nice perk. But the real kicker? Waking up to a genuine chill in the air. So much so that I had to turn the heater on this morning. Yes, in late May, I was cranking up the heat because it felt like winter inside the house!

 

    Out went the shorts and t-shirts, replaced by warm winter clothes. Even my little guy was bundled up in his fleece shirt. It truly felt like a mid-winter day rather than the cusp of summer.

 

    It seems like the long-awaited moisture has finally arrived and decided to stick around for a bit! And honestly, what a relief it is. One of the best perks of this cooler weather is how absolutely wonderful it makes working outdoors. That cool breeze? Pure bliss.

 

    It looks like we're in for a few more days of these fantastic conditions, and we plan to make the most of them. We'll be tidying up the rest of the backyard and finally bringing out all those pots and bags of dirt that have been waiting patiently.

 

    Our goal is to have the yard completely prepped and more things planted into containers by the end of next week. Here's to productive days ahead, enjoying every moment of this perfect outdoor working weather!

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

 

 

Happy Memorial Day

 

Just the Facts #15

 

 

“What we remember from childhood we remember forever — permanent ghosts, stamped, imprinted, eternally seen.” (Cynthia Ozick)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 

Last week, we chatted all about my favorite childhood toys, and guess what? I've got a part two for you today! After I finished writing everything down, my mom reminded me of some other absolute favorites, and it turns out there's enough to fill a whole new blog post. YAY!

 

1. Let’s talk Barbie still! I told you all about my Barbie collection, but not the epic tale of how I got the Barbie Dream House thanks to the Dream Pool.

For Christmas, I wanted the Dream House so bad. I asked my parents, pleaded with Santa, and even wrote him a special letter to tuck into my stocking. Christmas morning finally arrived, and we were tearing into presents, super excited about everything. There was this one big present, and I just knew it had to be the Dream House. I ripped it open and saw the word “Dream,” and I screamed, “I got a Barbie Dream House!” Then I tore off the rest of the wrapping and saw “Pool.” My excited shout quickly turned into, “It’s a Barbie Dream Pool!”

I was genuinely happy with it, especially since I already had the Barbie Town House. But I guess my parents must have picked up on a tiny bit of disappointment in my voice. Fast forward two months to my birthday, and when I came downstairs to the basement, there she was, all put together and waiting for me: the Barbie Dream House! So, I owe a big thank you to the Dream Pool for ultimately leading me to my Dream House. After that, Barbie had her fabulous main house, and Ken got to live in the Town House.

 

2. Oh my goodness, I practically lived in my childhood kitchen playset! It had the whole shebang: a stove, a fridge, and a sink. Seriously, if I wasn't off on some adventure with Barbie, you could bet I was busy playing house. And the best part? All the awesome toy food that came with it! My imaginary culinary creations were endless.

Everything lived in our playroom down in the basement, which was basically my own personal kingdom. Once I'd outgrown it, that beloved playset found a new home with my cousin, who was about five years younger than me. It's so cool thinking about how much joy that playset brought!

 

3. There was this magical box, about the size of a laundry basket, overflowing with toy dishes and pretend food. It was my most prized possession, and it went everywhere with us, especially to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

While the grown-ups were busy chatting, little me would transform into the busiest waitress you ever saw. I'd strut around, pad and pencil in hand (thanks, Dad, for the official order pads from work!), asking everyone for their "orders." Then, I'd hustle back to my box, whipping up whatever imaginary feast they requested. The best part? Watching them pretend to eat every bite! My dad was always the best customer; he'd really get into it. Those were the days!

 

4.  Jacks! Oh man, I totally get it. There's nothing quite like sitting on the kitchen floor while dinner's cooking, just lost in a game of jacks. I remember trying all those tricks, like skipping and trying to scoop up a whole bunch at once. I could seriously play for hours, just trying to get better and better. It was the best!

 

5.  Oh, Mrs. Beasley doll! What a blast from the past! It sounds like you and Mrs. Beasley had some amazing adventures together, even if her glasses went missing in action. It's funny how some toys just stick with us, becoming a part of our childhood stories. From inheriting her after your tomboy sister moved on to playing with her until she was practically in pieces, it's clear Mrs. Beasley was a cherished companion!

 

6. Of all the dolls out there, the Strawberry Shortcake doll was a standout for me. I wasn't really into the Cabbage Patch Kids craze, but the idea of a doll that actually smelled like strawberries? That was pure magic!

My mom told me a funny story about how I got mine. She snagged it the day after Christmas one year, wrapped it up, and then hid it for an entire year! Can you imagine? But when I finally unwrapped it the following Christmas, that strawberry scent was still super strong. It lingered for a couple of years, which was pretty amazing.

 

A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

All About You

 

What a Week

 "If the door closes, quit banging on it! Whatever was behind it, wasn't meant for you. Consider the fact that maybe the door was closed because you were worth so much more than what was on the other side." (Author Unknown)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

    Hope you all had a really wonderful week. And for Mother's Day, however you celebrated (or just spent the day!), I hope it was lovely for you.

 

    Mother's Day this year was a little different than usual! Instead of the typical brunch or whatnot, we hit the theater to see "The Book of Mormon." You know, that hilarious musical from the guys who created South Park? Yep, that's the one!

 

    This was actually our second time seeing it – it was my pick, obviously! The first time it came through Denver was super cool because it kicked off the tour right here after Tony Awards. We lucked out with front-row seats this time, which was PERFECT, especially since we're both on the shorter side and sometimes struggle to see over folks!

 

    I was totally joking beforehand about it being the perfect Mother's Day show, right? But honestly, it really was perfect, especially for my mom. You guys know how tough things have been and the whole emotional roller-coaster she's been on. Seeing her just genuinely laugh throughout the entire show? Man, that was exactly what she needed.

 

After the show, we headed back and dug into some enchiladas I'd made the night before, followed by some yummy coconut cream pie. It wasn't your traditional Mother's Day, but it was definitely a good one!

 

    So, the rest of the week? Yeah, it was... well, okay, I guess.

 

    You won't believe what happened one morning at breakfast, though. Crunch! Mom actually broke a tooth. Turns out it was one they'd already planned on doing a root canal on anyway. She called them right away, and thankfully they got her in a few days later. The thing is, they still really want to do that root canal, but she'd much rather just have them pull it. As you can probably guess, she was not happy about that whole situation.

 

    But honestly, the bigger thing is her pain. It's really been getting worse. She can barely stand up for maybe five minutes now, sometimes even less. It's just heartbreaking for her because she feels so... helpless, you know? Like she can't do anything. My mom always used to be, constantly up and doing things? Now, something as simple as trying to do a load of laundry hurts and just completely wears her out in no time. So, she's been focusing on things she can do sitting down, like folding clothes. It's just really tough to see her struggling with things that used to be so easy.

 

    So, you know how they say you shouldn't plant around here until after Mother's Day? Well, it's been a week since then, and honestly, I haven't gotten anything done in the yard yet! It's been a mix of being super busy on some days and then, of course, getting hit with rain on the others. We definitely need the rain, don't get me wrong, but I am itching to get out there and just clean everything up!

 

    The good news is, after one more appointment, my schedule is clear the rest of the week, so I can finally get outside. I think I'm going to start by planting some lettuce this week and get that going.

 

    Oh, and my mom got some beautiful flowers from my aunt for her birthday! I was originally thinking of putting them in the front containers, but since she can't get out much, I decided it would be better to plant them in the back instead. That way, she can see them every day!

 

    How about you guys? Have any of you managed to start your gardens yet? I'm planning to swing by the garden center soon to grab some tomato plants and other veggies once I get those containers cleaned out. At least I'm starting earlier than last year – I feel like I was barely getting things in the ground in the middle of June! 

 

    So, that's pretty much the scoop on what's been happening over here this past week. It's definitely been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, honestly, just trying to take everything in. Especially tough dealing with everything going on with my mom and her pain and feelings.

 

    But hey, the weather's finally warming up, which is a lifesaver! I'm really looking forward to getting outside and finding some quiet peace in the yard, just pottering around by myself.

 

    Anyway, I hope you guys are all having a really good weekend and feeling refreshed and ready for a fantastic week ahead!

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

 

 

Just the Facts #14

 "Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling." (Kobe Bryant)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

     It looks like its happening, I’m having a brain freeze when it comes to Paula stuff for Friday. I finally figures out what to talk about. This week, the toys that I loved so dearly as a kid.

 

1.  My favorite childhood doll was a small, quirky one! Her body was soft and floppy like a bean bag, covered in bright hot pink material, with a regular doll face and a black and white stocking cap. I called her 'Peppermint Patty.' We were inseparable for ages, and she definitely showed the signs of a well-loved toy! I'm pretty sure she's still around, probably in a box in the basement.

 

2.  Oh, the Sit N Spin! That was pure magic for me. I spent countless hours just spinning and spinning, trying to go as fast as possible. I loved the dizzy rush and how the whole room seemed to swirl when I stopped. It was a sad day when I finally got too big to hop on anymore – definitely a treasured childhood memory!

 

3.  Looking back, it's funny I didn't turn into a baking whiz, because I absolutely adored my Easy-Bake Oven! My parents, the best Santa ever, surprised me with it one year, and they even included a massive box of all those fun mixes. Weekends were my favorite time to pull it out and bake little treats for my mom, dad, and sister. And dad's order was always the chocolate cakes!

 

4.  As a kid, I was all about Groucho Marx and his movies! So, a Groucho ventriloquist doll for my birthday seemed perfect. The funny thing is, this awesome gift turned a bit spooky after dark. It totally gave me the creeps, probably because the horror movie 'Magic' was out at the time and on my mind. I ended up having to sleep with him face down! He's still part of the family, technically, although he's been living in a basement box for a while now.

 

5.  You know, one of my very first favorite toys was a classic corn popper! I was inseparable from it as a kid. My mom still talks about how the never-ending "pop pop pop" sound was the soundtrack to her life back then – I'm pretty sure I tested her patience! There were definitely a few times the corn popper mysteriously vanished for a while, only to reappear later! Because I have such fond memories of it, passing that joy along felt right, so I made sure to get one for my nephew, Cuinn, when he was born.

 

6.  Finally, the Barbie world! My Barbies were such a big part of my childhood happiness. While I loved them dearly, I do remember wishing there was a doll that mirrored how I looked – I even experimented with markers on their hair sometimes! But that didn't overshadow the imaginative play. My Barbie real estate portfolio was strong with both the townhouse and the iconic Dream House, plus the fun Dream Pool. Their rides were pretty sweet too: a cool pink jeep and a bright yellow corvette. I truly cherished playing with them and diligently saved my allowance each week to buy new outfits or furniture pieces, always adding to their little world. Those were truly precious playtime moments.

 

    It's fun to think back on those main toys I loved and played with constantly! It makes me wonder what treasures filled your childhood playtime. Speaking of old toys, my mom just prompted me to look up the "Tiny Tears" doll. Does that spark any memories for you?

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

 

 

 

It's Okay

 

Happy Mother's Day to All You Wonderful Women

 

Just the Facts #13

 "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." (Judy Garland)

 
 Hello, my lovely friends!

     This month, it's all about embracing the beautiful tapestry of my own heritage! After last week's delightful exploration of my Mexican side (we might just have to do a Part Two soon!), we're shifting gears. This week brings us into Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and guess what? My Polynesian heritage fits perfectly here. Ready to learn more?

 

1. Let's talk about the family tree on my dad's side! My grandpa, the adventurous soul, kicked off his story in the Philippines. Now, which island exactly? That's a fun little unsolved puzzle in our family lore – maybe it adds to his mystique! Anyway, in his vibrant twenties, he decided to trade island breezes for the American dream, venturing across the Pacific with one of his brothers. California was their first stop, but it turns out the big buzz (and a fantastic Pacific Island community!) was right here in Denver, which is exactly where he decided to lay down roots. And the rest, as they say, is family history.

 

2. My name's a bit of a family heirloom! My first name, Paula, is a charming tribute to my grandpa, Paul. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more familial, my middle name, Rachel, swings in as a nod to my mom's dad, Raymond. So yes, I'm pretty much named after a couple of awesome grandpas!

 

3. Growing up, the hula wasn't just a dance in our family; it was practically in our DNA! My dad's sister, the legendary Auntie Nancy, swayed with such grace she could make the very palm trees jealous. She then passed that magical hip-swiveling torch to her daughter, who now brilliantly carries on the tradition, teaching the art of the hula. Seriously, if you're a female cousin or a daughter of one, chances are you've got a lei around your neck and some serious moves. Me? I dabbled in the rhythmic swaying as a kid, but alas, my hula career was a short-lived, albeit adorable, chapter.

 

4. My grandpa wasn't just a musician; he was a one-man orchestra, a maestro of mayhem, and a firm believer that every kid should at least attempt to tame an instrument. So, when fifth grade rolled around and our elementary school offered the thrilling (and potentially ear-splitting) opportunity to join band, I knew exactly what I had to do. With the boundless logic of a ten-year-old, I chose the violin – mostly because the school was handing them out like candy.

But when word reached my grandpa that his little prodigy-in-training was tackling the strings, his eyes lit up like a concert hall. He didn't just applaud my choice; he upgraded me from school loaner to family heirloom. He gifted me one of his own violins, a beautiful old soul with stories whispered in its wood. And guess what? That very violin, passed down from a man who lived and breathed music, is still with me today, a tangible echo of his wonderfully musical spirit.

 

5. Get ready to don your leis and grass skirts, because in this family, a "big celebration" isn't just a party – it's an excuse for a full-blown, over-the-top luau! Whether it's a wedding that's tying the knot, a shower showering blessings, or another year around the sun for a birthday superstar, we pull out all the stops.

And yes, that absolutely means we're talking about the star of the show: a succulent, slow-roasted pig, plus a whole delicious island of other Polynesian delights. But the feast is just the beginning! Our entertainment is as vibrant as the aloha spirit itself, featuring dazzling hula dancers, ready to transport you straight to the shores of paradise. It's not just a party; it's an unforgettable, pig-roasting, hip-swaying, lei-wearing extravaganza!

 

6.  Get ready to dive into a linguistic lei of paradise! The Polynesian islands are practically overflowing with incredible languages – we're talking Tahitian, Tagalog, Samoan, Tongan, Māori, and Hawaiian, just to name a few of these beautiful tongues. My family, though? We tend to hang out in the Tagalog and Hawaiian corners of this language playground. Confession time: I'm still very much a beginner, just dipping my toes in, but oh, do I dream of swimming laps in these vibrant vocabularies! And speaking of Tahitian, that's the melodic language that mostly echoes through French Polynesia, which makes perfect sense since that's exactly where my awesome grandpa hailed from!

 

 A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!

A Big Huge Hug of Thanks

 "Never underestimate the healing power of a long, deep breath. Not only does it create inner calm, it gives you space to acknowledge and appreciate that this breath is not your last one." (Lori Deschene)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

Thank you for all the comments, well wishes, and suggestions. It means so much to me to have our wonderful little circle here.I’ll be back tomorrow with Friday Funday! Love you ladies so much! 

                                      

A huge thank you for your lovely visit! Sending you all the cozy and delightful vibes for your morning/afternoon/evening. Until our stars align again!