Mamma (and Papa) Mia.

Episode 2.

Home is where the heart is.

I'm typing this as I sit in the Minneapolis airport waiting to board a plane back to California. Though I've been away from 'home' nearly 10 years, leaving never seems to get any easier. Every departure inevitably ends in tears.

What makes it so hard to say goodbye?

Well....to start:

Family. Friends. Delicious meals. Constant entertainment. Never ending support. Stinky puppies. Quirky humor. Bruegger's Bagels. Snow, rain, shine. 10,000 lakes.

AND, of course.

Meet Maureen (Mom) and Mark (Dad).

AND the whimsical, cozy, colorful, loving home they've made.

Take a Peek:

the knock, knock questionnaire.

I am...happy.

I was born...Bremerton, Washington.

I crave...chocolate...mmm...

Beauty must have...soul.

My home is...a place where my family and friends can spend time together.

Favorite thing...is when my kids are all home and they come and sit on my bed to talk.

Another favorite thing...READING!!! I LOVE to read!!

My relationships...mean a lot to me because...they truly are the spice of life.

My favorite spot in the house is...my bedroom because it's peaceful, cozy, and comfy.

Most prized possession...my health!

Loungewear includes...flannel pajama pants, t-shirt and slippers.

Song I have on repeat right now is...actually it's a book on tape. Caroline Myss. Can't stop talking about it - ask my kids:)

I am thankful for...my husband. He cooks for me, cleans the house...and makes me laugh.

Food I can't live without...peanut butter.

Drink I can't live without...coffee.

I have a collection of...mermaids. They represent strength, independence, and my longing for the ocean.

I love being a Mom because...words cannot adequately describe this...it's a combination of pride, awe, joy and the most intense love...the kind that makes your heart hurt...There's nothing else like it.

Fondest memory(s) with my family...each time I'm with them is my newest and best memory.

Best quality in a person is...compassion. If we all just had a little more compassion for each other (especially those who annoy us) - what a better world this could be...

My pets are...Buster (also known as Bus.turd) and Lola. Needy but lovable.

Where I live...in a little rambler in Stillwater, MN with huge windows, lots of sunshine, and creaky, old, oak floors!

Favorite movie...I love movies - but my all time favorite? One I never tire of? Sound of Music.

My CRAZY husband...makes me laugh.

I've been married for...31 wild and adventurous years. Never a dull moment with that man.

How we met...At a party in college...he asked me to dance. 30 years later he wrote a poem about that night ...makes me cry every time I read it.

LOVE YOU SO MUCH. xoK

*I plan to do write a little snippet on some of the finds in this edition of the Knock. Maybe when back in LA which shooould be tomorrow. Excited to start anew in 2010!