November In Review

November went by so fast, and the year is nearly over.

The weather turned very cold, so bundling up was necessary. Despite that we were still able to see family and friends, enjoy the holidays, have some walks on the beach and get a lot of work done.

1) Flounder… 2) …flounder. 3) Porch #watchercat, 4) And another warm inside.

#watchercats were out, finding sunny spots this month. We tried to save a flounder on the beach, and hung out with Flounder at home.

1) Morning light. 2) Afternoon light with a friend. 3) Morning essentials. 4) Giants in the sky.

We traveled only a little this month, heading to Brooklyn a few times and visiting a few toy shows around NJ.

Our holidays were very relaxed and we were super happy to see family and friends.

1) Recipe coming soon. 2) A little bit of zen. 3) Holidays collide. 4) Instant collection.

Over all it was a really good month! We’ve started to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new year. Here comes December!

October in Review

October was a super smooth month. So smooth, I can barely remember what happened. Not it a bad way! I felt calm and at peace most of October and it was a great month where we got to see family and friends, got to explore our favorite places, got to eat and make merry!

1) Perfect watcher in Allentown, NJ. 2) Practically obscured in Asbury Park, NJ. 3) Hairless and serene in Ocean Grove, NJ. 4) A friend and visitor at home.

We saw so many #watchercats and #watcherdogs this month! It was glorious!! We also got to spend time with friend cats! And as usual we took time to care for our own cat family.

1) The Great Swamp. 2) A prayer for the beach. 3) Dinos in strange places. 4) Bee mine.

Visiting new place in our state is always fun and we got the chance to explore! We also made a now rare visit to Brooklyn. We had friendly dinners, coffee dates, and guests!

1) TWIX! 2) A lovely fence sitter. 3) Porch cat in Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Cat sitting for Garfield!

October was a pleasure. As the weather turns, and Winter’s on it’s way, let’s say hello to November!

September in Review

My goodness, September is over already. It was a great month and I’ve talked already about how September is one of my favorite time of year Down the Shore. This month was the perfect local’s summer with visitors, Sept swims, visits to our favorite towns, cats, #watchercats, plus more adventures!

1) A rainy day in Bayhead, NJ. 2) The sky over Wesley Lake. 3) Backyard tendrils. 4) Exploring in Howell, NJ.

It was important for us to see friends this month and we were lucky to have some come to stay with us. We were able to relax and explore. We were able to travel around NJ a little this month which is a favorite past time.

1) Porch #watchercat. 2) Irving, watching. 3) Bond Street buddy! 4) And a brother to #1.

The weather in September was so great and the #watchercats loved it!

1) This crow was loud. 2) This moth was huge! 3) This caterpillar was huger!! 4) This crane was pretty chill.

We were able to observe a lot of animals and plants this month. We took a lot of walks which is one of our favorite activities. This was something we missed doing more in the Summer when our schedules are more hectic.

We tried to spend a lot of quality time at home this month, too. We were able to take care of our family in Sept which is a great feeling!

September was everything I hoped it would be! And Local’s Summer isn’t over! I can’t wait for October to settle into Fall!

August in Review

Phew, is it just me or is time actually moving faster???

August was hot and fast and hard and fun and good. 
Somehow, whether I want to or not, I end up taking a Summer break in Aug. The pace of life is just so frenetic, something has to give and a this blog, or some of my creative outlets are usually what has to be suspended. We got so much done this month, professionally and personally,  and I'm happy with where I am. Overall, August was a good month.

1) There were a lot of hot Summer #watchercats this month. This one was hanging out on Comstock Street. 2) Not a #watchercat but a watching cat none the less. 3) My own baby, watching. 4) Air conditioned on 2nd Ave. 

1) My mom and I saw these sunnies on one of our Wednesday lunch dates. 2) Speaking of my mother, she gave me a clipping of her abundant clematis but this is the first year it's really grown wild! 3) We went monarch hunting and we only found this sweet fellow. 4) Between heat waves, August had rain. 

Although August went at a breakneck speed, I feel like I got a lot done and learned a lot. But now I need a rest. I'm exceedingly excited for Sept, and for Local's Summer. Let's see how it goes. 

July In Review

July went by in a flash. Summer has been mostly mild which might be part of the reason this month felt so easy and went so fast. We did a ton this month, too, so that might be it also!

Tom, our oldest cat, had surgery this month, and he's recovering really well!
We gardened a ton, and ate our harvests!
We visited some new spots in NJ (like the Bear Creek Herbary) and some old spots that we love!
Our friends who only love here in the Summer came back and we had walks, talks, and BBQs!
We went to the beach, took morning walks, and explored our neighborhood!
We spent time with family, exploring, eating and enjoying Summer days and nights. 

1) Tom and out new chair. 2) Tiny mushrooms that like the shade of our kale. 3) We love this fashionable dill loving caterpillars from our friends garden. 4) A lop to visit. 

We saw so many critters this month. We took care of cats, garden, and house. 

1) Sunset at the Lake with my father. 2) New cat in town. 3) Where is this mini car going and can I go too? 4) Asbury Park does the fourth right. 

We saw rain and heat, cool lakes, and cool cars. Pinks, whites, reds of all shades and purple! 

1) I still want my echinacea tattoo and every Summer is a reminder. 2) I'm smoothie bowl crazed again. 3) Purple at the beach... and 4) a rainbow of tomatoes. 

#watchercats were out in July! I tend to see them earlier in the day or at evening time. In the heat of the day, where do they go?

1) Almost hidden on Third Ave. 2) A bunny at the bookshop. 3) Chilling at 1104. 4) #watcherdog is watching you. 

Normally in July and August I tend to take a break from the blog, but since I had an unexpected hiatus early this year, and bc I have been so passionate about my content, I have not felt that Summer slump this year. It might seems like something small but I'm so excited about it!

How are you feeling half way thru Summer (or Winter if that's where you are)? July was a breeze. August, how will your winds blow?

June In Review

You know when you sit down to start something at your desk, or you set out for your morning run, or you get ready to walk in to an event, or work, and you say to yourself internally "OKAY"?

Like, "okay, let's get started", like "okay, we're gonna do this", or "okay, let's get down to business". That's how I approached June. Maybe that's how I approach every month (day?). I knew June was gonna be a thing. I just didn't know what thing it would be. 

Turns out, June was great, but hard. June helped me sit down and reassess what my goals are and what the rest of 2018 might look like. We did a lot of our regular things in June, too! We saw family and friends, watchercats, we saw a lot of bees this month!

1) Bees, 2) Bees, 3) Bees... 4) and a sea princess. 

The month started out for me in a different state so we did get to travel some in June. We got to visit beaches, pine barrens, and hang out in our city. 

1) The cutest #myfavoritetrucksofasburypark. 2) Funeral home #watchercat. 3) Gazing. 4) and Yawning. 

Since high season is here, June saw us working a lot! But we made time to tend the garden, have our first (and hopefully last) yard sale, and do household things, although never as much as we would like.  

1) All the great signage. 2) Pink in Point Pleasant in NJ. 3) We replanted this rose and it had one big bloom. 4) Weekly challenge #1!

June was hard, but I feel it set me up for some great things to come. I have a lot planned for July, so let's get started, okay?

May In Review

May went by in a blur. I took an unexpected hiatus from the blog, saw so many friends and family, made new friends, found watchercats, worked on the house, took long walks, explored places new and old, worked hard, but had tome to rest, too. June started off in a new place and with a celebration. What will happen next?

April in Review

April was all about flowering trees, the weather getting warmer, the anticipation of Spring and Summer. But let's face it, April was all about cats. 

I got to meet a magical space lady, 'Lil Bub! 

We saw so many #watchercats!

We hung out at home with all our cats, which is always a priority for us. 

Work out of the house was busy this month and not too much sewing got done. I'm far behind in many projects, but it felt like a very productive month. 

So many plans were completed in April! May is shaping up to be a whirl wind, so let's get going!

March in Review

Last month, I asked what direction March would take and it's been topsy turvy! With wild weather, interesting events, spring break, hard work, cat drama, and more, this month went by in a flash. 

1) Big Boy's Spring return! 2) finally some blossoms! 3) Jersey Shore land speeders. 4) An aloof porch cat. 

We hid out most of march in doors, and kept to our selves. It wasn't all relaxing as we have been struggling with Irving Barry. He's been with us since December, but he is (and we are) still adjusting to life together. 

1) Looking upward, 2) looking in ward, 3) looking for self love, 4) loving the past. 

When we did go out we tried to make the most of it, visiting the beach, wishing congratulations to friends, exploring new places with old relics, and balancing health and indulgence. 

1) Spooky streets. 2) Rock candy. 3) Celebrating Spring Break. 4) Illuminated walks home. 

We got a lot of "real" work done, on the house and at jobs, but March was good for creative work as well. Inspiration seemed to lurk in every corner and under every snow fall. 

March was good, if mentally exhausting, but I'm feeling April for implementation. March's plans were laid, April might see them hatch. 

February in Review

It's always amazing that February is the shortest month but feels so long. This one was a particularly rough month for our family. But life goes on. 

1) Catsbury Park watcher. 2) A serious neighbor on 4th ave. 3) Curious, but cautious on Pine Street. 4) Keeping doors safe on Asbury Ave. 

1) Breakfast mates in Allenwood NJ. 2) My favorite pine tree, Asbury Park NJ. 3) Sky dragon, Philadelphia PA. 4) Mocking bird waiting for the morning train, Allenhurst, NJ.  

1) Plant light. 2) Bee haven. 3) All the lime zest. 4) New growth. 

1) Night view. 2) Beach murals. 3) Morning walk. 3) Clock tower.

February always has ups and downs. What direction will March take?

January in Review

January creeped by with cold weather and snow storms, warm days and catfights, little time for relaxing and less time for creative work. The first 12th of the year may have been tough, but we were thankful for the lessons it brought.

Despite bitter cold, we saw some #watchercats around the neighborhood. Some walks were had, and we even made it to a freezing beach once or twice.

We were able to visit friends and family, stay warm with our favorite meals and cozy cocktails, spend time with sleeping cats and snake like cats, tried to eat healthy and nourish ourselves and those around us. 

Here are some things I learned, or relearened in January
- I have seasonal depression and it effects everything I do in cold months. 
- I need to not be so hard on myself about that fact.
- Kittens are a lot of work and street kittens even more so!

I wouldn't say January went fast, but boy did it go! What do you have in store, February?

December in Review

Another year, done and dusted. 2017 was pretty tough, but it had so many great moments as well, and December is a perfect example. 

We dealt with sickness, stress, anxiety, this month but also new beginnings, goals achieved, spending time with family and friends, and greeting our newest family member!

We didn't get to the beach or to travel as much as we would have liked. But we always try to squeeze those things in where we can. We decorated, cooked, played clue, took walks, and chatted with family and friends for the holiday season. For those who are far from us, we talked on the phone, texted and sent photos. I didn't get to send a holiday card in 2017, but there's always new year cards!

The weather turned brutally cold and the holidays are a hectic time at work, so we didn't get to walk too much, but some #watchercats were seen, and some were right under our noses at home.

December saw sickness and new beginnings. We're still fighting off illness in our clowder of cats, and I'm hoping January will see a break from sad babies and sadder cat mom (me). We are still figuring out our new addition, but check it out! He already has his own insta! 

In Dec, we tried to eat well, stay cozy and keep the Winter blues at bay. We weren't always successful. But discovering a juicy new apple, spreading light through our house, listening to records, plant maintenance, plus more self care, helped us see some bright sides.  

For this the last month of 2017, and for the whole year with all it's ups and downs, we are thankful. We are thankful for a new year ahead. January 2018, here we come!!

November in Review

November felt really short! The weather turned super cold, and brisk. We celebrated, saw family and friends.

1) Rice milk every week. 2) Moon walks. 3) Pink sky at night. 4) An easy trip to the vet. 

#watchercats were out despite the cold weather. We even had a run in with a look-a-like for our cat, Pit. As we pulled in the drive a bright cream blur streaked by. We thought for a moment that our Pit had managed to get out! But we quickly knew that couldn't be. Instead we met a sweet neighbor cat, and gave him a meal!

1) Grooming in the sun. 2) hanging out in Convention Hall. 3) waiting at the beach. 4) A green groomer. 

Many friends came to see us or we went to see them this month which a treat! We got to see many family members, too! Most of our visits were happy, some bittersweet, and one sad as we said goodby to my paternal grandmother. 

1) Pit classic durp. 2) Bittersweet. 3) Xmas cactus ready for a new month. 4) Another visitor. 

Overall, November was a good month, but it felt so brief and now looking back, it all seems vague. 

We still have December to go until a new year dawns. Can't hold it back now. 

October in Review

My goodness, the year is almost at a close! After October's quick turn to true fall, Winter is right on it's heels. October was a lovely month, a true switch from the bustling nature of Summer into the settling in of Autumn calm. 

1) Sulfer. 2) Cacti. 3) Supermarket Tree. 4) Quartz.

We were able to take a few trips, see old familiar places, and new locales. Some we will return to, some perhaps not. 

Cats were a priority, both our own and the watchers that were out in droves!

1) Tom contemplating. 2) Flounder flat out. 3) A night time visitor. 4) Tom out like a light. 

1) Car watcher, 2) Playful kittens, 3) On the fence, 3) Out to sea.

It was a busy work month, but very little quilting got done.

I was able to see some new spots in the neighborhood. 

1) Asbury Park Distillery. 2) Bright yellow in Keyport. 3) A perfect building in Far Hills. 4) Holidays at work. 

These past few months have been really hard. Adjusting to a new schedule, working towards zero waste, trying, as always to be better for my family and friends, has been very difficult. Sometimes I worry that the end results will never arrive, or will not be worth it. But I try to keep my way on the path and remember that I have end goals that I am moving towards that I truly believe in. 

So, October was one step close to the end of the year, and November will be another, moving ever forwards towards in life.

September in Review

September is a wonderful time Down the Shore. The weather was beautiful, the water was warm, the tourists went home, and local's Summer was in full effect. This month was busy, but it was a time to wind down, reconfigure routines, and enjoy time with friends and family. 

1) The Crane and Cat. 2) Skipper. 3) Neighbor. 4) New Friend. 

Not too many watchercats this month, but plenty of cat friends.
Lot's of farm fresh food was had this month. We've finally located our nearest farm markets, and are getting into a routine to get out veggies. 

1) Homes made hummus. 2) Home away from home. 3) Pink sky at night. 4) Floral spirits. 

We saw many friends this month, for visits and concerts, and exploration. We saw family for meals and conversation. We had work parties and pool parties to attend. 

1) Cabin life. 2) Light house views. 3) New towns. 4) Showtime!

We explored a few new towns, some of which we will gladly return to. We camped in a state forest, and perhaps will return. 

1) Cabins in the forest. 2) Mushrooms in the market. 3) Pools in the city. 4) Fields on the lawn. 

September was a lovely month, lovely summery weather, lovely familiar faces. The last day of September it started to feel like Fall. Will October be all Autumn, or will Summer linger longer?

August In Review

August was unseasonable. It was mild, cool, even! The weather was temperate, and we tried to relax where and when possible. But August was also busy and exhausting. 

Living in a beach town, where all the tourist flock, and who's getting more publicity each year, August tends to be insane. August is also when my blogging usually falls off and when I try to take some time off. I was undecided about taking a break right until the middle of the month. 

But in the end, I'm glad I did. My time off even carried over into September!

August was all about seeing friends, exploring new places, seeing family, visiting our favorite places, and generally just keeping it together! 

We were able to visit old haunts, heading back to Brooklyn or stopping by a favorite petting farm.  We also explored new places, like going camping in a state park! Since the beach is covered in tourists, we shied away from going to the beach too much, but we did sneak in a few good days. 

We saw plenty of #watchercats this month, which always brightens a time full of work and toil. 

We worked a lot at our jobs, Summer being the busy time for the whole family, but we didn't get too much work at home done. No sewing or quilting really happened this month but we did get a little work on the house done when we started renovating our kitchen. We also did some yard maintenance in August. 

We got to try some new restaurants and partake in all of the food bounty August has to offer. Tomatoes! Peaches! Nectarines! Arugula!

Although it was a hard month, with lots of work and stress, we tried to make the most of it and enjoy Summer when we could.

 We took much needed breaks when we could in August. Hopefully we will have an easier time in September. Let's find out! 

July in Review

Like I said last month, Summer is the hardest time for me to blog. It's the busiest season at work, and there's more to do each day in general. This month we unfortunately we suffered a loss in our family which made July even more stressful. 

But although we had sadness we also had good times with friends and family at home and away. 

July was a tough month, but it was a good month for learning, or relearning a few things. 
- Being outside and beach walks are centering even in tragedy.
- Keep your loved ones close. 
- I still love Brooklyn, and I'm still glad I don't live it there. 

Summer's chugging along, July went fast. August will be the busiest, and possibly most brutal, so let's go!

June In Review

After years of blogging I know that the Summer months are the hardest months for me to blog. That was pretty obvious for June. I'm usually not able to concentrate on blogging when I have so much else going on. June saw the beginning of work really heating up, many exploratory trips, visits and visiting, the beach, #watchercats and more. Now that I'm living in a seasonal town, Summer is even more packed. So for this Month in Review, I'll just let the photos do their thing:

Here's a few things I learned, or relearned in June:
- Every year is different, don't hold on to expectations.
- NJ is beautiful!
- Stay away from TV and you'll get more done.

OK, June you're done and dusted. Let shake off the cobwebs for July. 

May in Review

May was a moving forward month, May was a month that felt like the start of things!

The month flew by (which doesn't?) and we flower watched, #watcher watched, got down to work, visited friends, visited vets, went to the beach, and and work from home.  

Flowers were out in May despite it being temperate in weather. We walked out neighborhood and checked our (and other's) yard for new growth. In our town the end of may marks the beginning of Summer and all the flowers made it feel tropical and summery for sure!

#watchercats were also out this month, hanging out in windows, on porches, in doorways and any sunny patches. I travelled a little this moth and saw #watchercats everywhere I went!

Headed to old hoods and catching up with friend was a lovely priority this month, seeing friends and family at home is always relaxing. Luckily I had both in May. There's something amazing about having neighbors in the suburbs, especially those who bring fresh veggies from the garden!

Of course, we are happy to have friend from out of town come visit us and next month is a great month for that! Summer by The Shore, before the crowds arrive is a special time. We eagerly await visitors and the return of Summer residents. But before they show us, we tried to get to take advantage of the empty May beaches!

I was gifted an unexpected surprise in May and it was a great inspiration for getting some finishes made this month! Besides that, quilting rolled along, but work outside the house sometimes took over. 

I'm still loving the @madcatquilts instagram this month but it is a lot of work! I'm finding it fun to come up with quilty love for that space, so check it out!

In the spirit of growth, here are some things I learned, or relearned in May:
- Visiting interesting restaurants/cafes/spaces are good for inspiration but hard to make time for. 
- Having 2 instagrams is twice the work (possibly more!). 
- Sometimes planning things out is great, other times "just do it" is a good motto. 

In April I made a pledge to get back in a blogging groove, and although that didn't go quite as planned for May, that continues to be a personal goal. 

It was a weird start to the Summer, still rainy and cool, mild for May. Let's tune in for June!

April In Review

April was a busy month. Do I say that every month?

OK, before I get into reviewing and remembering last month, I need to get something off my chest; I was terrible at blogging in April. I had a hard time keeping to my schedule and meeting my goals. Sure, sometimes life gets ahead of blogging, but one thing I enjoy and want to prioritize is this space. It's not always easy, but I continue to learn and grow from my attempts to be a better blogger. In May I plan to renew my commitment to this blog and learning from it. I just wanted to say that, put it out there, at the beginning of a new month. 

Anyone else exclaiming their enthusiasm for their... trade, craft, blog, journal, instagram, etc...? Shout it out in the comments. 

Now on to April:

We spent a lot of time at home in April. We spent time chilling in the back yard with bonfires and cats, walking on our local beaches, planting, weeding, cleaning, crafting and catching up on sleep. Afternoon naps with cats are the best! 

We traveled some this month, too. Seeing friends and family and familiar places. Brooklyn's still cool, Cape May is still cozy, in case you were wondering!  

A good portion of April was just about going outside, enjoying the weather, spotting the #watchercats, and taking endless photos of flowers. 

A lot of sewing got done this month and some exciting things are happening for Mad Cat Quilts. Be on the look out for new work, new columns, new instas to follow! April was a time to grow!

In the spirit of growth, here are some things I learned, or relearned in April:
- TV is bad for me and my productivity (but I love it!).
- Getting up early is hard, but oh so satisfying. 
- I love seeing flowers I planted last year coming back again! 

April was plenty rainy, so here's hoping May sees tons of buds blooming!