tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34921812480569923842024-03-05T02:17:46.978-08:00So many thoughts...The random and calculated, mundane and meaningful meanderings of an optimist in pessimist's clothing.So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-52463332647871246012012-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-16T14:05:24.342-08:00Turning Bloody 30Tomorrow I turn 30. Let the "Old Lady" comments commence. Yes, it is true I am older. Maybe even old. My body certainly tells me the truth of that statement. I just don't recuperate from bumps and bruises as easily as I did when I was a kid. Colds seem to last longer, aches are more painful and lingering, muscles seems to jiggle when they were once firm.<br /><br />But, you know, for all the ways that my body confirms I am getting older, there are other milestones too. In these 30 years I have finished high school, a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree, I have worked my way up through a variety of jobs including stocking grocery shelves, acting in commercials, being the secretary to a vice president of the bank, substitute teacher, and finally teacher. But I think the career that I have had the longest, and one which looks like it will be a permanent part of my life, is that of a student. I have been a student for the majority of my life. Even now, after completing my Master's degree, I know in a year's time I will have to do it all again as I clear my credential, and then go on to get an Assistive Technology Certificate, and then ... well, you get the picture.<br /><br />And I love it! I love learning and growing. I am challenging myself to change, to try to be better, to love more, love myself, to love the earth, to love people, and creatures. If you would have told me when I was in high school that I would one day be a teacher with granola tendencies I would have laughed in your face. And yet, here I am, and here is what I bought myself for my birthday:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebVyPrTp5hjTAwL1qK5baZsid8jPES6Gx8ohjMJeA_4StPbVifHFPNRz3PzOzU-fiBDqdUZDHxDi6evU-zWI3lf0oowSSw3AG_ScWeYYcqFeZhLuiWIN0t3qWfpeXNeRvQpctxPJD1x0/s1600/IMG_5907.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebVyPrTp5hjTAwL1qK5baZsid8jPES6Gx8ohjMJeA_4StPbVifHFPNRz3PzOzU-fiBDqdUZDHxDi6evU-zWI3lf0oowSSw3AG_ScWeYYcqFeZhLuiWIN0t3qWfpeXNeRvQpctxPJD1x0/s320/IMG_5907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698328732154509250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and this<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbgTDTUAVvOD1VWwWt_0BTu2TWoliydMXGdqhoynbweKGcy9esskShVRylK7i3w3rlVTq_3OwKs6qUlUpF7Qn2SdzR4NXqzj7glQpy_eJU98qTh8T3ELL6UjczGRLa50gt9UKnYfglhM/s1600/IMG_5906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbgTDTUAVvOD1VWwWt_0BTu2TWoliydMXGdqhoynbweKGcy9esskShVRylK7i3w3rlVTq_3OwKs6qUlUpF7Qn2SdzR4NXqzj7glQpy_eJU98qTh8T3ELL6UjczGRLa50gt9UKnYfglhM/s320/IMG_5906.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698328565557076882" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and this<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNui4eUis5uEvpU0-haDtFxdsmHQixKsSgbMQCiOvmQdhUR05soLgY0NeMgZfMyhCf3EFfEdZQKaRiNPJBHCO4_QV-SIx1wC91pjlOzmy-QgsBB9lWAOPGyRH23ee2ZI1LOZaRE9pOopg/s1600/IMG_5902.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNui4eUis5uEvpU0-haDtFxdsmHQixKsSgbMQCiOvmQdhUR05soLgY0NeMgZfMyhCf3EFfEdZQKaRiNPJBHCO4_QV-SIx1wC91pjlOzmy-QgsBB9lWAOPGyRH23ee2ZI1LOZaRE9pOopg/s320/IMG_5902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698328284295347602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Have you figured out what these are yet? When you do, your reaction might be something like "Why on earth would you buy this???" or "Susanne, seriously?!?! We need to have an intervention". But I was giddy every time a box was delivered and I opened them up to find these pretties. I think I was more excited about the cute packaging. Each company had a personalized-HAND WRITTEN-note. I love those kinds of details! New Moon Pads sent me a peppermint tea bag to help sooth my pain during that time. And Party In My Pants sent me a tiny dark chocolate because we all crave chocolate during that time too. It's the little things that bring a smile to my face.<br /><br />So I bought cloth pads for my birthday from 3 different companies: Party In My Pants (or P.I.M.P.- so cute!), New Moon Pads, and Lotus Pads. I have been wanting to get some cloth pads for a while now, but things kept coming up and it just never happened. But I finally did it! Yippee!!! I decided to buy a few pads from three different companies to compare them before I take the plunge and buy a complete set. This is going to be a tough choice. I love them all. For different reasons. But more on that in a later post. For now, Happy Bloody Birthday to me!!!!So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-29654286852501672802012-01-08T06:52:00.001-08:002012-01-08T10:12:48.811-08:00I Can Read in 2011<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>If you recall, at the end of 2010 I challenged myself to read 12 in 12 in 2011. The entire year I felt pressure to "perform" if you will. My name is Susanne and I am a goal-setter. There, I've said it. Setting goals is like a compulsion for me. I live, no,<b><i>thrive </i></b>because of them. This is something my husband does not understand and something that I can't explain. So it remains a mystery. My goals range from, "I will finish my homework, then I will go to Disneyland" (sensible) to "I must complete this blog entry before I can eat breakfast" (????). The first one makes sense and makes me look responsible. The second one makes me seem like I have a problem. But anyway, I better hurry up because I am hungry and would like to have some breakfast!<div><div><br /></div><div>So here they are in the order I read them:</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP7exmjkkfEu4ayKY5582SbvwOPOhLiRjbB36OGHR6EOdcsqN91SBWOuIlmNJRLy1yg9CadFN6Nw2FGcznStgzIcI6UxML5tzNrVDouO7DqOlGcuDdYD1C6XxUT_Rxyefi6Q2ArpwfoU/s1600/Sht+My+Dad+Says.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP7exmjkkfEu4ayKY5582SbvwOPOhLiRjbB36OGHR6EOdcsqN91SBWOuIlmNJRLy1yg9CadFN6Nw2FGcznStgzIcI6UxML5tzNrVDouO7DqOlGcuDdYD1C6XxUT_Rxyefi6Q2ArpwfoU/s320/Sht+My+Dad+Says.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695278828951621826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><b>Sh*t MyDad Says</b> by Justin Halpern- This is a book I bought for my husband last Christmas. He heard about it on a podcast and really wanted to read it. And now, a year later, he still hasn't read it. But I have. This is a very funny book about the relationship between a father a son. But it is the father in this true account that makes you audibly laugh and at the same time well-up with a so much love that you wish you were a father yourself. This book started as a series of Tweets Halpern began when, as a grown man, he had to move back in with his parents. His father is a genius, both professionally and in the way he weaves words. The man says what he is thinking, leaving no room for you to misinterpret his meaning, while at the same time making you appreciate social civility which demands false politeness. Halpern would daily Tweet some of the ridiculous comments his father said. This quickly garnered him a huge following, a book deal, and a TV show. While the things that Halpern's father says do not fail to shock, it is the passion and love he has for his son that truly touches and surprises.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHCFRcLX6HdSlfLZb-tcVcgHm2_8gfQn2K5oloet926OujEljf7BxgSvk6CM1n-g_frm0QpQdlfU_hkRGYyHuYSyThUdbX7xdLyzcm_SrasDGmBtu9v0aNzoSSRy7l7v-g6rQ9v4_S-g/s1600/Lifts.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHCFRcLX6HdSlfLZb-tcVcgHm2_8gfQn2K5oloet926OujEljf7BxgSvk6CM1n-g_frm0QpQdlfU_hkRGYyHuYSyThUdbX7xdLyzcm_SrasDGmBtu9v0aNzoSSRy7l7v-g6rQ9v4_S-g/s320/Lifts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695284044886010338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><br /><div style="text-align: left; "><b>Lift </b>by Kelly Corrigan- I saw this book while at work one day. I was taking a group of clients out to Walmart and I saw this book on clearance. I was drawn to the cover. Yes, I am one of those people. I am weak-minded enough to actually judge books by their cover. I don't do it all the time, but when I see a compelling cover I will pick up the book 9 times out of 10. I can't help it! It's so pretty! So it was with <i>Lift</i>. I saw the cover. Liked it. Saw the price. Loved it. Sold! This a short book that was written as a letter by Kelly Corrigan to her daughters. In it she tells three stories about what adults go through when they choose to be parents. She gives it straight, saying that it is tough and scary and grueling, but it is worth it. While written from the perspective of a parent (something I am not), I found that I was able to relate to the call to live life more fully, to embrace the pains and the trials as part of the journey which is also filled with wonders and beauties.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLcU8lHjsF0Ywsc6IYTtBftmx7IC7y5lO4e1oqoEMmfYeswK4dFZFhQQmMi9Z9Rh5L5As375ZiS_xpcWSZsTZ6TIKIxnAdu21eD6N2M_a2NY2qLM0oNKOv4vCByl3cy7tb23EyxrgMdM/s1600/How+to+dress.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLcU8lHjsF0Ywsc6IYTtBftmx7IC7y5lO4e1oqoEMmfYeswK4dFZFhQQmMi9Z9Rh5L5As375ZiS_xpcWSZsTZ6TIKIxnAdu21eD6N2M_a2NY2qLM0oNKOv4vCByl3cy7tb23EyxrgMdM/s320/How+to+dress.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695286837110832210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><div><b>How to Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim</b> by David Sedaris- If you are a frequent listener of "This American Life" then you have likely heard David Sedaris reading one of his essays on that program. That is how I met him. Sedaris is a master storyteller. This book is a compilation of his essays/stories. In it he tells autobiographical accounts of seemingly normal things, like a family summer vacation, or staying in a hotel, and is able to draw out the less obvious humor of the events through his observations of the ridiculous. His stories are funny, interesting, and oddly relate-able, especially as my own upbringing and life couldn't be more different from his. But that is the magic of his writing. He is able to take his own severely unique experiences and help us see ourselves in those places through his witty observations. This was a fun read, and I plan on reading more of his other books.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZT8wR3X3rheg4VnjoPpCmxaD9a8ZUchNYWyAWuAlhAnXKNmnmz9y6LABHNmVmD5ueOy7pOvjFdOE5nKf6PdJ2ucnomY4nHRCifKqi6Fttej0twEaZTu4ypwrMQZedpIRQfqtiayXoeU/s1600/Listening+Act+of+Love.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZT8wR3X3rheg4VnjoPpCmxaD9a8ZUchNYWyAWuAlhAnXKNmnmz9y6LABHNmVmD5ueOy7pOvjFdOE5nKf6PdJ2ucnomY4nHRCifKqi6Fttej0twEaZTu4ypwrMQZedpIRQfqtiayXoeU/s320/Listening+Act+of+Love.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695290115140296034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 278px; " /></a><b>Listening Is an Act of Love</b> edited by Dave Isay- This was another find I got when I found <i>Lift</i> by Kelly Corrigan. Do things ever happen in multiples in your life? You know that saying, "When it rains it pours"? Things seem to come into my life like this. I was listening to NPR and they had clips of regular people (not anchors or reporters) sharing their stories with loved ones. A few days later I was listening to NPR again and Dave Isay was on talking about the National Day of Listening (a day that encourages people to interview a loved one and listen to their story). Then a few days later I was in Walmart for work and I saw this book on clearance. When things happen like this I take as a gentle prompt or suggestion. So I bought the book. It has to be one my favorite books of the year. It is filled with interviews between all sorts of people- friends, lovers, parents and children, strangers, etc. The stories are as diverse as the people themselves. The stories are organized in the following general themes: Home and Family, Work and Dedication, Journeys, History and Struggle, and Fire and Water. It is a wonderful attempt to tell the American story.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb612nWTmUM4281o44EvmjRFBKnWE0bpCE8gv8L7fwZHvhfEQ6gxZDLK1XXmeui1KNyibmTEc6NiGSt9X6E2ak9IuvtjmL3NdEJ94qamuAh-gcW0XeFqY_FsQp7AuMnTg-g3mzxI2M9ko/s1600/Dead+in+Family.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb612nWTmUM4281o44EvmjRFBKnWE0bpCE8gv8L7fwZHvhfEQ6gxZDLK1XXmeui1KNyibmTEc6NiGSt9X6E2ak9IuvtjmL3NdEJ94qamuAh-gcW0XeFqY_FsQp7AuMnTg-g3mzxI2M9ko/s320/Dead+in+Family.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695295335221314962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px; " /></a><b>Dead in the Family</b> by Charlaine Harris- This is book 10 in the series. This series is my guilty pleasure. You know, I have tried to read a few other series and they just didn't have the combination of intrigue and pacing that I like in order to keep me hooked. Yes, I did read the Twilight series, but let me tell you, if that series was any longer that 4 books I would have been out. I also tried to get into the House of Night series, but it felt too much like a high school soap opera, and I hated high school when I was in it. This series is just right for me. This book was a little slower than the others, but, you know, even Sookie needs a break once and a while. Poor thing.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK3QBY0o9tmGmkan11XPjyHiJV2FUI_qa21MpFoGz8kE6W_sVuD0WZYvIPVtPjZMtOCJ4ClgLC2BB9oD1xCTDrv2DTGWP2A4DFGdJYySSJ9S2GL3Wsza1WW6bRVz0DpbCxakkw7_SzjM/s1600/Tell+Me+Name.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK3QBY0o9tmGmkan11XPjyHiJV2FUI_qa21MpFoGz8kE6W_sVuD0WZYvIPVtPjZMtOCJ4ClgLC2BB9oD1xCTDrv2DTGWP2A4DFGdJYySSJ9S2GL3Wsza1WW6bRVz0DpbCxakkw7_SzjM/s320/Tell+Me+Name.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695297821670474306" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 263px; " /></a><b>Tell Me Your Name</b> by Arthur Zannoni- My spiritual director let me borrow this book. It was after a discussion about how difficult it was for me to separate myself from the thinking of God as male. I really want to understand God as completely and fully as possible and to do that I need to embrace all images of God, not simply God as male. Specifically I have been trying to understand God in female images. My spiritual director wisely pointed me to this book. This book explores all the metaphors and images used to explain God in the Bible. God is a rock, an eagle, a mother hen, a storm, a father, a mother, a priest, a prophet, etc. This was the gentle introduction I needed to release myself from the masculine culture that dictates our current religious practices. This book helped me maintain my faith in my God when the temptation of throwing the baby out with the bath water was so strong. A small book filled with substantial wisdom and truth!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzU_Czl2XI4H3bVw-KhEq-acHzRn5s0GjQ7brY1uIRb1Q6cBGuHAQLfIpvC4MK5kO9CYjzLbMAXAZbebVu7PWeUCqbzNHHvMmXWV679Nz54z1pwB1BQbT4pnFEWq8He56fByEqUIDibE/s1600/Ferdinand.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzU_Czl2XI4H3bVw-KhEq-acHzRn5s0GjQ7brY1uIRb1Q6cBGuHAQLfIpvC4MK5kO9CYjzLbMAXAZbebVu7PWeUCqbzNHHvMmXWV679Nz54z1pwB1BQbT4pnFEWq8He56fByEqUIDibE/s320/Ferdinand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695308584268918274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>The Story of Ferdinand</b> by Munro Leaf- I read this story for an assignment in my Masters program. The assignment was to design a lesson around a children storybook that address multicultural and diversity issues. Now you may be wondering how this book meets that criteria when stories about ethnic minorities would obviously be a shoo-in. Well, let me illuminate. Stories about ethnic minorities are important, but I was thinking about my students specifically. They don't quite grasp the concept of racism, or prejudice. That is not to say that they don't participate in these social barriers. However, they are not able to explore these concepts in great depth. But they do understand what it is to feel different, to be punished or treated badly for being different. And that is where I saw the connection to Ferdinand. This a classic book about a peace-loving bull who sees the world in his own special way. The world tries to make him be something he is not, only to realize that he is happiest when he is just himself. I want my students to know that it is okay to be who they are. The world may not understand you, but that is okay too. You are not alone, and you are just wonderful! Such a simple book with so much depth. Loved it and I can't wait to share it with my kids.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYJVXrhuYOQqtyyaMCL0u6RARTGL3c9hCWagdWF4A9AG29dA0Lp7bxDdfAU0V_ZZhovCSGTW2Pg1-GxL3yyG2yoF_bBPbIimIPuyyEtvdI57ztGLJOiZRuGcelPc8o6NUITj3AY_3MU4/s1600/Series+1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYJVXrhuYOQqtyyaMCL0u6RARTGL3c9hCWagdWF4A9AG29dA0Lp7bxDdfAU0V_ZZhovCSGTW2Pg1-GxL3yyG2yoF_bBPbIimIPuyyEtvdI57ztGLJOiZRuGcelPc8o6NUITj3AY_3MU4/s320/Series+1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695301414796609778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left; "><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left; "><b>A Series of Unfortunate Events</b> by Lemony Snicket- I read the first three books (<b>Bad Beginnings</b>, <b>The Reptile Room</b>, and <b>The Wide Window</b>) to my students this year so that we could watch the movies based on those books and compare and contrast them. I thought that the books would be a little difficult for my students to follow along with. It seems more appropriate for a 5th grader, and my students usually comprehend at a lower level. However, I decided to give it a go. I read with character voices and frequently paused to clarify confusion, resorting often to acting out or drawing out some of the scenes. It took quite a long time to finish these three books, but you know, my students surprised me with how well they were listening to them. I think this is a testament to how entertaining the stories are. Some warned me that they were very dark. And they are indeed dark stories compared to Charlotte's Web (which we are reading next) but they are no darker than some of the other things my students are exposed to on the weekends at home (so sad). I think many of them found the eerie atmosphere of the story refreshing, and the perseverance of the Baudelaire children inspiring. And so do I.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wpn5CXqXf6FU4pkOWMWotUxeQZDj5FG0A-dYlF5BBJRQrfy4u1v6C8i26JGwmXDUbD1ry9KL4A59NUOL4nd-m6AYuMYD4hC6rD631FLmsMgU3pZLsD1GVTIF5X4VU2u-jzuHnlpanoA/s1600/Dead+reckonin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wpn5CXqXf6FU4pkOWMWotUxeQZDj5FG0A-dYlF5BBJRQrfy4u1v6C8i26JGwmXDUbD1ry9KL4A59NUOL4nd-m6AYuMYD4hC6rD631FLmsMgU3pZLsD1GVTIF5X4VU2u-jzuHnlpanoA/s320/Dead+reckonin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695312037349454018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>Dead Reckoning</b> by Charlaine Harris- This is book 11 in the series. In this book we, the readers, are definitely being prepared for a conclusion. And while I have enjoyed my adventures with Sookie, the poor girl needs a break. She has had a rough life ever since being made aware of the world of magical creatures. What we are all dying to know is whether Sookie will ever find a life partner, and if so, who will it be? Will she remain human forever, or will she make the permanent leap into the world of magic herself. A friend told me that there are only a few more books left in the series, according to the contract Harris signed, so the answers to these questions will be revealed soon.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBBUUxG6qCylxVv1HnvXEm-WV24LuEWXJUE8geDgWjSyvUHwN4S4SitktCgnzcdExHjXClqx_b4gwuNeI0YAf6G1CsfXCvGbU-bmhDVmw5In7wHhL07E2rJBjYuSW5kM6FiRfwoWArks/s1600/Middle+Place.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBBUUxG6qCylxVv1HnvXEm-WV24LuEWXJUE8geDgWjSyvUHwN4S4SitktCgnzcdExHjXClqx_b4gwuNeI0YAf6G1CsfXCvGbU-bmhDVmw5In7wHhL07E2rJBjYuSW5kM6FiRfwoWArks/s320/Middle+Place.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695304926276503074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>The Middle Place</b> by Kelly Corrigan- When I finished reading <i>Lift</i> I let my friend Emilee borrow it. She then let me borrow this book by the same author. This is the book that launched Corrigan's career as a writer. In this true story, Corrigan explores the place between feeling truly grown up and still feeling like a child. It is her struggles with breast cancer that bring her to this middle place where she needs to be strong for her young children and yet yearns to be comforted by her own parents. This is an honest depiction of the forward and backward ebb and flow of life. I think Corrigan is a skillful writer who is able to capture the humor and holiness of life's little moments in a way that only someone with her experiences could.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, there it is 12 in 12 (if you don't forget to count the 3 books of the Lemony Snicket series). In case any of you are questioning the validity of the 12 because, well, <i>The Story of Ferdinand</i> is a children's book, and <i>A Series of Unfortunate Events</i> was read for work, I would like to show you this:</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvcEtBIkW77tCkDJgG1cI_i0QhI85XSYSEqcqbp4KKhyphenhyphenXNPvrfu5TgFqKzbKfjnxKDTQila6GQKi0jP4MW8Kg22zDrgxpk6dHkGSRGEi-C_HjiL4v0CWqp6SKScv_66uFNQKdZG4Teqw/s1600/IMG_5904.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvcEtBIkW77tCkDJgG1cI_i0QhI85XSYSEqcqbp4KKhyphenhyphenXNPvrfu5TgFqKzbKfjnxKDTQila6GQKi0jP4MW8Kg22zDrgxpk6dHkGSRGEi-C_HjiL4v0CWqp6SKScv_66uFNQKdZG4Teqw/s320/IMG_5904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695316340593826530" /></a>I read more than half of these books from cover to cover and the other books I read the majority of, not to mention the pages and pages of articles I read that, when compiled together, would have resulted in a thick text itself. So yes, I went easy on my 12 in 12 goal this year, but that doesn't mean I wasn't reading, because I was! In fact, I think reading is the activity I did the most this last year. So...<div><br /></div><div>Huzzah!!! Huzzah!!! I did it! I read 12 in 12, and I think I am up for the challenge again. I mean I have to since it is 20<i style="font-weight: bold; ">12</i>, right? So who's with me? 12 in 12 in 2012 anyone?</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-90770093487571655022011-11-15T19:59:00.000-08:002011-11-15T20:31:33.332-08:00I'd Rather Be...<div><div>Ever play that game "I'd rather be"... you know, the one where you state things you'd rather be doing instead of the thing you are actually doing? Example: You are washing the dishes, you think "I'd rather be weeding than doing the dishes" (note: I HATE washing the dishes!).<div><br /></div><div>Okay, now your turn. You are stuck in traffic on the 5 freeway at rush hour, you think to yourself "I'd rather be..." Now fill in the ... (go ahead, it's fun, you can even write your responses down in the comments below so we can all laugh at them). I'll go first. I am stuck in rush hour traffic and I think to myself, "I'd rather be... washing dishes!" Ha! </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay here's the next prompt: You just got home from 8 hours at work, and you find yourself sitting in front of at least 2 hours worth of tedious homework. You think to yourself, "I'd rather be..." Again, let me go first. I think to myself, "I'd rather be... baking cookies." And guess what? I did!!!</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh_B0sgYidEg8mgLzdeeWpJj4yV0W6hHJpvGroEXLaM3-N1EyWikY7lITq5h9KKs7_ZvUs843NRy84oQT7nbxY6D5pCQhif6l-bUhMcxNKmTCJX7Q7iAfeRZDczxwqcozmFWCKcN-PEQ/s1600/IMG_5769.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh_B0sgYidEg8mgLzdeeWpJj4yV0W6hHJpvGroEXLaM3-N1EyWikY7lITq5h9KKs7_ZvUs843NRy84oQT7nbxY6D5pCQhif6l-bUhMcxNKmTCJX7Q7iAfeRZDczxwqcozmFWCKcN-PEQ/s320/IMG_5769.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675441066193277922" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div>Up until about three weeks ago, I thought about all the things I could be doing when I was free from that blasted homework, and now I <i>am</i> free!!! And I can bake cookies, and watch TV (and I watch ALLOT of it), clean (which I do more than I thought I'd be doing), and read (for pleasure, this time). It is so nice. Take tonight for example. I am feeling a bit under the weather, so I made a light dinner, and thought to myself, "I really want chocolate chip cookies......well why not?" so I did :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm glad I went back to school. I'm glad I chose the program I did (though it was expensive- Yeesh!). And I am sooooo glad to be done, done, done, so I can make cookies!!! Want one? Help yourself, because "I'd rather be sharing a cookie with you than doing my homework!"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43LKVl78FWA8fZ1ykpnFT3Mua1BG5UzsuaF-tT1XOnyR07FxC5GZvi7WdO376lAk0OY9EiAWGPuo68Tf6CG0LI1wxiLKckIlTWgFWMdWqIwjLpOIpLClxya4JpPKtoXFsbM8cYPLqA-g/s1600/IMG_5772.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43LKVl78FWA8fZ1ykpnFT3Mua1BG5UzsuaF-tT1XOnyR07FxC5GZvi7WdO376lAk0OY9EiAWGPuo68Tf6CG0LI1wxiLKckIlTWgFWMdWqIwjLpOIpLClxya4JpPKtoXFsbM8cYPLqA-g/s320/IMG_5772.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675443429582777698" /></a><div><br /></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-57446393496788545842011-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:002011-11-10T15:18:14.060-08:00My How Quickly It Flies...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpKFtyj28L57_K5gf6EwEkw34O-h0WzTz8bMObcI94h8ZM2uW8JnDNTdThQngcHtY2jhTHpVA_J2ong-JjWxer4s7SDoo1breaym0Ni3reGdwTm0DA5RfrvXqYYuqjlo8Ow0gaLJdKHE/s1600/SJ0351.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpKFtyj28L57_K5gf6EwEkw34O-h0WzTz8bMObcI94h8ZM2uW8JnDNTdThQngcHtY2jhTHpVA_J2ong-JjWxer4s7SDoo1breaym0Ni3reGdwTm0DA5RfrvXqYYuqjlo8Ow0gaLJdKHE/s400/SJ0351.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673506622760714322" /></a><br />So four years ago today I married my best friend. And we are even better friends now than we were then, which I didn't think was possible. And, yes, I know how sappy that sounds, but there it is, the truth. What can I say, sometimes the truth is sappy.<div><br /></div><div>So here is the not so sappy part. Up until three days ago I had hoped to give my best friend the best anniversary present EVER! (at least for us at this time in our lives). But then I got my period, and well there went my present. Not pregnant. Again. I knew this was coming, I mean I took a test on Saturday and failed. But, if you've ever spoken honestly with a woman trying to make a mini-you-me combo, you know how completely irrational, and crazy we are. So of course the negative test meant absolutely nothing, because there was a slim chance it could be a false negative, right? I told you, we are irrational. And though I desperately cling to this crazy hope, that Saturday I was sad. </div><div><br /></div><div>Will this ever happen for us? What is wrong with my body? How the hell do high school girls make this seem so easy and accidental?!?! And as I was about to be consumed by the dark thought that we may never get our dream, my best friend made me laugh. He, of course, had no idea what crazy thoughts I was having in my mind. He was just being himself. And himself makes me laugh, and wonder at humanity, and ponder at how wonderfully and beautifully made we truly are. </div><div><br /></div><div>That is when I realized that if our future holds only the two us alone, that that is enough, more than enough. I love love love my husband. These last four years have been better than all the 25 I spent not married to him. I am truly happy with our life, our home, our dogs, our life style. And he is wrapped up in every single element. I am blessed, because I met someone who intrigues me and who for some odd reason finds me interesting too. From each other we learn and grow. With each other we overcome struggles and trials. He makes me a better person (again with the sappy) and I truly wish everyone could spend time with him because he has a way of rubbing off on folks. This world would be a way better place if people were a little more like him.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what did I end up giving him as a gift anyway? Nothing. Not a thing. We're broke. Broke and happy. And blessed. </div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-803501992646200572011-07-23T15:07:00.001-07:002011-08-04T07:42:23.920-07:00Before I Leave<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIU4KPjdXSQqw_XAUkL6knCbB1tH7EN2zwzYaJTSZaalrlF5yubMq_OHVlnxD_FHdNoN2h2VL4H8BGiaE3JXx2JJk0U8x2L5Q3lE7Y7RMr3T27g5DCrsL0WpCma804bgbsUDV22-PPj8/s1600/IMG_5384.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzIU4KPjdXSQqw_XAUkL6knCbB1tH7EN2zwzYaJTSZaalrlF5yubMq_OHVlnxD_FHdNoN2h2VL4H8BGiaE3JXx2JJk0U8x2L5Q3lE7Y7RMr3T27g5DCrsL0WpCma804bgbsUDV22-PPj8/s320/IMG_5384.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632674132746444706" /></a>Of course everything is beginning to bear fruit, just as I am preparing to leave the country. My good friend Megan is going to take care of them for me while I am gone.<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQHw_BJjsauu3lZg0K0MA85bDYDwsvF3tLuMDBR_DlecOejBu6WCHdvFiHyKlrqjeX89fmwpQA7WzUm2eaf2bwxZFaCYFT7pe558iywoeBbjswkznthO4wFzVsGXVpdwrgjYNG5bV3fI/s1600/IMG_5385.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQHw_BJjsauu3lZg0K0MA85bDYDwsvF3tLuMDBR_DlecOejBu6WCHdvFiHyKlrqjeX89fmwpQA7WzUm2eaf2bwxZFaCYFT7pe558iywoeBbjswkznthO4wFzVsGXVpdwrgjYNG5bV3fI/s320/IMG_5385.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632673566606253810" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at how big these beauties are!</div><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hope there is something for me to enjoy when we get back. But if not, I am thrilled that we made it this far! So so so happy!</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-9299702917388016382011-07-23T14:51:00.000-07:002011-07-29T04:29:10.123-07:00A Song From My Husband<div>My husband is a wonderful musician. Sometimes I take for granted how lucky I am to have such a gift living with me. I admit I have closed the door to drown out the music coming from his cave. I think in order to really relish those magical moments I need to slow down and just sit, being surrounded by melodic sounds. And I just don’t have time for that now. I never just sit still. It is the greatest tragedy of my life right now.</div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal">My husband has written many songs about many things, but I have never been the subject of them. At least not directly. I understand why, and I don’t mind at all.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Recently he surprised me with the most beautiful song. Ever since before we got married I have been eyeing wind chimes. I can never bring myself to buy them because they are so expensive. But there is something so soothing, so calming about them. My soul delights in them and takes flight on the wind with them.</p><p class="MsoNormal">One day I came home to this.</p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRisx_xXRRXbI4iP4amu4SzPEbZIPVPKXDKt1Fw1xZxisCaz8d2PLRB6gssoAWTgPKBRF97b_sjjRWxsg4A9sKMcOz2DBQXqGurya5dFGiEQpgjPLGtUax5weOXhOWnGxJY5jB6Oi9jPI/s1600/IMG_5381.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRisx_xXRRXbI4iP4amu4SzPEbZIPVPKXDKt1Fw1xZxisCaz8d2PLRB6gssoAWTgPKBRF97b_sjjRWxsg4A9sKMcOz2DBQXqGurya5dFGiEQpgjPLGtUax5weOXhOWnGxJY5jB6Oi9jPI/s320/IMG_5381.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632670202746075138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div>He made it for me. He bought the material from the hardware store, he looked up the best way to hang them to make them the most resonant. And they are lovely. I love love love my wind chime.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8xw810cMLLqnJXk0jj1QKHOsQK_QUAInNNCpadYryK0WXsOdv3ueWY0U3C39kdT7FaepHzQYGipv0R19TQFq_LKG4ecOlLxJHkslNwY6N1UlaOs2WC5YLrvMWC43n4fc-TvvvX18tM/s1600/IMG_5380.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e8xw810cMLLqnJXk0jj1QKHOsQK_QUAInNNCpadYryK0WXsOdv3ueWY0U3C39kdT7FaepHzQYGipv0R19TQFq_LKG4ecOlLxJHkslNwY6N1UlaOs2WC5YLrvMWC43n4fc-TvvvX18tM/s320/IMG_5380.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632671400905112258" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t have asked for a better song. Thank you my love.</p></div> <!--EndFragment-->So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-38030650535967620352011-07-23T14:28:00.000-07:002011-07-28T03:53:17.216-07:00First Harvest<div><br /></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZBUxeZDJsdvcwzwsNsS4wkp6GSrxDj0YdEFqPouKfTFfd8uW7Q87qGI2TV7Vxcj1YdOgZyAlFQSuNCk_fxKQM0tiH2yCwCWPu0fZpwWqXQBxtGRT3LsLLmZCmNm7_AUuCxeUUJ6Wcg/s1600/IMG_5373.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQZBUxeZDJsdvcwzwsNsS4wkp6GSrxDj0YdEFqPouKfTFfd8uW7Q87qGI2TV7Vxcj1YdOgZyAlFQSuNCk_fxKQM0tiH2yCwCWPu0fZpwWqXQBxtGRT3LsLLmZCmNm7_AUuCxeUUJ6Wcg/s320/IMG_5373.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632663412263057698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Here it is! There is one beefsteak tomato, and rest are Amish paste tomatoes. That is yellow squash. I probably should have harvested it earlier, but I didn’t even notice it until today.</p></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LGTKTtKfJN7qz9ce9W87g-TX9z07RJTRYzaYqfzzLH4aGS7Eja1wFt5X30V48BJG00xhOlFEqKb08M3kdCYRCcAuB8ydg8YG1q6RJDlUuHQA8EajsAaeRtLD-OHHJc0yQCe5cAhAJvk/s1600/IMG_5360.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LGTKTtKfJN7qz9ce9W87g-TX9z07RJTRYzaYqfzzLH4aGS7Eja1wFt5X30V48BJG00xhOlFEqKb08M3kdCYRCcAuB8ydg8YG1q6RJDlUuHQA8EajsAaeRtLD-OHHJc0yQCe5cAhAJvk/s320/IMG_5360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632664488831553346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; ">And in the pots we have a banana pepper that I got a few weeks ago for a dollar at Lowes,</p></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbwhFh6iEqInVsVakN9C3pFpfNbGqCYqezHv3w5SBzkbVNPtIqXf2iurqtJvYTDZMVNpcJjHPQNOPaFO3CIZAOQ51S-6UfM4J5chP-p33Qn0-asY5rzHiEA9QkrPslEsf2jYBRFoOyCU/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbwhFh6iEqInVsVakN9C3pFpfNbGqCYqezHv3w5SBzkbVNPtIqXf2iurqtJvYTDZMVNpcJjHPQNOPaFO3CIZAOQ51S-6UfM4J5chP-p33Qn0-asY5rzHiEA9QkrPslEsf2jYBRFoOyCU/s320/IMG_5365.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632665212111919538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">and eggplant from the Fullerton Arboretum.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUEf_T_35iiTFHWUBGWDf9VQMbZTnr3WhPvMz27BYY-H-WPt7nVwDjtP2ICALgHYWNyYt9hac3OYVBlrCJ5QrXBNq6dBwKUXZpMq88-1QH22GQXbrrTUJFVHsJ9yWGvuoBMWW_Iursc0/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUEf_T_35iiTFHWUBGWDf9VQMbZTnr3WhPvMz27BYY-H-WPt7nVwDjtP2ICALgHYWNyYt9hac3OYVBlrCJ5QrXBNq6dBwKUXZpMq88-1QH22GQXbrrTUJFVHsJ9yWGvuoBMWW_Iursc0/s320/IMG_5371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632667988680557314" /></a>I need to keep a close eye on my fruit or someone else will. Isn’t she so cute! She just loves fresh fruit from the garden. Can’t say that I blame her. <!--EndFragment-->So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-68104697066508366072011-07-23T14:18:00.000-07:002011-07-26T05:23:07.676-07:00Not Dead, but Not Exactly Thriving<div><br /></div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpYAXHFX9d72dQ56WXv8tVdInK8L_0fjGTF8gOlXIVpyADs84IksPezm20pM2s17MKIlta_8AK49-kJUk4LH_GCLPVlXLRATtlnfzli26_AchUH8umJIgRAGzfd5kftsDEtIwRULutVE/s1600/IMG_5357.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpYAXHFX9d72dQ56WXv8tVdInK8L_0fjGTF8gOlXIVpyADs84IksPezm20pM2s17MKIlta_8AK49-kJUk4LH_GCLPVlXLRATtlnfzli26_AchUH8umJIgRAGzfd5kftsDEtIwRULutVE/s320/IMG_5357.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632660819234690626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">So the tomatoes are still sprawling, but some of the leaves are starting to turn brown and die. Not exactly sure why? But even though there are dead leaves, there is still fruit. I will have to wait to see what happens.</p></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEBEcRd-ywdeSG7IM_5ZLPh24qbfgbY8kzNcft5F8PcsiFnS2ld1jqgSZgvdGxvEHPp2ok9GGueFOquzH8IINu0n8is7-QJsOnBwPxr99b9jsR5c1VEP67yFol1ErHKNtjQmf5CSmomM/s1600/IMG_5358.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEBEcRd-ywdeSG7IM_5ZLPh24qbfgbY8kzNcft5F8PcsiFnS2ld1jqgSZgvdGxvEHPp2ok9GGueFOquzH8IINu0n8is7-QJsOnBwPxr99b9jsR5c1VEP67yFol1ErHKNtjQmf5CSmomM/s320/IMG_5358.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632661163438914962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">Oh, look! There is a red one. How exciting! Even if the leaves around it are shriveling and falling to the floor.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Which reminds me of the words of my mother-in-law. While showing her my garden, I commented on how I may not be able to count this as a success exactly, but it is better than last year, and who knows, maybe by the time I am 50 I will finally be able to support a garden that is beautiful and bountiful. To this she responded by recounting how her own mother-in-law tried throughout her 80+ years of life to keep a plant alive to no avail. I’m pretty sure that story was meant to encourage me, I think…</p></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47SFY98MtrcUjseZZ6UnMaJNrbEXiXyF7uQtioyetq_OJfvv9Bx6hpa5OnbNMW7Gmboz5aLNdrYS8L4XPwjnhd3plM84GLiJQXeDzBhC-4Em5hG9qzLojUVqZES8WXR4e2_0zgBYXnsY/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47SFY98MtrcUjseZZ6UnMaJNrbEXiXyF7uQtioyetq_OJfvv9Bx6hpa5OnbNMW7Gmboz5aLNdrYS8L4XPwjnhd3plM84GLiJQXeDzBhC-4Em5hG9qzLojUVqZES8WXR4e2_0zgBYXnsY/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632661813910823538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div>In the meantime, her are the Mr. Okra, and Ms. Strawberry, thriving.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yP5GsJ7JJgtjG0gF5DgFm-IapbVifWKdTzKyysAUAm62NVFrrkp9INMXpdsTUbUIPRvdBXHhTSdfr0XraZGNoCVfOrpJdYvtW9PqzUWHcQAQ4jkaiYpus64aUM8ZBQbCx8IKNch2cAI/s1600/IMG_5367.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yP5GsJ7JJgtjG0gF5DgFm-IapbVifWKdTzKyysAUAm62NVFrrkp9INMXpdsTUbUIPRvdBXHhTSdfr0XraZGNoCVfOrpJdYvtW9PqzUWHcQAQ4jkaiYpus64aUM8ZBQbCx8IKNch2cAI/s320/IMG_5367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632662371471603858" /></a><div>I think this might actually be my first okra for harvest. So happy they survived the transplant.</div> <!--EndFragment-->So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-63465500261163101762011-07-23T14:01:00.000-07:002011-07-24T10:06:53.912-07:00Maybe I Didn’t Expect You to Last<div><br /></div><div><div><div>Not this long. You did look healthy and strong, but so did many others before you.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAzOR5XAeDaKCEaBvLy9pf3zQeT8RJBp7EF7Tp-0uKnGByeYZCVYO0b-b-gW2kbO8UCnTqQJOj9mKVW6PaLBzL6QOj_DRL5WTbsFlBqzs9p_3ToH0B0BR1WQ4T-CmtVVkvpsDtFq9DU/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVAzOR5XAeDaKCEaBvLy9pf3zQeT8RJBp7EF7Tp-0uKnGByeYZCVYO0b-b-gW2kbO8UCnTqQJOj9mKVW6PaLBzL6QOj_DRL5WTbsFlBqzs9p_3ToH0B0BR1WQ4T-CmtVVkvpsDtFq9DU/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632656975821702194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><p class="MsoNormal">These are my tomatoes. They are out of control. Which is an entirely different type of problem than any I have ever faced with gardening. I am used to caterpillars eating my crops, fungus taking my plants, and death by dehydration (or over-hydration). But now I face crops being suffocated out by the success of my tomatoes. You can’t see it in this picture, but underneath this tomato plant are small okras (planted by seed). Remember I showed you them <a href="http://susannestier.blogspot.com/2011/04/mary-mary-quite-contrary.html">here</a>? Anyway, it is time for me to move them, or else say a final prayer for them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCN5yuL3vglnDwdzL-iHGRf8nz1mZM2dH4fhUX6xAQ_BACaEBo9zbYRjThoTf0kwvdWDgDEhQn-dE15IBpZAws7K33I-sSuBjHtYvA3-19j9JBCtT5SCRwb6vzcrv6kqaT6HmZKetKxQ/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCN5yuL3vglnDwdzL-iHGRf8nz1mZM2dH4fhUX6xAQ_BACaEBo9zbYRjThoTf0kwvdWDgDEhQn-dE15IBpZAws7K33I-sSuBjHtYvA3-19j9JBCtT5SCRwb6vzcrv6kqaT6HmZKetKxQ/s320/IMG_5335.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632658156813054802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div>So with the help of my wonderful husband, I have made a new home for my Mr. Okra, Ms. Strawberry, and Mr. Bell Pepper. They are quite happy to be out of that old crowed place.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX71POFHTcYL8pzkP82nJptfvaoxTAHxVbTd0ocH-TK2qvi5KRT6FNz4my9XMhZ5RkLjnC7K07VopXnMk4BKzu2C3ToTihRd-ObamGQS5s6sOfdroHuMgJDa4h58obZVQ59WiB5AQMwcE/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX71POFHTcYL8pzkP82nJptfvaoxTAHxVbTd0ocH-TK2qvi5KRT6FNz4my9XMhZ5RkLjnC7K07VopXnMk4BKzu2C3ToTihRd-ObamGQS5s6sOfdroHuMgJDa4h58obZVQ59WiB5AQMwcE/s320/IMG_5324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632659047831679410" /></a><div><div>Before I go, I wanted to show you this. I am not sure what it is. I planted cayenne pepper seeds in this pot, but I have no idea if this is cayenne or a weed. I wait in anticipation of a pepper, but if it is a weed, it will the healthiest weed there ever was. Time will tell…</div></div> <!--EndFragment-->So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-25625567230529399962011-07-23T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-23T14:18:13.893-07:00Old Yarn, New Trick<div>Me and crochet will always be friends, always. But I have to admit that I have known for sometime now that I was going to need to step into the world of knitting. There are just so many more patterns for knitting. So why have I been dragging my feet? Well, two needles seems harder to me than one hook. But it is time. My curiosity has won over my nerves *Ahem-laziness-Ahem*.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXfGLpl14sdw61WqlNcWjtjybYRPwBu5mOGlJMfkYR7rYpCBDKPfhseiSu4P87xl6-4IJcwvkF9Rl69R1IOpd5_UpgUrsxkBqXkgDzxccVtSFXclXqAMjn3EGSydW_xYhW4hlLm7ZZ0U/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXfGLpl14sdw61WqlNcWjtjybYRPwBu5mOGlJMfkYR7rYpCBDKPfhseiSu4P87xl6-4IJcwvkF9Rl69R1IOpd5_UpgUrsxkBqXkgDzxccVtSFXclXqAMjn3EGSydW_xYhW4hlLm7ZZ0U/s320/IMG_5301.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632655437915994690" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Here before you I present my first project. </p><p class="MsoNormal">The beautiful little girl modeling this hat makes my work look way better than it actually is (Thanks baby Ruth, I love you so much!). I have since made 2 others like this and each one is better than the last, but of course I forgot to take pictures of those, so you’ll just have to take my word on that.</p> <!--EndFragment-->So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-589682749416790072011-07-17T11:38:00.001-07:002011-07-17T12:19:14.202-07:00A Moment of TransparencyJohn Lennon once said, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans". Those words haunt me now. I recently found out that having a baby will not be easy for me. And my plans of finishing school and starting a family, you know doing it the "right" way, was never something I had the power to plan for in the first place. Isn't that frustrating?!? This whole time I was planning, because that is who I am by nature, and little did I know I was wasting time, energy, and worse yet opportunity. But here I stand on this side of the truth, looking back does me no good. I can't change it. <div><br /></div><div>But looking forward seems to do no good either. I walk into stores, past baby clothes then my eyes uncontrollably well up with tears. This activity, which was harmless before learning the truth, now is painful. I admit that before, when I would walk past the tiniest, cutest clothes there was longing, but it was assuaged by the thought that "soon, soon, my time will come". Now the thought is "will I, can I...if..." </div><div><br /></div><div>I know that this is not the end of my family opportunities. Adoption was always part of the plan. I think I am just mourning the loss of this part of the plan, the dream. There is something primal about the desire to bear a child. It is irrational and so powerful. And that is why, I think, this is affecting so much.</div><div><br /></div><div>The news I got from the doctor was unofficial, and I have to admit that I hesitate to take the tests to find out officially. I don't think I could take that now, not just yet. And I am still hanging, clinging to the words and hope of my mother, "Mija, your time will come, God knows". Yes, the Great Mystery knows, and meanwhile I will walk past the tiny dresses and jumpers quickly, narrowly escaping a potentially embarrassing scene, living my life outside of the perfect plan.</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-11727626927174639252011-04-22T15:33:00.000-07:002011-04-22T16:42:44.256-07:00The Part Where I Drag My Feet<div><div><div style="text-align: left; ">So I have finished assembling the my second granny-square baby blanket. This one went faster since I already had an idea of what I was doing. I couldn't find the same exact yarn colors. Don't you hate it when that happens? So the colors are slightly different, but that just makes it one-of-a-kind, right?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp2V47jWCRCxsnOKWEUYemirdnE7OxI05wIssIdTgDKHPkHSm7qT2r6_CEnunI9qQ5TUlMW0z5cRM9LbqXUIjOcRgN8aaL35y9diTD9wnlKwJX7E5hYQnryfackjNa3k2iXlv7X6Qgzs/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp2V47jWCRCxsnOKWEUYemirdnE7OxI05wIssIdTgDKHPkHSm7qT2r6_CEnunI9qQ5TUlMW0z5cRM9LbqXUIjOcRgN8aaL35y9diTD9wnlKwJX7E5hYQnryfackjNa3k2iXlv7X6Qgzs/s400/IMG_5316.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598545571484233202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br />A few weeks ago I went to a Stitch and Bitch with my friend <a href="http://www.theduckinghampalace.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>. It was fun gathering with women, needles, hooks, and yarn. There is something about working the yarn in, over, through, and out that is soothing to the soul. As the yarn unwinds, so does the mind. It is the weirdest thing- that I can be so relaxed while being so productive. But it's true. There is nothing like whipping out a beanie or a scarf when I am stressed out. And the final product is so satisfying, so rewarding, until...</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w9fuGF0-2N0Vn95ycepO3se1g3KbQQNT9SUqKzetubWAGgR08OH2NTidchQrlcT4Gx5LLSB9fRV99XxsQ7Z4LvKfVPxYtWH-GzrZldlFUByAJ_qPkjFljCjEICI_80rsmegHj5UO5kw/s1600/IMG_5317.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_w9fuGF0-2N0Vn95ycepO3se1g3KbQQNT9SUqKzetubWAGgR08OH2NTidchQrlcT4Gx5LLSB9fRV99XxsQ7Z4LvKfVPxYtWH-GzrZldlFUByAJ_qPkjFljCjEICI_80rsmegHj5UO5kw/s400/IMG_5317.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598549978313764162" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left; ">You flip it over. Ugh! Tails!!!! I hate hiding tails. This topic came up at the Stitch and Bitch. We all shared the same sentiment. Someone thought it would be a great business to have a place to send your nearly-finished work and have some one finish it for you. But I started crocheting to solve my gift-giving-on-a-budget dilemma. So paying someone to finish my work defeats my purpose. But if anyone out there is bored and has an odd love of hiding these rascals</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMK1WQi-mC2QcHe3gA_f-0PI5z4eKqNHMP9UxwZqm8XOXWH5IJWC8PEC_xNVgRDQ-e0yM_Z9kthZRjuLtUT6gZnCQw9RnOF8-NlwWXugRpOIjW2q932NWLqyW8PTGOzDf-MQgaLGheIY/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwMK1WQi-mC2QcHe3gA_f-0PI5z4eKqNHMP9UxwZqm8XOXWH5IJWC8PEC_xNVgRDQ-e0yM_Z9kthZRjuLtUT6gZnCQw9RnOF8-NlwWXugRpOIjW2q932NWLqyW8PTGOzDf-MQgaLGheIY/s400/IMG_5319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598552967217916402" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: left; ">We should join forces. We'd make a perfect team :) Until then, I drag my feet. Maybe tomorrow I'll pull out the needle and get to work, maybe...</div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-77211071875601021342011-04-17T18:21:00.000-07:002011-04-17T22:19:37.537-07:00Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary<div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center; ">How does your garden grow?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k2cl2uAPmWPNVHGPWjP5s3G8udkOjnQUD7G40jSlHf5pM3qTUz91KM__1wbh5mldLBX3Ppijv7Md6XUBlW8U6anXw0IJRxxy2OWFriUrN9ksbArML1uhAP-o0Dq2Xczn-X0pKEbsXzU/s1600/IMG_5304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k2cl2uAPmWPNVHGPWjP5s3G8udkOjnQUD7G40jSlHf5pM3qTUz91KM__1wbh5mldLBX3Ppijv7Md6XUBlW8U6anXw0IJRxxy2OWFriUrN9ksbArML1uhAP-o0Dq2Xczn-X0pKEbsXzU/s400/IMG_5304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596782573936632210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; ">With silver bells,</div></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtbcPgidvORenO6hHNj-TcTBdLmPguHzoE_IXXBtLYPhHFNetCl0PmDY9c2T969qEygD45t5AWSMHj1ejZYrk2I6ocAG8efxBgkAGlEuOARyV3noOBs15ocv9WFYKKYQVR6cavPQASmk/s1600/IMG_5307.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtbcPgidvORenO6hHNj-TcTBdLmPguHzoE_IXXBtLYPhHFNetCl0PmDY9c2T969qEygD45t5AWSMHj1ejZYrk2I6ocAG8efxBgkAGlEuOARyV3noOBs15ocv9WFYKKYQVR6cavPQASmk/s400/IMG_5307.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596783059169703250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; ">And cockle shells,</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZ9oiAI0ijVHMvUk8HGPSHvdueyPBwFBsCaozeuIM6r_VauUIejVf0pjUxI_aLJMHoEV7hyUnBA_n4LXA88dP5Z9KzOPkaulWStHN_MOXD1EulyDuX1GYVvQNF3rAEua3eP1Y4DbsK4/s1600/IMG_5309.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSZ9oiAI0ijVHMvUk8HGPSHvdueyPBwFBsCaozeuIM6r_VauUIejVf0pjUxI_aLJMHoEV7hyUnBA_n4LXA88dP5Z9KzOPkaulWStHN_MOXD1EulyDuX1GYVvQNF3rAEua3eP1Y4DbsK4/s400/IMG_5309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596784038566741234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">And pretty maids all in a row</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg_zRJiLKyCxEB4dQKx5R4Yuxj9lgSs4Erqp82nozbi1u3IuwmHRSBVM3SQEJOWbI0fKIWmZlRUzI-g4jp_wY6G-YnVWnmVhJTzV4Nq8d98vpr9DKQsX9s0-yW5E0WSWQ34PHOnZIgnU/s1600/IMG_5310.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSg_zRJiLKyCxEB4dQKx5R4Yuxj9lgSs4Erqp82nozbi1u3IuwmHRSBVM3SQEJOWbI0fKIWmZlRUzI-g4jp_wY6G-YnVWnmVhJTzV4Nq8d98vpr9DKQsX9s0-yW5E0WSWQ34PHOnZIgnU/s400/IMG_5310.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596784524332253250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">The "pretty maids" are Okra we planted from seed. It is so exciting to see them pushing up through the dirt.</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSIFVJP8e8KWK0Bmp90hN7KHgftSRF3bFmp4YI-XwXlAW8PC4ZCGn2bt2HnqxcWZAyrLAbZ5F6IFkoqFavhMh4JXmw1qPHNVC43uJmJ6154NOVplVUs4e2N4cubwk0nr-vKtzQRNnMUk/s1600/IMG_5311.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSIFVJP8e8KWK0Bmp90hN7KHgftSRF3bFmp4YI-XwXlAW8PC4ZCGn2bt2HnqxcWZAyrLAbZ5F6IFkoqFavhMh4JXmw1qPHNVC43uJmJ6154NOVplVUs4e2N4cubwk0nr-vKtzQRNnMUk/s400/IMG_5311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596785023380127586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div><div><div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">We lost one of the Julia Child tomatoes, but the other tomatoes have started to perk up, which is encouraging. </div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKNh-mN08GrbKMhjhrbcmGtPB4p1Hzg6ew2U2NmZK25vUFnRGHSREGE41WuA1CNHkH5tfC86mJ7ZvMRfQMz_B9lg6TI4VUKGJrCKoG6nZhki70V_TbF66H3lH_conDr-UJ9kA37Hz3OI/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKNh-mN08GrbKMhjhrbcmGtPB4p1Hzg6ew2U2NmZK25vUFnRGHSREGE41WuA1CNHkH5tfC86mJ7ZvMRfQMz_B9lg6TI4VUKGJrCKoG6nZhki70V_TbF66H3lH_conDr-UJ9kA37Hz3OI/s400/IMG_5312.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596786231533361042" /></a><div><br /></div><div>It is starting to get warmer, and we'll have to see how the plants hold up in the SoCal heat, coupled with my unintentional neglect. But today, they are lovely. Yes, today was a good day. </div><div><br /></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-41689414572182289152011-04-07T08:17:00.000-07:002011-04-07T08:59:04.950-07:00The Plants<div><div><div><div><div><div>So after we got the soil ready, Mr. J built some raised beds for me and we filled them with compost and topsoil. And it looked like this:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fhssg51waIVspWPKRjlasxI1v4kdkDM5HRykNvoMJ8rgEredMbjRnsyjWvhyo-3jA9hyphenhyphennmjj58EZMLpLOxX6MDK8otF1ljnC-EMTLm3IzRfjGXz5AwlhucgTx4pOFp9ecPDpAm5r0xE/s1600/IMG_5278.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fhssg51waIVspWPKRjlasxI1v4kdkDM5HRykNvoMJ8rgEredMbjRnsyjWvhyo-3jA9hyphenhyphennmjj58EZMLpLOxX6MDK8otF1ljnC-EMTLm3IzRfjGXz5AwlhucgTx4pOFp9ecPDpAm5r0xE/s400/IMG_5278.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592862821132753058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a>We went to the Fullerton Arboretum and bought some tomatoes, then to Lowe's for the rest (strawberries, squash, swiss chard, onion, okra, and peppers). I tried to give myself a better chance by buying most of the rest as healthy plants. We'll see if it works.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXPj8t0_U6bqfphhJV57yMzpLOqXM5stMziZSn1fYwuj5OElHhHWJ94Y5-oHgonLq5-Zk7Z6FHdO21Ll5KEpFQiclVkAhgZlVohyPM4KnMfgEh5RmFWLyM-EB8XIF7s6wrdIJ8iCiPQE/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXPj8t0_U6bqfphhJV57yMzpLOqXM5stMziZSn1fYwuj5OElHhHWJ94Y5-oHgonLq5-Zk7Z6FHdO21Ll5KEpFQiclVkAhgZlVohyPM4KnMfgEh5RmFWLyM-EB8XIF7s6wrdIJ8iCiPQE/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592864467611578418" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div>NOTE: It is integral to make sure you have a trusty wagon to help in the planting process. I'm pretty sure all the experts say this...somewhere....probably.</div><div><br /></div><div>So then we planted the plants and seeds in the raised beds and viola!</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0X39WkQl-KtxVdTvPEa8prkxad4OdabIPDTz3eDoeSeIxV4apbnOW7RP7HGX0GpXH_LgBkz3-lrxl8xYKFbnvPP72Nu4szojdFybhg-U1wn_QIDZooWyCj3hEylRUkMV-WRIegm67-E/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0X39WkQl-KtxVdTvPEa8prkxad4OdabIPDTz3eDoeSeIxV4apbnOW7RP7HGX0GpXH_LgBkz3-lrxl8xYKFbnvPP72Nu4szojdFybhg-U1wn_QIDZooWyCj3hEylRUkMV-WRIegm67-E/s400/IMG_5290.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592865852088730626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div><div>It looks promising here doesn't it? Sadly it didn't staying looking like this. Some stuff is holding up alright. Some stuff <i>ahem, cough, cough</i>*Amish Paste tomatoes, squash, and Julia Child tomatoes* are not. I'll keep you updated.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I remember hearing once that the prerequisite to having a pet is to have a plant and make sure you don't kill it. Then you move on to a dog or cat and if you don't kill that you can have a kid. Let's just say, I may be destined to aunt-hood for the rest of my life. Things might just be better that way. At least I can't seriously damage anyone...I hope. I promise not to over-water my nieces and nephew, well I might over-water them with <i>loooove</i> *wink*.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to show you the detail of our raised beds. The tutorial we watched suggested laying down wood chips between the beds, but we didn't have any. We did have some bricks that the previous owners left behind, and we did have rocks (that I had sifted out in the previous post). And we did this with them</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkH3ccXdFJFJCipYUxvPJ7jiMJqO-Gpc1tjleoOP3cBz0NoJdjivQ7cJKRuM2U_cLfWyvo7QX93wdrxi1TaaeCdnguyvq3HUOnFX0eoz1Y-m77C535zwA8YXjWqezrgAFfar7NoxwAN8/s1600/IMG_5285.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkH3ccXdFJFJCipYUxvPJ7jiMJqO-Gpc1tjleoOP3cBz0NoJdjivQ7cJKRuM2U_cLfWyvo7QX93wdrxi1TaaeCdnguyvq3HUOnFX0eoz1Y-m77C535zwA8YXjWqezrgAFfar7NoxwAN8/s400/IMG_5285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592869895840422882" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">And this</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_80oOOX3AoMlKFDNXLApUuMTfGx_iloDfQP4qQ7OWgIn-Bv_fpGYfEdde0PwdKNaauFwkxVHmE1Pm2VAujDfFLhPVe8XLlsRcb2ojWEZfpLcIqRC0mM35vPDVODtbzuONP8Ld1bSvIaU/s1600/IMG_5287.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_80oOOX3AoMlKFDNXLApUuMTfGx_iloDfQP4qQ7OWgIn-Bv_fpGYfEdde0PwdKNaauFwkxVHmE1Pm2VAujDfFLhPVe8XLlsRcb2ojWEZfpLcIqRC0mM35vPDVODtbzuONP8Ld1bSvIaU/s400/IMG_5287.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592869585576960994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">And this</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ijZvvWnyVaGd49PFtcQuBdVrOixdm2LYSoIDRVZ2IrxHEOjcN9h8gmOWgC5J41Z0m0m8LvPlmeNXc5rUef8CmC8cpuy3dUGLb8xsL7f4QG7piAo5jRKP2AxD_ODxMAPZwGo3a2gKlU/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3ijZvvWnyVaGd49PFtcQuBdVrOixdm2LYSoIDRVZ2IrxHEOjcN9h8gmOWgC5J41Z0m0m8LvPlmeNXc5rUef8CmC8cpuy3dUGLb8xsL7f4QG7piAo5jRKP2AxD_ODxMAPZwGo3a2gKlU/s400/IMG_5288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592870551546236114" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">If nothing else, at least I made it look pretty, so maybe these plants will want to stick around and bask in this luxurious place. Wouldn't you?</div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-63546290939452293012011-04-04T08:04:00.000-07:002011-04-04T14:15:20.910-07:00Tilling the Soil/Prepping the Soul<div><div>If I haven't said it before (which I think I have) I really really want to be a gardener. There is something about this art that I am drawn to. It speaks to my elderly ways (I'm really a Grandma trapped in a 29 year old body), my inner hippie (I did mention this before <a href="http://susannestier.blogspot.com/2008/04/it-all-started-with-urge-for-herbs.html">here</a>), my desire to live a simpler life (one that is full of whole and healthy foods), and it is one small way I can help take better care of this beautiful planet.<div><br /></div><div>But wanting to be a gardener does not a gardener make. If only... you see every time I have attempted this in the past, I have found that my thumb is not as green as I had hoped. There! I've admitted it. Still I haven't lost all hope. I think I have figured out some of the things that I have done wrong in the past, and I hope to fix those this time around, and maybe we will see more success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also I have a new home, with a new yard (well new to me anyway). I'm actually attempting to plant in the ground instead of in a pot this time. Let's see if that doesn't help me out either. Also, my partner in crime said that I should use a small area and start small to see how it all goes. He pointed out the perfect area for us and I began to get the soil ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>You see, the area was perfect in location, but not in condition. The previous family that lived here left hundreds and hundreds of small garden rocks piled up and strewn about the yard (making in impossible to mow the lawn, but that is another topic). And of course they were settled and multiplying in my "perfect" gardening spot. Looking something like this:</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi93R0YeQmhbeaBrZsOF5Syv_2sDLFE-dqjSPaulSeRcT6T3Myp-iWpPXnVhcbprQfhhCwWIJ589B0Fw48HRGzRStMICArbn3N6Yv59jTq4RmCykNkFBzhIUllOeBZkYKBstW7C6rOAI/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi93R0YeQmhbeaBrZsOF5Syv_2sDLFE-dqjSPaulSeRcT6T3Myp-iWpPXnVhcbprQfhhCwWIJ589B0Fw48HRGzRStMICArbn3N6Yv59jTq4RmCykNkFBzhIUllOeBZkYKBstW7C6rOAI/s400/IMG_5273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591838255237400626" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br />As you can imagine, this is not a welcoming place for plants to grow, fighting against rocks to get the smallest bit of sun. And so I began the task of clearing these rocks. Man oh man, did this make me realize how "soft" we are in the 21st century. I mean after the first day I was exhausted, achy, and defeated. But it had to be done, and so 4 days later this was the result:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7gpX3GebNsjwisIiJ9M9RHFDUW7LthrzLd2Sqv65YjkXRJtY33vJt3TsYpjCZPkYrIt1QwkJjW1IgpALkHlXgQPE90a2bH4m8kMUWlWIjRhCJDjSk4DsEF2AskfFtc9_1v6XlPczfcg/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7gpX3GebNsjwisIiJ9M9RHFDUW7LthrzLd2Sqv65YjkXRJtY33vJt3TsYpjCZPkYrIt1QwkJjW1IgpALkHlXgQPE90a2bH4m8kMUWlWIjRhCJDjSk4DsEF2AskfFtc9_1v6XlPczfcg/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591838757719455266" /></a><br /><div>Not bad, eh? While this was grueling work, an unexpected bonus was that I was simultaneously tilling the soil. And there was something spiritual about that act. I became intimately connected with my soil. I realized how the earth is truly living. I couldn't pick up one shovel of dirt without finding a worm, a grub, a rollie-pollie. And I was in awe of this life that thrived unbeknownst to me, and unaided by me. As it turns out, I am not the center of the universe, but I am part of the fabric of life weaving this wonderful planet together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"All things bright and beautiful</div><div style="text-align: center;">All creatures great and small</div><div style="text-align: center;">All things wise and wonderful</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lord God made them all<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Things_Bright_and_Beautiful">...</a>" </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes indeed!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tune in next time to see how the garden turned out. Did I in fact help beautify this earth? Or did it end in total disarray and destruction? Only time will tell...</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-57169276074276654942011-03-13T16:39:00.000-07:002011-03-13T17:04:52.979-07:00How It Ends<div>Final Phase: Finished product.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iQoLe960LjOd6Z7sRCJedp2Lj7sP7xqCXtZa8zAa4IpTS0GHplHvCD_mt6EZ8pOOdBj3H5orPiqLRejOJ44RLt5ZzEpgQPpal1Jmz7z6sMnHyOQBR4kWcwwKjARFYluCv2LTIo2jNn8/s1600/IMG_5209.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iQoLe960LjOd6Z7sRCJedp2Lj7sP7xqCXtZa8zAa4IpTS0GHplHvCD_mt6EZ8pOOdBj3H5orPiqLRejOJ44RLt5ZzEpgQPpal1Jmz7z6sMnHyOQBR4kWcwwKjARFYluCv2LTIo2jNn8/s320/IMG_5209.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583718287485646786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br />I have been finished with the baby blanket for quite some time. I really like the "quilt-ish" feel of the granny squares right next to each other. I tried putting a unifying color border around each square and it wasn't working for some reason. I had worried that sewing the pieces together with white yarn would look silly, but I actually liked the contrast of the white yarn.<div><br /></div><div>For those wondering, I pretty much just sewed the granny squares together. I used a large needle with a large eye and did a basic whip stitch.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was concerned about the size of the blanket. I thought it was too small, but my friend Katie told me that she thought it was just right. She said that she still uses the small blankets made for her daughter, even though she is now almost 3 (Yikes! Time flies faster and faster the older I get). I had never thought about that before, but a smaller blanket would be easier to put on a stroller, or cover a sleeping baby with. I think you learn these practical things when you are a parent. I could prepare as much as I like, but there are things that I will never learn until I am there.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNx6SV3pU8pEHP65I7aBmZLAONLzuewsTUJ1QDnBu-JxaPmCDefPgxt0hwAO-Xa_nVOcGO9w-uBAB5gUui5k5Ohm5BO_GUKVLLStzaMQ_0IB3UocbmDOfQkqR3IrEjh3g5qnkSEaWBe4/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNx6SV3pU8pEHP65I7aBmZLAONLzuewsTUJ1QDnBu-JxaPmCDefPgxt0hwAO-Xa_nVOcGO9w-uBAB5gUui5k5Ohm5BO_GUKVLLStzaMQ_0IB3UocbmDOfQkqR3IrEjh3g5qnkSEaWBe4/s320/IMG_5220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583718931201159122" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></u></span></div><div>I can tell you that this blanket is the perfect size for a rambunctious, and silly terrier named Euki. </div><div><br /></div><div>After finishing this, I wanted to make a giant version for my own bed. This always happens. I make things for other people, but rarely for myself, then want to keep it. But alas, I have to let it go. It is better that way. It means I can keep making more without stuffing my house with yarn projects I hardly use. Speaking of which, I better get back to my second "quilt"... no this one is not for me either :) </div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-67276887524935693052011-01-08T18:53:00.000-08:002011-02-24T09:14:03.769-08:00How It Begins<div><div>Phase 1: Impetus</div><div><div><div><div>First, you must realize that you have no gift for the upcoming baby-shower. Then you realize that you also lack money to go and buy said gift. Next, panic! Finally calm yourself down, realizing that you have plenty of yarn, and can do a thing or two with a hook.<div><br /></div><div>Phase 2: Get to it!</div></div><div>I usually let the yarn I have determine the design of anything I make. Color and texture lead me to decide what I should make and how I want it to look. Since I had a bunch of colorful skeins of soft yarn I figured I would use them for a baby blanket. I decided to make a granny square blanket with my many colored yarn, firstly because I've never actually completed a granny square blanket, though I have made plenty-a granny square. And secondly, because I did not have enough skeins of any one particular color so granny squares would be perfect.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yp0DTnk3jFnyvbUCvD2zIXX14yJsMKetlhCI1OJIWZAuR97vgzjtwDUPlt-ve17CWz8wD87Os-L1ZBUEgHDe-xptUP08jprfRl1SFcf1i_WKzEJAyOYjuLugEyGVAn25qwBYWDDrUiI/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yp0DTnk3jFnyvbUCvD2zIXX14yJsMKetlhCI1OJIWZAuR97vgzjtwDUPlt-ve17CWz8wD87Os-L1ZBUEgHDe-xptUP08jprfRl1SFcf1i_WKzEJAyOYjuLugEyGVAn25qwBYWDDrUiI/s320/IMG_5094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560015932779111554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br />I think I used a 5mm hook, and my granny squares were three "rings" each. This is how it begins, a single piece of yarn, a single hook, and a single square. Then...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5RTwqf2PAzLdAwkRMFBo1DIAgh9cGF91nZagI_A8R0RzBd-SwxYUqEmZgijcZTjYw0Q2m3qzoBN0-4A8IVGBsWVWWuENohXvO9q4sy5WhA5rVQpaL0VwPfkybri3S_yWkIbWdMWsEiA/s1600/IMG_5097.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5RTwqf2PAzLdAwkRMFBo1DIAgh9cGF91nZagI_A8R0RzBd-SwxYUqEmZgijcZTjYw0Q2m3qzoBN0-4A8IVGBsWVWWuENohXvO9q4sy5WhA5rVQpaL0VwPfkybri3S_yWkIbWdMWsEiA/s320/IMG_5097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560016789250107042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a>The squares multiply, divide, change colors and do the watusi. I actually had to head out to buy the blue and red yarns. Once I had all the squares done, I laid them out on my bed and put them in the order I wanted them. The goal was a quilt made of yarn.<div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD0hMB58RecHXYIiZ5WmvBrFi3OaSLwNOaDZWzsCXlNdRQ8TSZMWNuHGdmoNynVJh1H2d2QauLZ5wBKkaHTrIDz9TJC4XakNKDLN0kEDhTrb2IoWaNbjzmedKCcFU4PQly1dSzkKMWxk/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD0hMB58RecHXYIiZ5WmvBrFi3OaSLwNOaDZWzsCXlNdRQ8TSZMWNuHGdmoNynVJh1H2d2QauLZ5wBKkaHTrIDz9TJC4XakNKDLN0kEDhTrb2IoWaNbjzmedKCcFU4PQly1dSzkKMWxk/s320/IMG_5055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560017991661480706" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div><div>At the top there is my bodyguard, Momo, a very important detail I forgot to mention. Never begin an assignment without your trusty body(pillow)guard. I also forgot to mention that it is seminal to the art that you watch something inspiring at the same time, you know, something that is high-culture like Shakespeare, or in this case "Sing-Off" (wasn't it such a great show this season!) as you can see streaming on my computer.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>After the pattern is determine, I bunched up the square row by row and tied them to help me put them together more quickly, like so</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00vJDqb8KtS8OSTYE5XDn7yJJZ7cZEuAw8dwqIhyS2ebLpwApA2SoRMmx0KsxbjxjOQ0nN1Li7X5jC9K5UL8nRjc_fxs2Ph_HvDWmpYAklzccN50G4aXQQMjXYta9Rw5YzMfZKuaV45E/s1600/IMG_5100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00vJDqb8KtS8OSTYE5XDn7yJJZ7cZEuAw8dwqIhyS2ebLpwApA2SoRMmx0KsxbjxjOQ0nN1Li7X5jC9K5UL8nRjc_fxs2Ph_HvDWmpYAklzccN50G4aXQQMjXYta9Rw5YzMfZKuaV45E/s320/IMG_5100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560019604985887794" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At this point I will stop a let you catch up. So get to it already. NOTE: Phase 1 is optional, and Phase 2 is where the fun begins.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Next time: Finished product I promise! </div><div><br /></div><div>(I swear I already finished it, but I have been reluctant to post because I didn't want the recipients of the gift to see. So I started another for my husband's sister, who is also expecting, then DOH! she said she had recently been reading my blog. BLAST!!! I hope she doesn't read this post, because I have been siting on this puppy for a while and can't wait anymore.)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>PS: Vanya, if you are reading this, I changed my mind. I am actually crocheting you cloth diapers...Oh and don't read my blog anymore until after the baby is born :)</div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-66441724191050481612011-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:002011-01-08T18:47:09.182-08:00What's in My Belly<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Usually when I tell people the foods I don't eat (no free-range meats or dairy, no gluten, limited citrus, etc.) they quickly ask me, "So what do you eat?" the smart-ass in me wants to reply, "Food, duh!" but I restrain myself. I know I have to cut through the surface of the question and get to the heart of what is happening. They are facing a cultural difference that is difficult for them to swallow. So much of culture is formed by food. Think about it, what do we do on special days of celebration -birthdays, holidays, weddings, sports gatherings- WE EAT! Yumm!!! And it's a good thing too, because I love eating.<div><br /></div><div>It just so happens that our middle class American culture eats specific things. We identify certain foods with specific cultures-Mexican, Chinese, French, American-but what I have had to learn is that food is food. Recently a co-worker was hospitalized for a serious stomach problem. When released, she was told not to eat fatty foods like meats. She came to me and asked me for advice. "How do you do it? What am I supposed to eat now?" I was able to calm her down and show her that her world of food was not shrinking but expanding. She was now free to see food as a source of energy. Which is what it is!</div><div><br /></div><div>And when we look at it that way then we can eat all kinds of "weird" and "crazy" things because our purpose is to get energy. This is why I have been able to eat turkey soup for breakfast everyday this week. This is why I can have some nuts, avocado, and applesauce for lunch. My food world has expanded because I don't only eat what is "supposed" to go together, but whatever I have on hand, and whatever I am craving, and I love it!</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxYkfcv6QD9fNrsbR5Hb05bgGpom-eoftA2RkTc35ppdniQdwpBaaIIRB9CrB0ZYHKiYJzV8uqZsjN901nFlt1ox6PxGV7_gXSshUi6ec1_VXe8_wTyuTMKj3hX-SBmxOP41JUUJFAmc/s320/IMG_5159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560011414494486306" /><div><br /></div><div>Above you can see what I keep stocked in my kitchen. We have pastured butter, and cultured butter, raw organic milk, brown rice (just bought this in bulk for the first time), avocados (I LOVE LOVE LOVE avocados!), free range eggs, we eat lots and lots of eggs, grape seed oil (I also use olive oil), and coconut oil, sweet potatoes and yams (these are in season and we love to make fries out of them), raw cheese, apple cider vinegar, almond flour (I have a ton of alternative flours too), and homemade applesauce. So you see we aren't starving, and we actually have very delicious meals. Stop by some time and we would love to share, that is, if you are brave enough. </div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-41695667096556919032010-12-31T09:43:00.000-08:002010-12-31T12:49:46.737-08:00I Can Read in 2010<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Since it is the last day of 2010 (and I just finished my last book) I figured I would share the books that were part of my life during this year. These are the books that I read for my own pleasure or edification. There were certainly other books that I had to read for school and work, but I don't count those because I was forced to read them-kinda. But the following are books that I chose to read all on my own. Ain't I a good girl! Since we were on a budget this year, I checked-out many of these from the library, and fell in love once again with my childhood playground.<div><br /></div><div>Before we begin, I have to confess that I have a compulsion when it comes to numbers. I really like numbers to "balance". "Balance" is in quotations because I define "balance" in my own special way. There is no rhyme or reason to it, I just know in my gut that that is the right number to balance out a situation. My husband thinks I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ridiculous</span> about this. It is something that he like to tease me about. And I let him, because frankly it <i>is</i> ridiculous. But I can't help it, so there! And for no other reason than there being 12 months in the year, my goal was to read 12 books this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Second confession: I read the last two books this week. Not sure if that still counts, but I made the rules so I says yes, of course it counts! So here we go, in the order I read them.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlEYPM81y1arKbIYdqdNJ34KiJaEH-EaX_k0ewqUn74t7IVXVlfY7nrlle6nrWmHBOKp0v6sTYcsFwARoxDpXMX-Ps4aotiRpLD4YrK-R3WuzCCFsVh6kUQ9QkIDOCqyqN4Mo_hjgv-8/s1600/Kite_runner.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlEYPM81y1arKbIYdqdNJ34KiJaEH-EaX_k0ewqUn74t7IVXVlfY7nrlle6nrWmHBOKp0v6sTYcsFwARoxDpXMX-Ps4aotiRpLD4YrK-R3WuzCCFsVh6kUQ9QkIDOCqyqN4Mo_hjgv-8/s320/Kite_runner.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556906172382071458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><b>Kite Runner</b> by Khaled Hosseini- I wanted to read this book because my husband read and really enjoyed another book by this author, <b>A Thousand Splendid Suns</b>. Also I had heard about a certain controversy that arose with the child actors in Afghanistan as a result of making the film adaptation of this book. I had been wanting to read this book for some time, but the dark and heavy elements of the plot kept me away (child abuse, which is what the controversy was about in Afghanistan). But this year I decided that I needed to read it. I am so glad I did. This book is heart-wrenching and powerful in ways that I am still understanding. It takes you to dark places, questioning the goodness of man, but then leaves you with the desire to hope, to believe in hope. Beautifully executed, it gives an insiders perspective of life in Afghanistan.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbGANC3VWJHKYICEzk48UmTb-JPWhIuCdifg-s4tHNi3K6BkI4tMfs3YDww30CJ0sfS-Xr688sd7lHFbBc-7ChRvcvJvvq9Yvy-X050hh199XW6Y0HJPHRuVCS1bx-E9S53RkcemV8Qw/s1600/animal+vegetable+miracle.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbGANC3VWJHKYICEzk48UmTb-JPWhIuCdifg-s4tHNi3K6BkI4tMfs3YDww30CJ0sfS-Xr688sd7lHFbBc-7ChRvcvJvvq9Yvy-X050hh199XW6Y0HJPHRuVCS1bx-E9S53RkcemV8Qw/s320/animal+vegetable+miracle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556908331366659666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><b>Animal, Vegetable, Miracle</b> by Barbara Kingsolver- I found this book thanks to Amazon's suggestions list. Based on some of the books that I had read last year, Amazon thought I might enjoy this one. And boy was Amazon right! This book is a nonfictional account of a family that moves from the suburbs to live on a farm. Their motivation was to lessen their global footprint. The challenge was that they could only eat food that was locally grown. This meant that they had to grow allot of their own food, and rely on the food grown by their neighbors. This book is a perfect combination of insightful thoughts, and information. If you are at all interested in reclaiming a more natural, sustainable, and wholesome lifestyle, this book is a great resource. If you want to laugh at yourself for crying about the mating habits of turkeys, this is also the book for you.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5fagcol-4aO_SPVRBSn_zByzv7qU-E-bgqCbhekrrnWbeYU0Yj03agL3PkhKdQyW0kLTBrGmMVvqX5YTy-wlMGLw9ZSN_RDgFewgFYAs8fx17DJCywIuKDqctXe3vpSqSFPlww4o8Oo/s1600/517RrwbEvgL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5fagcol-4aO_SPVRBSn_zByzv7qU-E-bgqCbhekrrnWbeYU0Yj03agL3PkhKdQyW0kLTBrGmMVvqX5YTy-wlMGLw9ZSN_RDgFewgFYAs8fx17DJCywIuKDqctXe3vpSqSFPlww4o8Oo/s320/517RrwbEvgL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556912566065521842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div><div><b>How to Rescue the Earth Without Worshiping Nature</b> by Tony Compolo- This was a book that I found while cleaning out my childhood bedroom. It was an overview of different reasons Christians should take their role as stewards of the Earth more seriously, as well as some ideas of how to share this idea with others and how to take part in being more ecologically responsible. What I liked most about this book was the way Compolo depicts the world's opinion of Christianity and conservatism. Ultimately he says that we should be known by our love, our love of all people and all things created by our wonderful Creator. The book was not bad. I enjoyed it, but I can see how those who are moved by strong, theological arguments might not be. I have always been more of a heart/intuition person than a logical/head person, so it suited me just fine.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZkYosY9CMmNxlaAc4FjLEWAMv12jQRGMcS23ZsxmGI3JZ0_uvGv47U8MtKu-yuRCZfO4S7nhv74-pxYsIxwwYr2Jd5fsiPpT8yNAlghqS0nHW3N0IJPwFN0UO7OAZzlOv7EIp_-SyJk/s1600/women+wolves.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZkYosY9CMmNxlaAc4FjLEWAMv12jQRGMcS23ZsxmGI3JZ0_uvGv47U8MtKu-yuRCZfO4S7nhv74-pxYsIxwwYr2Jd5fsiPpT8yNAlghqS0nHW3N0IJPwFN0UO7OAZzlOv7EIp_-SyJk/s320/women+wolves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556914721184246018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 280px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><b>Women Who Run With the Wolves</b> by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.- This is a book that I saw my husband's sister reading. She seemed to be really moved by it, and so I decided maybe I should read it too. This was a library book that I now own because my dog decided to take a bite out of the cover. Anyway, this book explores the female side/attributes of the soul, spirituality, and the Divine. This was a weighty book to read, and I don't recommend it for anyone who is not seriously interested in the topic because the size alone is daunting. However, I am glad that I read this book. In this book issues of repression and denial of the female in history are brought up, a path to forgiveness, healing, and growth is prepared. Pinkola Estes is a Jungian psychologist and as such the topics of the book are explored through folktales and myths of various cultures. I am glad my dog took a bite out of the cover, because now I own this treasure, and can refer back to it over and over again.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4ziytuXaLYVXoCg2k4DQ6bNEY6TAZFvizdq0B9ImSLReK2D8-1lM_oov8J3gP55JLIv5QaPcfkBiEfjZKWezUdAeozwGDTIFAvKWa9OIT8EcWOAOrerBNNqtsVbuP6uH6Jb22ySI7ew/s1600/200px-Pilgrim-at-Tinker-Creek.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4ziytuXaLYVXoCg2k4DQ6bNEY6TAZFvizdq0B9ImSLReK2D8-1lM_oov8J3gP55JLIv5QaPcfkBiEfjZKWezUdAeozwGDTIFAvKWa9OIT8EcWOAOrerBNNqtsVbuP6uH6Jb22ySI7ew/s320/200px-Pilgrim-at-Tinker-Creek.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556917435561685842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 289px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><b>Pilgrim at Tinker Creek</b> by Annie Dillard- This book was not an easy one for me to get through. It is not that I didn't enjoy it, because there were times that I did, and I am grateful for the moments of catharsis I had. But I have never really been able to fully appreciate well described scenery in a book. I have a hard time visualizing it, and I get bored quickly with it. This book is filled with such descriptions. It is sort of like Dillard's memoir, and scientific journal in one. What works in this book is that she was not observing nature to uncover a hidden profound meaning she could share with the world. Instead through her observations of the daily, and ordinary she realizes profound, and awe-inspiring miracles. An insightful and moving book.</div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ8sduJ9lO6eJcIVu8BScRJCy2lsB_W_X83D3Zs0hNpwM_BnZ7z8hIw6fNPGfAWAV1OYWr4FsIlGexNalYhmf5-6PcTUhkHHygnVZ0MkZsuj-Ocjs38ItVSTu3w5N8e39nJIGtO1xqAA/s1600/180px-Tuesdays_with_Morrie_book_cover.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQ8sduJ9lO6eJcIVu8BScRJCy2lsB_W_X83D3Zs0hNpwM_BnZ7z8hIw6fNPGfAWAV1OYWr4FsIlGexNalYhmf5-6PcTUhkHHygnVZ0MkZsuj-Ocjs38ItVSTu3w5N8e39nJIGtO1xqAA/s320/180px-Tuesdays_with_Morrie_book_cover.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556919435013542850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 259px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><b>Tuesdays With Morrie</b> by Mitch Albom- After reading those heavy books, I wanted something short and sweet. This book is short, but it is so much more than sweet. It was a book that I found in my house. I have no idea where or when we got it, but there is a note written on the inside cover from one friend to another, encouraging them in a time of darkness. That is was this book is all about, courage in times of darkness. Morrie was a professor of Albom's who enters back into Albom's life years later by God's grace it would seem. Morrie has a unique wisdom about life and walks through life in love and joy. That is what this book is about, trying to capture the great heart of a dying man so more could learn from his wisdom. This is a beautiful, touching, and powerful book. Don't even try to read it with out a box of tissues. You have been warned.</div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1F2Qe3RdKFwRYLZheywofeL-5NIqWDyNQQMgn3LazMWtP0iCEvNpo3KNq7RdIEkgYVMt48_4_aXgcirQQub9fTjAHyMrACDorKDLhdEPrEKZXddR-BfOygxGCy92qMLfs8cVJdzi12o/s1600/200px-Littleprince.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1F2Qe3RdKFwRYLZheywofeL-5NIqWDyNQQMgn3LazMWtP0iCEvNpo3KNq7RdIEkgYVMt48_4_aXgcirQQub9fTjAHyMrACDorKDLhdEPrEKZXddR-BfOygxGCy92qMLfs8cVJdzi12o/s320/200px-Littleprince.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556921202762840866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 247px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>The Little Prince</b> by Antoine de Saint-Exupery- A man I respect in my Sunday morning Bible study referred to this book several times. I had never read it, and since, at the time, I was overwhelmed with work, I thought a children's book would be just right. This book is more than a simple children's book. There are so many profound truths discovered by the characters that this books warrants a closer look and study. For my first run through I was moved by the boy's discovery of the gift and sacrifice of love. The artwork is simple, sweet and lovely.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPI0thfuCgLYFJiZfpDmuvI0DC3bB9RP1iWRS2dtzDFVExK3ytsL9ynL0JouJodSzpuAl-s7_tngAE8zltRfpYXBRuqyg7Q1DJgEPkRBH1gN8Lu_yOSMBmKUXE4KzrPRP34oYQWddEBY/s1600/deadandgone_sookiesite01.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPI0thfuCgLYFJiZfpDmuvI0DC3bB9RP1iWRS2dtzDFVExK3ytsL9ynL0JouJodSzpuAl-s7_tngAE8zltRfpYXBRuqyg7Q1DJgEPkRBH1gN8Lu_yOSMBmKUXE4KzrPRP34oYQWddEBY/s320/deadandgone_sookiesite01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556923029440302034" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 279px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>Dead and Gone</b> by Charlaine Harris- This is simply a guilty pleasure. This is part of the Sookie Stackhouse series, which HBO's "True Blood" is based on. This series is a quick read, and purely for mindless entertainment. I was first exposed to the series a couple of years back when a woman in the apartment complex where I lived gave me a copy of the first book in the series. I was bitten *wink* immediately. I bought the rest of the series and rushed through them that same summer. This one was a re-read. I wanted to refresh my memory for the newest book (which came out this year, but I still haven't read). Turns out I really didn't need to re-read it. Really, this is the kind of book that is a one-time read. Still, I did enjoy it for all the same reasons I enjoyed the others: the mystery, and the romance. That's right, I said it, the <i>romance</i>, so what! I know who I am!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa9GaQDbshIgdNZ9Vh7F6ZuKJDFK-Crh8C3G_2QXoYnHC_XZM4yKlF8TDmP0aVQQdLEPasu74PmUKFj3q_3CvOgmCzoyjuTdJyDJ-i-ezN7whKesMoJsC3pl1CP7yQWwDTghy6xYCByY/s1600/200px-Brisingr_book_cover.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa9GaQDbshIgdNZ9Vh7F6ZuKJDFK-Crh8C3G_2QXoYnHC_XZM4yKlF8TDmP0aVQQdLEPasu74PmUKFj3q_3CvOgmCzoyjuTdJyDJ-i-ezN7whKesMoJsC3pl1CP7yQWwDTghy6xYCByY/s320/200px-Brisingr_book_cover.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556925212120236866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><b>Brisingr</b> by Christopher Paolini- This is the third book in the Inheritance Cycle. I listened to the first two books, but this is the first one that I read. This book was great! It is a fantasy novel and as a result I got my dragon and fairy fix, my adventure, and drama, my hero's journey, and my cliffhanger. The story is about a dragon rider who must face the most powerful and evil dragon rider of all time. Humanity's freedom rests on his shoulders. Can't wait for the next to come out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93MsBlpt1q5NK1dT1xm-k0kO5asCp2p50SJAE0pD2I_GQeFKH78AZtd4zTNrc-rKZr3V-mEHPwBICo0xwXncYmKXzdiTteSw2CI3700AHmk5xY9g3DycalEsJ9zodCL7-1tS4VOZe-0s/s1600/dance+daughter.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93MsBlpt1q5NK1dT1xm-k0kO5asCp2p50SJAE0pD2I_GQeFKH78AZtd4zTNrc-rKZr3V-mEHPwBICo0xwXncYmKXzdiTteSw2CI3700AHmk5xY9g3DycalEsJ9zodCL7-1tS4VOZe-0s/s320/dance+daughter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556927011785616386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 278px; " /></a><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Dance of the Dissident Daughter</b> by Sue Monk Kidd- This is a book recommended to me by my husband's sister. I actually started reading it two summers ago, but lost it in Hawaii. I like to think that someone who needed it found it. This is a book about Kidd's discovery of the sacred feminine. That is such a big and vague descriptor, "sacred feminine". What the heck does that mean?!? Well it is hard to describe succinctly. It has to do with discovering the divine traits of God reflected in the female form. It has to do with reclaiming a position of rank in the realm of creation. It has to do with healing a soul that has been undervalued for so many generations that we don't even recognize the damages done. This was a life-changing book for me. I am now hungry to learn more, and to see how this knowledge will bring me closer to the One I ache to know.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP0m9q-XjBH9_JiaZDtn0b10WVXsx6cULi8ukvzSbrcbW1KaL_dJZ08xVbHbvZILwXHghIySzLQ4mpYd40MtDbuxZYdCZAjGvEHzT8uwpm6gXwJsK5q8YSBcm2saT364IrcM-9j5jF5A/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-12-31+at+9.39.17+AM.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieP0m9q-XjBH9_JiaZDtn0b10WVXsx6cULi8ukvzSbrcbW1KaL_dJZ08xVbHbvZILwXHghIySzLQ4mpYd40MtDbuxZYdCZAjGvEHzT8uwpm6gXwJsK5q8YSBcm2saT364IrcM-9j5jF5A/s320/Screen+shot+2010-12-31+at+9.39.17+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556928892472792194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 301px; " /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>The Soul of an Indian</b> by Ohiyesa (edited by Kent Neburn)- I'll admit that I read this book this week just to meet my 12 book quota. I chose it because it was short. I think it was a gift my quirky aunty bought me one year for Christmas, which I am sure she found at BigLots or the Swap meet. So you can see why I was surprised that I actually really loved this book! This is an edited version of another book by Ohiyesa, <b>The Soul of the Indian</b>, which I really want to read now. This book described the spiritual and social beliefs of native americans through the eyes of a man who lived in both the native american world, and the world of European Christianity. His experiences give him a special insight and ability to draw parallels, and conclusions between the two worlds. I was surprised by how much my own beliefs were shared by the native americans. My favorite part of the book is the reference to God as "the Great Mystery". So beautiful and so true.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildnYNwkQUJ7VmA-_iGbIamdBFmT8XQopsklngjmzZCYfn1ASUlGc7YzuSZehHyO5Fg5wz0W3EYDQfZg8_feez6PaKvB382dnx9UmBUOWRWoY0Yg5fw4MP0qs4Yze8YArjwIyUbu1Uakk/s1600/aristotle.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildnYNwkQUJ7VmA-_iGbIamdBFmT8XQopsklngjmzZCYfn1ASUlGc7YzuSZehHyO5Fg5wz0W3EYDQfZg8_feez6PaKvB382dnx9UmBUOWRWoY0Yg5fw4MP0qs4Yze8YArjwIyUbu1Uakk/s320/aristotle.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556931522904091506" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b>Aristotle's Poetics with and Introductory Essay by Francis Fergusson</b>- I finished this one this morning. It was also chosen for it's brevity. It was a required text for one of my college classes that I never read. It is definitely a scholarly text. I confess that there were moments when I was just reading to read and not for comprehension. But I met my quota right? Basically this is Aristotle's analysis of the different types of poetic art at the time. He then scrutinized the elements of the art and determined the formula for the best possible artwork. As I read this I could not help but be floored at how brilliant Aristotle was, and how his contributions still linger today, centuries later. Amazing!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So that's it! I enjoyed doing this so much that I have made 12 in 12 my goal for 2011. I just hope I have time, seeing as how I start school again in a few days. Ugh! When will I ever be done...Blessing to you all in 2011. And read, because it is good for you!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-75871649358653744762010-12-24T11:15:00.000-08:002010-12-24T12:02:54.075-08:00Real Food???Well since I left you all at the edge of your seats wondering what crazy new diet I am on (the real food diet/lifestyle) I figured I better explain. There is much confusion about what I eat. When I say that I don't want to eat animals that were treated cruelly, I do not mean that I am a vegetarian. If you ever asked me what I eat I may have said vegetarian just because it is much easier to say that than to explain what I really am. That, and if I really got into it your eyes may glaze over in less than 30 seconds. But since you are here, trapped (cuz it's not like you could close this page at any time) I will explain. I feel called to eat foods that honor the earth, the animals, other people, and my own body. In short I want to honor all of God's creation. There are too many people groups that have survived from eating other animals, so I am not about to tell them they were wrong to consume another life. Also if memory serves, it was God who killed the first animal to provide clothing for Adam and Eve. While not ideal, consuming animals is one way we have been directed to for our survival. Finally I really and truly believe that life comes from life. Even vegans are indirectly taking life to prolong their own. When a field is cleared to grow soy beans, the wild animals inhabiting that field are sacrificed-gophers, mice, wild birds loose their homes and shelter. So that said, I am not delusional to think that my life continues without costing another's, and I find a position taken by some Native Americans to be more in unison with my own, which honors and thanks the life given to provide for my own. <div><br /></div><div>You are probably thinking that I really haven't explained what I eat. You are right. So let's get to it. I try my best (I am flexible with my diet, trying to accommodate as different circumstances arise) to eat locally, and organic, or at least pesticide free <b>vegetables</b>, <b>fruit</b>, and <b>herbs</b>. I try to eat pastured (as in raised on a pasture, grazing in grass), or free-range (yes there is a difference, and if you really want to know what that is, ask in the comments and I will explain) <b>meats</b>, <b>eggs</b>, and <b>dairy</b>. It can be tricky finding foods that meet these criteria, but I have had the most success at farmer's markets. Also, remember that I am flexible, so I don't starve because I cannot find food that meet <i>all </i>the criteria. Now regarding dairy, I try to stay away from pasteurized (please do not confuse this with pastured-these are two very different things) because it leads to stuffy sinuses, and allergy attacks, or sinus infection (I try to avoid gluten-and sometimes citrus-for this same reason). I do however, eat raw <b>dairy</b>, and have found that it doesn't have as severe an affect on me. WooHoo!!! Cuz I have missed my quesadillas. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just recently bought some raw milk and it was nice to drink milk like that, it has been a while. I plan on making some gluten-free cookies this weekend and having them with a glass of cold raw milk. Yum!!! Funny how excited I get over simple things like that, since I have had to go without those things for a long time. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, indeed!</div><div><br /></div><div>The REAL part of my diet is the idea that I try to eat as many whole foods as possible. No foods with scary expiration dates/preservatives, chemical dyes, high fructose corn syrup, or instant meals. The idea is that I would live a life style where I make most of my foods, like folks did in the preindustrial era. That is the REAL part of the Real Food diet. It is taking us back to our preindustrial revolution roots. I think the main words behind this movement would be simple, whole, balance, and quality. This is a lifestyle not simply a diet. It is one that seems to encompass all the elements that I value, and it leads me to a life that I am already striving for. A life of dignity, honor, balance, wholeness, truth, and love. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I can eat pretty much anything, as long as it is organic, whole, pastured, preservative-free, natural, and locally grown. Luckily McDonald's and Taco Bell's menus are just that! *wink* </div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-86546649513502269892010-12-15T22:45:00.000-08:002010-12-15T22:56:44.756-08:00Not dead...I promise!I seriously doubt if anyone out there is still reading this, but if you are I just wanted to tell you that I am still here. Finished one year of teaching and am in the second year now. Started a masters program, dropped out, and am lined up to start another. Have two dogs now. Moved to Anaheim (a stones throw away from Disneyland!). Still working two jobs. Have converted to a Real Foods Diet (more on that to come) and am thrilled with it! It is good for my body and my soul. <div><br /></div><div>Still crafting/creating, though not as often as I would like. Am currently working on completing a granny square baby blanket. Have successfully made gluten-free cookies, banana bread, stuffing, green bean <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">casserole</span>, pancakes, and pies!</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I sign-off, a funny story courtesy of one of my 1st grade students: We were working on our journal entry and the theme was "Snowflakes are..." and she wrote "Snowflakes are pretty. I wish they were made of chocolate. I like chocolate." I laughed so hard when I read that. Aren't kids great! </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to be back soon!</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-69803992425140775062010-08-08T08:09:00.000-07:002010-08-08T08:49:20.400-07:00Dog-SittingAbout a week ago we dog sat for a friend. And this week we are doing the same for a different friend. I am not really sure how we keep getting ourselves in these positions. Probably because we have dogs, love dogs, and now have a yard. I don't really mind, but I am starting to wonder if maybe we should start a business? You see we aren't the type to just put our dogs in the back yard and check up on them for 5 minutes a day. I just don't feel right about doing that. Though I did come from <i>that</i> home...you know, the one that just left a big ole' bucket of water and a big ole' bucket of dog food whenever we went on a trip. Yup, that was my family. <div><br /></div><div>Well I didn't feel right about it then, and I don't feel right about it now. So of course each time we dog-sit it becomes a task that requires far more than I ever anticipate. We provide 5-star service here at Hotel Starriaza (Stier + Arriaza). And, truthfully, my husband ends up doing most of the work because he is physically at home more than I am. So I was thinking, since we are doing so much extra work maybe we should start up a business and charge a small fee. What do you think? </div><div><br /></div><div>I would love to believe that it would be a huge success, but places like this already exist (dog hotels). Aaaand, people ask us because we are <i>free,</i> and they <i>don't wanna pay</i>. And like that a dream is crushed. You just witnessed it, mark it down in your journals. Well, at least we now have people who owe us a favor should the need and time ever come. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to go, Lucky can't find his doggie bed...</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-43975512870122683952010-08-01T18:32:00.000-07:002010-08-01T19:23:14.431-07:00A long way yet to go...It was hot today, so I wore a spaghetti strapped shirt. Makes sense right? Well let me take you back to a time when I was so scared to wear anything that showcased my femininity. I could hardly get myself to wear anything that might be mildly form-fitting. As you might have guessed this fear stems from abuse I suffered. And thanks be to God that I have worked through many of my fears and wounds. And so here I am a grown woman not afraid to wear a spaghetti strap shirt on a hot summer day until...<div><br /></div><div>I walked into a store to buy some baking soda and when I approached the register there were two men "checking me out", but it wasn't flattering to me at all. This wasn't an innocent "checking out" (which I have noticed before and was not alarmed by). This was different. It felt dirty. I felt vulnerable and suddenly wished I had a sweatshirt on. And I felt like I had done something wrong, like I had provoked these men. Of course I know this is a reaction stemming out of my wounded past, but it was my response nonetheless. What is worse is that the cashier was busy doing something forcing me to linger longer than I wanted at the register, allowing those men to continue to stare, adding to my discomfort. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friends, I wish I could tell you how I conquered those feelings, left with my head help high, striding with confidence and the power of the strong woman I aim to be. But I didn't. I kept my head down...typical victim. I rushed out of there as quick as I could trying to be strong but knowing I wreaked of anxiety. And I write to you out of anger and pain. Anger at myself for being so weak, for showing how far I have yet to go on my path to healing. Pain because it hurts to be reminded of things better left in the dark and hidden past. But I share this because where there is light darkness cannot abide. I share this because I have found that carrying the pains of these stories is made easier when many carry my story with me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shame on men who think it is okay to stare at women as objects! Shame on them who with their eyes send crude messages and evil thoughts. When they reduce me to breast, ass, and c**t, they have no idea they are missing my true beauty, my true light, and my unconquerable spirit. I am more than the sum of my body parts! And praise God for that!</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-47036613727965360302010-07-27T17:59:00.001-07:002010-07-27T18:20:34.944-07:00To Keep or Not to Keep That Is the QuestionThe other day some friends and I were talking about our hoarding practices. I am by nature a pack-rat. I can find some reason to keep anything I own: "I might wear that again someday...you never know, styles come in and out!" "But what if I need that one day? I know the second I give this away I am gonna need it and have to buy a new one, so I am really saving money buy keeping it!" etc. This got me wondering where this came from. Why am I like this?<div><br /></div><div>I am not sure exactly, but I think it is related to my childhood poverty. In the grand scope of things, we weren't truly poor, especially compared to others, but we did pinch and save, and struggle a bit here and there. I have one vivid memory of wanting to get some Fruit Stripe Zebra Gum (remember that?) and my mom telling me she couldn't afford it. I could see how she hated denying me that small gift, and I never wanted her to feel that way again. Somehow I think this story is part of the formation of my inner pack-rat.</div><div><br /></div><div>But recently I have been wondering if that is what I want to be. One of my friends said she is a purger, to excess sometimes. We giggled over her tales of realizing she gave too many clothes away and had nothing left to wear. Yet at the same time I found myself drawn to her ways. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have moved quite a bit over the last 5 years, and each time I do I have the burden of moving all my hoarded items. And I haven't enjoyed it. Each time I get rid of stuff, but never quite enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now I wonder if what I am holding onto is worth holding onto. They say when you die you can't take your treasures with you. Maybe I need to spend less time collecting items, and more time collecting experiences. There is a purifying element to purging, a cleansing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps a purging of past memories is what is needed, and the first step is to outwardly purge, that I would invite my soul to an inward release and cleansing...</div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3492181248056992384.post-56464784549450496072009-12-05T08:23:00.001-08:002009-12-05T08:30:30.651-08:00A bit of everything...I got back on Tuesday from a trip to Guatemala. We originally went for a wedding, and also so Jonathan could visit this beautiful country where I spent many of my childhood summers. We did way more than we ever anticipated. <div>There was:</div><div><div>a wedding</div><div>a funeral</div><div>a mob riot/lynching we narrowly avoided</div><div>an earthquake</div><div>fine dining</div><div>home cooked meals</div><div>bootleg dvd browsing</div><div>volcano climbing</div><div>exploring ancient religious ruins</div><div>priceless stories </div><div>time with family</div><div>spooking a dog</div><div>and so much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an amazing trip!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Mom and Dad.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>So many thoughts...http://www.blogger.com/profile/15062718167415525268noreply@blogger.com0