Welcome to the Weekend Coffee Share, a time for us to take a break out of our lives and enjoy some time catching up with friends (old and new)! Grab a cup of coffee and share with us! There is regular hot coffee in the French press (very strong,) ice tea and ice coffee. What would you like?
I’m feeling a little emotional, it’s my daughter’s birthday today. The best day of the year! I can’t believe she’s already eight years old. She’s sleeping right now (it’s only 7am,) and everything is prepared for a fabulous day, so I have a moment to catch up with you.
I’ve spent a few minutes this morning thinking about her life, and all the places we’ve experienced together. We spent her first birthday in Reno by the Truckee River, after almost completing a cross-country trip (we started, and ended the trip in northern California, and Reno is just on the border.)
1st Birthday by Truckee River, Reno (NV.)
Her second birthday was spent at a ranch we leased in Cottonwood (CA.)
When she turned three I worked at a ranch in Yerington (NV,) and we spent her birthday there.
When she turned four and five, we lived in California again.
4th Birthday, Cottonwood (CA)
5th Birthday, Carmel-by-the-Sea (CA.)
She spent her 6th birthday with her dad in Las Vegas, the only one she wasn’t with me.
7th Birthday, Las Vegas (NV)
I moved to Las Vegas a couple weeks after her 6th birthday, and we celebrated her last birthday, her 7th birthday in the house my daughter and I lived in there. ..and now we are in Sweden. I believe she’s had a good, rich life. I also know that she have more stability, and security now. I’d like to think that our adventures aren’t over, they have just changed, like life itself is constantly changing. I have lived by my belief that time and experiences together is more valuable than money, and material things. Being a parent is the greatest blessing, and also the greatest challenge. I feel that I am doing my best all the time, but I still never know if it’s good enough, but I do know its all I can do. I guess that is what parenting is. Sorry for talking so much today, I am feeling emotional 🙂 How is your week? Can I give you a refill on your coffee while you tell me about it?
Love,
Maria
PS. In case you missed it, we visited a wonderful nature preserve area earlier this week foraging for cloudberries.
Happy birthday to your daughter! Your table for coffee looks inviting, and visiting a nature preserve sounds great. I hope you are having a good weekend and have a wonderful week ahead!
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Thank you so much! The weekend is great so far 🙂 I hope your weekend is fabulous!
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Great photographs. Happy Birthday to your daughter.
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Thank you so much Andy!
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Maria, this is a wonderful post!! Happy birthday to your little lady! I remember your moving to Vegas by following this blog, I agree that you two are in a much better place now, I’m happy for you both!! Be well. 🥰
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Thank you John! I hope you are well and are enjoying your weekend 🙂
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Aww, what beautiful photos as we reminisce this morning. You have really traveled a lot in the last 8 year’s and she has the BESTEST Mom. It’s amazing all that you have done and experienced together. I am sooooo happy you had time to share and that we could reflect back together as we share a wonderful cup of coffee. I hope your both have a fabulous, fun day!! Happy Birthday to H!! 💖
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Thank you so much Diana! I don’t know why, but her birthday have always made me so emotional. Maybe because it changed my life so much? I enjoyed having coffee with you. I hope you are enjoying your weekend!
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Yes, such a life changing event can really affect our emotions. I’m finding that’s true with each stage of life I’m experiencing as well. Everyone has their own personal drives or things that are very important to them and for me it is family. And I suppose my animals that are part of my family too! You are such a sweetheart, with a beautiful family! ❤️
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Well said my friend, you are a wise lady with great priorities.
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Maria – – – – wow!
This was about the best way to start a Saturday morning coffee share.
Wonderful photos and thoughts.
Happiest of Happy Birthdays to your gal.
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Thank you Gary! I loved sharing all these happy memories 🙂 I often use my blog as a sort of a diary to help me sort things out, and remember to be grateful. Thank you for having coffee with me. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful summer weekend.
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Happy day to the birthday girl! I know what you mean about feeling emotional on the day you became a mom. It was a pivotal day in our life when everything changed.
The HOT weather here continues. We haven’t had such heat in many years, it is cyclical, I guess… sunspots and all that, along with CC adding to the mix. I work an hour or two in the garden, and then I need a break. It will all change soon, so I’m trying to enjoy the warmth while I can. 🙂
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Thank you Eliza! It was a wonderful day, just the way she wished it to be. Becoming a parent is life changing that’s for sure.
I am happy that you are able to enjoy the warmth. It will not last forever. It’s been around 68-70 here this week, today we are having 75 and cloudy. I’m hoping to pick some red and black currants today. Looking forward to that.
Enjoy he rest of this beautiful weekend ❤
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Maria, Happy birthday to your daughter! Thank you for your coffee share and beautiful photos of your girl with horses and dogs over the years. New adventures await whenever you want to take them on. Have a wonderful week ahead!
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Thank you so much Natalie !
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Such an emotional coffee share today! Thank you for visiting with me today. I love all the pictures you shared and the memories! best wishes my friend
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Thank you so much Tammy!
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I guarentee that with you as the wonderful Mum that you are, your daughter had the best birthday. Such beautiful pictures of your little treasure growing up. Woman hood aside being the emotional creatures that we can be, you add Mother to that & we have earned the right to have a moment from time to time. Looking forward to seeing pics of the wonderful 8th birthday. May the week ahead be full of fun lovin adventure.
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Thank you my friend. I guess being a woman and a mom gives us the right to some emotions 😉 Have a great week!
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Happy birthday to your sweet daughter, Maria! 8 already, how time flies! I remember meeting her in 2019, and she was already a smart cookie! I remember being a single mom when my two daughters celebrated January birthdays. Now there are in their 30s and their birthdays are still precious! Enjoy each and every wonderful year!
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Thank you Terri! She remembers you 🙂 Every minute with our loved ones are special, and ever changing. Thank you for having coffee with me.
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Happy Birthday to your daughter. Beautiful photographs. And thank you for the coffee. With parenting one can never be sure. All we do is try our best and that I think is good enough. All the best to you. Xxx
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Thank you so much!
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Happy Birthday to your lovely beaut daughter!
Always remember… if you do your best with all the love you can give… then you are being a great Momma! Step back and enjoy… because when they become older… they become the best of friends!
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Thank you Nancy!
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Happy belated birthday to the daughter what are birthdays but an excuse for cake and laughter !!!
~B
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Thank you! OOO yes a great excuse for cake and laughter 🙂
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Happy birthday to your lovely daughter ! What an exciting life she’s had so far , I’m new to WordPress but inspirational stories like this are just what the doctor ordered ❤️
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Thank you so much!
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Looks like it was a beautiful day! I enjoyed reading your story.
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It was a good day, thanks for joining us 🙂
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