2008

What a great year! No health, financial, automotive or boy issues. Lots of travel and yoga, lots of fun, lots of beauty, lots of new faces and lots of lost connections found. Much great cooking and beautiful art. Lots of discovery and general all around satisfaction with life.

How wonderful is that?

Peace, love, health and goodwill to all I know and those I have yet to meet! Namaste!

Somewhere In Cyberspace

Earlier this year I was Googling and found an entry that a friend of mine had made. He said when a husband/partner tells you, you are beautiful - believe it. (I can't find the post now to share the exact words.) That perspective, no matter how your physical make up shows itself to you, the mirror, or the public at large, is how he/she sees you in their eyes and heart and that in itself is great. Own it, bask in it. Trust it. (I have such cool friends!)

I received this gift on Christmas day. What a simple and profound Christmas gift to receive. Thank you.

And my dear little grandson - when you tell me the same - it has the same impact. Thank you too!

I Was Busy In The Kitchen This Week

Check it out!

Oh-Oh Teri's In The Kitchen!

It Just Gets More Interestinger

I would not have guessed in a million years that that last few days would have been the way they have been.

Not bad. OK? Not bad at all.

I have had moments of tears rolling down my face. Amazed while taking in all I have, where I am in my life and all its little sweet surprises. There's so much beauty in my life. I am surrounded by love.

It's very overwheming at times to be me. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Perfect Day

A perfect day.

I was given many cooking related gifts this year and it was so much fun trying everything out today. Kind of like a kid with new toys.

Breakfast was biscuits and gravy. For dinner we had gingersnap potroast with dumplings, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Yummy.

From one cookbook I made eggnog cookies and chocolate mousse in white chocolate "cups". Decadent!

Found out we have a mouse in the house who favors butterscotch morsels and coconut over nuts and grains.

Calls and emails from friends and family (including my dear Camino friends). We web-cammed my oldest daughter in for Christmas morning - it was like we were all here together.

Kidlet hugs and kisses.

And a very unexpected, pleasant surprise.

Snow. My daughter and I stood outside tonight....watching the snow fall, not wanting the day to end.

Worked From Home

I worked from home today. Part of the day was looking up at the cars, wheels locked, drivers wide-eyed, sliding down the hill to the other hill to slide down it.

(It is only in winter that I realize I live at the top of several hills.)

I was working on adding the lists and their descriptions of scripts we have to our wiki. I got a lot done and learned a lot in the process.

Funny, how quickly the day can pass, sitting in a comfy chair and computing away!

Thank You Sears!

Thank you Eileen for your kind words today. Thank you for letting me know the parts orders don't have tracking and that you and Chris will be there next week to see it through. Thank you too, so very much, for telling me to use the oven I have to my heart's content until this is all resolved. I truly do appreciate the efforts you are all doing to make this right!

Merry Christmas!

Snow!

Ahhh Winter. AAAHHH WINTER!

While my friends and family in the NW have been shoveling the white stuff a lot the past few days we've had little snows (still known as school closures in the NW) just about every other day for the last week. W

We haven't had any snow until it started last week. And well today is proving to be a mother. Wendy shoveled a couple of inches before she went to work today. I've shoveled eight and then another two.

We have a 4-car driveway (not counting the carport) and a decent lot in front. And I'm the neighborhood snow fairy. So I've done mine and my neighbors' a couple of times.

Thank goodness for the mighty Miata. Earlier today it took six-eight inches of snow like a trooper. Up and over, in and through. Not one hint of stuckyiness or sliding. I worry a lot with just a little snow or ice because a good gust of wind on ice can have me changing lanes against my will. But give it a pile of fresh snow (or sand as this fall gave it) and it is all over it!

And the kidlets just got home safe and sound!

It Was A Busy One!

Here's what I did all weekend:

Blissful Closes

Winter offers a unique perspective to me. As some see it as the death of Summer or Fall, I see it as the beginning of Spring. Winter is the shortest day of the year. The darkest day that exists. Everything after that begins new. New light, promised warmth, blossoms on the flowers.

As Winter approaches and signals the end of another year I'm pausing to reflect on the gifts bestowed upon me these past twelve months. How fortunate I am in all that surronds me be it events or people!

I have many friends. Not just "letsdolunch" friends. FRIENDS. Friends here, friends from where I've been, friends from when I was twelve, new friends, friends who are lighting the way to where I'm going. I am blessed with many who love me. They are all unique. They all bring different gifts to my life banquet.

I have my travels. Oh how this little girl from a northern Colorado cow town has spread her wings! The places I have been, the things I've done, the people I'm gifted to see year after year! The plans I have for this coming year offer more adventures and sweet opportunities to draw out the Teri that is still coming into her full being!

My family. I do not use this word lightly. There are many from the core that don't understand and don't seem to care. Where I soar above most, is that my extended family warmly surrounds me and keeps me emotionally safe and prospering. To all my family - whether bred from genes or love - THANK YOU! Your contribution to who I am is invaluable and adored!

I am so very grateful for my continued discovery of my physical abilities. Who wudda thunk it? It is wonderful to be able to do my yoga, walk, hike, explore this beautiful planet without limits.

And to my faith and yoga practice: Namaste! You can and do exist together in perfect union - thank you!

Hello Winter.

Struggled

I struggled today with a decision.

I could do something nice, that might or might not matter to you.

If I don't do it - it doesn't qualify for not nice and you would never know if the thought existed or didn't.

The key to the choice is whether I choose to digress, be rejected, entertain going down that slippery slope again, or maintain the status quo.

Status quo is progress and I'm going to stick to it.

I think.

New Adventure

With the help of my beloved sister-in-law, Barbara, I'm off on a new adventure....collage!

I've completed one.... (look left). Collect your own thoughts about what you see and then look below to see mine...that's what art is all about.

My next one is started. It is emotionally complex. I need to "journal" some things I am familiar with before I get into the full "artistic" gift of simple/complex creation.

One thing that I have going for me in embarking on this voyage...I have Barbara, Audrey, Janice, Diane, Karen, my mother-in-law (Mom), Laura and MyArtist to mentor me. Many will never know nor understand how much they already have.

Simple message: Christmas wishes of the recipients...might be love, gifts, travel, jewelery, birth/rebirth, world peace or the great outdoors. - all things I love.

Artistic message: Do you see the Nativity playing out here? Jesus (baby, love and peace/dove), tent (manger), tree topper (northern star), wise men (travel, gifts and bling) and then there's Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) and wishes (prayers).

And you just thought it was scissors and glue.

Apparently Not

I talked to the lady at Sears yesterday.....I left in tears. I have to say though, the Sears team is the most kind and professional group to work but I'm not happy with the results, but this has to end NOW!

The ELECTRIC dented oven at the store will be repaired (it's just the door) and the moulding around the top fixed (I did not agree to the "that won't show on the top" it's the top left corner and WILL look like crap and allow stuff to fall through into the cabinet). This is nice - it is a nice oven set and I would have bought it except for the dent.

What I'm NOT HAPPY about is they will still only pay for half of the gas. And I have to pay MORE for the warranty on this one. So because of all of the screw-ups and delays I'm out about $300 additional dollars.

But what really pisses me off is that the gas work can't be put on my credit card to stretch it out (12 months no interest) - the "half" is going to be taken off as a credit on my account. So I'm out $600 CASH at Christmas.

The other alternative is they refund me for everything and we walk away - that won't work because the gas would be my problem altogether and I would be out the whole $600.

As I did the math, tears started rolling down my face. I finally just said "uncle" and left.

In the meantime, I'm cooking for a dinner party, the holidays, etc. in a single 24" wide oven. I would have liked to have kept the one I have "pristine" for the future buyers. But cooking in this one while I have possession of it, given all the circumstances is kinda like a guy deciding to pee on something just out of spite.

"Tee hee".

Will The Insanity EVER End!

Stove top works - check!
Try the oven: Top control - check!
Bottom control - what bottom control?
Start top oven, bottom oven heats with a huge exposed flame.
Still mildly irritated that that there's a six inch gap at the top of the ovens that didn't exist in the old one. More money. Wait - not happy with both ovens having to work at the same temperature and the exposed flame. Exposed flame. Exposed flame - what's wrong with this picture?

Drive to store for a "chat".

Remember...I purchased a double oven - electric?
Remember...it was really a gas oven?

Guess what? I didn't even get a double GAS oven....I got a little bitty top oven (common with wall ovens) and a nifty BROILER for the bottom - hence the open flame.

Now I have even LESS oven space and a fancy pepper roaster.

AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!

And I was beginning to think I was a twit - until the store personnel were as baffled as I was - all of them....until they called Maytag. NO ONE makes 24" double GAS ovens.

Sears is working very hard to make this right for me...I'll probably know some more tomorrow. I'm not sure I want to know what I'll know tomorrow - but until then.....

Several good things came out of today...the installers found a probem with the valve on my water heater and fixed it for a song (which explained why my current gas bill, that I received TODAY had skyrocketed). I found a new handyman out of it all: gas, electrical, plumbing, some cabinetry.

And...

That Sears truly is devastated this is all happening and working very hard to make it right with me.

Falalalalalalalala!

Tune in tomorrow.......

The Appliance Saga Continues

I worked from home this afternoon so I would be available for the appliance guy. No show. Another day another micro wave to you all!

Holiday Cheer

This is the electronic greeting card my company created for me.

and when it sent it to my Mother-In-Law (my "Mom") I got this back.

"Hey - this is really great. Makes me proud to call you "daughter" - Love you much. "

Some days it just pays to get out of bed.

BTW where is that dad gummed appliance guy?

How We Can Fix The Economy

Long, but worth the listen....

Teri Zen

Tonight I had such a wonderful yoga session. I am one pose away from where I was when I sorta dropped out while back. (Note to self - do not let boys distract you from your yoga practice!).

Here's the one I should accomplish in the next week or so - Wheel Pose / Urdhva Dhanurasana:

Here's my favorite - Triangle Pose / Trikonasana:

Here's the one that I never know if Karma/Dharma is going to let me enjoy or torture me for three or so minutes. When I pour into it - I'm in heaven - Pigeon Pose / Eka Pada Rajakapotasana:

(And if you think it is a slam dunk - give it a shot.)

After I got home I plopped my derrière on a pillow in the loft (facing the painting of course) and mediated. I didn't even wiggle. Destiny wanted loves though so he settled in my lap and we just meditated. So nice.

I Asked Myself A Question

I love walking. When I walk (not so much when I'm hiking because I tend to hurt myself) I muse and let thoughts float in and out of my psyche. Some days it can be sad - I come to a lot of decisions and changes of directions, walk into a resolve, most most are just little visions, hopes, dreams, giggles and sometimes something deep that calls me to explore or even dwell into something that needs my attention.

This weekend was an "explore to dwell".

Why and by whom (Whom?) was I called to the Camino?

It started as passing time in a bookstore, to a passage in a book, to the thought of it being interesting, to how might I, to working towards that end and actually doing it. Why? Really WHY? Now what? I can't believe two years worth of work (divine effort) simply ended on September 25, 2007.

Others seem to be haunted/consumed by the same question.

Did GOD direct me? Did St. James summon me? Are they in cahoots? Mary's in all of this somewhere, I know it. Roses, roses, everywhere. And why since does my Catholic faith NOT seem all- important and other faiths information has floated into my line of vision? I still embrace my faith and am starting to approach it again (differently). I'm not lacking in faith - in face it is all consuming and stronger than ever - religion has changed. Now what? NOW WHAT?

What is my role? What am I missing? Right now the only answer I have is this.....a favorite hymn of mine written and performed by Dan Schutte: "Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart."

(And not five minutes after I posted ths blog - I was asked if I would like to visit a new Mormon temple with a co-worker and his family. He promised I wasn't a "project". See what I mean....there's something bigger here and I'm intrigued.)

Every Night

Friday Night, Bryan Adams

I've been around,
I've seen some things
I drank champaigne by the Seine
And I know 'bout the pleasure it brings
I've been around the world but that ain't enough
'Cause you've gotta be with someone special'
Cause being alone is kind of tough

(Chorus):When it's Friday night in London City
From Leicster Square right down to Chelsea
There's parties happening everywhere
But it don't feel the same without you
Everything would be so easy
If you could be right here with me
Don't wanna be all by myself
At 12 o'clock on Friday night in London

I've been here and there
I've been everywhere
I've seen everything that's to see
But it's true that it never compares
To being at home, as long as you're not alone
'Cause you've gotta be with someone special
Instead of being on your own

(Chorus)

I've been 'round the world but that ain't enough
'Cause you've gotta be with someone special
Instead of being on your own
And all you need is a little love

(Chorus)

Where the hell do I find love
At 12 o'clock on Friday night in Orem?
Orem

It Never Ceases To Amaze Me

I am continually amazed at how things "right" themselves 99.99% of the time. I only have to throw the thought out to the universe (prayer, meditation, hope, trust, blog) and everything just stops rocking and rolling and hurting and toiling. I so love this world, my world, and the people in it.

Tonight I feel I passed a threshold. It was time and I was calm, peaceful. Maybe a little excited as I put the finishing touches on the completion of my first new project.

Funny but everyone seems to be all hinky about it...I'm not. I'm contented. And that is what really counts. Right?

However, I tripped over my computer cord while trying to answer the phone....the person scheduling the rest of the install in my stove/ovens. Can you say Wednesday? Well, my goal of cleaning out the freezer and using up the leftovers during December is going to come true.

Microwaving for a week - that's so not like me any more.

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True...

It probably is.

That fantastic oven that I bought - is gas. My former one, which was dismantled at the curb when the difference was discovered, was electric. Is there a 24" double electric oven in the state (from Sears Outlet), yes...the one with the big dent in the front. Like Wendy says..."it's no fun to have a dent if you didn't earn it!"

Running a gas line will be, oh, $500. Oh and he can do it, but not for a few days.

Now how did I get myself into this pickle? The stoves rang up as gas originally and I told them then I couldn't get it. The guy was like - "I don't think it is, must be a problem with the ticket. He strolled over, took a look and said it wasn't gas." So I may be a chick trying to buy built in appliances without a clue, but....that one wasn't my fault".

And the cook top didn't heat up either.

So I have a big gaping hole in my kitchen wall, two ovens that I can't use, tucked in the corner, a cooktop that won't heat up and an additional $500 that I have to pony up in a few days (I had 12 months same as cash on the others).

Fortunately - the installer is sweet as pie and sorry as hell and a retailer that is trying really hard to make it up to me...but gee golly.....this is really NOT how I planned this!

Tonight

Tonight I did one thing. I did it all evening long. It was new on this scale. I've dabbled in it with my fuzzy book and only two know of that (three when I send it off in the mail tomorrow). I nailed it too. It took awhile.

Of the two that already know -

I hope I'm on to something. It would mean this year has shown it's purpose. Just in time too, I'd say.

Love you Teri.

Alright Already!

Too many, too much is trying to occupy my head and heart right now. Every soul in the world is vying for their place at the front of the line. I'm thinking about you all - OK? I'm trying to juggle you all in there, touch you all, make contact, let you know I haven't forgotten. I haven't forgotten.

I need attention too!

And about remembering my dreams.....now I remember why it don't care if I don't remember - they are always about dead people or former people in my life. I can't bear it - I can't stand to wake up sobbing.

Where's the TAKE line (OK maybe just the RECEIVE line) I want to stand it in for awhile.

Black Friday Unplanned

I did NOT mean to be a part of Black Friday. I meant to go about my business and run some errands that I didn't want to do in/around work.


So - the snowtires are on the car and the oil is changed. But while walking back to the car after leisurely, from the safety and comfort of Starbuks, watching people line up to see Santa arrive by helicopter at the mall I strolled to the least busy store I could find. It was a Sears Outlet store. I had no idea what they sold...I do now.


Black Friday Bean Counters rejoice!


Totally unplanned I replaced my double oven and cooktop units. Wham bam, thank you ma'am, sir and sir. The outlet store is newly opened and I had to help them sell me on a couple of things (like a 30" oven WON'T fit in a 24" space) like there were other items too choose from (more expensive) than the one I originally spied, etc.


Here's why I chose to do it TODAY. The items that I found are in perfect condition. I had priced the oven replacements earlier this year and found that I did not want to spend $4000 on ovens. Today I was able to do both the ovens and the stove top, with installation, no interest (no payments too - but I don't do that) for 12 months for less than half of my original estimates. The ovens will be digital, the stove top electronic. And one of the stove top burners, you can make it be an oval - like for your turkey roaster to make gravy. One of the burners can be small or large, etc. AND after having to guess the real temperature of my ovens all day yesterday - it was TIME!

So today while my daughter's turkey is baking in the lower oven and my turkey pot pie is baking in the upper - we we appreciate the fact we have two ovens. And later this week we'll rejoice that we have two that work without additional thermometers and higher level math!

Giving Thanks

I'm missing a lot of poeople this week. I went to dance tonight and worked the frustrations out (today should have been a no-one's home day and wasn't). Came home and stood on my head for awhile. Talk about a cobweb cleanser.

I have GREAT friends and I cherish them so very much. I have GREAT family and I cherish them too.

And I got a headstart on my cooking for tomorrow. It is going to be a wow-er! We cheated and ate pumpkin pie tonight - it looked so perfect - and it was! The creme anglais came out so very, very perfect. The gravy has a good start too. Tomorrow the bread pudding, the bird, the stuffing and the potatoes. Oh and popcorn. My grandson heard the pilgrims ate popcorn that first year and guess what? So are we!

I'm thankful for all I have and all I am and all I have to look forward to.

Lesson For Today

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.

'It is simple,' said the Lord.' It requires but one skill.. You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

Oh How Her Roots Do Blow

When I selected this particular painting/panel from MyArtist, I did not know the name of it. I laughed until my sides nearly split when I read it and put it together with a thousand different things running through my head that weekend.

It was a difficult decision because the other choice was one from a collection I absolutely adore. (If a very large painting goes missing from your house - hmmm don't come looking my way - OK?)

But more than the deep meaning of the three (and really four) panels and the whimsy and connected-ness to the title, it actually fully represents a decision I came to this weekend. Actually many decisions I came to this weekend.

I followed my own advice and listened to all the thoughts and ideas and desires racing through my mind and deciphered and planned and considered and.....and...and..

So what gelled may or may not work with that five year plan I toyed with last year. It certainly doesn't conflict. But again, the winds of change, doth blow.

Oh and I started peeling that god-awful wallpaper from the walls in my bedroom. I know I need to do it "proper". But the initial rips christened the ship and set me sailing.

Oh how her roots do blow.

Saturday!

My odd mood continues but it is evolving. I have more of a focus today and a came the a resolution that I've needed to just deal with for awhile. It isn't the outcome I'd hoped for and it certainly isn't a bad one, maybe even better than the other I imagined. It's just different....which changes the winds and puffs the sails up, turning my ship and sets me on another journey.

And I seem to be on a journey. If it proves out - then a lot of interesting things have been lying dormant for a long time.

Off to some tasks that are pecking at my brain.

Restless

I'm restless. Not sure why.

Listening. Wondering. Thinking. I'm taking it all in and at some point will decide what, if anything, needs my attention. Until then.....I'll take it as "Lifting Wind before the Rain"

I'm restless. Not sure why.

Another California Tale

I tried an Absinthe Martini....

Absinthe - [AB-sinth] Reputed to be an aphrodisiac, absinthe is a potent, bitter liqueur distilled from wormwood and flavored with a variety of herbs. It has a distinct anise flavor and is 68 percent alcohol (136 proof). Absinthe is usually diluted with water, which changes the color of the liqueur from green to milky white. Because it's considered habit forming and hazardous to health, absinthe is prohibited in many countries and was banned in the United States in the early 1900s.

Not so yum, but fun.....again...flirting with my WILD side.

San Francisco

"Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible." Walter Cronkite

We stayed at the Red Victorian where I spent the evenings half in the room, half out the window in the fire escape taking in Haight Ashbury. I love the verve of the city and the homeless, restless youth's energy called to me. I wanted to roam.

We ate at Zazie's two nights in a row - outside on the patio. It's on Cole about six blocks off Haight. A great "neighborhood" French restaurant. The first night wine and desert, the second dinner. Great "must do" place. Go early or you'll have to wait.

Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, walking across the Golden Gate, and again, temperatures in the high 70's.

Ahhhh-some!

Flirting With Insanity

It's a damn good thing I schedule vacation every two weeks (or so it seems), because otherwise I'd be curled up in a ball in a very padded room in a barrack's like building somewhere in a high security area in the middle of nowhere.

This is my day:

I requested information for something due tomorrow eight weeks ago. Three weeks ago I reminded most that I would need it two weeks ago. Last week I begged most again to start/finish up before I left on vacation. Before I left on vacation I pleaded that the rest (most) finish up while I was gone. I'm back and MY part is due tomorrow. Do you think I have what I need? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Most of it, but not enough.

My friend's toddler called me three times this afternoon - that was funny.

A co-worker sent me congratulations card about my employment anniversary (I'm seriously considering a career change today) that was a half naked man doing cartwheels. The only person to have done so, but the half naked man was a little out of character.

I have literally had to track down employees today and where they were last week, and, and, and...guess what? They were supposed to be at work and weren't. When did this become acceptable? I have to come to work, I have to tell someone when I can't. Notice I did not say "don't" or "won't".

A person said they sent something to someone, someone says they got something else and when I question it - I get a response that makes it look like I'm the Christmas fruitcake.

I asked a co-worker, in less than a one line email, for some information for a customer. He didn't respond overnight and wasn't scheduled today until 4:00. Did he show up at work at four? No. And the one line item is for a customer overseas so that means it will be Friday before I can do what I needed to do yesterday.

And this was only the FUN stuff!

I'm going dancing and shake the crazy right out my.........

Ray and Barbara

My brother, Ray was an artist. I didn't know him well - as we had two different mothers and Dad didn't dad real well. But we found each other later. Unfortunately, Ray's life was overtaken by cancer a year ago. September 3, 2007 - the day I started my camino.

Here's a little bit about the Scholarship Fund Funraiser held this last weekend. Ray was one of the founding members of the Sonoma Artist's Guild. His work, we're all finding was very diverse. Water colors, some acrylics and some multi-media.

This one is on display at the Sonoma Art Guild (I'm so proud):

Here's a picture with me, Barbara (my sister-in-law) and one of her art students, Rona.

Rona (student), Barbara and her teachning partner Aubrey, were written about in a book about their collage work. (I'm so proud).

“Lindsay Whiting provides a wonderful resource on the power of healing and discovery found in collage work. She honors the extraordinary teaching of Barbara Jacobsen and Audrey von Hawley on the range of information and revelation found in collage images. Useful at any age for personal and professional development!”

There's so much more I could show and write about this side of the family tree. It was wonderful to be there to see everyone celebrating my brother's work and Barbara!

California More

I'll have a couple of more posts about California before the week is out. I'm home now but I have some great shots of the Golden Gate and such.

The main purpose of the trip was to attend a fund raiser for an artist's scholarship fund that was established last year when my brother passed away. Many pieces were displayed and many sold. I loved seeing everyone, again, paying tribute to my brother and his work.

The very best thing of all was seeing my sister-in-law smiling and dancing to the wonderful music. She looked like an angel.

California

Can't beat the weather this weekend! High 70's and low humidity.
Walking across the Golden Gate tomorrow!

"Dance Like No One Is Watching"

A great saying! And one that a friend gave me in a beautiful wall hanging. I also have it on a tiny banner hanging my home office too. And it is how my NIA instructor begins class.

My yoga center is so wonderful - and the dance class really rounds it out. My bare feet are so black by the time we're done. I love it!

Thanks mom for the tap, ballet and jazz lessons - it makes this so fun.
Thanks Jazzercise for ingraining so many contemporary steps into my psyche.
Thanks yoga for the balance of the moves we do.
Thanks Teri for letting yourself have fun and "go with the flow".

It's fun to be free. It is fun to be me!

Breathing

I have found that I breathe better when I attend yoga on a regular basis.

Obviously, I know how to breathe or I wouldn't be typing this now.

My sinuses don't get congested as much any more, I can bring on a relaxing second, I can scoot tension away. And best of all - invoke the calm I need to appreciate all those wonderful people and experiences that fill my life with such joy.

Mmmmmmm.

The Question Of The Day

I got this email from one of my co-workers this morning:

Subject: Just a question -

Do you ever sleep?

He will be taking over a new position in our office, the 2nd one that I've been filling, and I have been very busy off-loading every bit of information he might need that I can let go of.

And the real answer to the question is - "no".

On Palin's Clothes

Oh for heaven's sake....

Why on earth should Palin have to return the clothes the RNC bought for HER to WEAR?

P-U-H-L-E-E-Z-E!

Ya bought them to make her Republican Barbie - why would you take the stuff away? WHO really CARES if she gives them back or not? Call it the cost of doing business.

I think the $150,000 was a silly expenditure - but the RNC did it - LIVE WITH IT!

But Sarah - I do have to say....how is it, that it is so difficult to sort out what they want returned? The stint was short, the bounty was plentiful, how do you NOT KNOW what they gave you? To not know what is "new" in my closet would mean that my closet is already WAY TOO FULL!

And...just one more little poke...there must be an obvious difference between Caribou Barbie's fashion genre and Republican Barbie's (or the RNC woudn't have been so "on it") so again, sweetie, the task should not be so arduous. And... (sorry, gotta add just one more thing), maybe you could ask one of the RNC folk who are bugging you to provide you with all the photos they took promoting you - you could match the outfit to the photo.

Let's move on folks we have much work to do to get the U.S. back on track. Playing Barbie was so.... uhhh.... 70's.

About Meditation

My yogi shared this with me the other day....she said it was said by a local religious studies professor. I see several people quoting it on line, so I can't source it correctly - but I like it.

Prayer is talking TO God. Meditation is LISTENING to Him.

Yup

"If you're not ready to get your heart broken, you're not ready to be a parent."

Destiny The Lilly Eating Feline

I have a 25Lb cat. About the extent of his activity is to jump on the bed or couch for a nap.


He loves lillies and will do ANYTHING to eat them.


I hosted wine club last night and one of the couple's brought me some lillies as a hostess gift. After the party I took the lillies upstairs and put them on the counter in my bathroom - just to make sure he couldn't have a midnight snack.

Later I came upstairs again to find uber kitty on the counter munching away. Can you believe it???

Busy Week!

The week began with the road trip with MyArtist - the best part of the week.

Back to work, back to yoga, back to the daily grind.

I discovered a great dance "class" this week. The closest thing to Jazzercise I can find in the valley (Jazz is too far away or way too early in the day). And you know when the instructor starts the class saying "dance as if no one is watching" that you're in a great place!

Came home Saturday to find my neighbor's tackling the leaves in my front yard. Helped them and then did the back yard today. Tons of leaves....an annual job. The air was cool (still could wear shorts though) and clear. A perfect weekend for that big job.

Wine club was at Galeria Castile (my house) - two hot topics: Scintilla over Verdigris and the election! We had a great time - about six couples visited "the valley" for the evening. I had so much fun. Such great people to know!

A few crazy days of work this week and then - California here I come! The last vacation of the year - the weather report is fantastic - so looking forward to it.

Off to some work tasks and then Desperate Housewives time!

So There

When in doubt...wait it out.....

I was heavily critized this week by someone close. I pondered the points shared, I pondered my personal affront to what was said, I pondered the [my] reality and a more global view of the situation.

In the meantime, unbeknownst to the criticizer - I was receiving written affirmations of the exact opposite.

So while I will concede that I'm not perfect (dammit), I'm OK, even a tiny bit wonderful maybe given the feedback I've received (solicited by telling the story and by those who haven't a clue that I was criticized).

So there......pffftttpppfffft.

A week ago today MyArtist arrived and my week was filled with joy. While I was so fortunate to have so much time with him - he did have to return home.

Last night some, tonight more so, the house seems airless. Flat.

He gave my painting a most intricate title. I can't match his imagery - not by a longshot. But in an attempt to describe the emotion I've felt the last couple of days I would title my world:

Devoid Of TheArtist's Spirit
Space Loses Dimension

Miss you.

The Best Kind Of Nice

MyArtist was in NYC a few weeks ago for a conference. Along with daily updates on what he and his co-worker were off to do for the day.

One morning I asked if he was going to see Central Park. He said it was planned for that day. I asked him to enjoy it for me as I had always wanted to visit Central Park in the Fall and take in the color and the "crunch".

Here's what I received later that day:

And a few days ago he personally delivered Fall leaves he'd collected from Central Park for me.

The World Rejoices

Here is a comment from a friend of a Camino friend:

M.S. says "thanks to all Americans. My faith in your judgment has been restored. At last!"

Go Obama! Do us proud!

Presenting.....

Scintilla over Verdigris;
Lifting Wind before the Rain
(The Abundance of a Generous Heart)
For Teri, 2008

Road Trip!

Last week was a wonderful week. The painting got hung, the party held, and the road trip traveled.

I can't think of a time in my life where I have ever experienced a more perfect week. Nothing even comes close. This will be the week I use as the definition of "happy" from here on out.

Step onto my Cloud 9 for a bit.


The painting is spectacular! It seems as if has always been here - as if its home was truly meant to be. Its history is rich with disovery, friendship and love. I admire it and its creator.


My little Miata was our adventure machine and plucky it was.


First hauling 12 foot long 1x4 beams from the lumber store to make the painting frame, then hitting 100,000 miles on the trip as it ticked off the miles to Southern Utah. It took the desert back roads as if it were a 4WD. We did much of our trip with the top down, taking in the last vestiges of summer/fall. I love this car - it has been a dream. Thanks car for being so wonderful to me for all these years!

We returned to snow today in Utah Valley, but the trip gifted us 50 - 70 degree weather. Only one rain squall challenged the trip and in return for it's 15 minutes of interruption, provided us with a spectacular desert rainbow framing the beautiful red bluffs in Goblin Valley. I have never seen a rainbow end to end until this trip - and it was a double one at that.



We saw many, beautiful, breathtaking and conversation inspiring petroglyph and pictograph panels from the Barrier Canyon and Fremont Indians. It was interesting and amusing to note the individual artistic elements and/or weave stories about what the artist was trying to tell us. We wondered if the panels were journals or instruction manuals or if the images were shamanic or chemically induced visions. Many of the Fremont images were pecked over the Barrier images..much like our current day graffiti sometimes is. (We're talking 500 years or so between the works.) Both of us have Native American blood running in our veins, so cavorting with our ancestors was moving.

We hiked and climbed and laughed and talked for days on end. We checked email, used our GPS and compared iPhone applications together in the most unlikely places. We got lost, we figured it out. We made plans, we changed them.

As two very busy professionals we truly "got away from it all" (iPhones excepted) and had a blast!

Senator Obama

Dear Mr. Obama,

Good luck today! My friends and family (down to my eight year old grandson) are rooting for you. We believe in your words and we want your leadership.

May you experience the victory from the respect you have earned from all both genders, all ethnic groups, all professions and all ages.

How proud I was when my (Utah County) neighbor stopped by to congratulate me on displaying your campaign sign. Her husband "would not let her have one" and she said there was discord in her household for supporting you. I had acquired a sign and had been given one as a gift. I passed one on to her for HER car!

People are going out of their "party lines" to support you.

Congratulations, good luck and do us proud!

Show Time!

The Painting, The Artist, The Installation, The Trip.

I'm exhuasted, I'm exhilirated, I'm thrilled, I'm ready (pretty much).

Time to sleep. Wake soon. Gather Artist.

Work, play, make pies, party, pack and go.

This is my life and I love it.

Little Black Dress?

Oh the Internet is rife with pertinent advisce today.

This is informative, but I already knew it.

And it's already ready for the BIG EVENT!

Would you like some coffee?

Deconstructing Relationship Advice for Woman

Hmmmm....

I haven't had to digest this information for a long, long time.

Hmmmm....

Hmmmm....

Hmmmm....

Sunday Bizzy

Wow - while I only gave myself a few fanny-in-chair goals for today.....they are hefty and leading to some really intense goals over the next few days.

1) Finish the SW Utah trip planning - tick tock
2) Finish MyArtist's surprise - lots to do here and it relies on others too.
3) Work on the Camino reunion - teamwork!
4) November Wine Club invitations - DONE!
5) San Francisco planning - tick tock

I'm feeling strong - lots of coffee, worked out this morning and have a reward waiting for me at the end of the day.

This week will be fabulous and full of fun...once all the chores are done!

Dimension

I'm finding that I'm where I was with "Teri" about two years ago at this time. It was a prime time for me. I loved it. I lived it. I felt alive.

While I wish I could put some definition on some things, I think the stars think otherwise.

The best part of it all, is I'm contented. Everything that is and everything that isn't. Every sad, weary thing that keeps rolling my way is just another dimension.

Boy am I dimensional. LOL

The Love of Children

One of my best friends moved away this week. She just resigned from our company. I miss her dearly. She arrived "back home" today. A home she shared with her dynamic mother. Her mom collapsed and died about two hours later of a heart attack.

I am devastated for her. I'm frustrated that she's so far away and I can't help. And I miss her.

I'm glad she was there for Mom. But dammit all. Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. F-bomb dammit.

My grandson saw me crying tonight. He held me and said "Grandma, I'm so sorry to see you sad. I know why...your friend is sad too and that makes you sad. You're like that and I love you."

Teeny Peek

Menopause Jewelry

This is a howler....

Menopause Jewelry
My husband, being unhappy with my mood swings,
bought me a mood ring the other day
so he would be able to monitor my moods.
We've discovered that when I'm in a good mood, it turns green.
When I'm in a bad mood, it leaves a big frickin red mark on his forehead.
Maybe next time he'll buy me a diamond. Dumb ass.

Kickin' It

I do believe this is why Monday is so damn good!

I bought these back in May when I was in Las Vegas. They are one of the most comfortable pairs of footwear I own. And what a way to kick Monday around! Heee haw!

(Of course there's more to it!)

Namaste

Namaste.
I honor that in you in which the entire universe dwells.
I honor that in you which is of love, light, truth, and peace.
When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.

Yes!

Colin Powell backed Barak Obama today.

I'm so in.

AP reports: "The former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman said either senator is qualified to be commander in chief. But after studying both, he concluded that Obama is better suited than McCain, the standard-bearer of Powell's own party, to handle the nation's economic problems and help improve its world standing."

I wanted Powell to run for President. Knowing he is behind Obama means the world to me. And it means that Obama has a great military adviser backing him.

This is a great day for America!

Why?

Borsht for breakfast, cookies for lunch. Do some work, help a friend.

In the middle of it all, smile, feeling full of joy in the middle, top and bottom of my being.

I'm busy - so much so, if I miss my mark all the dominoes will fall. But.. the upside to that is there's so much wonderful to be had from it all.

So I'll clean the top of the refigerator while stirring soup, while responding to email and planning my week. I'll wrap packages, play ASL games with my grandson, watch TV, play video games with my grandson, sleep less, play more. I'll watch a movie and work, fly down the highway with the top down. Yoga when I could clean and drop everything to snuggle with my love. I'll sleep late one day, but not two.

I can settle for love and not need to seek LOVE. I'll be all I can for me, for you, for them. Because I can. Because I want to.

MyArtist often asks me "Are you happy today?" Yes, very much so.

My Centered Self

I'm in good place right now. Single, emotionally centered, and now focusing on the physical strength I let slip away a couple of years ago. I'm involved with people and places and projects and ideals. But, I am not lost in others' struggles.

Personal truggles make us stronger. Allowed to unfold and participating in their resolution makes us unique and multi-dimensional. They do not have to crush us.


Self centered - no. Centered - yes.

Happy? Blissfully so.

Driving In Reverse

So....I found myself needing to do my previous company role again. My dear friend and successor has resigned and is moving away.

I would say it should be like riding a bike, but it is more different than that. I would describe it as driving in reverse. One has to twist around to see where they are going even though they know the the terrain, and the "normal" perspective is very skewed.

It Really Happened

Not only do I have an Obama sign in my window now, I have two.

I actually went and picked up one by myself AND Ms. Jules was kind enough to send me one. I'm really sorry, I beat her too it - she's worked really hard on getting me to this point.

ObamaMama I have become.

Last Year

Last year upon returning from the Camino I kept eating like I was walking 25 miles a day. Not good. I went into winter puffy like a bear ready for hibernation.

Not this year.

Why?

Yes, I'm full of questions tonight. I haven't had an ounce of gumption today....not that I didn't do anything, but all of a sudden tonight, I'm ready to do laundry, clean the kitchen, scrub the bathtub, work on craft projects, blog, etc. It is time to sleep dammit.

Who Am I?

I have an ongoing art project that I've done over the years. My sister in law told me about the concept and actually teaches classes about it. From what she told me I started about five years ago.

I realized today, in looking through it, I've really captured me.

Faith / Angels
Love / Passion
Idealism / Joy
Travel / Nature
Yoga

And the best thing about it all, is that all of the images I've created/collected/inserted are about happiness. And it isn't the pursuit of happiness. It is my happiness.

(OK so the LOVE thing still needs some work...)

The Perfect Day

I woke up with a sinus headache this morning, but nursed it and retreated back to bed. IM'd with the Artist for a bit and then langiudly, messed around for three hours before facing the day. Did the big adventure, updated my cities where I've been, cleaned the office, blogged, talked with family and totally did less than I'd planned.


Ahhhhh - how much more perfect can it get?

Teri's Grand Adventure

I'm finding EVERY excuse today not to do what I need to do. But then again maybe that is what I am supposed to be doing.

MyArtist asked me if I was liking my iPhone. My pat answer for everyone thus far has been "yeah sure - work phone, get email, cool factor".

And then there's the standard Bejeweled that I put on every toy I own because late at night, when I can't sleep, I play that. MyArtist showed me the Koi pond...I own it and it is my grandson's favorite application. Who doesn't like poking yor finger in "water" and chasing fish around? Oh and almost all my email accounts can be accessed. And I have unlimited texting. Weather, camera, my favorite photos, and an iPod inside where I can have music, movies and books.

And then there's Google Maps. Oh My! One can put in their address and where they want to go. You can get directions like you would print out off the web, a map with the directions at the top and you just click forward, forward, forward as you make the turns given, etc. There are push pins that show where you're coming from and where you're going AND..... a blue push pin that is all about where you are.

I've been wanting to go to a Jazzercize class and the one nearest by is at 5:30 am in the morning. I have yet to show up (yes I do go) and find class being held. I decided I would stake out the next closest class. It's Sunday, traffic is non-existant and I have this cool iPhone with push pins.

FANTASTIC! But what was even more fun was watching "me" come home. The little blue dot trotted down the map, off the highway, up the street and holy cow into my driveway. I had to go really slow at the point because I was in my driveway and watching the dot and not my house. And another freaky feature is seeing my my house from space on my telephone. And yes, the blue dot follows me through the house.

Please tell me I no longer have to get lost leaving airports!

Orem's Growing Up - In A Good Way!

We just had our first farmers market grocery store open up - Sunflowers. It it fabulous!

There's a new theater opening up next month too - 16 theaters. So instead of driving a strech north or a stretch south - in the same amount of time I used to have to drive - I can walk - YAY!

I can find yoga everywhere now, whereas before, it was a challenge.

We've had a PF Changs and California Pizza kitchen for awhile. We can't forget too, that THE Starbucks has been here for awhile too (and thankfully) is thriving.

Keep on growing little town....it's pretty here and getting to be kind of fun.

Friday Night and I....

I'd finish with "I aint got nobody"......but my point in this post is that I cooked and cooked. It's been awhile since I've been able to do a kitchen marathon. I'll definitely have to do some Oh-Oh posting this weekend.

Lime Seared Scallops, Broccoli Slaw (I love this stuff), Roasted Poblamo and Corn Chowder and a pork roast ready to offer itself up to my homemade BBQ sauce. Still to come: Apple Pie (I'm gettng pretty good at this pie stuff - LOL), hummus and I'm thinking either a clementine cake or Tarte de Santiago.

Perfect weather to delve in.

Bass Ackwards

As my mother used to say.

I bought groceries today. Nearly $200 worth. Yes it was toilet paper, paper towel, plastic wrap season and I have already had some superb food from the exercise, but........

I can buy an airline ticket, park my car for a weekend, and visit friends and family all over the country for that same amount.

Hmm...cook, do laundry/dishes/chores hang out at home or go somewhere?

I think the US is kind of twisted right now.

One More Day

Last night I had a crazy dream
A wish was granted just for me
It could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
Or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished, for one more day with you

One more day
One more time
One more sunset, maybe Id be satisfied
But then again
I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you

First thing I'd do, is pray for time to crawl
Then I'd unplug the telephone
And keep the TV off
I'd hold you every second
Say a million I love yous
Thats what I'd do, with one more day with you

Compliment for Google

I wanted to send Google a compliment today and I can't find a place (at least easily) to pass it their way. So, since Blogspot is their prodcuct I'll do it here. Maybe the Googlebot will help me out a little.

GoogleMaps = awesome
GoogleMaps with walking directions is = FREAKING AWESOME!

I'm a walker - this is great news! And the even better news is it measures the time at 3 mph....just my pace.

Ya Never Know II

And tonight it was an itty bitty mouse in the house.

If you give a mouse a cookie...

He'll eat it.

Ya Never Know

This is what you find in the kitchen when there are small boys in the household.

Knowing You're Loved

There's a tremendous energy released into the world when someone tells you they love you and why.

Take some time today, turn to your family or a friend and let them know why they mean the world to you.

Global Warming will take on a whole new definition.

"I Like The Man With The Brown Skin"

My nearly eight year old grandson was watching the debates with his mother and me tonight. He listened intently. And he commented on what he was hearing. Here's a glimpse of our evening:
Why? "Because he wants to protect the children".

Later he said...."if the children aren't cared for, there won't be any grown ups later".

He referred to McCain as "the white skinned man". He didn't like him citing "with war, people fight and they die and then there's less people to love".

I love the compassion he shows and the logic his young mind has assembled.

Folks - if this is a glimpse of our future -it's all going to be all right.

Additional Adjectives Not Required

Footprints Not Fading

A point was actually said out loud this weekend that I've known for a long time....My Spain trip is all consuming of my being.

I was told before I left that upon my return it would be an ongoing struggle to take ones feet off the path. Several of us have discussed it since - that if you didn't do it, you can possibly understand the enormity of it all - physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Joop said awhile back he gave up trying to share it with others and just shut up about it - only sharing if specifically asked for his experiences. He noted he had us and we had him...a safe and supportive place where the secrets of the Camino could be revisited and validated. Denise has said the same....with her it is a painful reality...I can sometimes hear the hurt in her correspondence.

Learning Not To Work

I'm so proud of myself. I have actually vacationed recently. When I've left my office using vacation time, I've vacationed. This is a new concept and I've been restored because of it. Go me. The moments are deeper and the return so profound.

Rainy Oregon

I spent the weekend in lush rainy Oregon. Visited MyArtist and the painting. Celebrated a birthday, met some really interesting people, cooked a little, dined a little, planned little, listened a lot. I even managed to get copious amounts of quilting done.

One thing that quiet contemplative weekends can evoke is musing on life. Like how so many seemingly divergent concepts really aren't. How poeple tend to find shelter under the same eaves again and again. And it leads me to wondering why, if the shelter isn't adequate, why we keep assembling there?

Fun, introspection, retreat.

Men: Female Math + Intuition Can Prove Fatal

Men love intelligent women until they invoke their intelligence. Need I say more?

This Explains A LOT of Things

Part of my horoscope for October:

Mercury rules communication, commerce, thinking, perception, negotiation, and contracts, as well as electronics and all moving parts. The world spins on the very areas in life that Mercury rules. We need Mercury to be in top shape because if it is not, human interaction with the performance of computers and machines tend to go haywire, as counter-intuitive as that statement may sound.

On October 4, Venus and Jupiter will be in a lively conversation, sure to bubble up lots of fun. You may travel over this weekend; if so, you've chosen the perfect time to go. (Something seems to make you very happy about what do you this weekend.)

Speaking of your partner, it appears your significant other - a good friend - will bring you to a Halloween party and if so, you'll have one of the best Halloween parties EVER.

Turn That Frown Upside Down

I really try to be an upbeat person and try to put some happy out into the world. Sometimes I intentionally work on slapping a smile on somone's face and some days, just being me, manages to do the trick. I think sometimes that people forget that I have bad days too or that perky is a habit and not always how I really feel.

But....then I realize other people are just like me....they don't always know that they are really slapping a smile on me.

And today, when I really, really, really needed it the most:

Customers and co-workers: "You are always so kind to give me a warm smile." "I wanted to call and say I wasn't trying to give you a hard time in that email - I really just need your help so I wanted to call and tell you in person" "I cannot thank you enough for the package that just arrived! It’s been one of those days and you just turned it around lol!" "I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness. "

Family: "Love you lots", "hugs and kisses" and lots of family time tonight.

Camino: One friend left an Internet voice mail reading of Shakespere for me and other greetings today.

Except for my family, no one knew about my personal cloud - and they only knew one facet. Just look at all the love that came my way today. Thank you angels.

Some Days i Just Get Lucky

My work phone started rebooting itself yesterday when trying to sync email. Today all my calendar items (and reminders) were tripled and then quadrupled. And a few hours ago it randomly started rebooting itself at regular intervals.

Tech Services and I have worked very hard to troubleshoot it. The final analysis was to label it "trouble" and "shoot" it, thus putting me out of its misery.

And our company is now replacing Treos with.............you guessed it -

iPhones

Reading Machine

My grandson's school has a reading contest with a nice prize at the end. The little man is reading everying, all the time and out loud. He is roaring through books, reading every sign posted everywhere.

And the story gets better - About 10:00 last night I hear him jabbering away. He's on his Mom's bed reading to her and she's sound asleep.

It is really funny as a grandparent to see the roles being reversed by the grandkids. Karma is a beautiful thing.

October Ghosts

I think I figured out why I'm so "discombobulated" today. October is approaching - tomorrow. While this year tangibly offers great and wonderful new experiences, the ghosts are picking at me today. Pick, pick, pick. Here's my response:

Dear Shadows:

Robert - Your birthday would be tomorrow. Yes, I still miss you sometimes. The ache (multi faceted as it was) in the pit of my stomach is gone - for which I'm thankful. Your smile resides in my heart.

Curtis - We all miss you and talk about you. A very rough day a year ago with your passing. A rough year recalling your virtues. You are not forgotten. I try to emulate your kindnesses.

SweetStuff - October was the beginning. I haven't forgotten. But it was, in all reality, a long time ago. I still love your laugh.

So to the Ghosts of Teri Past I ask that you pack your gauzy satchels and move on about your business (other than playing haunt the Teri-girl). I won't forget you. I promise to revere all that brought me to this point in my life. But there's a soft sweet world beckoning to me and I really want my heart to be open and light and the chains to be lifted. I'm sure you understand.

With love, Teri

Whew!

Thanks Jules!

For every little thing - uncanny timing, poking fun (right), Democratically (right) moving my political views, 20 years (right on) and you-know-who (me - trying to get it right).

Good Day Gone Bad

Yesterday, Monday, for being a Monday and the first day of going back to work after vacation was a good one. I got my mortgage payment issues straightened out (nice thing to come home to). I waded through my inbox and made progress on work I forcefully left behind. My reframing (boo boo) was done and I was able to get it picked up and hung in my office. I mailed presents at the post office and finished the day on time.

Downhill slide. Finishing work on time, left me with downtime before yoga - boring. I could not mentally connect with my mat. I came home achy and starving, slept fitfully, woke up hurting with a sinus headache. And while I was in a good mood yesterday, my correspondence with a few people, I think came off as glib and my missives did not connect with the original intent.

And the furnace guy showed up this morning ready to service my air conditioning. While I got that straightend out...I'm sitting here with the heat blowing up my skirt. I went to work in the dark yesterday and came home from yoga in the dark. I'm not ready for winter - I missed summer this year with all my travels.

So today....I'm tired, I'm sore, I'm hurting, I'm sad and being seasonally challenged... and it is only 9:30 AM. Arrrgghh.

Better and Better

It is absolutely facinating to me how this can get any more beautiful...but yet it does.

Well, It Tastes OK

Today was the official flop day for cooking.

My bread dough was sticky. I floured it until it felt like my friend and then it stubbornly refused to rise to the occasion. However, it baked OK-ish and tastes OK.

Then I did cookies and didn't pay attention. Not enough flour.

Again sticky, running, cookie dough...sigh. They taste great. My daughter likes chewy.

Oh well, there's worse things that can happen.

Changing Seasons

I have gotten so much done this week. A full-on 100% relaxing vacation, fall house cleaning, fix-its that have been nagging me for a couple of years and I'm ready to go back to work too.

The mountains are blazing with orange leaves but it is still hot outside. I'm contented working on the inside right now. I missed the spring clean thing with working the project in Coeur d'Alene. Won't complain one iota on that though because the benefits of the whole opportunity far outweigh a dust bunny or two.

My focus now is getting ready for My Artist's visit and the reception. Still have a few vacation plans coming up here and there....this is turning out to be a magnificent fall. I'm really enjoying the we-thing too.

OK fine, this is a wonderful YEAR!

Vacation was Delightful

Oh the stories I have to tell.











I miss the Pacific Northwest, sunny, wet, city and beach....it is so beautiful and smells so clean. Hills and trees and nature and beauty. Wine and coffee whenever you want it. Utah has its uniqueness...but the NW rules.

I got to hold an Oscar! Walking and reading and quilting and shopping and seafood and more seafood!

Cooking Together

My grandson and I made banana bread today. We had a lot of bananas so we made two batches. His and mine. Together we measured and opened eggs (he did all of these - he's good at it). We mixed and we poured. And when we were done - we ate.

What fun we had together!

Affirmations

Everyday the light shines brighter, hope soars higher.

The Delicate Beauty Of New

There's a beauty in new. It is tender and fresh and mythical and fragile. New can go so many ways...it can flourish, it can wane, it can wither or barrel ahead. It can be the perfect dream, more than one imagined or a decided disaster.

But if you think of it as a tiny plant, in need of nourishment and love and you really let your light shine through, then you have nutured all the elements for sustaining hope, having peace in today, and trust for tomorrow.

It isn't lost on me - not a single moment. I get it. As do you.

Camino Chatter

Since I've been on the road so much this month, the Camino hasn't haunted me so much. Besides, Joop and I had a long talk about it. He had some good insight into my thoughts and emotions and had some good ideas and feedback.

Heard from Zammy, my Israeli "mat" mate in Granon. He had some wonderful pictures to share from this year's Camino. He's invited me to Israel several times. He's done all the three of the major Christian pilgrimages.

I think nearly everyone (not all) has gone back this year. Yes, it called us once and it is calling us again.

I can live with waiting until the reunion in 2012. :) There are so many more places to visit until then.

Beauty In Motion

I knew, the moment I saw my first painting of his that I had to have one. I never imagined that it would be this BIG nor this beautiful nor have so much meaning.

Two weeks ago:

This past weekend:

Today:






I have since seen dozens of his paintings and I now have a couple "smaller" pieces. His talent is diverse and each genre moves me in a different way

To define the emotion that flows through me for and about this painting, would be impossible.

Fine

Someone asked me today how things were going.
I said they were going fine. (The good fine.)
Was fine enough?
Yes, fine was enough.
Fine got better later, just as it always seems to do.
So tomorrow when you ask me it will still be fine, because it will be even finer than today.

Southern Cemetery

Another love I have for the South is moseying (one must mosey here) around the cemeteries. Where else can you find headstones with markers printed with "Confederate States of America"? "Or War of 1812"? "We must not forget [The War For Southern Independence]". And fresh, crisp Confederate flags through out the cemetery.

The stones aren't as paper thin as the Massachusetts' (a couple of hundred years YOUNGER) headstones, but they are starting to show wear and tear from the humidity and time. A few crypts falling into decay.

The most interesting thing I noticed.....Ivy grows in thick clumps on the "humps" of the oldest plots. You could almost tell the size of the casket "below".

I'll try to post photos this weekend.

Spoiled Girl

I'm staying at the "normal" hotel for visiting this site. But it is interesting to see the differences from the chains we normally frequent.

Peeling wallpaper - well it is Virginia - I'm sure that is difficult to avoid.
Window lodged heating/cooling unit - No thermostat on the wall
Breakfast - Buy it
Internew - Usually down. "The technician's here now ma'am". I'm sure he has a room with his name on it.
Business Office - No Printer On Service, no bank of desktops. One printer and one unit - running Windows '98. Really.
866 Nada- Yes, the phone disconnects you when you do 9-1-866. 9-1-800 works.

I'm not complaining because I just don't do that when I travel. The people here are nice and it has one of those "fancy" number beds. I'm on a top floor and the view is beautiful.

In fact, I'm off to see if that cemetary is as old as it looks from here. Civil War perhaps? I found one of those in Georgia.

Hmmm

I started, several times, to post a progress picture of My Painting. I don't want to. I love it. I adore it. I simply don't want to share it yet.

Funny how things change. I've always leaned to noticing the contrasts of things in my life. I'm not compelled to do that right now. It's light - it's all light.

Lack of shadows is very nice. And I'll just leave it at that.

Extraordinary Dinner

I'm on the Virginia coast now with instructions to a mutal frined here in Virginia from a Utah friend, originally from here, (are you following this) to give me THE TREATMENT!

OK -well he did!

We just had the most incredible seafood for dinner: Lobster, crab cake (2nd today), salmon and shrimp.

One of the guys, for desert, decided to have a chipotle/chocolate icecream sandwich - HUGE. But he didn't like it. I had to laugh because I have developed a taste for it - The Artist and I have bene noshing on chili chocolate for a couple of weeks now. But I have to admit an hour later, I can still taste it.

Tomorrow morning - before work - THE SHOOTING RANGE!

Friday - my friend's favorite store.

Talk about being spoiled - I love it!

Thinking About It

It's all just perfect right now. Just perfect.

Fall.....Soup

I'm ready to pull out my soup recipes. Today was a damp and kind of fallish day in Virginia. I found myself cruising for new soup recipes on the Internet and thinking about my favorites from last year.

Time for ginger carrot, chili, peanut (a new one I tried today and loved), chicken. Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm. And to complement those juicy offerings, I also feel some breadmaking coming my way.

Don't Make It Your Last

More on the South.

If I ever decide to have a "mid-life crisis" I'm sure I will flee to the South.

Working nights is dangerous for me - it leaves me to wander the city in the morning and SHOP! Every store I visited today asked me where I was from (lack of drawl perhaps?). Many asked if it was my first visit and the sweet southern response of "don't make it your last now y'hear?".

I found the local "coffee shop" and learned about the local "icon".

One shopkeeper of an outdoor's store, responding to my queries as to how close I was to the AT (Appalachian Trail) ,gave me a map to an"on spot" nearby AND a brochure about a local woman who has organized a group for women who do parts of the AT every year. The leader has through-hiked (all 2000 miles in a shot) it. At that store I finally found a Life is Good shirt that fits and fits..... A pair of hiking boots, a back pack: "Action Items". YES!

I had BBQ today, southern style. Thinking about Carolina style tomorrow and, and, and.....found a restaurant featuring fried green tomatoes. A must.

A cooking store found me too. I got some additional wooden utensil pieces to match those I purchased in Sonoma last year. I love cooking with them.

I spent nearly an hour in a REAL bookstore. the kind where all the shelves are NOT filled with 10 copies of each book. They are displayed so they can be browsed and pondered - inviting one to read something other than what they came looking for.

A farmers market with sweet cured ham and vegetables (some of which I'm not familiar with) lines a nearby street each day.

I noted some stores and galleries I will plan to visit in the morning.

The heat and humidity are rising and I feel I must take my sweet tea and visit that sweet little 'ole chair on the porch before I embrace my real job for the day.

Ya'll come back now y'hear!

Sweet Tea

I don't generally drink iced tea.
If I drink iced tea, I don't add sugar.
When I'm in the South I always have sweet tea.
Today, within minutes of arriving at my hotel, I was on the front porch, in a rocking chair, sipping sweet tea.
My oh my was it fine.

And today in Atlanta I ate a Pascals - cabbage, greenbeans, sweet potatoes and a biscuit.

Oh do I love being in the South!

Oh Oh

I've been thinking about buying a Kitchen Aid mixer. One friend is gungho all for it, another is all woo hoo.

Instead of running out and just buying one, I decided today I'd take the food processer a step further, trying out the batter tool, to help me mix the goop for the bread pudding. Egss, milk, butter, vanilla, swirl. Fine. Add sugar. Leak out the bottom.

I don't think I'm ready for a more sophsticated appliance.

Saturday!

Talk about a wonderful start to my day!

I slept late.
My grandson fixed me breakfast.
Joop sent me Google Talk so Sara, Harald, Joop and I can talk Internationally without cost.
My Artist called.
It is a beautiful fall day.
I have things to cook.

I love my life!

Joop

This is all about Joop. I suppose it would be better placed under Mi Vieje, but that was last year and this is now.

Joop has been my friend for 369 days. I met him in an outdoor cafe in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, on September 2nd, 2007. The day before we started the Camino. My poles had been misplaced by the airline and I was a couple days late starting my Camino.

We never walked together as he was a slow uphiller and a lightening fast downhiller and I was the opposite. But we managed, for several nights to end up at the same albergue or in the same city.

The only remaining seat in the only restaurant in Roncevalles was next to him. In Pamplona we dined with Harald and Anika. I could not find him in Los Arcos and found him in a tiny bar in Viana. I have not yet seen him again. I will. I'm sure of it.

But since we have exchanged emails, and phone calls and letters. His pronounciation of my full name is lyrical. His involvement in my life is inexplicable, undeniable and very unique. I have not yet come to understand I came to be on the Camino, nor is it clear to me how we all came be intertwined. Add to that how so many of us are still linked at the hip in an emotional bond of our journey that is incomprehensible to our friends and loved ones.

Folks - it is a mystery to all of us too!

El / La Computador

A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that, in Spanish,
unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

So, a student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into
two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves
whether 'computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.

Each group was asked to give four reasons for its
recommendation. The men's group decided that 'computer' should
definitely be of the feminine gender ('la Computadora'), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other
computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for
possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself
spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

(THIS GETS BETTER!)

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be
Masculine ('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the
time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had
waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won.

Extra Extra Read All About It!

I join the ranks of a newsroom next week...

On the east coast....

Flirting with Hanna and Ike

And now added to the agenda is DR in a bunker.

Translated....I will be in the hurricane in a newsroom in a bunker with disaster recovery (hewsroom style) in full tilt.

Oh crap!

Friday - Fall - All of It

The air has a snap - this is probably the last week I will get to drive to work with the top down on my car. Love the warmth of the afternoon.

I was on Pamplona a year ago today. Having walked most of the day with Aliche, (a roommate a few days before in St. Jean Pied de Port, France) speaking his non-stop rapid Spanish. I remember trying to ask him how to say "acorn" without having one to show him. There's one on my desk now. Dinner was with Anika, Harald and Joop. Joop called me the other day - a real treat.

Last Friday I spent the day with My Artist.

Oh those rear view mirrors.

Tuna Today

I had a much better day today. Back to my 'ole self. I had some of my special tuna. It was a fabulous memory maker - in more ways than one!

Atun!

Rough Night

Yesterday I was in Oregon, today at work, last year in France, a year ago tomorrow in Spain.

A year ago today my brother died.

I'm hurting.

Ray

Ray - it's been a year. Lots of people miss you. We still talk about you. About your art. Barbara misses you terribly. I have a bottle of wine from the Russian River Valley. I'll open it tonight and toast you.

Later this year there will be a tribute of your work. I'll be there to see it. Not so much sadness as before, but in strength and pride and memory. Your audience and community will honor you.

You helped us make a family and it means so very much to me. You have no idea what you inspired in my life.

Thank you. Be at peace.

On

I am a registered Republican.

This weekend ALONE - I have been surrounded by my Democrat friends. Let's see Friday - Man and son (just old enough to vote and extremely intelligent). Dinner Saturday - Man, friend, mother, nieces and child (the last two - not old enough to vote - but I know where they're headed). Sunday: Law and Order and Teletubbies with current and future Democrat. Monday: Man and son (Paladin announcement "heavily discussed"). Tonight: at least half a dozen KNOWN Dems at a party of a dozen or so.

One thing I'm sticking to my guns on - It doesn't matter how I'm registered - it doesn't control my vote.

September Again

What a wonderful way to usher September in...Spending time with My Artist and my practically-family-friends.

Walks in the forest, berry picking, art, dining, talking, coffee, LOTS of coffee, pie making, yoga yack, more art, TUNA, chocolate, cooking, and a breathtaking sunrise surrounding Mt. Hood, sharing and listening, and watching My Artist with my painting.

Wonder and contentment.

Speaking Of Tomorrow

I wonder what the day will hold ... ?

Tomorrow

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! It's no longer a day away!

Revelling in Contentment

I'm sure this is going to be one of the most wonderful weekends of my life. Surrounded by special people, planets aligned, dizzy crazy wonderful promises of fun! Who is the happiest princess in the world? ME! ME! ME!

Then and Now

A year ago this week I was busy packing and unpacking and unpacking my backpack. Getting ready to leave for Spain.

Tonight, (I packed for my next big adventure LAST night) I'm sipping Cola Cao, thinking of my last year, my next year and all my forever and new friends.

I can tell my subconscious is recalling the time ...The Cola Cao longing tonight, and this last week, I pulled out a tortilla de patata recipe and one for Tarta de Santiago, I found my quince in the cupboard, I've been eating fresh figs like they are going out of style and soon, I'll be surrounded by cans of tuna. (Remember it is all about the Tuna!)

My friends have been writing - it's all about all of us...and our dear friend St. James.

On Being a Princesa

Imagine...

Gossamer wings - delicate and iridescent, exploring and free. Warm sunshine, teasing breeze. Languid gazes, a flirty grin, unspoken come hithers. All tender moments, defying the definintion of when.

Who Matters

There is a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters
Who never did
Who won't anymore
and

Who always did
Don't worry about people from your past, there's a reason why they didn't make it into your future.

This was another beautiful email from my daughter.

September

The beginning of September never fails to mark noteworthy adventuresi n my life. If someone asked what was my favorite week or so of the year was, it would be the window of the next two weeks.

D's Birthday - 55 this year, his 32nd would have been the first I would have celebrated with him, had he not left town. Which turned out to be...

When I met Robert - 23 years ago

Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Timpanogos

My Camino started - 1 year ago

Next week - Ratcheting up one more level of fun and excitment in my new and very luminous future.

With a track record like mine, given the up coming week....life is just ROYAL!