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!