White Wyoming Christmas

Opposite of Mr. Crosby's dream of a white Christmas, I HAVE ONE! And, truthfully, I am dreaming of a green Christmas. If it hadn't been for the incredibly difficult drive from Denver to Casper, I may be more inclined to appreciate the snow of my hometown today.

I spent Christmas Day flying from from PDX to DIA and then as a passenger in a car that went very slowly from Denver to home. Thank goodness I wasn't the one driving. I was enough of a nervous Nelly just being a passenger. Because of winging/driving on Christmas Day my family decided to wait until the 26th to celebrate. My most immediate family however, opened gifts last night, on Christmas day (night). It was a great time, mellow, which was nice.

This was the view from the front seat of my Dad's car on Interstate 25 between Denver and Casper. This was the "good" part of the drive, before seeing a jack-knifed semi and roll over that we saw the aftermath of.

Waking up today I saw that the snow had continued to fall through the night and was still coming down.

Above: This was the buried grill in my Mom's backyard.

Below: My hand next to the snow built up on the retaining wall surrounding the backyard.

Some snow on the table:

Yes, you are seeing it correctly. Almost 14 inches. Plus, it was really cold...single digits.

I shoveled. I can't remember the last time I shoveled. Heaven forbid, I should forget. I will spare you those pictures as I was most definitely still in my pajamas, bundled up of course. You could only tell by looking at my pajama pants, which fit the occassion- light blue with snow flakes on them! :)

Above: view looking south on the street.

Below: The view out the front window of the house.

I am finishing this post on the 27th and this was the same view out of the same picture window as the picture above.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from Wyoming!

CREDO AT CHRISTMAS

written by Daniel Roselle


At Christmas time I believe the things that children do.

I believe with English children that holly placed in windows will protect our homes from evil.

I believe with Swiss children that the touch of edelweiss will charm a person with love.

I believe with Italian children that La Befana is not an ugly doll but a good fairy who will gladden the heart of all.

I believe with Greek children that coins concealed in freshly baked loaves of bread will bring good luck to anyone who finds them.

I believe with German children that the sight of a Christmas tree will lessen hostility among adults.

I believe with French children that lentils soaked and planted in a bowl will rekindle life in people who have lost hope.

I believe with Dutch children that the horse Sleipner will fly through the sky and fill the earth with joy.

I believe with Swedish children that Jultomte will come and deliver gifts to the poor as well as to the rich.

I believe with Finnish children that parties held on St.Stephen's Day will erase sorrow.

I believe with Danish children that the music of a band playing from a church tower will strengthen humankind.

I believe with Bulgarian children that sparks from a Christmas log will create warmth in human souls.

I believe with American children that the sending of Christmas cards will build friendships.

I believe with all children that there will be peace on earth.

My Birthday in Picture Review

My day began here...

...it was REALLY hard to get out of my nice warm bed.

Alas, I did and I went to spend my day here...

...it no longer looks exactly like this, but this is my place of work.

When I checked my email first thing this morning one of them said I should spend some time here...

...maybe for my birthday next year?!...probably not, but a girl can dream.

While at work:

1) Megan and I won the door decorating contest, and re-presented our door presentation; "The Seventeen Days of an ElderPlace Christmas"- very humorous.

: 2) I opened a few of these... {along with a few cards}


Thanks to gift givers- you will of course get individualized thank-you's in the near future!

: 3) I got lots of these... {was also sung to}

Thanks to the hug givers and the song singers!

I somehow even accomplished getting some work related things done! :)

Then I left this place...

And went to this place...

To see this movie... (which, I thought was super-cute!)
...with these lovely ladies! {Catherine (a volunteer from work, visiting from Paris, France...and yes, someday I will visit her...maybe for my birthday next year?!- probably not, but a girl can dream), me and Liesl} Then I talked on this, a lot...

I also checked messages received on it throughout the day! Thanks to all who called/voicemailed/texted! Your thoughts were greatly appreciated!

Then I ate these for dinner...yummmmm.....

I felt justified in eating french fries for dinner because I ate a salad and an apple for lunch, though I didn't really need to eat fries after eating the dessert from last night!

Now, I am updating my blog, as I am getting ready to get back in this....

...if she lets me in my spot...and I hope I dream of going here...maybe for my 30th birthday?!

Hey, a girl can most definitely dream!

Thanks to all who celebrated my birthday with me in any way, shape, or form! It was a great one!

(credits to the pictures that weren't taken by me will be posted soon...)

"Why is a birthday cake the only food you can blow on and spit on and everybody rushes to get a piece?" ~Bobby Kelton

Good thing I didn't have birthday cake! That is all I have to say about that! Though the dessert I had was AMAZING! The friends I spent the evening with are AMAZING! Though the picture leaves something to be desired. And this was the 3rd time (apparently, for us, the 3rd time is not necessarily the charm).

This year I had sort of wanted to "by-pass" my birthday. Not for any particular reason. Then I had a change of heart and decided to celebrate. I planned (if that is what you call it) a gathering for dessert. It has always been tricky to do a birthday thing for me, with it being so close to Christmas, school breaks occurring, vacations, etc. I was blessed to have 4 of my dearest friends join me, with others that couldn't make it. This was the first time that some of my friends met other friends. In planning stages it was weird for me to think about, in practice-it was a very enjoyable experience.

Thank you to those friends that I was able to spend my pre-birthday dessert shindig with and thanks to all those who could not make it, but sent good thoughts and messages! We'll see what the actual birthday brings!

Stasia, me, Marta, Megan, Holly!

It is finally decorated...

...Christmas tree 2009,

and it's only been set-up 2 weeks and one day!

Now it can officially be Christmas!

"The most wasted of all days...

... is one without laughter."
~e. e. cummings

And how right he was!

Last night was my CU Girls Group Christmas gathering. We were doing good this year to do our gift exchange before Valentine's Day, truly. Last year I decorated my apartment for Valentine's Day a week before we did our gift exchange in my home. Originally, we weren't going to do gifts, then we decided to go for the "white elephant" gift idea. The goal: to get the corniest gift.

I caught a cold, shared it with a few people, then the cold got worse. I felt pretty miserable and wasn't in the mood to go Goodwill shelf searching for a gift, but sucked it up and went, but not without back-up. I wouldn't say I made Megan go with me, I'd say I begged her too, but that isn't even accurate, though I would have considered begging if she hadn't agreed out of the kindness of her heart. Thanks, Megan! We saw a few promising things, then Megan hit the mother load of corny gift. It looked like a baseball cap, but was heavy and plaster-y. She asked me what it was (I had no idea), then I picked it up and there was a hole in it...? Ding, ding, ding...birdhouse. Super corny. I found the "perfect" thing. To the cash registers we went, and only about 10 minutes into the search, thank goodness.

I am still dismayed by this item, check it out youself!

Corny, right?!

Needless to say, I won the corniest gift category. Woohoo! It was deemed the gift that would be passed from person to person, year after year. Rachel was the lucky girl to take that prized possession home for the year. I told her I expect to see it hanging the next time I come to her house. Somehow, I won't be surprised if that is not the case. We laughed and laughed and I cried because I laughed so hard. I hope I laughed off all the calories that I ate, somehow, I don't think it actually worked out that way. It was a good evening with good friends!

2008 Group Picture when we were at Zoo Lights!

Jamie, Liesl, me, Rachel, Rose

2009 Group Picture

Fleecy Goodness and 2-year old burritos

I have said this before, maybe not in this venue, but I think two-year olds are adorable. Especially a cute one who goes by Nora and is one of my neighbors. We have developed a bit of a bond and she is so excited whenever she sees me (except that one time when it was dark and she didn't recognize me-she still said hi and waved though). She is also the only toddler I have met that can say my name, correctly, while yelling it and running up a flight of stairs. Impressive. I'm not sure I can do that! :)

Anyway, I decided that I would give her a Christmas gift this year. After much debating and idea assistance from my mom, I decided on a gift of a fleece blanket. One that required cutting and tying, and cutting and tying, and when I thought I was done-more cutting and tying. I made a total of 3 (one for little Nora and one for each of my twin cousins-who don't read this blog, so I am not ruining any gift giving experiences). Those 3 took me 6 hours. But it gave me time to have a quiet, movie watching day at home. A much needed day.

I decided this evening was the time to deliver it, along with a small gift for the whole family. Nora was in the bath when I arrived and couldn't wait to get out to come see me. Makes my heart melt, especially when I got her hug. I told her I brought her something and I wanted her to open it. She got situated to open it and dug in. This will be a fun Christmas for Beth and Jorge with her excitement about opening presents. She absolutely LOVED her blanket. I made the mistake (not really) of telling her she could lay down and wrap up in it and be a "Nora burrito" and so she kept wanting to be a burrito. Too stinkin' cute. I forgot my camera, but got a couple of pictures with my cell phone, which means they aren't the greatest quality. Enjoy!

Ezme thought she needed to help. A lot of help she was...hmmm...

The one above was the beginning stages of Nora's. The one below was the finished product for one of my cousins. They all got washed after Ezme quality tested them. And approved of them all, I might add.

Below are the poor quality pictures of the "Nora burrito."

Don't smile...whatever you do, do not smile.

She looked so serious, whenever I took a picture. The rest of the time she was smiling, laughing, bouncing. Oh, the energy of a 2-year old. I truly enjoyed my first gift giving opportunity of the season! Merry Christmas to you all!

"What Makes a Puddle?"

Alternately titled: "Remembering a grand guy!"

What Makes a Puddle?
by Barbara Brandt
~
Phillip always wondered things; he always wondered why
The sky was blue, the grass was green, and how the birds might fly.
His favorite time was Sunday, after lunch with Grampa Joe;
They'd take a walk for exercise and talk an hour or so.
~
Phil took big steps to match Gramp's steps and listened to him hum.
Together they would whittle sticks while chewing juicy gum.
They'd often find a place to rest, a log or rock or hill,
And ponder things of interest, especially to Phil.
~
"Questions, questions all the time," Grampa'd always say.
"Just let 'em fly...I'm ready...What'cha need to know today?"
I'm puzzled 'bout the puddles...some are wide and some are small.
Sometimes they're here and then they're gone. What happens to them all?"
~
"You want to know what makes a puddle?" Grampa said, "No doubt...
It's when it rains...the waters pool...with no place to run out."
Then Phillip asked, "How does the rain know where to stop and rest?"
"It looks for holes and cracks and things, to settle in, I guess."
~
"I understand," said Phillip, "just why the puddles stay.
But answer for me Grampa...what makes a puddle go away?"
"That's why we have the sun, my boy, to warm and dry the ground.
And the wind is mighty helpful as it blows the wet around."
~
Then Gramp took his big rough hand and held it out to Phil.
And said, "It's time to get along...here take this, if you will."
He handed Phil his pocket watch...he trusted him you see...
He said, "My boy, here's somethin' for your curiosity."
~
The whole next week Phil kept the watch, to think about and question,
Til Sunday, when the walk again was Grampa Joe's suggestion.
"Still got my watch?" asked Grampa Joe, before he carved his sticks.
"Yes sir," said Phillip wondering, "now please tell me why it ticks."

*************************

Today is the 8th anniversary of my grandfathers death. He was the only grandfather I knew, as my dads father died when my dad was young. He was a wonderful grandfather. Growing up I recall being 'Grandpa's girl.' I don't know if that is a memory, or thought that I have implanted into my brain that may not necessarily be true. I hope that the former was the case. I seem to recall (correct me if I am wrong, Mom and Dad) that when I was born Grandpa was in the hospital and only had to come up a floor or two to see me. Maybe our souls felt a special connection because of that?!

I have many fond memories of Grandpa. My grandparents house was just down the street...by one door. One home separating our house from theirs. We were often at their home and they were often at our home. When my mom was out of town we stayed with them. I recall one night having a nightmare...I was probably 6, maybe 7. Grandpa got up and sat with me in the night.

When I started school at the local elementary school, a matter of blocks from my home (we could see the playground from the front picture window) I would walk down to Grandpa's in the morning when my mom was taking Josh to the sitters. Grandpa would sit with me in the front room if their house, it was pink...the room, like Pepto Bismal pink, with a blue floraly couch and there were stripped purple curtains. WOW. It had been my aunt's room and she liked pink, apparently. We'd sit on the couch and read books in the morning. I would watch Grandpa give himself his insulin shots...I was fascinated...looking back I have no idea why. Grandpa and I had a certain route we'd walk. Down the street, past where we should turn to go to the school so we could walk by a house that had a dog in the yard that I liked seeing. Then we'd turn. I don't recall how many years we did this, probably not for long, as Josh was only 2 years behind me in school and I don't recall this morning tradition with him included. I do remember that as time passed and I grew older Grandpa would stop at a certain time and watch me walk the rest of the way to school by myself. The place he stopped got closer and closer to his house and further from the school. A guiding presence, but not over-bearing. He knew all little kids grew up and maybe this was his way of encouraging me, but still being there. He would wait in a spot I could see him until I got all the way to school. I would turn and wave. I don't know if he would turn and walk home right away, or if he'd stand there for a bit to 'make sure'. Either way I loved that he took that time. I don't recall him ever picking me up after school...any light to shed on that, Mom?

We traveled with him. He was hugely patriotic and designed/built/operated a unit called the "Avenue of Flags" and we traveled the state with it, would help set it up, or watch when we were too young, and then we'd walk in the parades alongside it. I remember the old pick-up that pulled the trailor and the many early in the morning trips we'd take. When my brother and I were in swimming lessons and saw Grandpa before we left he'd ALWAYS, without fail, say to us, "don't get wet!" We'd always shake our heads and say "Oh, Grandpa!"

He'd make homemade peach ice cream, he did all the cooking and at times we thought he put everything from the refridgerator into the pot. He loved animals, walking, spending time with family, telling stories about where he was born, his life on the ship in WWII. He loved reading the newspaper daily, reading Readers' Digest condensed books. He loved Christmas tree lights and always had the chasing/blinking lights on. He would drive for hours to a little town for a ham sandwich and on the return trip would stop at another little town for a malt.

He had a wonderful last day. At the beginning of that day we had no idea it was his last. He was in the hospital, but the doc had said anywhere from 1-4 weeks before he was gone. I think he planned his time, willed himself to go. He saw or talked to all those that were close to him that day. I was home for the winter break from college, my brother (who doesn't do sick people or hospitals) had come to visit, my Mom was there, my aunt and grandma were there, family friends had visited, and my uncle had talked to him on the phone. I think Grandpa was at peace, he said a prayer with us surrounding his bed. He had a miniature Christmas tree with lights and had a chocolate malt that he sucked down. Mom and I had gone home for the night after about a 14 hour day at the hospital.

Shortly my aunt called and said he'd died. Back to the hospital we went. Many people have a hard time seeing the dying, seeing death. I think seeing him was my first experience seeing a body. I will always remember the way he was that night. As hard as it was, it doesn't shade my memories of how he 'had been'...the reason, which I do respect, that many people use for not wanting to see those who are sick. My family and I have shared lots of memories since then and I felt the need to record some of them here so I can read them whenever I like. I am blessed that I had this wonderful guy in my life for so long, though I'd give anything to have had him longer.

This picture was taken at one of my birthday parties. I don't remember how old I was turning, but I remember we celebrated at the ice rink.
My mom and I think this was probably the last Christmas that Grandpa was alive. (2000)

Merry TubaChristmas

~Did you know: that there is a type of tuba that has a main tube that is 18 feet long? It's true.
~Did you know: tubas can be made to set in a players lap or to be wrapped to surround the body for marching? It's true.
~Did you know: in my naivety I only recognized the body surrounding tubas as tubas? It's true.

Now, I know better.

I had never been to Pioneer Courthouse Square for the Merry TubaChristmas, so I decided to head downtown for it this year. There were 300 tubas and the director is 91 years old. Impressive.

I was planning on staying downtown from when the tuba concert finished until another concert I wanted to go to started. Alas, I didn't have the energy to stay downtown for 4+ hours between the end of one concert and the beginning of another. Next year.

I have a video that doesn't want to load right now, I'll try later. For now, enjoy this picture of a unique tuba that was set-up right near me. And yes, it was an outdoor concert and it started raining (maybe that is why my cold flared up?! Stupid idea. Enjoyable nonetheless).

The "Did you know:" from above (besides the one about my naivety) was courtesy of Wikipedia.

Grinch? No, not this year.

Each year I am more dismayed by the early timing that Christmas starts appearing in stores. It sort of makes me sick when, even before Halloween, there are Christmas items/decorations for sale. Seriously people. Let's wait until at least the week of Thanksgiving. I usually am in a somewhat "Grinchy" mood about it. Then comes Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving (an appropriate time for Christmas goods to appear) and I have a hard time getting into the mood. I feel like this:
The last couple of years I have discovered that I have developed a bit of my own holiday season tradition. The day after Thanksgiving I sleep in! Yes, no Black Friday shopping for me. I get up, make tea, hang out and I start my Christmas cards. I get them all addressed that day. The following week at work we take our participants to the Providence sponsored Festival of Trees. It is quite the outing, backed and support by a majority of staff who come to assist. Generally, all of the staff and participants enjoy their time and it gets people into the holiday mood. Usually the next day (Saturday) I am motivated enough after seeing all the pretty trees to get my own.

This year Megan accompanied me to find my perfect tree. I believe it was a successful journey. After looking at a lot of trees I decided on the one that looked just right for the year. You can see it below. It is not the final product, as it has yet to be decorated, but the most important part is done: it is up and has lights on it. Really, truly, I would be okay with a tree with just lights on it. Maybe I will try it out that way this year?! Who knows! My grandpa used to put all the lights on his tree and let it sit that way for a few days and sit in the dark looking at the lights. My mom inheritated that practice from her dad and I've also inheritated it. Let's sit back and enjoy the lights.

Ezme even likes the tree!

Here is my first, official greeting for the season: Merry Christmas! Let the celebrating begin! Looking forward to spending time with friends and then seeing family soon!

November Poem of the Month

November Morning
by Evaleen Stein

A tingling, misty marvel
Blew hither in the night,
And now the little peach-trees
Are clasped in frozen light.

Upon the apple branches
An icy film is caught,
With trailing threads of gossamer
In pearly patterns wrought.

The autumn sun, in wonder,
Is gayly peering through
This silver tissued network
Across the frosty blue.

The weather vane is fire tipped,
The honeysuckle shows
A dazzling icy splendor,
And crystal is the rose.

Around the eaves are fringes
Of icicles that seem
To mock the summer rainbows
With many colored gleam.

Along the walk, the pebbles
Are each a precious stone;
The grass is tasseled hoarfrost,
The clover jewel sown.

Such sparkle, sparkle, sparkle
Fills all the frosty air,
Oh, can it be that darkness
Is ever anywhere!

"O' Christmas Tree...thy leaves are so unchanging"

The weather was beautiful today! A grand change from yesterday. Because it was beautiful, I decided to head downtown, yes on Black Friday, amongst the throngs of people to see the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Pioneer Courthouse Square. I've often seen the tree lit, but have never seen it being lit. I parked and rode the Max down. Good thing I did, as I soon realized (as I'd predicted) that traffic was even more insane than normal downtown. I walked to the square and surveyed the land. Had time to head into Pioneer Square mall to join those throngs of people and got something warm to drink. Headed back to the square and picked a place to sit. Because it was dry there were lots of people sitting and waiting. Shortly the events began. The Patrick Lamb Band performed and then there was the countdown to the lighting. It is beautiful!

Tree pre-lighting!

Tree post-lighting!

Mrs Claus made an appearance (so did Santa, but he was too far away to get a picture of)!

Grand start to the Christmas season!

If you need to smile...

...a friend of mine has parents in Belize doing a mission...the following was written by he/his parents.

"When we last left our intrepid heroes (read: my parents) they had arrived in Belize and are enjoying it very much. My mother told tale of a neighborhood rooster that she has dubbed 'Rooster Rogers'

Now, my father seems to have made some special friends, among them, Rogers himself. What follows was written by my mother. And I can't be more proud of her for referencing both Hitchcock and Wes Craven.

"I have to tell you there are more chickens in Benque Viejo than people! Our first day here we found it endearing to watch Rogers steer his little flock, or herd, or pod, or covey, or gaggle, (what do you call a bunch of chickens!) around the yard. So day two, Chuckie pitches out hunks of stale-bread from the veranda (stale bread is a pretty common occurrence here). Rogers and the ladies think they have died and gone to heaven. Day three is a delightful repeat. Day four Roger’s group has grown from six to ten or eleven and they are now Pavlov chicks who start running for our house when they hear our front door open. Chickens running are a sight to behold. Wish I could have captured that! They are all ecstatic, but a few chicken-fights (did you know there really was such a thing?) break out on the periphery. Chuck has not gone to work yet so this continues to be the high-light of his day. He would also like to keep his feeding practices secret since he doesn’t know if the chicken owners want them eating stale bread. Day five there is a sea of chickens already waiting for him when he goes out. They are making a hellacious racket and they are all looking up at him (I don’t think chickens can blink) and swaying in unison from left to right. Chuck is scared because he doesn’t think he has enough bread. Bring rice he hollers into the house. I tell him raw rice is really bad for birds! He yells “cook it”! At this point intervention is necessary. I go out on the veranda and explain how out-of-hand this has gotten. It has to stop. He agrees, after all who is the adult here, the chickens or Chuck? So it’s been a week now and the chickens have all dissipated. They all seem to have forgotten the good-old, free-lunch era. All except Rogers. He looks up here all the time, unblinking, and I have noticed that he is edging closer and closer to my veranda when he starts practicing his 2:00 a.m. crowing. He doesn’t realize just how close Thanksgiving is!!

So now Chuckie is focusing his attention on a small, dainty yellow-breasted bird. There are a lot of them and fun to watch. They fly really fast and zip in and out grabbing bugs from the air. They will land close to us, but they are really skittish. Chuckie, of course, thinks they are hungry. So he makes a pile of crumbs on our veranda rail and sits quietly, hoping they will come and eat. Well we also have tons of black-birds. Not as big as the ones at home, but big enough. Chuckie does not like the black birds and is not willing to feed them anything because they are loud and aggressive spawns-of-the-devil. So now we have stare-downs between Chuckie and the black birds.(They don’t blink either). However, when Chuckie is sitting so quietly, not moving so he doesn’t scare his yellow birds, he often falls asleep. Then the black birds swoop in a eat all the crumbs. There is a Hitchcock movie here somewhere!!

Our prayers are with you all at Thanksgiving. We have never been away from family during any holiday so we are already feeling lonely. We are helping Robinson’s host 100 people for dinner at their house and grounds. There will be tents erected and chairs and tables on the lawn. The church takes this opportunity to say “thanks” to all the volunteers with a chicken dinner and all the trimmings. I will help our two nuns cook 30 chickens (we are using the high school home ec kitchen with 6 stoves). Turkey is a luxury here…too expensive to serve. Everyone will bring a dish to share, I’m bringing roasted rooster. There is something unnerving about picturing100 people walking across the lawn carrying pot-luck casseroles. A little Wes Craven-ish…

The nuns are really nice, but usually don’t get my jokes. I often catch them looking at me a little strangely. They need to realize that I have already been saved, I just need to be appreciated."

**Made me chuckle, and even laugh out loud! Hope you all enjoy Thanksgiving!

I'm Thankful for...

a lot of things!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I would like to share what I am thankful for, not because everyone is doing it (I'm not a 'jump on the bandwagon' kind of girl) but rather because it gives me the opportunity to reflect and share these wonderful gifts in my life. These things should be reflected upon and appreciated year-round, which they are, but here they are compiled.

Here we go:

I am thankful for--

-my family, first and foremost. My parents who support me, love me, listen to me, provide for me, encourage me...you have had a HUGE contribution to the person I am today, you shaped me in my most formidable days and years and continue to do so today and hopefully for many more years. My brother for being my brother and loving me...where ever we go we are family and you remind me of that. My grandparents, alive and with me or no longer here, but still in my heart; those I met and those I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet. They all are my roots and I can only hope that they are and would be proud of who I am today. The variety and multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins-you remind me that there is a piece of me far reaching in this world. Love to you all.

-my friends. New and old. My "old" friends, those of you who know my soul and reflect it to me when I need reminding. You who know my dreams and aspirations and encourage me to strive for them--you help keep me aiming for the stars and the places I want to go. No matter what we've been through we will always remain connected, whether we speak often or not, each conversation feels like the previous one was just yesterday. I love you for that and for helping to keep me true. I look forward to the years where we don't remember what happened yesterday, but we still tell stories of our younger days. And to my "new" friends...if you only knew what you have gotten yourself into... just kidding. :) Truly, you are my future. I look forward to all the adventures yet to come, small and large alike.

{To all my family and friends-thank you for everything you have imparted to me in my time with each of you. My cup runneth over.}

-all the things that we take for granted so many times: the luxuries of life that I experience daily...four walls and a roof to keep the wind and rain out and the heat and sun and bugs out; a cozy flannel sheeted bed; food that nourishes my body; the books that nourish my love of learning; the music that soothes my soul; electricity, light, heat, air conditioning, water-cold and hot; bubble baths, hot showers; my car that gets me from point A to point B consistently. The senses: I'm blessed to have them...the taste of a juicy strawberry or the smell of fresh baked cookies (regular or gluten free), seeing the colors and beauty of the world and the velvety feel of Ezme's hair and the sound of energy and conversation in a room full or people, or of the beauty of silence in my quiet apartment. My education; my job; my co-workers.

-all the little things: blooming flowers, green plants; a smiling baby; the squeal of a toddler; the sounds of laughter and of sadness; the warmth of the sun on a sunny day; the warmth of a fire; the ice cold of iced tea and ice cream; the feel of a pet curled up with you; the sound of rain hitting the windows; the glistening of a freshly fallen snow; the smell and feel of freshly mowed grass. Cell phones/internet/email--they are my connection to and many times the link between my widespread family and friends; letters--I love actual paper, sent in the mail letters; games (one particular game at the moment- as I am not much of a game player) and other forms of entertainment; windchimes; the sounds of nature-chirping birds, babbling brooks, crashing thunder and the sight of a lighting bolt illuminating the sky. Rainbows-and the end of them. :)
the ability to travel, to see this world, experience new things and meet new people.

-my past...that sounds odd, but I am thankful for my past-the experiences and privileges I have had. Not everyone is able to experience the things I've experienced. And those experiences have contributed to making me who I am. I am honored to have been able to live the life I've lived and done the things I've done.

-my future...I have been given this day and hope to make the most of it. I am thankful I get to experience the here and now and can only hope that I have a lot more 'todays' to live, experiences to have and stories to tell.


There are probably a million more items I could list, but this feels pretty comprehensive for the moment.

What are you thankful for?

Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving and in the months and years to come!

Eat lots of yummy food-a bonus of the day!

A few steps closer...

...but not quite there yet.

As stated in an earlier post: I am going to D.C.! I can't wait. I also told you a bit about how I have been planning/researching/reserving places to see and the tickets for them. I now have in the possession of my hot little hands: 2 tickets to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit; 3 tickets to the Washington Monument and 3 tickets to the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. They all have a special, safe spot; where hopefully I won't misplace them and they are already on the list of things to remember to take with me to D.C. I already told you I love lists and am OCD about certain things!

If you noticed above I did not list that a plane ticket is yet in my possession--that is why my first line stated that I am not quite there, yet. Well on my way though!

My next thought is: I will be in D.C. over Easter. 'Spose my brother would mind getting me to Arlington National Cemetery in time for Easter Services? No problem you may say....well, I think there might be issue had when I ask about getting me there by 6am because their service is a Sunrise service...I am guessing the answer will go something like this: a disgusted shake of the head accompanied by enlarged (deer in the headlight look) eyes, followed by an utterance of words, some of which may include "You are nuts. Are you serious?! No!" Worth a try anyway!

Amazing sights I will soon lay eyes on! (Above is a hall in the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum; Below is the self explanitory Washington Monument)

And just because I am procrastinating mopping my floors I counted the weeks until I head East: 19 weeks = 133 days +/- a day depending on when I actually fly out! It couldn't come soon enough!

The Sky as of Late

I am fascinated by the sky and the colors that appear in the heavens above. These are some pictures I have snapped of the sky in the last several weeks and finally have just downloaded them from the camera to the computer.

Don't forget to look to look up-for there are amazing colors to be seen!

Tickets: Purchased

The Time: 1974

The People: Farmers

The Place: eastern suburbs of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China

The Reason: Drilling for a water well

Discovery: Massive, life sized Terra Cotta statues of strong warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians

Post-Discovery: Estimates are that there are 3 pits containing over 2,000 soldiers, 100 chariots with 400 horses and 300 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried

(info taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army)

If you know me, you know that I get really excited about things, especially if that thing is a trip somewhere! I have this sort of love/hate relationship with travelling- I love to do it, but hate that I can't go as many places as often as I want....there are these hinderances I call work, money (or lack thereof) and....well, those are the big ones. If I had unlimited funds and didn't have to work, I would be "on the road" more often than not. I have always had this desire to travel, see the world, this country, this state even. Someday, I hope to see all and more of the places I've got on my list of things to do before I die. That list is long, really long (and getting longer all the time) SO I better live a long time, or start doing things in a hurry.

A friend of mine in college labeled my intense desire to explore the world as : wanderlust. So true! The thing about my wanderlust is: it is always simmering, so to speak, and then every once in I while I get these big flare-ups, or boil overs. The boil overs are usually associated with one of three things; a) I am getting ready for a trip or am on a trip; b) I know someone who is getting ready for a trip or is on a trip; or c) it's been too long since I last traveled and I NEED to go somewhere. Right at this exact moment I fall into ALL three of those categories. TROUBLE indeed!

Many of you know that in May my brother relocated from Savannah GA (a source of two of my wanderlust adventures) to the Washington DC area (a place on the aforementioned to-do list). Uh oh. That can only spell more trouble. How can I have my own flesh and blood in a part of this country and not visit. That would just be terrible...right? RIGHT?! So how could a sister help but to start planning a trip to see said flesh and blood (a.k.a. younger brother, Josh). COULD NOT happen. Trust me!

I contemplated visiting for his birthday in October--didn't think I could pull myself and my act together to do that, so after a friend confirmed that Cherry Blossom Festival time would be a sure bet, I requested 2 weeks off from work for this coming spring. Mind you this was all brewing in May of this year, and projecting to March/April of the coming year. WOW! I was so excited for something that may or my not happen. A lot can happen in that about of time. Since then I have debated a lot and been hot and cold about it.

Well, not anymore. I haven't yet bought a plane ticket, I did however, just only moments ago, purchase tickets to see an exhibit while I am in D.C. And this exhibit is what spurred my decision to go, regardless of whether or not I should, whether or not I can afford it, whether or not the weather is good...all those excuses I could come up with to bail on the trip that I had and have been so looking forward to.

I got word that the National Geographic Museum in D.C. is hosting an exhibit of the Terra Cotta Warriors from November (now) through March 31st. It just so happens that I was planning on flying out on the 31st. Solution: fly out a day earlier and see the exhibit on the last evening. I like this solution! Brother agreed to go with me, and then the planning began, again! I have a list, and a travel/map book and lots of internet sites book marked as "Favorites." And, the best part--I have an itinerary started. I know, I know. Nothing like being a little premature in planning, but in my defense: that will be the beginning of peak tourist season and if I am paying to travel to that side of the country I will, by golly, be seeing the things I want to see. And if that means ordering/reserving tickets now, then so be it. Being premature pays off at times, as this evening I discoved that the day we'd planned to go to the Washington Monument, yes : SOLD OUT = itinerary gets tweaked. So, the trip at this point is fluid, with the exception of the tickets I just purchased to see the largest collection of those lovely and amazing creations pictured above!

Can't wait!

By the way, if any of you have been to D.C. and have a recommendation of a place I should be sure to see, or even a place that I could pass on seeing feel free to let me know!!

"Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting." ~Elizabeth Bibesco

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Truly.

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I have been pondering as of late. Not entirely sure what exactly has spurred my thought-filled moments, but I've enjoyed them, if I can say that. I'd have to say that I enjoy moreso my appreciation of those I've been thinking of. And truly, deep down, I guess I do know what has spurred these contemplative moments. Family. No, not my blood related family, though I love them dearly. It's been the family I've adopted. The members not necessarily all knowing each other, because quite truthfully there are many and they are varied. They are friends, families, families of friends. They are beautiful people.

I knew moving to Oregon would be challenging. I wouldn't have a single family member within a days drive. But still, I made that move. Temporary--that is what I told myself it would be. "Just for your college years, Stephanie." Well, here I am--4.5 years post college graduation, still finding myself more than a days drive from any blood related family, but only minutes to an hour from dear "family" that have adopted me and I've adopted them as pseudo-family. They are the family I choose, and who choose me.

I still am often sad knowing that my birth family isn't so close, but I choose to be thankful that I have these pseudo-families that have popped up in my life over time and allow me to be a part of their inner sanctum of "familyness." I makes it not as hard to have my own family such a distance away. I am often included in family gatherings, outings, holidays, etc. It is a blessing and very heartwarming to have these experiences and I will be forever grateful and only hope that I am able to be "family" to anyone who needs that. Thank you to any of my "bonus family members" out there!

Picture

"Band of Gold"

This band of gold never meant much to me
a link in the chain that the world wants to see
a part of the show that the world asks you for
You can do what you want behind any closed door

This band of gold slips off easily
but there's a mark underneath it anybody can see
The sun and the wind, the years and the days
made that mark a part of me and it won't go away

And just like that mark there's a part of my heart
your love protects from the storm
and there I can be a child who's free
though my body is weary and worn

And that band of gold is as big as the sky
No ocean is wider--no mountain as high
It's as soft as your kiss is and as warm as our bed
and with that band of gold every day I thee wed

*Written by Greg Brown.
**Jill, one of my co-workers sang and played her guitar at work this last week and this is one of the many lovely songs that she shared. I love it so!

Autumn Psalm of Contentment

O sacred season of Autumn, be my teacher,
for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment.
As I gaze upon your full-colored beauty,
I sense all about you
an at-homeness with your amber riches.

You are the season of retirement,
of full barns and harvested fields.
The cycle of growth has ceased,
and the busy work of giving life is now completed.
I sense in you no regrets:
you’ve lived a full life.

I live in a society that is ever-restless,
always eager for more mountains to climb,
seeking happiness through more and more possessions.
As a child of my culture,
I am seldom truly at peace with what I have.
Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received;
may I know that it’s enough,
that my striving can cease in the abundance of God’s grace.
May I know the contentment
that allows the totality of my energies
to come to full flower.
May I know that like you I am rich beyond measure.

As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty,
let me also take delight
in the abundance of the simple things of life
which are the true source of joy.
With the golden glow of peaceful contentment
may I truly appreciate this autumn day.

-from Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, Edward Hays, 1989.

One...can

One song can spark a moment,
one flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
one bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
one hand clasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,
one word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
one sun beam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,
one laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
one word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,
one touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
one heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to 'you'.

~Unknown

**This was shared by John, our Chaplain at work, at a staff retreat. I really like the message.