Friday Gratitude

~ That the one and only migraine I had this week went away quickly.
~ Next step for my art - about to happen - setting up my Etsy shop
~ COOKIES! We picked up some very yummy cookies at the bakery!
~ Tea - it is cold out and it warms me up.
~ Thoughts of Christmas coming makes me happy to think about all the time Michael and I will have this year to REALLY enjoy the season!
~ 2 new recipes I tried this week that were easy and quick and both Michael and I liked them.
~ Aveeno lotion as my skin is so dry lately and it makes me feel much better!
~ Pumpkin Cheesecake we had at the Pufferbelly today.
~ The new rubberstamp Michael bought me...Thank you for spoiling me!
~ I am grateful that 4 years ago today Michael and I started getting to know each other. I love you Michael!

November is halfway done already??

Man where does the time go?

It's already the middle part of November, Thanksgiving is but a stones-throw away, and yet everything just seems like it's moving along at a rapid click.. The knee has its up and down days. Insurance alternatives are dragging their heels - which - doesn't improve one's demeanor any. Still, the knee is generally doing better than it has been.

Business wise it has been very busy. The funny part is - while I had it all planned out to do video-work, my demands have been anything but video. Someone asked me what I've been doing and I replied: "oh, a webdesigner, an investigator, a consultant, a computer assistant, a photographer...." But no video work as of yet. I'm not really concerned yet though - because the knee has hindered that arena somewhat. If I was more mobile - I would be aggressively marketing, going out and meeting folks to let them know I'm out here. As November winds down, I'm also gearing up to figure out the best approach for the upcoming wedding season for 2007. The business stuff I have now is GREAT, but it would be nice to get back into video work.

I still have demo-related material to put together, but finding time in between this that and the other has proven to be a little tricky lately. Not that the holiday season is going to interrupt that any. (rolls eyes)

My folks came over from Denver a couple of weeks ago to put our swamp cooler to bed for the season. We're very grateful they came over and helped with that nagging project. We should be set for the rest of the year. It was a great visit and we're glad they spent an extra day just to doodle around with us.

We haven't gotten to do a lot of traveling in the last few weeks - mainly because we put so many miles on for our trek up to North Dakota and back. Plus the fact I think we were about "traveled out" after that. We did do a day trip up over Douglas Pass though and made a good day out of it. Believe it or not - it doesn't impede the business much - as I'm able to work after we get home, sometimes late into the night without falling behind.

But if anything substantially positive has happened since my departure from the state - it's been my state of mind. I'm much more relaxed now, a lot less stressed, and I'm actually enjoying waking up each day and looking forward to how the day turns out. A far cry from waking up and beginning the drumming routine of eat, work, work work, eat, home, sleep. The hours are controlled, the pace in which we do things are controlled and we're making it happen -- and that's the great thing. :)

Just being able to spend more time with Darby has been a godsend. She's had it rough being around me the past three years and now that I'm out of that mess - we're finally able to start enjoying together time again. One doesn't always see the bad things we do to one another until we're free of them. She stayed true by my side during the whole time and I'll never forget that.

I am thankful in so many ways this year. (I love you honey!)
-Michael

Peace

We got this catalog a few weeks ago and truth be told although I love catalogs/magazines I hadn't a chance to look at it. One reason it was made out in Michael's name which usually means computer, video, photography, or random geek stuff. But tonight I was watching water boil (literally - as I was making dinner) and saw that catalog sticking out from his pile of junk mail so I pulled it out and looked at it...

Oh I am so glad I did...

Syracuse Cultural Workers: TOOL FOR CHANGE

It cards, buttons, calendars, posters, totes, bookmakers, t-shirts all geared to making changes for better a better world.....bring peace to all.

Some of the quotes used:

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world." ~ Margaret Mead

"Paper crane, I will write peace on your wings and you will fly all over the world." ~ Sadako Sasaki

"Guardians...I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred, but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature, as a healer of misery, as a messenger of wonder , as an architect of peace." ~ Diane Ackerman


It is definitely a place I want to buy from!

Relaxing, Nice Saturday....

Today was a really nice day despite waking up with a migraine. I ate and took some meds and soon was feeling better. After I got ready to go, we did some errands and then went to three wineries. We were out of wine and with the holidays coming up we would need to have a few good bottles on hand.

We both really wish the meadery here would ship out of state because we have some friends that we think would really enjoy it. Michael and I noticed as we did some wine tasting that our tastes are growing and changing. We were pretty much sweet wines or mild blush type wines before and now we are actually liking dry wines. Really every wine we tried today we enjoyed and they were the full spectrum. And we bought a full spectrum too.

So we watched a movie tonight -- just have enjoyed spending all day together!

Friday Gratitude

~ A nice dinner with Michael's sister and brother-in-law tonight. It was very nice having dinner with them.
~ Seeing a friend tonight when we were out and about. She did something very sweet for us.
~ The nice day we had with our friends on Sunday.
~ The elections happened and maybe with some new people there we will have some positive changes
~ Music...I have been enjoying a lot of music this week and am thankful to the creative people out there that bring joy in the form of music
~ Thankful for money and gift certificates I received so that I could make several purchases in Michael's Arts and Crafts for art supplies.
~ The quality time Michael and I are enjoying with him working from home now. It is just nice to have breakfast together not as he rushed out the door to get to work. That we can just got do things in the middle of the day if want....just because we want to spend time together.

Presents for the Kitty Cats!

I showed off the beautiful and oh SO warm knitted socks my friend K made me for my birthday, but I didn't get to show off the presents she made the cats! She made 2 knitted yarn mice stuffed with nip. Thank you so much K! That was so sweet of you!

Both our cats love toys but Caesar our golden cat has a few that are as we call them....his "babies." He brings them to us to play. No not really that he wants to play long but he just wants to say, "hey here is my toy I played did you see me." Well the yarn mice can now be counted as his babies. Usually what will happen is one of his babies with be in the office or the living room and during the day and then during the night when of course he wants to play he will bring them into the bedroom trying to wake us to play. He meows quite loud at times and has woken me.

I haven't been able to capture him playing with one of the yarn mice yet because of course when he is I go to get the camera and by the time I get back him he is done.

Chessie our little girl cat decided while we were watching CNN the other night to play. And I happened to have the camera right next to me! So all the pictures in this post with the yarn mice are Chessie.


And this is with the other yarn mouse.
Now she is too tired to play anymore.
I wish I would have got the camera turned on fast enough but she had her head resting over the yarn mouse while she slept. And of course when she heard me turn the camera on she popped her head up and gave me a dirty look.
And of course I need one of Caesar. He was lying on a blanket between us while we watched election coverage on CNN. He never like Michael and I sitting next to each other - he has to be in the middle.

Voting Day!

Just a quickie...

Today we voted. Our new voter machines were pretty slick. But I am sure still have faults. But as you voted on the screen it printed out on paper right next to you so you could see it. It was a longer wait as they have to do more upfront to get you ready to actually vote.

We had dinner tonight and then have been snuggled up on the couch glued to CNN. I am just so disappointed in all the votes against domestic partnerships and the vote for making marriage one man and one woman here in Colorado. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised when we have some very big name political-religious groups here that are SO anti-homosexual.

To me God is love. I don't believe God would be rallying against love like those say they are God's followers do. Makes me sad.

Although I am sad and disappointed we do have some good things happening such as taking the majority in the HOUSE!

We are waiting now on the senate race.

Virgina wow...close so close! It looks like it will go to Webb (lets hope).
Missouri still waiting on.
Montana still waiting on.

Back to CNN, Michael and the kitty cats all snuggled up on the couch.

Voting...

It is election day tomorrow. Yesterday before heading to some friend's house Michael read the Analysis of the 2006 Ballot Proposals - the Blue Book of the Elections while I was getting a cake together to bring with us to our friends. I was confused on a few things that were coming up to vote on. But there were a few sections that annoyed me of course too.

Domestic Partnerships
The mail ads I have getting for domestic partnership make it really confusing for me. The ads come for a group I tend to usually agree with but the ads kept saying "It's not marriage." And that bothered me. I understand why they were putting it that way. So that maybe those that don't want those of the same sex to get married will at least give same-sex couples domestic partnership. But just like New Jersey - it isn't marriage. And it bothers me that people won't let those that want to get married - get married. So Michael read me the actual referendum and then the pros and cons they print. And of course the cons...and well the pros also did a little too because of just how they worded things. One of the cons that annoyed me......

"Domestic partnerships diminish the significance of marriage for society by reducing marriage to a list of benefits and responsibilities. The benefits given to married couples are intended to support child rearing by one man and one woman. The state has an interest in restricting recognition and legal protection to these married couples to provide stability for the individuals, their families and the broader community."

Yes insert rolling eyes. Like a same-sex couple can't support and raise a child? Grrr! All in all I am not happy that they aren't allowing marriage. And this just seems like it is better then nothing and maybe will make it easier in the future. And so I am of course voting yes on it.

Which brings me to the next one...

Marriage
Another thing up is an amendment that proposes adding a new section about marriage. Basically defining marriage as one man one woman. So you know I was all growly about that one.

And of course one their pro arguments...(rolling eyes and sighing)

"The public has an interest in preserving the commonly accepted definition of marriage. Marriage as an institution has historically consisted of one man and one woman and as such provides the optimal environment for creating, nurturing and protecting children and preserving families."

Grrrrr! Commonly accepted definition because people don't get love is love. And you can't help who you love. Of course again stating that a family is only one man and one woman with children. So of course voting no on that one.

Getting lots of repeat political calls? Check this link out, and this one and this one. We haven't actually had these but I have heard that some people aren't going to vote because they have been getting so many calls and seeing so many negative television ads.

A GREAT SOURCE for political links and thoughts is Twistedchick's Free Speech Zone.

So tomorrow we vote. I am hoping and praying things get better. I have literally been scared and so sad how this country has been heading since Bush has come into office. I have cried and laid at awake at night because of it. And so as I said...hoping and praying.

Edit: (added 7:34pm)
Talking to a good friend, she pointed out that actually the nation should not get involved in marriage at all. That everyone should have be domestic partners but that marriage should be something each church decides. That for our laws of country if you want to file joint taxes, you want the rights given to you as a spouse, you want to live in together in union as a couple then those that do should file for domestic partnership. And if you want a religious marriage ceremony then you go to your church of choice for a marriage ceremony. And that makes sense to me. That is a TRUE separation of church and state to me. Then the state is not involved in the religious aspect of marriage. And the church is not meddling in who wants to live together in a domestic partnership.

Friday Gratitude...

~ I am grateful to Michael's parents coming and doing some stuff around here that Michael isn't able to do being on crutches (although he is now doing a cane and has a different brace.) Thank you both so much for coming over to help us out!
~ I am grateful for the nice weather we had this week. It was nice to feel and see the sun!
~ I am thankful for good food and family to share it with this week.
~ I am thankful for our cats that make me smile.
~ I am thankful for the good deals I got at Kohl's this week. Yes very silly but the fuzzy warm socks are so great. The shirt is comfy and then I got some Halloween decorations that are so cute and I can't wait to use them next year.
~ I am thankful for the mail love I got from my friend Carolynn this week. She sent me a beautiful letter that made me smile.
~ I am grateful for dinner with a good friend this week. It was nice to spend time with her!
~ I am grateful for Michael pushing me to taking the next step with my art - so that I can step up my Etsy shop.
~ I am grateful for the wonderful day spent with Michael. We took a drive and it was just so peaceful and calm. Just what we both needed.
~ I am grateful for Michael...for loving me and taking care of me in ways I don't always see. I love you very much and appreciate all the big and little things you do for me everyday!

Beautiful Handmade Socks...FOR ME!

My wonderful friend K knitted me some beautiful socks for my birthday. The yarn is even hand dyed by her. Thank you so much!

Happy Halloween!

I made Emergency Chocolate Cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting and candy corn for decorations....



A couple more pictures of the Halloween cupcakes here.

Nice Day...

Today Michael's parents arrived and went right away into work on draining the evaporative cooler (swamp cooler - basically air conditioning for the dessert climates). Michael although he has moved to a new brace and now using a cane (was on crutches) - isn't in condition to be climbing ladders and such. So I am very grateful his parents coming over to do this for us. It was incredibly nice of them.

I started my day by making cupcakes. I made chocolate cupcakes with orange buttercream frosting and then used candy corn to decorate. I wanted to take black gumdrops and make spiders but I looked for just a bag of black gumdrops and couldn't find them. You would think that this time of the year they would be easy to find. hmmmpphh! (pictures to come later.)

The frosting didn't set right. And so was kind of dripping down the sides. So these are a little sloppy for my likes but Michael and his parents thought they were cute and said they tasted very good.

After the things that needed to get done here were, we all went shopping. Our town that is not a huge city but it just opened a Kohl's the beginning of October. I have always enjoyed Kohl's so today I finally was able to go....yay! I am grateful Michael suggested it. They had a big sale this weekend and we were just so busy I didn't think about asking if we could go. Michael's parents got me a gift certificate from there for my birthday so I used some of that and got a shirt and some fuzzy socks. I love socks and have many to keep my feet nice and toasty warm. We went to Target after that and got 2 movies - Pirates of the Caribbean and the new X Men. And then we headed to a late lunch early dinner of Chinese food...Frank and JoAnne had it the last time they were here and raved about it ever since. So as a thank you for coming over and working so hard Michael treated them to that. Migraine struck me tonight. I think there was msg in something I ate today and with the string of migraines I have had lately sometimes little things that normally don't bother me...do.

Tomorrow morning I am making breakfast burritos. And then we are kind of just keeping the rest of the day open to whatever. I am not sure what I will make for dinner.

Friday Gratitude

Today I express gratitude for things that begin with the letter C....

~ color: I am grateful for the colors...of the world. Seeing the fall colors right now has made me appreciate color even more. It is bright, deep, intense, beautiful.
~ chocolate: Chocolate..well...need I say more? I am so thankful for chocolate in all forms and variations. It is sinfully delightful.
~ Carolynn: Carolynn is a beautiful kind smart woman that I am blessed to call my friend
~ collage: It is my favorite medium to work in...different layers, different perspectives, different colors and textures...all coming together.
~ coloring books and crayons: Coloring books and crayons they are so fun to play with even as an adult! At time to just escape back into the magic of them.
~ charcoal drawings: I like doing and like seeing other charcoal drawings...the texture of the charcoal on the surface is so intense to me.
~ charcoal: I love the feel of it in my hands....the feeling as I run it across a piece of paper...even the smell of it
~ cooking: I enjoy cooking and am grateful to be given the opportunities to cook for others. (started a cooking blog)
~ cookbooks: They are like a good book....sit down and read all the ingredients, the instructions and beautiful pictures....I can get lost in them.
~ Coldplay: One of my favorite bands.
~ creating your own reality: I am grateful for the ability to create my reality. Make my life whatever I want it to be.
~ computer: well...it keeps me in touch with tons of friends, it helps me create digital art, help me in my work and just allows me to do so much
~ camera: to take pictures in my life
~ cats: Our babies...we have 2 cats and I love them to pieces...they are very cute and adorable!
~ candles: I like to burn them...the smell the warmth the energy
~ cheesecake, cookies,cupcakes: Sweets...all good things that I enjoy!
~ Christmas: my favorite holiday....it is one that my Mom made special and I will always try to do the same as I love that meaning behind it.
~ cider: apple cider season...is here and so yummy!
~ compassion: seeing it around me, giving it, receiving it
~ creativity: I am always grateful when I have creativity around
~ connections: friends, family, Michael....grateful for all of my connections
~ cards: mailing, getting yay for card!
~ cuddling: feeling Michael's arms wrapped around me....makes me feel very loved and cared for
~ Chinese food: For it give satifies my tastes buds and fills my stomach. I could eat it everyday
~ Colorado: where I live....it is a VERY beautiful state and I am blessed to live here

Awww Kitty Cat Love....

These pictures I took a while back...

Aren't they the cutest?

Our Trip to North Dakota...Part 1

(click on photos to see a bigger view)

I haven't written about our trip yet and basically it is because I have been so so busy and also sick. We left October 2 and then came home the 14th and left the 17th again. We come home again on the 19th. And then I was sick with the stomach flu this past week and now I have been struck with migraines all week.

Thursday October 5th - It was our first day of travel and went stopped in Rapid City overnight. We had dinner with the Presidents. After checking into our hotel, we grabbed some subway and then went up to Mt. Rushmore during dusk, had dinner and waited for the lights to come on. Michael got some great pictures.

On Friday October 6th we arrived in North Dakota. We did a quick stop at Grandma's before heading to the hotel to unload everything and just relax a few minutes before dinner. Friday night was a lot of fun. Dinner with my Mom, Dad, aunt, uncle, cousin and his wife. And then after that to a bar with karoke. My sisters and other cousin joined us there when they got in town. My Mom sang 1 song, my cousin sang on and then my Mom and cousin sang one together. There was MUCH laughing and when many many many times during the evening Michael and I both commented that this is times we should be capturing on film.

Saturday was Grandma's 90th birthday party and I saw many people I recognized but wasn't sure of names. And many reintroduced themselves and several names I got wrong. And some I recognized right away. My Grandma is one of 15 brother and sisters so there is LOTS of relatives. One of her brother's had a farm not too far from Grandma and Grandpa's farm so I have many fond memories of her brother and his wife and family. And they seemed just the same as my memories of them as a little girl. In actual time to of spending with my family, I didn't get a lot. I got to do breakfast with my sisters Saturday morning. And then I got a few minutes here and there with everyone else.

Saturday evening we went to the bar again. A cousin from my Dad's side of the family who I have always been close too came out too...her and her husband. It was nice to chat with them a little bit. We didn't stay out too late but just a little bit of time.

I don't get to see my family very often but one thing we always do...is appreciate ANY time we get together and try not to make each other feel bad about not seeing each other more often. I am very thankful for that as it makes visiting easier and more enjoyable. As much as I would love to spend more time with everyone...it just isn't possible. But again I am thankful for each second of it. Thankful Michael wanted to take this time and insisted we do.

On Sunday we went to my Grandmother's country church. The church has been there over a 100 years. We have wedding pictures of my Grandma and Grandpa's wedding in that church. My Grandma was baptized in that church. And I have many memories of that church as I attended it a quite a bit as a little girl. Michael took lots of pictures.

After church Michael and I went to my Grandma's farm. It was sold many years ago. The new owners don't live on it but come and stay out there at times from what I heard. The farm house looked so worn and many of the buildings and garden were gone. I was telling some people at the party that I didn't think I had been out to farm since my Grandma moved into town. And that was in 1987. So that was a long long time ago.

I had lots of good memories that came rushing back as we looked at the farm. It made me cry good tears of fond memories but also sad tears...sad that it is gone.


















When I was little we I would spend a few days to a week with my Grandma during the summer. I would spend lots of time on the swing set. When I leaned back and swung really high I could see the gardens behind me and I would image being a butterfly....that I was this pretty colorful butterfly gliding among the flowers and vegetables.


Part 2 to come later.

Gay Rights....

Well New Jersey...recognizes same sex unions but not marriage...so it isn't perfect but obviously closer...hopeful to me.

Links:
CNN
Daily Kos
Reuters
365Gay.com

Chessie Crating It

When we travel for more then 3 days, we bring the cats to Grandma and Grandpa's for babysitting. So before we left for North Dakota we packed up the kitty cats and headed over the mountains to their house to drop the kids off. Because Michael got a new vehicle with lots more room we were able to get Chessie a new traveling crate. She had a tiny one and we have always wanted to get her a larger one but didn't have room for it in the car. Now with the SUV we were able to get larger crate. So before leaving Denver to head back home, we went to PetSmart and got her a new crate and puffy new bed.

She seemed to enjoy the ride much better! And really seems to like her crate. Now that we are home....actually they both love her crate. I have it still sitting in the living room (3 weeks gone, this week of being sick makes one messy house because I am so behind on things). She is in it more then him but I also believe she knows it is hers and gets a little testy with him when he is in it. But they both take naps in it often.

So here is Chessie in the crate this morning...taking a morning nap....

The Marriage Amendment

Recently one of the forums I subscribe to brought up the Marriage Amendment. It's the proposed Amendment to the Constitution that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. One of the tangents in the discussion raised that it is the Bible that makes a distinction for us ... us being society, the United States and the foundation of our Constitution.

A forum participant then made the following comment: "common sense can also lead people to take a stand for the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

I took exception to that and replied:

It's common sense that also defied the overwhelming premise that the earth was round a few hundred years ago. But wisdom taught the world otherwise. Common sense even proclaimed that slavery was a right - yet wisdom eventually taught our country differently. The foundation of what's held as "common sense" has been so mis-aptly applied throughout the ages by the upper hierarchy of man so that the subjects and under privileged remained in control according to what social order *they* proclaim is worthy for their civilization. Wisdom allows those who are interested, to question, to explore and otherwise question the role of those who bestow "common sense" on the populace.

But if the premise reads that "common sense" can lead people to define marriage between the union of one man and one woman -- then wisdom can tell you that love knows no color, no belief, no orientation. Anywhere any doctrine, any canon , any scribe, or any law that is applied to explicitly *exclude* one segment of the populace based solely on their sexual preference is pure and unadulterated prejudice.

Pure and unadulterated prejudice does appear to be in defiance of what "God's love" is supposed to be about, no?

But thankfully we do currently live in a country of *choice* - and while one might want to subscribe to a party of "common sense," I choose the path of wisdom. It's interesting to point out that while some contribute gays and lesbians as a catalyst of social decay -- might actually want to take a long hard look at the countries that support gay rights. They are not in chaos or out having sex with sheep -- contrary to what "common sense" might believe.

In fact, one might be surprised that when the government minds their own business and stays out of the affairs between consenting adults -- the neighbors tend to get along better with one another. But alas, "common sense" is probably trying to reinvent the United States to become that of the fabled Eden.. ...which is neither viable or possible today...

Sorry "common sense," wisdom clearly wins here.

I'm a heterosexual male - and I approve of this message...

New Look

New template....not anything done by me but it is something until I can design something else. I was sick of the last one and this one was different and works so using it until I come up with something else.

Friday Gratitude

Today I express gratitude for...

~ My sister...It is my baby sister's birthday!
~ My family...it was really good to see everyone recently. I miss them lots and even though it was a short time it still was nice.
~ Michael's family....for putting up with us when we come over to Denver, for treating me wonderfully especially on my birthday...Thank you all for making my day very nice!
~ Thermal underwear...I am cold and they are keeping me warm
~ Scenic Drives....for our nice drive home from Denver yesterday. It was very pretty.
~ Birthday...I had a wonderful birthday...which included lots of birthday cards and packages...thank you to everyone spoiling me!
~ Shopping....Michael took me shopping for my birthday. I am very grateful to have a wonderful partner in him that treats me like a princess just when I needed that.
~ Home...for being home and not having to live out of a suitcase. As much as I love to see everyone...it always nice to be home again too.

Birthday!

We are back home! We were in Denver for my birthday. Michael had meetings that went GREAT so it was well worth our time to go over there.

During Michael's meetings....Frank, JoAnne and I went to breakfast. I had the Naked French Canadian Breakfast Melt. It is a sandwich made out of French toast that has Canadian ham on it, eggs, and Swiss cheese. Naked because it doesn't have syrup on the French toast does but still ask for it and pour that all over it! It tastes so good! Kind of like a Monte Cristo for breakfast. Just as we were ending breakfast and off to do some shopping, Michael called to say his meeting was done. So we picked him up and then went shopping. I got some things that will be helpful in making some Christmas gifts.

Later in the evening we went out for dinner. I am hooked on amaretto and pineapple juice because of my cousin's wife! So I had 2 of those during dinner. After dinner, we went to World Market as Michael needed some coffee really likes their house blend whole bean coffee. And I was petting a stuffed animal. He told me to get it...

So here is...Spot!



We went back to the house and Michael's brother was there and his nephew came over too - to help celebrate my birthday. We had pie! I don't usually have cake or like cake for my birthday so I was glad to keep that birthday tradition.

I had a nice birthday. Michael's parents went out of their way to make it a special day and I am very grateful to them and all their kindness and generosity. Thank you Frank and JoAnne!

Today we went to the outlet mall in Castlerock and Michael spoiled me like a princess and got me 3 new shirts and 2 skirts. I also had many cards and gifts waiting for me from family and friends. It was a very nice birthday....lots of love and laughter involved...perfect for a birthday celebration!

A litte of this and that...

When we travel or have guests here, I always crash after. It is like there is a lot of energy going going and going and then nothing. And so I crash. I get sad and teary. And that is what is happening to me now. On top of that...I am suffering from migraines - day 2 of them.

I got lots of mail love while out of town cards and packages! Thank you! I am a very blessed to have such good friends!

Michael requested chili and homemade bread....so...that is what I made yesterday...

Chili with some sour cream and cheddar cheese on it...















2 round loaves of bread

















Bread smothered in butter....well margarine...

Friday Gratitude...Sunday

Since I didn't get to do a Friday Gratitude I am doing one today...

And I am going to use the Letter B...

So today I express Gratitude for....

~ Bagels: We get whole grain bagels that are tasty!

~ Breakfast: It is a good meal of the day. I get on kicks where I am crave things and so it will be the morning rountine for a little while. Like panckaes...for a while I was on a pancake kick...especially the apple oatmeal pancakes.

~ Buffy the Vampire Slayer: what I am watching at the moment and I am a HUGE fan...Buffy has provided me lots of entertainment through the years.

~ Beads: I used to make jewelry and now I use beads in my art and so I am grateful for getting into making jewelry and now having them to see them in a different perspective in art pieces

~ Baking: I am grateful for time and enjoyment I get from baking

~ Books: Between Michael and I - I think we could start a library. I enjoy reading, I enjoy seeing the images in art books, I enjoy learning from them and so on.

~ Bread: I am a carb girl and I love breads....all different kinds...sweet, savory, old fashion crusty bread

~ Bruschetta: oh yum! Tomatoes and Bread combined! yay for the yumminess!

~ Buddhism: I have learned a lot by learning more about it. It has taught me to find peace in myself.

~ Beans: LOL okay I know sounds like a strange one but I like beans - great northern, black beans, green beans....very tasty and so many ways to prepare them

~ Barbie: As a little girl I loved playing with my barbies. I had hours and hours of enjoyment in them.

~ Blue: Michael has the most amazing blue eyes. And when he wears blue they are even more intense and I lose myself in them.

~ Bill and Lisa: they are friends who helped me out when I really needed it and I will be forever grateful for them.

~ Backyard: When I was a little girl we had a big backyard with a swing set and lots of just space to play. I always enjoyed playing with my friends there. Greatful of the memories in our backyard.

~ Butterflies: I am grateful for them as they are beautiful and inspire me often

~ Believing: I am grateful for the ability to just believe.

~ Birthdays: not just mine (but that is coming up :) )...I enjoy celebrating each persons birthday...each persons life

Yay!

WE ARE HOME!!!! until Tuesday...

(collapse)

Friday Gratitude...on Thursday

Doing my Gratitude list today since we will be in North Dakota tomorrow and I suspect that I will be a little busy...

Today I express gratitude for...

~ Love - I love Michael very much and am so blessed to have him in my life and for the love he gives me
~ Family - I am so excited to see my family. I love them very much and don't get to see them often so this trip means a lot to me. The video that Michael made - made me miss them more and made me recall good memories of my family.
~ Majestic - For seeing the lights on Mt. Rushmore tonight...it was truly majestic
~ New Car - For having a brand new vehicle to ride in that is bigger and comfy!
~ Leaves - They are changing and the colors are so beautiful....make me feel good looking at them
~ Music - the sound...the feelings...oh so good. Been listening to good music on our trip. We burned a bunch of music before we left so that we would have good tunes!
~ Talent - Michael's talent...he did amazing job on the video and I am grateful to giving this gift to our family.
~ For feeling better....I am think I am on a high about to see my family but it is just feeling like a good day. Got a lot accomplished the last 2 week.

Friday Gratitude

Today I especially express gratitude...

~ It was a productive week
~ Michael found a knee brace online and it is here and works great!
~ We had some sun this week...it made me feel better
~ Good friends
~ Camera phones so that I could capture Michael having fun at walmart (using one of those electric carts)

Locks of Love

Well I went to get my hair cut and I am terrible with measurements. I am always under so if I say I want 1 inch cut off I really wanted 3. I talked about probably getting 5 inches of hair off. I showed my hairstylist the length I wanted it to be and she said are you sure? Which I expected and I said yes. She said okay. So she brushes through all my hair and then get a ruler out and she tells me that is almost 8 1/2 inches. We discussed locks of love right away and said they needed 10 inches. And so I said, "do it...make it 10." So now I have hair barely past my shoulders... where this morning it had been almost hip level.

Michael has cancer survivors in his family and they were my first thought. So my hair went to a good cause.

Political Links

"We must disentrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Not something I post about very often but I had to today after viewing a video clip. There is a journal I read because she offers great thoughts and links on politics...TwistedChick.

Today one of the many links she shared was this one with Keith Oblermann regarding Fox slamming Clinton. I wanted to stand up, cheer and clap as I listened to it...damn powerful words. (In case you don't want to watch you can read this words.)

I mentioned on someones journal that every morning I pretty much start my day by signing petitions and writing state reps, senators, even the President. I get emails that are basically Take Action emails from all sorts of organizations. And I start my day off with taking a few moments to try to do something...to make a change.

This are some links to a few of them...
True Majority
Act for Change
Human Rights First
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Democrats.com Unity
Moveon.com - Democracy in Action
The Petition Site

Daily Om - Libra horoscope

Just a snippet from todays Replacing Worry With Prosperity:

"When we no longer feel the need to worry about day-to-day survival matters, we are free to pursue opportunities that demand the whole of our attention while promising rich rewards. Anxiety drains our energy stores by monopolizing our focus and exhausting us physically. During bouts of worry, we are rendered unable to concentrate on activities that fall outside of the scope of mundane concerns. By banishing anxious thoughts from our minds and endeavoring to create an existence suffused by security, we empower ourselves to focus wholly on long-term goals and pleasurable pursuits. We draw prosperity into our lives by simply grounding our thoughts in visualizations of our ultimate futures. You are at liberty to explore your world today in part because you have built a sturdy foundation of stability in your life."

Friday Gratitude

This week I am going to do the letter "A"....

~ Air: When I was cleaning the bathroom at 3am - I ended up using some bleach and so I became very appreciative of air as bleach even in little amounts doesn't like my asthma (yes I have insomnia thus the cleaning the bathroom at 3am)

~ Airborne: That seems to have kept my cold from getting worse.

~ Art: doing and seeing art

~ Antiques, Architecture, Archeology: Each thing has a piece of history...each has a story. And also at the time it is today and present. Which made me think of a quote: "Art is not a treasure in the past or an importation from another land, but part of the present life of all living and creating peoples." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

~ Aqua: I have been going through a lot of bottle water lately...the colder the better

~ Apples: It is starting to get into that season when apples with peanut butter are such a great snack

~ Apple Cider: I really enjoyed hot apple cider in the fall.

~ Autumn: It is almost upon us. I love the crisp, cool air. I love the colors of leaves...the changing of the seasons. So beautiful.

~ Age: I am going to be 39 in a month and although I am feeling down about it...I really should be grateful for each birthday and day of life I get.

~ Acid free papers: Use them in art so that they don't fade and make the things on them change colors or deteriorate.

~ Asiago Cheese - I just like the flavor so much!

Environmental Artist

Michael watched a documentary he got off netflix called "Rivers and Tides" and he told me I need to watch it. So I watched it last night and it was really amazing. It is about artist Andy Goldsworthy Here are some incredibly powerful and beautiful images on google. For me it was amazing to see how he sees...thinks....everything for him is about space, energy between things, how it might changes the area and how it will change because of the environment. Much of how he does it...I would have never seen or thought of...just interesting to watch.

Old Photo...Old Picture....

I use this avatar on a couple communities I belong to because I liked the image as it is from a picture we had in our house as child.

Today I was going through my photos to see if I could add anything to what my family had sent for the video. As I flipped through photos today I could see the above image in many of the photos. You could tell that is the place my Mom liked to pose people for photos - and even after we moved to a new house she posed us in front of that picture. I found this picture that had a fairly clear shot of the picture in it. This is of one of my sisters and I (me on the right - my sister Michelle on the left and other sister not even a twinkle in my Mom and Dad eyes - yet - though soon). My sister is, I believe, about 3 and I am 6. Don't you just love my dress! (yes I am being sarcastic.) It was the Christmas photo that year that Mom mailed out in all the Christmas cards.

A Cat with No name....

From the book Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote:

She was still hugging the cat. 'Poor slob,' she said, tickling his head, 'poor slob without a name. It's a little inconvenient, his not having a name. But I haven't any right to give him one: he'll have to wait until he belongs to somebody. We just sort of took up by the river one day, we don't belong to each other: he's an independent, so am I. I don't want to own anything until I know I've found the place where me and things belong together. I'm not quite sure where that is yet. But I know what it's like.' She smiled, and let the cat drop to the floor. 'It's like Tiffany's,' she said. 'Not that I give a hoot about jewellery. Diamonds, yes. But it's tacky to wear diamonds before you're forty; and even that's risky. They only look right on really old girls. Maria Ouspenskaya. Wrinkles and bones, white hair and diamonds: I can't wait. But that's not why I'm mad about Tiffany's. Listen. You know those days when you've got the mean reds?'

'Same as the blues?'

'No,' she said slowly. 'No, the blues are because you're getting fat or maybe it's been raining too long. You're sad, that's all. But the mean reds are horrible. You're afraid and you sweat like hell, but you don't know what you're afraid of. Except something bad is going to happen, only you don't know what it is. You've had that feeling?'

'Quite often. Some people call it angst.'
'All right. Angst. But what do you do about it?'
'Well, a drink helps.'

'I've tried that. I've tried aspirin, too. Rusty thinks I should smoke marijuana, and I did for a while, but it only makes me giggle. What I've found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there, not with those kind men in their nice suits, and that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets. If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany's, then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name.'

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my top 5 movies. I just relate to parts of it. I haven't read the book but have it on my list of books I would like to get.

Catalogs

So I opened the mailbox today and saw IKEA! I almost squealed standing right there was but was worried it would scare Michael while he was trying to crutch it up the porch stairs!

For 3 years of living here I often go to the IKEA website to request a catalog and each time they say no they are out of my area. Recently I heard that Denver is getting an IKEA so I stopped by the website tried the request a catalog form again....and this time it went through! I wasn't holding my breath though so when I opened the mail box to see the catalog I was positively delighted! Yes, I know quite silly. But I love IKEA!

Also really like catalogs...just to look at and read -- for entertainment. One of my favorite catalogs is The Baker's Catalogue. It is full of baking products from King Arthur Flour.

Friday Gratitude

Okay so I am going to try doing a weekly gratitude thing....

Today I especially express gratitude...

~ always grateful for Michael....our time together...laughing, smiling and just being with each other

~ Art - many levels to this one....seeing wonderfully talented people grow and to be able to put myself out there more with my art also

~ Cupcakes with pink frosting!

~ Michael healing...he was able to go out this week and that was very encouraging.

~ Chatting with my sister Michelle on Monday. I hadn't talked with her in a while and really was glad to catch up with her.

~ Daily Om for reminding me of myself.

Linkage...

Jana Marcus "Transfigurations": A photo and essay presentation about people who are transgendered.

http://www.jlmphotography.com/recent/TransPresentation/sld001.htm

Let them eat Cake!

A recipe I want to make....Unbelievable Chocolate Kahlua Cake

It is not as bad in calories and fat as it could be - it uses yogurt, skim milk, egg whites. I got it off of Diabetic Gourmet.

Unbelievable Chocolate Kahlua Cake

Ingredients

* 1 (18.25 oz.) Devil's Food Cake Mix
* 1 small (1 oz.) box sugar free, instant chocolate pudding mix
* 1 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
* 1/4 cup canola oil
* 1/3 cup skim milk
* 1 large egg
* 3 large egg whites
* 1/3 cup Kahlua liqueur
* 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* Cocoa

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust with cocoa.
3. Place all ingredients except chocolate chips in a large bowl. Beat with mixer for 2 minutes or until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool before cutting.

Calories: 205
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 209 mg
Cholesterol: 13 mg
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Exchanges: 2 Bread/Starch; 1-1/2 Fat

Little Bits from Daily Om

I get Daily Om's in my email box everyday and love them....

A Life of Passion
"Forgetting about what you love to do can be a form of self-sabotage. If you can forget about your dreams, then you never have to risk failure. But just because we've decided to ignore our passions doesn't mean they no longer exist."


Staying Afloat
"Because life is dynamic and always changing, it is when we try to make the wave stand still or resist its direction that we are likely to get pulled under by its weight."

Fully Present in Time
"Our lives are so complex and full that we tend to focus on the big picture rather than on the minute details that make up the picture. Individual moments are lost among the day's clutter, and we are overwhelmed by the burdens, tasks, and responsibilities we must face. To cope, we spend much of our time recalling the bliss the past held or anticipating the blessings the future will bring. However, while life is often demanding and hectic, it is nonetheless made up of immeasurable moments that each carry the potential to delight. A consciousness fixed in the present exists in a state of optimal sensitivity. It responds to life as it comes, reveling in the pleasures of the moment and then gladly letting that moment go."

Complementary Energies
"It is easy to get caught up in the demands of home life because they never stop. There is always one more thing you can do, another dish in the sink, a counter that needs wiping, or a person who needs a ride somewhere. If you don't set some boundaries, you will find yourself on an endless journey of housework and doing for others. Eventually, you will probably feel drained and out of touch with your inner life force. Instead of waiting for this to happen, integrate self-care into your daily schedule. Even Buddha insisted that he have one hour completely to himself every day. There are times when even that will not be possible-for example, with a new baby or a sick relative. At times like this, retreating inward energetically can be a lifesaver. You can always find five minutes to close your eyes and breathe consciously. You may even be able to meditate. "

Choosing a New Response
"Everyone has fears-it is a natural part of being human. Fear can protect us from harm by sending a rush of adrenaline to help us physically deal with potential danger. But there are times when fear may keep us from participating fully in life. Once we realize that fear is a state of mind, we can choose to face our fears, change our minds, and create the life we want to live."

The Journey of Release
"When we become overwhelmed and things are not going as planned, it is natural to hold tighter to our goals and try to force things to go our way. In the process, we tie ourselves in knots, tensing our shoulders, jaws, and muscles throughout our bodies. Our mind tells us that this is how to get a firmer grip on a situation that feels out of control, but as we create knots in our bodies we are blocking the flow of our energy, exhausting ourselves by exerting more effort yet accomplishing less. At these times, though it may seem counterintuitive, our higher selves know it's better to let go."

Just this and that....

* This past week I finished up something important for/to me. And it felt really good.
* I have been going through depression right now....so I have been quiet. I don't write as much when I am this way.
* I have really good friends that support me. I have been really stressing this weekend about putting myself out there with my art. And my friends always come through and support me in these really self-conscious moments by encouraging and accepting me.
* I need to clean house this week and start my next work project. I did a really good clean of the house except the Master bedroom but last week after that I seemed to have dropped the ball a bit but I know that is because I was working on the thing that was important to me.
* I hope to do some art this week.
* I want to finish an art doll I started a long while ago
* I have a stack of photos on my desk and frames for them....I really should do that sometime soon. I am sure it is bad Feng Shui to have empty frames sitting around. I also have a Buddha wooden mask carving that I should hang up.
* Michael is doing much better. He is getting around better (still on crutches though). Able to support himself longer when standing.
* I think I am going to make breakfast burritos tomorrow - for breakfast....I have been craving them.
* I need to take the garbage out tonight before I go to bed...I know the excitement of my life is earth shaking.

And just so that this won't be a completely boring entry...one of our adorable kitty cats....

Driving....

Okay so I have never been fond of driving. Because my birthday is in October I could have been driving before my classmates when turning 16. And really I still was but I didn't get my drivers license *on* my birthday because I just don't like driving. It really has never changed. Before I get in the car I think about where I am going, how I will get there exactly, what lanes I need to be in and where I will try to park when I get there. Driving stresses me out and sends me into almost a OCD mode and so I don't like driving. Well not true...I don't actually mind long distance driving. I used to kind of enjoy the drive from Cleveland, Ohio to Topeka, Kansas - did that several times. But city driving makes me anxious. So when I moved to be with Michael if I need to go store or need something, he drives and we go together. And we both like it that way...spending time together, doing things together. So I don't drive very often but just at times I do just to keep up with it.

So Michael hurt his knee the day after he came home from his trip so he is pretty much immobile -- so I have *had* to drive. Since Michael's injury when I have had to drive it just basically one thing to do - go, do it and come home again. But today I drove several places and I was gone several hours and then came home.

It was just so odd and surreal....but okay. I survived driving again.

One another note...Michael has a hot car....men especially seem to notice his car and ALWAYS comment on that it is a "sweet" ride or "AWESOME car" - and you should see them look when it is a girl driving it. It was quite funny watching their reactions.

Saying Thanks...

Xeorx is sponsoring a program that sends postcards to troops overseas....and all you have to do is 3 easy steps to send a FREE postcard to military personal overseas.

Here is the link....Let's Say Thanks

Pricing Art...

I think putting prices on my art is one of the scariest, hardest and exciting moments in my recent history. I just haven't done that in a very long time. I scoured Etsy to figure out how I should price and still not sure if I am aiming in the right direction.

Arts and Crafts

Addicted to Rubber Stamps is having some really good sales going on right now. If you haven't ever checked them out you might want to take a look. They don't just sell rubber stamps but ink pads, cards, stickers, embellishments, adhesives, paper punches and so on. Check out their sale!