A Place Like This

Category: Just living

  • This First Day in December

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in ,

    Here we are, the first day in December. I always love this day because it sort of gives us permission. Permission to go inside and get cozy. To make and drink the best cups of coffee. Oh and of course eat the most wonderful sweets. To light the dark in a magical sort of way.…

  • Robin Hood Boy

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
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    A year ago my little family and I made our first trip to Maine. My young son who has had a fascination with bows and arrows for the last three years couldn't help being in awe as we were visiting the L.L Bean headquarters in Freeport Maine. There, they have the nicest bow and arrow…

  • A Bright Light Remembered

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
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    In the past I've mentioned a woman who has inspired me to think about how each and every one of us can contribute. About a year and a half ago I planted 75 trees, 15 trees for each of my immediate family members to contribute to reforesting the planet. Sadly I bear the news that…

  • These Summer Days

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

      Walk in the rain, Smell flowers, stop along the way, build sandcastles,   go on field trips, find out how things work,   tell stories, say the magic words, trust the universe.       -Bruce Williamson These words sum up our summer perfectly. I've been busy crafting, working on articles and books, and…

  • Weekending

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    This weekend gave the gift of getting away. Before leaving however, I noticed a new fairy family moved into the neighborhood. I wonder who they could be? A very rare and special occasion lend-ed itself to my best Swedish buddy Jenny and I as we headed up to our little mountain cabin aka "The Stuga",…

  • Right Now I Am and KAL

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    Valarie Budayr
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    Right now I am enjoying the thrill of power washing. I love watching the dirt roll away and the pristine beauty it leaves behind. Everything has been washed from driveways, to the house, patio and pool deck. I just can't seem to quit. Would you like me to come over and power wash for you?…

  • Carpe Diem or Seize the Day

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in ,

    After a very long night of sitting three hours on a tarmac at Laguardia airport in NYC and then the flight finally being cancelled.  After the desk agent at Delta refused to help anyone because all flights were booked for the following day and he didn't want to deal with it. After returning to my…

  • A Day With Imene and KAL

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    Valarie Budayr
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    My time in NYC last week was fantastic. I saw three Broadway shows, ate till my hearts content, walked in central park, was surrounded by more books than one could imagine, and I got to meet a very special friend. Imene and I have been blogging friends for a couple of years now. We share…

  • The Jumpeeezzzzzzz

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    Throughout her life she's bounced on the sofas, chairs, beds, trampolenes, porches, diving boards, bottom of the sea, in grocery stores, (especially the frozen food aisle),  skis, and anything else that looks bounceable. Our dock was no different. Waiting for her brother and sister to come in on the boat, she requested that I take…

  • Family Day at the Lake

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    by

    Valarie Budayr
    in

    It had been too long since we had been together. All of us in the same room that is. While our Mimi was away at school we had connected via facebook, email, skype, and cell phones. We had gone to see our girl at separate times, but the family all together hadn't happened since December. …