Winter's Sacred Invitation

A couple weeks of ago I went along with Michael to a client's home. They live right at the base of the Colorado Monument and it was just a beautiful winters day. I found it very inspiring and created this poem. 

Winter's Sacred Invitation
Majestic red mountains cloaked in white rising to greet us
Snow shimmering like jewels lining our way
Bare branches waiting for a dance with Winter's daughter
The icy breeze kissing our cheeks and fingertips
As tracks in the snow coax us forward
Winter's sacred invitation laid before us

52 Week Photo Project: Week 4

Last Friday Michael and I went on a Poetry Date and I snapped a bunch of photos. We saw so many wonderful pieces that inspired us. So for Week 4's photo I used the top photo, but adding the second photo of it too.

This old secretary desk. Michael and I really liked. We actually started looking at it because of a tea set on top. We were talking about it and so I opened it up. Inside it had photocopies of marriage and birth certificates of a couple who received the desk as a gift for their marriage. The top paper was a handwritten note with some of their story. Each item in the store has a story, but this one was included with the piece. It was a nice surprise to open the drawer and find it.

My Word is Joy

I believe it was Ali Edwards that started picking a word for the year. That will represent the goals and thing to keep present in your life for the year. This year I picked the word joy.  The end of last year, I really tried to practice finding joy in everyday.... whether they were ordinary moments or something quite extraordinarily. I found it helped me on so many levels...mentally, emotionally, creatively and physically. Although it didn't cure my pain, it helped me not get so swallowed up by it that I couldn't see anything, but the pain. I didn't pick a word last year, but kindness probably represented my year - being kind towards not only others, but myself. I always try to be kind, but I guess I wanted to take that a step further and be kind towards myself as that one is always hard for me.

So this year is joy and finding those moments of joy everyday. Today I was washing dishes and a moment of joy was looking at my dishcloth. It is a yellow handmade dishcloth made by an Aunt. It is always more enjoyable to wash dishes with a dishcloth made by someone I love.  A moment of joy in the middle of this ordinary task.

Feels Like Home

On February 1 Michael and I will celebrate 10 years together. This is our song. Just feel extremely blessed to with such an amazing man and sharing this journey with him for the last 10 years and the years ahead.

52 Lists: Week 3

Moorea Seal hit the nail on the head with this one....it came at a really good time for me and she worded it perfectly. I am working on several things out of my comfort zone and it is easy for me to get my brain spinning about things and not see that I have much to be proud of in myself.  Moorea Seal said on her blog: "I absolutely believe that everyone has reasons to be proud of who they are, what they have made it through and what they have created in their lives.  But many of us doubt that we even have anything to be proud of.  If you are having a hard time feeling proud of anything about yourself or in your life, you can at least try to acknowledge those things which you should seek to find pride in." 

I am doing the 52 Lists as a way to explore myself. I have many things I am proud of in friends and family, but trying to keep this list to exploring myself and it is very hard for me to even think about what I should be proud of - so a really good task for me to do as I have had people in my life say - I often discount the things I do. 


This weeks list is - List the things you should be proud of.....

My relationship with Michael - My Art Exploring new outlets and forms of my creativity  - I love unconditionally - I am passionate about so many things causes – such as human rights, domestic violence, child abuse, fighting cancer and other diseases, poverty and many other things. I have a generous spirit and and am kind-hearted to want to fight for those that need help - Traveling and living in so many areas around the US - I give good advice and am a good friend - I am a good mediator for others when they are upset - Being able to see both side of ideas - The journey I am on and that I continue to grow and learn - Friends and family – so many wonderful people in my life doing amazing things daily - My relationships with family and friends  - Being compassionate and open-minded - Self taught myself many things including website design and photoshop - Working with Michael in his business – learning it and taking on things that scare me and push my comfort bounds - Surviving trauma and troubles in my life including dark thoughts of trying to kill myself  - Surviving each cycle of depression – coming out each time stronger - Reading  - as it allows me to explore areas and times I can never go and expands my imagination – words creating vivid pictures in my head - I am very domestic and enjoy making a happy home for Michael and I -  I am self-aware


Join in doing 52 Lists hosted by Moorea Seal.  I love them and it has been not only fun, but really interesting exploring some areas I buried or never really noticed about myself.  #52lists2013

Poetry Dates

When Michael picked up poemcrazy by Susan Wooldridge, he fell down the rabbit hole like I did after reading it. He immediately started playing with words to capture moments he was seeing.  He suggested we do poetry dates. We made a list of places to go to that would inspire words to create poetry.

After making a list of these places, I cut them into strips of paper and stuffed all of them in a jar.  We will pick a strip of paper from the jar each week to go to and do poetry dates. This first week's pick was Habitat for Humanity Restore.

I snapped photos along the way to help us remember.  It was an outing that surpassed my expectations. It was completely inspiring and enjoyable. I really can't wait until our next date.  I think it was perfect for Michael too - to unplug from work and play creatively.

Each item in the Restore has a story and it was so delightful to look at them and create stories for them. To see beyond just an item sitting on a shelf.  It was perfect for our first date.

Here are some photos I snapped and poetry I am sure will come later.....

old brick tiles

figurines

typeset

I pretty much was swooning over the typeset. There were 2 boxes this one was 18 point and the other was much smaller. Both surprisingly intact. I mean missing some letters, but quite a lot more then I have ever seen in a set.

antique dresser with top row of wicker knobs

pottery

vintage Singer sewing machine

Gratitude Friday

ice outside my doctor's office 

I am thankful for...
1. a good meeting this week for me
2. a therapy session where we high five
3. new glasses - they are purplish pink and I am amazed how better I see now
4. poetry date with Michael at Habitat Humanity ReStore today - so FUN!
5. thick and rich stew for dinner - one of my favorite comfort foods

Life in 2013

Just a few notes about life....

* My life is amazing right now. I just feel overwhelmed with joy. It is easy for the pain to flood in and bring me down though. So trying to hang on to all the good things in my life. Remind myself that I have super fantastic support system in my life between Michael, family, friends, and professionals in my life such as my doctor and therapist.  Hanging on to the abundance of joy and working to get the pain more under control.

* I got new glasses....first time I have worn glasses in at least 15 years.  I joked with the eye doctor that even though Colorado doesn't seem to mind me not having a glasses while driving....I do. :)  I had been driving more and didn't like not being able to read signs ahead.

* I have been working on a project due to Michael and some other people giving me a little nudge. Oddly it was my idea at first and then others were very much in support of it. It is doing things that are out of my comfort zone, but it has been good for me at that same time.  

* 2013 has been artful and creative for me. I am reading a book Poemcrazy (something I have never tried my hand at before) and I am having fun playing with words. Besides the poetry, I have many other fulfilling creative ideas and projects taking up my time. I can't imagine not having them going on now and want to explore them further. I hope to really push my creativity and art in 2013.

* Monday I had to get some X-rays done and handed Poemcrazy to Michael when I was taken back.  He is now hooked on it too. We are going to do Poetry Dates.

* As I started this entry...life is amazing right now. I really am enjoying life right now and I like who I am becoming. I feel very good about everything. I am always growing and working towards things I want in my life...for my life.

Beauty Every Day

The other day Upworthy resposted an article that appeared in The Washington Post about violinist Joshua Bell who went to play incognito in subway station. It was a social experiment by the journalist, but as a quote in the article points out....and I am adding a word to it...what beauty do we miss every day?

"If we can't take the time out of our lives to stay a moment and listen to one of the best musicians on Earth play some of the best music ever written; if the surge of modern life so overpowers us that we are deaf and blind to something like that -- then what else are we missing?" from the Washington Post

Here is some of the video...I know there is one the above link too.

52 Week Project: Week 3

We were in Denver last week and I snapped some photos while Michael was in meetings. One was this photo of branches. I have started a poem about branches and what they mean to me - I am not finished with it. Oddly I started this poem before I started reading a book called poemcrazy by Susan Wooldridge.  Now I have no doubt the poem will emerge more easily as that book has freed the words stuck inside. I see them all around now.

New Year

Julius Shulman

photographer Julius Shulman

Michael stopped me this morning before I dived into work to watch a documentary on Julius Shulman via Netflix instant. Oh....I am so thankful he did...it was captivating.

From Amazon: "Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, VISUAL ACOUSTICS celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, the world s greatest architectural photographer, whose images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream. Shulman captured the work of nearly every major modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner and Frank Gehry. His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern California s modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This unique film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images."

I will tell you the truth, I didn't know the name Julius Shulman, but as soon as they started showing his photographs...I recognized them. The film and his photography are impactful and inspiring. Extremely glad Michael persuaded me to take the time to watch it. It was well worth every minute and I know I will be floating on daydreams of beautiful architecture all day.

Gratitude Friday

a photo from our drive home

I am thankful for...
1. a safe trip to Denver
2. seeing our good friend Lala in Denver
3. being able to see Michael's parents and new puppy
4. playing with my camera while Michael was in a meeting
5. stopping in Glenwood Canyon to take photos with Michael - we had a lot of fun stomping around in the cold and snow.
6. really good dinner of veggie lo mein and baked egg rolls

52 Lists: Week 2

This week....List Your Greatest Comforts

holding hands with Michael - watching movies with Michael - creating art - going to museums -purring kitty cats - soft sweaters - snuggling under a blanket - pillow talk - the smell of soup simmering - hot soup on a cold winter night - tea with cream & sugar - cool drink on a hot summer day - reading books- Brene Brown books - Paulo Coehlo books - Eat Pray Love - chatting with friends - hugs from friends & family - sending & receiving snail mail - listening to music - office supplies - art supplies - cardamom cookies - smelling & eating freshly baked bread - warm fuzzy socks // hot cocoa - Christmas - chocolate -baking - singing - touch - dreams - sunsets -mountains - photographs - candles - notepads - journals - chapstick - memories - snow - rain - coloring - crying - laughter - road trips  - Asian food - Thanksgiving dinner - making lists - Sunday mornings

Join in doing 52 Lists hosted by Moorea Seal.  I love them and it has been not only fun, but really interesting exploring some areas I buried or never really noticed about myself.  #52lists2013

52 Week Photo Project - Week 2

Rhonda's Rocks

I have a therapist. I don't think everyone needs therapy, but I know for me I am thankful for the therapists I have had in my life. I have struggled with depression all my life - my brain chemistry is just wired differently.  It is not like I had a broken childhood or lots of trauma in my life, but I do have things that have tripped me up and it has been hard for me to move past those issues.  Add in that I just feel as a person....I am constantly working on me. I am continually growing and changing and it is nice to have someone there who isn't a friend or lover to help be a sounding board and give guidance without some of the things that come with having an intimate bond.

Last January my therapist at that time left for a new job and it wasn't like her current job so not like I could just follow her so she recommended one of her colleagues for me.  We had kind of a bumpy start only because I was scared of some of the things brought up.  But when I reached out again she was there for me and has been a champion for me.  I am extremely thankful to have her help.

I feel in 2012 - really just in the last 6 months. I have been growing more comfortable with myself then I have ever been. I know it is mainly due to her help and understanding.

The above photo is from my therapist's office. She has a bowl of rocks in her office. Some of the rocks have been given to her, some she has collected and she has it out so people can look at them or can take a rock if they want.  When I stepped into her office, I immediately was taken with the bowl of rocks.  I ran my fingers through them and picked them up looking at them - so many lovely shapes, textures and colors.  I think one reason I was drawn to them because here at home I have a bowl of rocks too. Mostly rocks given to me by friends, but some collected over the years. I have found lately when we travel, I have been finding rocks that I feel should come home with me and be added to my bowl. I am glad I see them and see so many other things I have ignored for far too long....simple everyday joy is coming back to me and I have to thank my therapist for helping me find my way back to it. Thank you Rhonda!

Here to Stay

I think I heard this on the tv show Nikita and really liked it.

It's a Tiara

Michael and I have been on a Big Bang Theory marathon lately and this is a clip that I loved from on of the episodes we watched today.  Michael said it reminded him of me.  And I admit it reminded me of me too. :)

Gratitude Friday

Michael blowing bubbles in -7 degree weather
Light reflecting off bubbles to make them look like fire

I am thankful for..
1. Michael dancing and singing in the furniture store we went to on Sunday with my parents
2. blowing bubbles in single digit and minus degree weather just to see if bubbles will freeze. Although the test didn't succeed. We did have fun trying even though it was so very cold!
3. tea
4. capturing everyday moments with my camera
5. my parents visiting us....it was a really nice time. It was great to see them. I miss my family so much - so glad to have a little time with my parents

Resolution or Desire and Intention

I have never really made New Year's resolutions. I might have a very loose list of things in my head of things I want to work on, but they don't necessarily come with just the new year. They are just things in my head that I am constantly adding to, working on and doing throughout the year. I evaluate my life and think about what I want and where I want to go with my life throughout the year - not just at the new year.

The last few years I have some goals written down as I felt seeing them in black and white gives them intention and vision to do them. So I guess in fact they have been resolutions as the definition of resolution is resolving to do something or setting a course of action and being firm in determination.

Why I have never called them resolutions though is because to me a resolution is more firm or outlined and often - well I am a dreamer and think with my heart so things are always changing and moving for me. I don't always have a clear vision of how to get to where I want to go, but kind of leave it up to where the path may lead me - not always to the final goal, but something I needed anyway.

This year a good friend of mine wrote me to ask how she could support me in my new year goals. I was blown away by her kindness and generosity, but she did make me look at my goals. I am still not making clear plans or outlines really. But I am making intention.  Intention of what I desire and where I would like to go with my life. Again my path my steer me off sometimes, but I trust in the universe to guide me to my dreams, desires and intention for my life.

One of my desires for the new year is get Danielle LaPorte's Desire Map program. As always she speaks to me and with this new year of setting desires and intentions for myself it of course speaks even more clear....

52 Lists: Week 1

I found this via Pinterest as I follow Moorea Seal there and enjoy her blog also. She is doing a list a week for the year - 52 Lists.  I love lists so I am going to jump into this project.

Right now I am reading the book Inner Excavation by Liz Lamoreux and she suggest collecting a word toolbox. Gathering words to create poetry. So this first list is perfect for that too...the first weeks list is Words that Touch Your Soul.

The words I have on my list:  love - Michael - grace -living - stillness - joy - devotion - vibrant - laughter - star - dream - believe - feeling - spirit - celebrate - rainbow - simplicity - play - passion - kindness // journey - open - peace - friendship - family - gratitude - wholehearted - hope - mountains - acceptance - being - beauty - expressive - hearth - home - energy - sisters - understanding - giving - knowledge // vulnerable - courage - doing - truth - reality universe - touch - tea - silliness - artistry - purple - mermaid - darkness - light - enough - enchanted - faith - music - growth - possible

Join in doing 52 Lists hosted by Moorea Seal.  I love them and it has been not only fun, but really interesting exploring some areas I buried or never really noticed about myself.  #52lists2013

Keep Holding On

I have been rewatching Glee on Netflix Instant .  This is a song that played in the episode I watched tonight.

52 Week Photo Project - Week 1

A couple friends of mine are doing the 365 Photo project, but I am not sure I am up to doing 365. Along with the 365 Photo Project there is 52 Week Photo Project so I am doing that....a photo a week.  I am working with the book Inner Excavation by Liz Lamoreux  and I am trying to just capture picture of my life here and there.

Here is week 1 photo....

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. my parent's arriving 
2. hugging my parents
3. kitty cats
4. hot cocoa with homemade coffee liqueur
5. Michael fixing the light in my office

2012 A Year in Review by Google

Yesterday I posted a commercial that had a song in it that I like, but made me think of commercials and last night while watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve - Google had a commercial that made me cry. As I said to Michael - Google commercials always get to me. They have an amazing advertising department. So inspiring.

2012 A Year in Review by Google

Beautiful Dreamer

I love this commercial for the imagination used in it, the shots capture, and the song...the song always makes me look up when it comes on.



The song is Beautiful Dreamer done by Rachel Fannan. But oddly enough according to this website the song was originally written in 1864. 

Gratitude Friday

Christmas Eve Dinner

I am thankful for...
1. a very nice Christmas
2. a white Christmas
3. being able to just be - not having to think or do anything sometimes is very nice and it was this week
4. talking to my parents and sister Michelle on Christmas
5. an amazing 2012

Merry Christmas

May peace, love and joy be yours today and your blessings throughout the year. Wishing a very Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Frittata

Frittata - potatoes, onion, roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers, sausage, cheese, and herbs/seasonings - rosemary, parsley, salt and pepper - beaten eggs
poured over the top and baked - this was brunch this morning

Gratitude Friday

blue lights in Grand Junction

I am thankful for...
1. road side service...our car wouldn't start this morning and road side service came to our house to give us a jump.  We then went to get a new battery for the car as it was much needed.
2. being able to play Santa Elves and deliver some goodie trays as well as a casserole to a friend that just was getting out of the hospital.
3. wearing Santa hats and singing Christmas songs with my love
4. going out and looking at lights
5. unexpected gift from a friend that helped us do one of our traditions - getting a starbucks to sip on while driving around looking at lights.

blue lights on trees - probably close to 50 trees in this yard 

Santa's Elves

Michael and I are going to play Santa's Elves today and deliver a strata with roasted mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes, several of these little goodie trays and then a container of fudge.  We are even going to wear our Santa hats. 

On the tray: Maple fudge, sour cream cookies, chocolate fudge, 7 layer bars, thin mints and festive bark.

The Greatest Gift

During the holidays when I am busy making and baking gifts I will either watch Christmas movies on Netflix instant or listen Christmas music on Pandora.  This year I have been watching movies and one I watched was The Christmas Lodge. Not a fabulous movie, but still not horrible either.  Very pretty scenery shots in it too.  Anyway....this song was in the Christmas Lodge and the singer was in the movie.   

Gratitude Friday

Today's Gratitude Friday is hard for me to do. I know I have lots of things to be thankful for....but today has just been filled with so much...so much pain and sadness not only because of the shooting in CT, but we had 2 friends diagnosed with cancer this week.

So sending every one light and love.

Impact

"Consider the importance of becoming aware of the impact you have on others, and remind yourself that by raising your own energy level to a place where you’re in harmony with Source, you become an instrument, or a channel, of peace. This works everywhere, so be a part of the counterbalance to the human negativity you encounter in your life. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” Dr. Wayne W. Dyer from Do You Make a Difference?

I Believe Father Christmas

Christmas Treats

These are some new recipes I want to try this Christmas....

Source: bakersroyale.com via Darby on Pinterest

Instead of making them into pops, I think I will just do little brownie bits.

Source: flowerpatchfarmgirl.blogspot.com via Darby on Pinterest

This I think I want to make and give as gifts in a mason jar.

Source: food.com via Darby on Pinterest

These are microwave caramels....which seems almost impossible to me, but I would consider it a huge blessing if it was true. So I think I will try them.

Taking a Leap

The on-the-spot practice of being fully present, feeling your heart, and greeting the next moment with an open mind can be done at any time: when you wake up in the morning, before a difficult conversation, whenever fear or discomfort arises. This practice is a beautiful way to claim your warriorship, your spiritual warriorship. In other words, it is a way to claim your courage, your kindness, your strength. Whenever it occurs to you, you can pause briefly, touch in with how you're feeling both physically and mentally, and then connect with your heart-even putting your hand on your heart, if you want to. This is a way of extending warmth and acceptance to whatever is going on for you right now. You might have an aching back, an upset stomach, panic, rage, impatience, calmness, joy-whatever it is, you can let it be there just as it is, without labeling it good or bad, without telling yourself you should or shouldn't be feeling that way. Having connected with what is, with love and acceptance, you can go forward with curiosity and courage. I call this step "taking a leap." From Pema Chodron's book "Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change"

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael - it was his birthday yesterday and I am just so thankful for being able to walk this path of life together.
2. just relaxing and watching movies with Michael on his birthday
3. Michael feeling a little bit better...he has had the flu all week
4. Michael relaxing and not pushing too much this week...letting his body rest and heal.
5. apple cider to warm us up on this cold evening

100 Things | My Name

29. I love my name

I love that I have my name. Thankful my parents saw it in a church bulletin and decided to name it. As a child though, I did get upset when other kids got pencils, notepads and other little trinkets with their name on it and I didn't. On Christma

s when I was about 6 years old my Grandma & Grandpa gave me a t-shirt that had my name on it that they went out and got specifically customized for me. I hung on to that t-shirt for YEARS. But eventually I lost it in one of my moves otherwise I am sure it would enshrined because of how important it was to me as a little girl. At least now days with the digital age it is easier to customize things with names on them.

Christmas Lights

Coldplay + Christmas music = yay!

World Aids Day

Today is World Aids Day to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS. Although we don't hear about it as often these days as we did in the late 80's/early 90's....it is still a fight. We must continue to fight for those who have HIV/AIDS. So this is for friends who continue the fight of their lives and to those who are no longer with us.

Bond ... James Bond .....

I'm a big time James Bond fan.

Connery, Moore, Lazenby, Dalton, Brosnan, Craig ....

All of them had their stake and left their own unique mark.

The movies are fun.  There's action with sexy women with sexy cars and sexy gadgets.  As the enterprise continued to advance, the Bond empire continued to be more innovative.  The cars did more, the gadgets were more tricky and the characters found themselves in space, under water and rescuing the world over and over again.

But as the empire continued to roll, the character could almost become predictable.  Peril + girl + gadget + action filled escape = successful Bond movie.

It wasn't until Pierce Brosnan's tenure that we started to see a different Bond emerge.  He was upset - feeling betrayed - a little darker - feeling more than going through the typical stunts and falls.

Daniel's version of Bond finally added depth to the character.  We had a Bond who has issues.  We had a Bond who was complicated.  Daniel Craig's Bond got rid of the gadgets and the over-the-top invisible car ... the VANQUISH ..... ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh....

What Daniel did in Casino Royale was to bring Bond back to reality.  Beating his counterparts using his brawn, smarts and a bit of Bond luck.  He didn't need the gadgetry to save him like the infamous jet pack or the laser beam that can fire from his watch.  Don't get me wrong - I like some of that stuff.  It's fun - but after awhile it just felt over used.

And so ... if you haven't seen the last couple Bond films (Quantum of Solace and Skyfall) - you may want to reconsider reading any further.  I don't want to spoil the plot for you.

....

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Are you sure you're ready?


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Last chance ....

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Alright....  Quantum has been dubbed Craig's mistake in the Bond spectrum.  While I can see some of the complaints ... honestly - if we forgave Pierce and the disappearing car ... we can give Daniel a little leeway too.  

So here comes Sam Mendes to direct the latest film Skyfall.  Sam is very popular and well known for his work with American Beauty, Road to Perdition and Jarhead.  He's done good work and I think he brought a different perspective when he was asked to lead Bond on another adventure.  The problem with Skyfall wasn't Mendes, wasn't Craig, Dench or Javier (who made a really great villain.)

It was the story.

Not everything was bad ... as there were elements I liked.  Bond having a hard time bouncing back after his last assignment, recovery not quite as smooth as it had been for other Bonds.  He was real ... just as I have grown to like him in Casino Royale and Quantum.

But ...  there were times in Skyfall where I felt like we were starting to embrace the earlier Bond methods.  I'm not sure if this was Mendes' way to pay homage to Daniel's former brethren ... but it just didn't seem to mesh with the Bond I've come to really enjoy. 

Yes - it's great to see the famous Aston Martin again.  Yes - it was even great to see Q again.

Where as in Casino and Quantum ... we got to know the villains more.  We learned more about their history and how they got to be evil.  Javier's character barely had one segment to explain why he was in a bad mood and wanted to take down the agency.  It felt flat even though Javier did an incredible job trying to rescue the character.

Even with that ... I felt I could be okay with the movie ... until ....

...the very end.  The last 5-7 minutes seem like a cop out.  Right down to Eve Moneypenny, the cushioned door leading into M's office .... and it just felt like Daniel's Bond had been transformed into something - less - than what he's capable of.  The build-up of what Sam had done up until the last part of the movie - was unraveled by this "blast from the past" kind of familiarity reunion thing.

I'm sure the Bond franchise is eager to start building on Skyfall's popularity.  The movie has gotten rave reviews and has been a good money maker for the Bond empire. It's sad that the bottom fell out at the end of a really good movie.  I'm not saying their unexpected plot twist with M was bad ... it's probably really good for the stories to come ... but we didn't need to come back to Bond circa 1960.  

What Mendes and Broccoli should've realized is that it's okay to be an advanced modern Bond and an advanced MI6.  It's okay to be weak, vulnerable and human with all of the failings that follow.  The Bond empire didn't need to revert or put the jacket back on from long ago.  It's okay to step out of the shadow of the old Bonds ... and make the Bond that resonated the most with the Ian Flemming character.

In short - as some reviewers have said - it's not a bad movie ... but it's just not a great Bond movie.  I do hope that the next Bond movie can step back on the Path they started before ... or else I'm in for another disappointing 2 1/2 hour movie.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. hot tea
2. Charlie Brown Christmas
3. Christmas music
4. lists
5. ideas - from dinner ideas, art ideas, things to work on ideas - lot so of ideas floating around my head right now

Memory Jars

Last year for Christmas I made probably about 24 Memory Jars. I have had really good feedback from everyone I gave them too and they all seem to love them and are enjoying capturing memories. The idea is taking little slips of paper and writing down a memory and stuffing them in the jar. At the end of the year, you and your loved ones pull them out to celebrate the end of the year and share in those moments were created throughout the year.

I found the idea on Pinterest, but it was just a plain jar with scraps of paper. I wanted it a little more personalized for the people I was giving them too. I looked through all my craft supplies and gathered paper, beads, stickers, tags, charms, ribbon, wire, clips, rubber stamps and anything else I could find for embellishments. I will say a scrapbooking roller adhesive saved me so much time and mess.  Like this one sold at Hobby Lobby.

Before wrapping I took miniature clothes pins and clipped together a bunch of little slips of paper that said things like: enjoying life, memories, celebrating, today..., and then just little clip art of hearts, snowflakes, tropical drinks with umbrellas, sea shells and so on - so that memories could be wrote on them, folded and stuffed in the jar.   I also clipped a little tag to a bundle of those slips that said:

The Memory Jar

A family gathering, an afternoon with a good friend, just a moment in the day that made you smile or feel good... memories that mean a great deal to us, but maybe get lost with the passage of time. The memory jar holds onto those memories for us. Throughout the year, write down just a few words about that special moment in time on a piece of paper and stick it in the jar. Then - this time next year - open the memory jar and pull out your special memories to enjoy with your loved ones.

You can download the slips and the tag that I used in my jars here:  Memory Jar Slips  and  Memory Jar Tags

They are a fun gift to make - easy and inexpensive. You can give them to not only family, but friends, teachers, neighbors, clergy, and so many others.

Desire Map

Danielle LaPorte is always inspiring to me. The Desire Map trailer hits it for me on so many levels because it is speaking to me. The not being good enough or worthy is something, I still struggle even though I have identified it so so long ago.

Safe & Sound

Again from The Hunger Games

Inner Peace

me holding leaves

"When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighboring communities and so on. When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to de­velop inner happiness and peace." - Dalai Lama

Gratitude Friday

on our way to Arches on along the Colorado River

I am thankful for...
1. Tammy being here to spend Thanksgiving with us
2.  being able to see an amazing couple get married and help capture their day for them
3. turkey dinner - it is my favorite and it was so good.
4. Tammy's broccoli and cauliflower casserole that was perfect and tasted delish!
5. the extra side of that is in the freezer for Michael and I to enjoy later
6. the turkey turning out perfect this year
7. a decorated tree - that Tammy helped us put up
8. a fabulous day at Arches National Park
9. getting a chance to dance with my love

The Key

"I learned that sometimes stopping is the key to going. Letting go is the key to becoming. Breathing is the key to living. (Literally and metaphorically.) And, celebrating where you are right now is the key to happiness." From Tiny Buddha - The Difference Between Fulfillment and Achievement

Big Bang Theory Flash Mob

Michael and I both love the Big Bang Theory...and this is just fun and cool of them to do.

Amazed

I am not a big country fan, but this is the song Michael and I danced to at a wedding this past weekend. Oddly enough I do know all the lyrics to it though - as every time Michael and I have heard it we look to each other and sing.  The lyrics really do fit us good though. As we both get that look on our face where....we are amazed by each other. We see the love give our world new colors daily.



Lyrics - Amazed by Lonestar
Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

Gratitude Friday

Goulash with Potato Dumplings - the dinner I mention in my post

I am thankful...
1. fir Michael doing the job he does and doing it with compassion. He has a job of service that not everyone could do and he gives it his all helping those that feel there is no more hope left in the world for them. He gives so completely to each person...never giving up until there is no stone unturned. In the end I know even if it doesn't always turn out in the ways he and the person want - the person knows they had someone really fighting for them, looking out for them, and it makes all the difference in their world. I am so proud him and the work he does. I love you Michael!
2.  for dinner turning out on Saturday. I made a new recipe and it turned out pretty good. (recipe to come a little later)
3. for it being a good Saturday....lots of movie watching with Michael and relaxing after just a few little chores.
4.  for Creative Live and Sal Cincotta for doing the Wedding Photography Boot Camp. Sal and Taylor Cincotta are amazing and so generous with their knowledge and time. Although it is an area I am not wanting to go, it was still very interesting and useful as Michael and I were asked to do video and now are doing video and photography for his cousin's wedding.  Thankfully we also will be joined by our friend Tammy from Chicago and she will be doing the main photography with us doing backup photography and all of the video. 
5.for those who currently serve and have served in the military. As the President said to truly honor them we must do more. I believe we never do enough for those that serve and their families and they do deserve our gratitude not only in words, but actions
6.  for getting quite a bit accomplished this week
7. for mid-day dates with my love on Wednesday. We have had a super busy week, but decided to take a little us time. It was well needed and worth it.
 

The Host

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I liked Twilight series and can't wait to see the movies. It is geared for young adults, but I was one of the many adults that enjoyed it. I was worried Meyers wouldn't really capture an adult audience, but this story and how it is told is an amazing read.  If you weren't a fan of Twilight I say still pick this up, because this was such a better story than Twilight. This book just pulled me and captured my attention on so many levels for me. 

I read this book in two nights.  I probably could have finished it in one night if I had started it a little earlier in the evening.   It was a little slow and hard to follow at first, but then I was sucked into the story and didn't want to put it down.  It made me laugh, cry and really feel for all the characters.

Wanderer is kind and smart. She is emotionally and mentally strong. With a big heart...she doesn't want to hurt anyone.  She thinks of others first.  While she was the character that I liked the most, there are other characters great characters. Melanie is strong and tough - both physically and emotionally.  She is most like the average human. If in the same situation they would act like her. Ian was another character I enjoyed also-  almost more then any of the other males.  He was able to see what the group was doing to Wanda. He changed and saw beyond the human's fears.

I felt the characters were developed well.  They suffer and their core ethics and morality are tested, but provide emotional release and show those better parts of ourselves. Love conquers all --- even across species. That isn't exactly a new theme, but Meyer really tells  great story  bringing  the situation to life - transporting us through it.


View all my reviews

Now the movie will be coming out in March and they released a trailer yesterday....looks pretty good to me. Can't wait to see it.

Turkey Tetrazzini

Thanksgiving is almost here and one of my favorite ways to use up leftovers is making Turkey Tetrazzini.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (I did mixture of yellow, green and red)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, vegetable oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 cups white button mushrooms, ends trimmed, sliced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme 
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups  low-sodium chicken stock or canned chicken broth
• 1 3/4 cups half and half
• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound cubed or bite-size roast turkey
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 cups potato chips, crushed 

Directions

Saute the onions and bell peppers in olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Add the mushrooms, spices, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and have released their liquid, about 6 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons butter.  Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the wine and chicken stock and cook, stirring, until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Add the half and half and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and very flavorful, 15 to 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.

Spray a 9 by 13-inch casserole or baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

When the sauce has thickened, add the noodles, turkey, and Parmesan to the skillet and stir until thoroughly combined. Transfer to the prepared casserole and top with the potato chips. Bake uncovered until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.  Serves 8.

Kingdom Come

Tammy gave me the last 2 books to The Hunger Games trilogy for my birthday.  This is a song that was in the movie.  I loved the books and the movie. I can't wait for the last 2 movies.

Desire Map Poem

Danielle LaPorte is launching a new project - The Desire Map. I can't wait to read, join, jump and be a part of it when it comes out. But here is a video poem by her. It is hitting many things I am working on and have been working for a long time. Looks like it is going to be very interesting and very helpful.

Gratitude Friday

me standing in leaves

I am thankful...
1. for a beautiful day - Saturday. We took a day trip with friends to Moab and had a very nice time with them last weekend
2. that one of my Grandma's is about to be settled in closer to family
3.  for all those that came before me to fight for our civil rights and made it possible for me express my beliefs through the voting process
4. that President Obama won 
5.  for the potato soup that simmered in the crockpot on Tuesday and made the house smell so good
6. for hot tea warming me up when I feel so cold today
7.for finding I had $20 left on an Amazon gift card, so I could order a few more books on my wishlist
8.for the resellers on Amazon so that I don't feel I am chopping down another tree with the 5 books I ordered
9.  for having power. I have done laundry, used the microwave, the dishwasher, and the bread machine. Thankful we have power to all the appliances that we use everyday such as the fridge, computers and chargers for all the various devices. I am thinking of friends today in NJ who don't have power and hoping they get their power back soon.
10.  for the many cheerleaders I have in my life that cheer me on for things that I do in my life and things that are coming. You all give me so much help in being able to go forward confidently!

Living in Pain

"If we spent one third of the energy that we spend on chasing happiness…on getting better at being in pain…our experience of being alive would dramatically expand." Chela Davison from a blog post on Pain: A Love Story

President Thanking Staff

Just love how real and genuine his feelings and emotions are in this video.

Just a Game

Right Now

fall leaves in GJ

I collected this quote recently that I really need to read often....

"The point is that our true nature is not some ideal that we have to live up to. It's who we are right now, and that's what we can make friends with and celebrate."  Pema Chordon

 

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....
1.  I am thankful for donating some items that we had hanging around here that might help families in need
2.  naps 
3. homemade milk shake in the middle of the day
4. good doctor visits this past week the hopefully make me on the road to less pain
5. breakfast for dinner
6. hot tea
7. library books