Last week I was working in Kelowna and had a bit of time to kill between appointments, so thought I would pop into the mall to buy some big-city treasures. I had been in the building for about 10 minutes when over the intercom came this loud chiming, and a pre-recorded voice that calmly stated, “We are in an emergency situation. Please walk, don’t run, to your nearest exit.”

Vendors were locking up shops, and everyone was efficiently striding to the “out” doors. I followed the directions for, oh, about three seconds and then basically broke into a sprint because HAVEN’T YOU READ “THE GOLDFINCH?!” I immediately thought, “BOMB! There’s a bomb! We’re all gonna BLOW!” and pretty much elbowed my way out the door and yeah. Turned out to be a false alarm. Some sort of suspicious package left at the Sears.

Life hasn’t slowed down in any way, but thanks to my mom’s Mercy Trip last week we have our heads above water again and I am feeling like maybe, just maybe (knock on wood)…we’re going to make it.

We have had amazing summer-like weather here that makes me wish I were retired so I could just ride my bike and run and swim and lounge in the glorious sunshine all day. Instead, I have to get up at 5:30 am to enjoy a view like this during my morning run. Worth it, though.

Isn’t that so beautiful that it breaks your heart a little?

And this, too? An amazing dad, husband. Love that Stevie.

And here’s a dose of Spider-Brin, cowgirl edition to make your Tuesday a little brighter.