Category Archives: Reflections

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

Hawaii

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What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

I can’t really think of a meal that was so expensive, that I paid. I know my mom had bought expensive meals. I know my swim coach has. But until my husband and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon; we eat mostly fast foods. Cheap. Affordable.

But Hawaii, we discovered a restaurant that served fish tacos, with a pineapple salsa…so delicious!!

We ate there so many times. But we discovered that dinner prices are way more than lunch. Because yes, we went to the same restaurant for both lunch and dinner. And while lunch was $25 for the fish taco meal; dinner was $50 for the same meal.

So that night the dinner was close to $150!! Which is way too much money. When the same meal was $60 at lunchtime.

So I don’t know if I would say it was worth it, but we did eat their fish tacos multiple time on our trip. But only for lunch. We lived more practical on our honeymoon. We cooked breakfast and dinner in our rented condo. We also bought coffee and beer from Costco. (Kona coffee…best coffee ever!!)

So eating the tacos was worth it. But what made the trip extra awesome, was stuffing my suitcase with Hawaiian Costco coffee. We gave some as gifts when we returned, but we kept most of it for ourselves. 😎

Taken in Hawaii on a cruise. Where I got sea sick! Haha 😂
Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

At Least It’s Not One.

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List 30 things that make you happy.

  1. God! Knowing He is always with me, gives me peace of mind!
  2. My family. This includes everyone. My husband, my kids, my mom, husband’s family, my siblings, grandparents, etc.
  3. My job. Even though I complain about being a mom sometimes, it is still the best job in the world. Just a lot of work.
  4. Chocolate. Yes. Straight to chocolate! But that’s what I’m wanting right now.
  5. Socks. Especially my Winnie the Pooh socks. My kids got them for me two Christmas’ ago.
  6. Organization! Not my own stuff. Other people’s stuff only. Like when my husband makes a mess in his shop, and I get to clean it up and put things away, that makes me happy.
  7. Art!! I forgot art. Art should have been before chocolate, but it can be here. All kinds of art. Painting, drawing, markers, pastels, paper machete, sculpting, etc.
  8. Playing with my babies. I asked my kids what makes me happy, and they insisted I needed this on the list. And it’s true. But it was funny that they insisted this made me happy. Not them happy. Haha!
  9. My car. My husband replaced my car that we had to sell. He got me a seven seat car!! It’s so awesome. I can separate my older kids. I can fit all my stuff.
  10. Cooking. Cooking does make me happy. I love cooking. The cleaning up after cooking…not so much. Haha
  11. Dried mango. Mango is so delicious. And for a while it was awesome because my husband doesn’t like mango. However, my son loves mango, and now my daughter likes mango. But my kiddos only like the sweet pieces. So I’m stuck with the sour ones.
  12. Being married to my husband. This one should have been first. But… my hubby!! He is the best person that ever came into my life.
  13. Chocolate Pudding. I know that should count towards chocolate. But my homemade pudding is in a category all by itself.
  14. Watching movies. I know this is kind of generic. But I do enjoy watching movies. But the same movies over and over again. Like I just watched the new Godzilla movie. I like that movie.
  15. Yard work. I love being in dirt. Mud. Mud is fun!! But planting a garden. Keeping up on flowers. I’m excited to being in my mom’s yard.
  16. Skorts. I like shorts. And I like skirts. But something about wearing a skirt, and knowing your underwear’s won’t show is a nice feeling.
  17. My new black shoes. My husband bought me a nice pair of shoes and I wear them everyday. I used to be someone that like to wear a different pair of shoes, but now I wear my black shoes with shorts, pants, skirts, and even dresses.
  18. Swimming. This should be an earlier number too. But swimming is what makes my body relax and feel energized. Or at least that’s what I remember.
  19. Dancing. I like to dance. But I also like to watch dancing. Any style that is done tasteful. Which doesn’t surprise me that my daughter also loves dancing.
  20. Seeing my husband with his son. To me seeing a man with his son is one of the cutest things. My husband with his daughters is super cute too. I guess seeing Father’s with their kids.
  21. Cardboard boxes. I guess I’m still a kid at heart. But when we get a large cardboard box, I instantly want to make a little house. With a door and windows.
  22. Reading my short stories. I actually read through my short stories often. When I want to read something. That I know has nothing inappropriate. Just feel good stories, that what I reread.
  23. Finishing. Seems like an easy thing to do but for me it is sometimes impossible. Like even writing this post. I’ve had to stop four times. Finishing a painting. Finishing a short story. I never seem to finish my long stories…but I will someday.
  24. Creative writing. I’m assuming you know this. But I really do love writing. And I do really get my ideas from dreams. Or when I daydream.
  25. Ross: Dress for less. I really do like that store. I haven’t been for a long time, but I remember liking finding gems in the chaos. But I also like thrift stores. The thrift store in our town is every item is $1. I’ve gotten great things over the years that I would have never been able to buy originally.
  26. Wandering. I like wandering in stores. We don’t have to buy anything; but I like looking at things with no crunch for time. This was my husband’s and I’s normal date, while first dating. We would walk around Home Depot and Lowe’s. Costco, Bass Pro, etc.
  27. BBQ ribs. Another food that should have been listed farther up. But yes, I love bbq ribs. My husband’s recipe. If my hubby didn’t stop me I could eat all of them! And I don’t use a napping until I’m done, my bbq stained face is my medal.
  28. Baby animals. Almost all baby animals make me smile. Tiger cubs, kittens, and baby hippos. Those are just my kids favorite animals, so I see those pictures often. But puppies too.
  29. Doing my daughter’s hair. When she allows me to braid, put up, style, her hair; it makes me happy. When she became the age to want to do her hair I was huge pregnant with my newest daughter; so I was exhausted. So sadly she taught herself. And now she wants to do it by herself, even when I have time. But I’m happy when I get to.
  30. Rain. I’ve come to realize that I’m not a huge fan of snow. Living in the North has shown me I don’t like being wet and cold. But rain is the exception. I like to run around and play in the rain with my kids. Or find worms the next day. Rain is fun.

This was actually really hard to fill in. But I like these types of prompts. It makes you think about what truly matters.

On the funny side…

My son said, going potty. Haha! It was a good laugh!!

Leaving in two days. So I had a chance to write this post, but I won’t for a while. Unless is one of my many drafted short stories. Those are easy for me to write.

“Sailing In The Clouds”
Photography By: emily2jane 08-04-25

It really looks like a sailboat is sailing on the cloud waves. Also looks like a moon…

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Me!

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How would you describe yourself to someone who can’t see you?

I am tall. Shorter than a stop sign, but taller than a little old lady.

I have dark brown, soft, full, wavy, curly, and straight hair. When I let it grow out, it’s almost to my butt, but currently it’s to my shoulder blades. However, I always have it in a bun or braid, because my children like to play with it; if it’s free. and it’s almost like a dark chocolate color.

My clothes are comfortable. With being a mom, I want comfort and coverage. Because my it seems like my only time to sit, is when we are going grocery shopping. When I was a teenager, I would wear all colors! Any patterns! My clothes were fun and different. Now I stick to gemstone colors. Dark blues, dark pinks, purples. It’s kind of boring really, but I won’t be able to wear my fun clothes until my kids are all above two.

I’m naturally quiet. You may not even realize I’m with you. I like to just sit and listen, and doodle. But that was before being a mom. Instead I’m running around chasing my kids. Constantly telling them to leave their siblings alone. I feel like everyone is watching me. But thankfully, I have kids who are polite and somewhat well behaved in public. Once home, all bets are off; but I get told several times, that my kids are so well behaved. I smile, but inside I say, ‘if you only knew.’

I’m an artist. Or at least I really want to be one again. I’ve been so busy that I haven’t drawn or painted anything. I miss smelling like paint. Or having market stains on my fingers. But my kids come first.

I’m a swimmer. So I have a swimmer build. Even though I’m about twenty pounds overweight, I still seem fit. It’s just the mama pouch that is hard to get rid off, after kids. All moms know what I’m talking about. But I miss smelling like chlorine. I miss my body hurting because swimming is the best exercise for me. But we don’t live next to a pool, also I have a seven month old that needs mama almost every thirty minutes.

So I’m me, but I’m not me. But not forever. Someday I will wear loud clothes, smell like paint, and have chlorinated smelling hair. Someday…

Taken on the 4th

Most of my art is mostly just photography. All on my phone. Nothing special. But mostly of my kiddos.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Both I Think.

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Are you seeking security or adventure?

I’m excited to try something new, but I want to get established quickly so that I have that sense of security.

Like right now, we are good. No debts, no overhead, no stress. But if my husband’s new job doesn’t take off the way we are hoping then we will be screwed.

So it’s terrifying to drop everything and try something new, but my husband’s last job was slowly killing him. So we had to switch things up.

So, yes I’m excited for change, but I want security hopefully in the next few months. Just for peace of mind.

‘Peace’ by emily2jane 07-04-25

Edited photo from night time. From 4th of July fireworks.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Why One?

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What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

Since I make everything myself now I’m going to list some for my past.

I can remember when I was fifteen. My older sister made me a pb&j sandwich. It was so delicious. She got the peanut butter, jam ratio right. She picked out all the chunks of strawberries from the jam. Maybe it was extra delicious since it was made for me. But the sandwich is still in my memory.

Next I think would be when my mama got me my own tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream. We went down for a visit; and at the time, ice cream was a luxury. So she got me my own. I ate that whole thing in one sitting. Haha! Probably not the smartest thing to do, but my husband wasn’t there to be my voice of reason. But it was so delicious!

Jim’s fries. I think Jim’s fries will always be drilled into my brain. I remember that Jim’s fries used to be a dinner. Mom and I would order a large Jim’s fries and we would eat them until we were full! When I make fries now I try and get them close to Jim’s fries. So good.

Ramen noodles. I made them for myself one day. But my brothers came home, one after the other. And I made three ramen packets that day. I know at the time it was super delicious, but it probably was extra yummy since I got to make my brothers some food too.

Another would have to be when my mom made fresh bread for the first time. We were at the Duarte house. Fresh bread is always delicious, but it was probably extra delicious since I made it with my mom.

My sister’s chocolate cake. My sister is a master at chocolate cake. I’m bummed I can’t eat it anymore, because of the sugar) but they were perfection.

So many things you can remember loving throughout your life. But for me it was the people I was with that made it extra special.

Love the people in your life. Cook a meal, or share a meal with your loved ones. Have a great Friday!! ❤️

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

A Family Answer.

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If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?

My husband was home so I decided to ask everyone.

So for me I would wear my long black skirt/ dress. It can be either. I could hem up the length to make it any length. I would wear a tank top under my long sleeve button up. ( my grandma’s shirt). This outfit would give me various looks. It’s one look, but I could still look different. Haha!! I don’t know if that’s allowed, but if it’s not specified it’s allowed.

My six year old daughter: Princess dress, with shorts underneath for playing, ruffle socks, and sparkly princess shoes. Pretty much what I expected. I know my kids.

Husband: His answer was simple of course. Haha! Jeans, gray shirt, belt, socks no holes, Merrel shoes. That’s it. Which is really funny. Because that pretty much what he wears everyday. I would probably choose him his cargo shorts that have zip sections too. So they can be pants or shorts. But that’s just me planning ahead.

My almost three year old son: he didn’t want to answer. So choose for him. Shorts, Hawaiian shirt, black clip on tie, Spider-Man shoes.

Baby Nugget: She would probably say just a diaper. She gets hot easily. But I would choose her a shirt, skort combo. Because she likes to suck on her shirt. And a skort is just some added defense for the floor against a poopy diaper.

Hope the various answers were fun to read. It was fun for me to make it a family day.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Foods.

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What countries do you want to visit?

My thoughts on the past was where would I want to go for the different cuisine. But now that I make everything myself that list has dwindled down.

Original list:

Paris, London, Greece, Italy, China.

However now that list has changed because of our diet.

New list:

I originally wanted to go to Paris to eat all the baked goods. The chocolate desserts. Yum! But now we don’t eat refined sugar. So unless their chocolate is made with coconut sugar or honey, I wouldn’t be able to eat it. So maybe I’ll just go for the breads. Because in Europe they don’t have the preservative folic acid, which I am allergic to. So I can eat all the breads and not get sick. I’ve switched to a pure flour down here; but I’m constantly making bread, because it only lasts well three days.

London. Because of the beans on toast. I love toast, and I loved beans. I thought the combination would have been delicious. However now I don’t eat beans. Not because I don’t want to, but because it affects the baby I’m feeding through breast milk. It gives them terrible gas. So for the sake of my babies I won’t eat beans until I’m done having kids. Also, not to critique, I’m not a big fan of the rest of their foods. So maybe just go there to sightsee.

Greece. I think Greece is a place I would eat anything the offer. Because I really want to go there. The pictures are so beautiful!

Italy. Is another place I desperately want to go. The pastas!! I love pasta. I would love to learn how to make fresh pasta from a chef in Italy. That would be amazing. They also don’t use the folic acid preservative. So I could eat it all!! And I would eat them all!! Hopefully can go there in the future with the hubby.

China. I really wanted to go for the authentic Chinese foods. But sadly we cut out soy from our diet. I make my open sauces now. I also only use coconut sugar. So I wouldn’t be able to eat anything there. No soy, no msg, so refined sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no natural flavors, etc. So I won’t be going.

So I guess Paris, Italy, and Greece is left. Maybe I’ll go to Paris for bread and art. Italy for all the pasta. And Greece for the foods, scenery, the people, the history, etc. Three places should be easy to accomplish in this lifetime. But we will see.

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Reflections

I actually can’t think of anything.

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What’s the oldest thing you own that you still use daily?

I know there is probably something. But most of my stuff is packed away in storage.

Currently I don’t think I have something tangible.

Like I could say my brain. I’ve had it all my life and I daily use it. Even though my husband would argue that. Haha!

My blog. I’ve had it almost fifteen years. But I can’t say I use it daily. I’m trying to change that.

One I just thought of is my Bible. I believe I bought my Bible about fifteen years ago. And sadly I can’t say I use it daily. Which I should say I do. But honestly I don’t. I’ll change that too.

With life being so drastically different I don’t really have an answer to this prompt….which is just sad.

But still. Enjoy your Sunday! ❤️

Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

Top 5

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List your top 5 favorite fruits.

Apples. I love apples. I always have. You know the scene from Harry Potter and the Sorceres’ Stone…where it’s the grand feast; I called out apples the first time I watched it. Haha!

Cantaloupe. I love cantaloupe as well! I love it dipped in vanilla moose. So delicious. But my daughter is allergic to it, so the only time I get to indulge in cantaloupe is when I’m visiting my mama.

Peaches! Fresh! In the summer, they just melt in your mouth. You can make peach sherbet….now I want peaches!!

Strawberries. Straight off the vine, is best. But I love strawberries. Fresh from a farm in late May is the best! Strawberry jam is also divine, but no chunks! My son usually steals my strawberries.

I think my 5th would be blackberries. Off the vine as well. Blackberry jam, blackberry ice cream, in yogurt, just plain. So yummy!! But do you ever get to make these things with fresh blackberries? No. Instead they end up in my tummy.

Apples 🍎
Art, Creativity, Daily Prompts, Life As A Mama, Reflections

A Long Sweater Thing.

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What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

So I am the youngest of three daughters. So hammy downs. Lots and lots of hammy downs!

But since I’m traveling, I’m wearing exercise pants that are 15 years old, always mine. Socks that are 5 years old. A shirt that is only 3 1/2 years old. But also a long tan colored sweater thing. I don’t really know what to call it. It’s one of those sweaters that you wear with a dress so that your spaghetti straps don’t show in church. But this one is long. Long enough that it covers my butt. Which I planned for, because of my exercise pants. (I don’t like to wear form-fitting exercise pants in public.) But sweater thing saves the day.

But this sweater was my oldest sister’s. And she gave it to me maybe 6 years ago. She was cleaning her closet. But she had it since junior high. So 27 years ago. Wow! But that is awesome!! If it survives I’ll pass it down to my daughter. It will live on! But these exercise pants are a bit snug… three babies later, I’m not as small as I used to be at 15. But I’m traveling; I didn’t want seams.

But my niece would approve of my socks, they are Winnie the Poo characters.

Have a blessed weekend 💕

My outfit

Forgive me. I’m drawing on my phone, with my finger, in a truck, on a bumpy road. Haha 😂