Diary of a Craft Fiend

Pepper

2012-01-20T14:04:00.000-06:00

I feel small, aching sadness
     When I look upon my shadow
   and see that she is moving faster, farther than I

It troubles me
     That I cannot accept
that I shall never be alone

As long as there is light
     Which illuminates my path

As long as there is movement
     She will be there beside me

Three Ravens

2012-01-10T14:57:00.000-06:00

I recently upgraded from using Photoshop 6.0 to Photoshop CS2. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting this is for me. Instead I shall show you. Here are a couple of pieces I made over the weekend.

This is The End, Beautiful Friend.....

2012-01-05T08:25:00.000-06:00

And so it begins,

The End….

Darkness Descends

upon us all…..

How does one prepare?

What is the Next Step?

A jump in Evolution?

A Cataclysmic Event?

A conscious acceleration

Toward an unknown Destination,

Each Day brings us Closer To

….. The End

In the Coming Year

2011-12-29T13:32:00.000-06:00

A couple of months ago, my Mum proposed the idea that she and I should do the half marathon - See Jane Run.

When Mum mentioned it, I had just under a year to train, which seemed entirely doable. I said Yes, and began training, sorta..... I have only really begun running the past couple of weeks. Already I have seen such improvements so as to completely excite me and keep me pressing onward. I have decided to further challenge myself.

I have been wanting to do the Danskin Women's Triathlon for almost 6 years. I had even signed up for it one year, but found out I was pregnant with my daughter, and decided it was not the right time for me to do it. I *will* do it in 2012 though!

This race is my favorite. I do it every year. I love the obstacles, the team aspect, the free beer, etc. Really, who knew a race could be so much fun!!

This is one a friend posted today. She was asking for folks to join her in training... Looks fun; I just might.

This is the Word....

2011-12-19T07:55:00.000-06:00

I am a writer; it is one of the art forms that I feel I wield well. I love to paint pictures with words, grammar as the stroke of my brush. The creation of a story is the drawing of a world into being, and this art form is my chosen medium of expression.

Currently, I am most excited about an idea that has been percolating for easily two decades. All of my interests and studies lead right back to one place. It hit me, this correlation, quite recently. I had noticed many "trends," if you will, in things I was studying, but had never put two plus three together to get the answer five before this.

Upon making the connections, I began planning a book. This book is turning into a tome in the sheer scope of research that I must complete before being able to fully write on the subject. However, I have been mulling over the beginning in my head since the inception of the idea. Today, I sat down and wrote it. Now I am off and running.....

My Crafty Side

2011-12-16T12:49:00.000-06:00

I made some very important decisions last night. I love making things, to the point where, if I am not creating something new, I feel a bit anxious and unfulfilled. That is one of the reasons that I began my etsy shop. I wanted to make what I love more than just a hobby. However, I believe that the shop has taken from me some of the love that I have for the craft-ing.

I have not been terribly successful on Etsy. I think that the amount of time and self promotion that is needed to stand out from the crowd, is more than I really want to invest. I want to just be free to make the things that I love most, and not have to try to market them as well. It is just too much effort and energy doing something I really don't care to do.

So, I have decided to let the listings in my Etsy shop expire. I shall no longer pursue that avenue for peddling my wares. I don't know if this is a permanent, but it is definite for right now. I am very serious about being the writer I claim to be, and so I need to clear my plate of several activities that get in the way of my progress.

Currently I am in the research phase of a book that I have to write. This book requires my concentration and is calling my name. Until further notice, I am hanging up the Etsy hat.

The Letter

2011-11-06T19:23:00.000-06:00

I sit here, the letter that I had written to my Grandmother still within my sight....

I spent two very glorious, yet very sad days with my ailing grandmother last week. My grandmother was dying of lung cancer, and rather than attend her funeral, I chose to spend what little money that I had saved up, on a plane ticket to go and be in her presence.

Cancer is an evil, terrible, horrible disease that should be eradicated from our universe. To see someone you love so emaciated that you can bear witness to each and every bone within their body. To be in constant pain, each and every day, a pain that copious doses of morphine, oxycottons, and various other pills cannot but dull a little. To have to trade awareness and lucidity for a reprieve from suffering..... only to drown in your own bed...... I hate Cancer......

I was blessed to be able to see my Grandmother before she passed. I will forever be grateful of the time spent. The hospice where she was for her last few months of life was operated by this amazing family. They allowed me to spend the night with her and care for her as much as I was able.

As I packed up my stuff, she told me that she wished I didn't have to go. I agreed that I would prefer to stay a bit longer, but that I was unable. She understood, but asked that I not forget her, and that I write a letter. I promised to do so. I kept that promise too. I wrote to her the very next morning after I arrived home. I was going to stamp it and send it to her..... when I got the news......

Grandma Ann

2011-10-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

My family history is scandalous, as is most everyone's. Mine, however, holds a bit of extra scandalous sauce. My mother was an "adopted" child. I put this word in quotations as I am not certain that the adoption was ever actually legal and finalized. Her birth mother did not choose to give her up, nor did she even know where she was placed. This was the result of a vindictive husband, who didn't want the children, but did not want for her to have them. My mother was never given the full story, but was raised to believe that her birth mother had abandoned her.

Several years ago, I found out that my mother was adopted. I became curious about my biological grandparents. I had the displeasure of meeting the biological grandfather. He was an ass and treated me as if I were filth. All this before I was even made aware of who he was in my genetic map. I was horrified and hurt when I found out who he was. I decided to try and find my biological grandmother.

About three years ago I took up this task in earnest. One of my favorite activities is research, and I am good at it. It did not take long, and I was able to get in touch with my Grandmother, I even had her phone number. we made a date to talk on the phone, and believe me, I was nervous... until I started talking to her.

The first time that I spoke with my Gma Ann, we spoke for a good couple of hours. She was funny, charming, informative, etc. I truly enjoyed her personality, and wanted the opportunity to get to know her. Sadly, her health was failing. So many years that we were robbed of, how does one make up for that, she in Oregon, and me in Texas.

Today, I got the news that she is close to her last moments on this plane of existence. I have feared this moment would come. It pains me to think that I still have not even had the opportunity to look into her eyes. So tonight I contemplate spending the bulk of my savings so that I may spend a few moments in her presence.........

Number 4?

2011-10-20T17:41:00.000-05:00

I have a huge love for children, and a great deal more patience for them than I do for the average adult human. I believe that they all deserve the best chances and opportunities possible during their childhood. That is what makes childhood great. I was very fortunate growing up. I lived in a home with a mom and dad who loved me dearly and provided for me anything I could wish for. I took ballet, had a pony, had access to more books than I could read..... Even decisions that, at the time, seemed to be cruel, were actually for my benefit (i.e. my parents' decision not to have a television in the house.)

As a result of my upbringing, I am grateful, and have a huge ache in my heart for those who do not share the same sort or similar of advantages of being in a loving home. I do not want to be one of those people who feels empathy towards those less fortunate, but I want to be one of those people who actively works to better the lives of those around me. Which brings me to my real reason for writing.....

My daughter very recently started kindergarten. She is a remarkable and spirited young lady with a heart of gold. I cannot sing the praises of my daughter enough. I truly love and admire her. That is besides the point, though. It is within her experience as a kindergartener that she has come across some other amazing individuals. One such is her "reading buddy."

Each week, at least once, the children in Kinder are sent to go and work with a reading mentor, a child from 5th or 6th grade. These mentors help them develop the skills to become stellar readers. My sweet daughter has been particularly blessed to have the most amazing of mentors, a phenomenal child that I am glad to have the pleasure to know.

The girl that mentors my daughter approached me in the halls the first time I met her. She came and told me that my daughter is doing remarkably well in her class, and is a joy to be around. One of the next times I saw her was on a particularly difficult morning. My daughter did not want to go to school, and she was crying and wouldn't let go of me. This sweet little girl came up to us and addressed my daughter, asking her to walk her into school. My daughter responded immediately and took her hand, walking happily inside the building. Each time I have seen her mentor, she has been loving and kind and truly just an absolute pleasure.

Having been so impressed by this girl's kindness toward my daughter, I wanted to inquire of her teacher to see if it would be alright to give the girl a little something for Christmas. I went after school to her teacher and asked. Her teacher said absolutely it would be alright. Then I sang the praises of her mentor and told her how happy I was that my daughter had been placed with her. That is when I found out her story.

The little girl that has been so kind and loving to my daughter is quite effectively an orphan. I was floored when I heard this. My immediate response was, "How do I go about adopting her?" Of course, that was a knee-jerk reaction, but it got me thinking. Why not? We have the means....

I have thought about the possibility of her being abused, and in turn becoming an abuser. I have considered that that might effect my children adversely. At this point, I believe I am in the "information gathering" stage. My daughter's teacher is going to inquire a wee bit into the matter. From there, I can consider where to go. At this point, however, the situation looks promising, and I am hopeful.

Promises, Promises

2011-10-18T08:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, during casual conversation, a new friend shared some Words of Wisdom from her Mother that truly hit home with me. We were discussing her resolve to quit smoking, when she told me about breaking a promise to one's self. According to her mother, breaking a promise to yourself is a huge blow to your self esteem.

Consider that your inner, or higher self, knows what the next step in your development should be. You know the path that you should be on. For instance, you know that by quitting smoking you will be healthier. You promise yourself that on such-and-such a day, you will walk away from this bad habit and never look back. This is truly the best choice for you.

Two weeks after making this decision, you falter and go back to old, unhealthy habits. This action is telling your subconscious that this much needed change that would have a positive effect on your development is not important because you are not important. You are undermining your self worth.

This idea stayed with me. It puts a whole lot of weight on new resolutions..... Samhain is coming up, and I usually write my Top 25 goals for the year. These are the things that I would like to manifest in my life over the coming year. ..... I am ready......

Bringin' Back the Good Ole Days!

2011-09-03T10:35:00.001-05:00

I have convinced my S.O. that we really and truly need to make the other structure on our property into a library. I have always wanted a library, as those of you who read my blog regularly may recall. I have been collecting books my whole life in hope that one day I will have one. That day is soon coming now. So, it is also about time that we bring back the Bookplate.

Bookplates hit the height of popularity at the end of the Victorian Era, or so my research tells me. It is a sad thing that they fell from fashion, however, as there are so many lovely designs. What better way to mark ownership? Certainly, a special inscription inside the cover is nice, but only when is comes in a book delivered as a gift.

It is always a welcome surprise when I pick up an old book from a bygone era, at a yard sale or used book store, and find an old book plate inside the cover. I fantasize about who that person must have been, building my story upon the type of book chosen as well as the type of bookplate.

So, the questions now posed are these: What sort of bookplate(s) should I choose? Do I use a different style for each genre? Do I design my own, or draw from the tradition? The one below is a stamp that one can place within their book with just a wee bit of ink.... (though I am partial to the actual paper inserts.)

I best get started. I have over 1,000 books that are begging for bookplates....

Word!

2011-08-05T10:34:00.000-05:00

As I have written on more than one occasion, I am terribly book obsessed. Books were my first friends, and my dearest companions. To this day, if I need a bit of comfort on a dreary day, I look to books to provide that for me. In fact, I carry a book with me everywhere I go, and feel naked if this significant detail is somehow overlooked in a day. My love runs deep, so I was excited when I found Bookfessions, a blog collection of bibliophile's confessions. I can relate to most each and every one of them....

The internet has gifted me with so many different sources for fueling and organizing my book fever. There are two other sites that I would like to share with you, Library Thing and Goodreads. I use them both regularly, but for different reasons, which I will explain..

Library Thing is an online database where one can keep track of all the books on their bookshelves. You can tag each one with helpful info so that you can easily search you library later in order to find various books.

I really enjoy the community aspect of Library Thing. Each time you add a book you can see all of the other members that have the same book. Often this is not very interesting, but if you have a rare book, and there are only a couple of other members that also have a copy, it can be the start of a good conversation.

Library Thing also compares your library with that of other members which is always fun to find a kindred soul who shares a similar library. If you are like me, that is one of the first things I do when I visit a new friend's house, I peruse their book collection attempting to glean information about them, this just cuts to the chase.

If you decide to join Library Thing, please look me up. My username is SpookySpice. I have been a member of this site since it was in beta and I have yet to finish adding all of my books, but that is a because I keep getting new ones before I finish adding all of the old ones....

My second book tool is Goodreads. You might be wondering why I would need another book recording site, when I already have Library Thing, but I can easily explain this. I am, as you know, and avid book reader. I read constantly and not all of the books that I read are in my personal collection. Many of them I borrow from friends or the library. This being so, I can't really add them to my Library Thing shelf, can I? So, my solution is to record then in Goodreads. I try to write a simple review for each book I read as well.

As you may have noticed, there is a link to my shelf on the sidebar of this page.....

I have only been a member of Goodreads for a little over 3 years now, and have only been adding books as I read them, not often from the past. As such, my list is incomplete, but that is a project for another day. ....

A tisket a tasket

2011-07-29T15:49:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: The space that my partner and I were going to move our shop into did not work out. We were two days away from signing paperwork, and we got the call. It was heartbreaking, but we decided that we could find something better. For now, I am working on a website where we will conduct our business. I will have more details on that, coming soon....

In my crafting life, I have begun making dolls again. It used to be that for each of my friends' birthdays I would make them a doll that was fashioned in their likeness. I haven't done that in years though. In fact, it wasn't until recently that I have begun making dolls again.

It used to be that I was only making cloth dolls, but I have recently taken to altering plastic dolls, such as barbies. Here is one I made at the request of my daughter....

I hand stitched all the beads and such onto her outfilt, and made her headpiece and various bits of jewelry from Creative Paperclay. It is an awesome clay. It is water based, and dries to a porcelain like clay. It hardens without baking. I am currently working on this mermaid, made from the same clay and the remains of a doll attacked by our puppy....

Trust me, it was not easy to find two shells small enough to be cover her wee breasts. All she needs now is to have her hair done, her makeup, and some fabulous jewels!

This last doll I made one evening while hanging out with a friend. We decided it was time to get back into sewing doll. I decided to make mine a fairy.

My daughter, who assisted me in painting the doll's face, named her Flower Rosey Daisy. I thought that was a good name for a fairy.

Crazy Busy in this Crazy Life!!

2011-07-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

So, as you may recall from my last post, I am busy working on my boutique and getting life in line for doing that. The space that we had been offered did not work out as planned. This, indeed, was a disappointment, but not the end for Modern Edwardian. Our search continues to find a more ideal space for our physical presence.

In the meantime, I have been working on our website. It is coming along quite nicely. I cannot wait to have something to publish online and share with you all. I am hoping that will be possible in just a short month!!

In other news, (very exciting news, indeed), my work has been featured on a blog!! YEAH! GreenMan's Grotto is the name of the blog. You really must check it out. It is fabulous. Just click on the Green Man below to be transported....

The Works

2011-07-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

So, Sunday my partner and I go and look at a possible retail space. We are going into business!! That is what I have been bubbling over about, unable to sleep or shut down my overactive mind. Yesterday, we got our DBA, and it is looking very much like this is actually going to happen for us!! Oh, the excitement is at 11.

Care to know the name of this little venture of ours? The Modern Edwardian ~ For those with a Flair for the Dramatic. You like? I have also put together a few logo/promotional designs. I will post them here so you can tell me what you think.

That is the first design. I did another version of it, that is just a different color, but it gives it a whole new look.

This one is not as simple, but quite in line with the style and presentation we are looking to convey.

And the last one, though I will likely make many more, is this. It could easily be converted to a business card, once we are sure of the location....

Wish us well, and let us know what you think of the designs.

Christmas In July!!

2011-07-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

www.,I have named today's post Christmas in July for many reasons. One reason is that I am participating in the Etsy-wide sale of the same name. All of the items in my Etsy shop will be offered for 20% off this month; you need only input the coupon code CIJ20 at checkout. So happy shopping at my shop and thousands of others who are participating this month!

The sale is only one of the many reasons July is feeling like Christmas. This month is shaping up quite nicely:

I got a library card and have been exercising this fine privilege.
I have begun a workout regimine with a dear friend
My book (the one I have begun writing) is coming along swimmingly!
I am feeling a huge creative surge, and have been able to bring many ideas to fruition.

Some reasons I am not at liberty to speak of, but as soon as I am, I will be posting here immediately....

Another 4th of July has come and gone...

2011-07-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the 4th of July. Austin was fairly dead. There were no festivities to be had, so many of the the folks that normally crowd the streets of our fair city did not come into town. I didn't much mind this. I prefer less people in most situations.

Most of the day, the family and I lounged around the yard. I put up the hammock and relaxed. I have realized that there have not been enough hours spent on that hammock. I am going to have to make up for that in the coming weeks.

In the evening, a good friend joined us for a trip out to Georgetown, where they were still having a fireworks display. Here are some of the resulting photos.

I love the many colors in this photo....

This photo reminds me of a jellyfish.....

How about this for a bit of crazy fun?

And this looks like the Big Finale......

Much fun was had by all. What did you do on your 4th?

Grandma's Cookbook Collection Part II

2011-07-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Today I am featuring another of Grandma's exquisite cookbooks. This one is from 1958 and is put out by Good Housekeeping. The title is Book of Salads. Check out the front cover, super chic.

Note that this sold for only $.39. What a steal! I really love the artwork in this cookbook. It takes kitsch to a higher level.

This very precious book has illustrations of this sort on every page. My favorite, however, is the one for Green Goddess Salad. Honestly, I though this sort of salad was a modern invention... Learn something new every day....

And, finally, a peek at one of the fabulous full color photos....

My Morning Routine

2011-06-30T14:57:00.000-05:00

I am not a morning person, never have been. However, being the mother of school age children, I must put on a "morning face" and enter the world hours before I would care to. The way I am able to do this is by getting up obscenely early. If I am able to have my breakfast, meditate or read, and watch the sun rise, all before waking my children, I find that I am much easier to be around.
Summer has lessened this burden a bit, though, since our time constraints are not as rigid. Now I get up around 7:30 and eat my breakfast, perhaps do a bit of writing. Then I go outside and water that plants. This is one of my favorite times of the day. Here I can see all the changes that took place as I slept. It may not seem possible, but new worlds can open over night. In fact, I recently scattered some loofah seeds, on a whim. My friend was clearing out some boxes and happened upon a plastic bag of these seeds that someone had given her years ago. I thought they were likely goners, but decided to scatter a few to see. This is what I discovered this morn:

   There are several spots where the loofah seeds are sprouting. I am pleasantly surprised.

    I have also found that my beloved Aloe is doing well after the last rain.

She had babies!!

And remember yesterday? I mentioned that I LOVE chocolate? Well my chocolate mint plant is taking off, and I am absolutely thrilled. I planted her below my kitchen window so that I can catch a whiff of her sweetness each time I open the window.

Sketch #3 - Favorite Food

2011-06-29T10:15:00.000-05:00

Chocolate is most definitely my favorite food, though I don't eat it very often. I try not to, so that it remains a sacred, treasured food. I only eat the finest of dark, bitter chocolate as well. This also ensures the maximum amount of enjoyment.

Have you ever eaten anything you love so often that the thrill and pleasure of it no longer holds the same intensity? I have, and I want that never to happen with chocolate. Practicing restraint allows me to always feel that charge and mouthwatering goodness as I bring the first piece of chocolate to my lips.....

Favorite Animal - Sketch #2

2011-06-28T07:07:00.000-05:00

There simply aren't enough Giraffes in my life. They live so far from my own residence that I only have wee stuffed versions of them about the house. *sigh*

Sketching

2011-06-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

I have been working on my sketch challenge. I have finished 3 to the degree that I am ready to share them. Today I will share the first; it is my self portrait. The face may not be mine, but various symbols in and around my hair are me. Let me explain a bit.

In my hair, at the bottom right, I have done my best to mimic the drawings of my daughter. She is, quite honestly, one of my favorite artists. Her characters have such style and whimsy.

Up from my daughter's drawings are expressions in Arabic. These expressions are not only common phrases in Arabic, but they are also mottoes I live by and through which I navigate the world.

The animals (frog, owl, giraffe, and bee) are my totem animals.

On the opposite side (left), you will see the stars and moon. I am a night person and stargazer. I look to the heavens constantly.

The tree is one of my favorite subjects in my art - drawing, photography, etc. I feel most comfortable in the mountains amongst skyscraping trees.

I am holding a book, of course while wearing the jade necklace that my beloved gave me when he first professed his love, and my throat chakra is glowing because I love to express myself through language and by singing.

Another 30 Day Challenge

2011-05-06T10:04:00.000-05:00

neonsugar.tumblr.com

Remember a couple of months ago when I was doing the "30 Letters in 30 Days?" Well, I did finish it (in more like 60 days), but I removed it from my blog after the first 8, as I thought it was getting more personal than I cared for this blog to be. I have decided, instead, to include this challenge in my blog. Just so y'all know, I likely will not post daily, but more like a couple times a week. Yes, art is personal and one can bear their soul to the world within their work, but there is always a bit of anonymity as well. Well, here goes, stay tuned......

The Green House

2011-04-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

www.greenhouseaustin.com

I have been making jewelry and clothing for a great long while. Actually, I have been crafting since longer than I can remember. It is a family tradition, one might say. My mother is gifted in working with her hands, whether it be sewing, knitting, or anything else. I, not so talented, but willing to put in the work. Though I have always been a maker/doer, I have never had more than a virtual corner in which to display my wares.... Until now.

New to the fine city of Austin, Green House is a boutique that carries the works of local artists and crafters. They are situated in the heart of what is Austin, and they embody the unique feel that makes this city great. (The address is 701 E. 53rd.). It has so very exciting to me as I have put my wares here and in less than a month I have had to restock! They haven't even had their Grand Opening yet!!

In the short time that they have been open, I have learned about how to better marked myself on, as well as offline. I have been ramping up my Etsy shop, listing new items regularly and getting involved with teams. I will do a separate blog post on the marketing end later....

Another plus to putting my items in this boutique is that I can test new products and get actual results and reactions from real live people! I have been doing this, as it is inspiring to have a real audience, as opposed to virtual. My Etsy shop has not allowed me this. Now I can test items and place them in my Etsy if they are in demand. Very cool.

The actual opening party will take place on May 7th from 10am to 10 pm and will be an event *not* to be missed. There will be live music, cocktails, a local artist's work in the gallery, and tons of fabulous locally handcrafted goodies!! I hope that you all can come and hang out with me!!

Andriod Apps - My Top Ten List

2011-02-21T22:39:00.000-06:00

I have only recently become part of the "Android World." Though I desired an android phone since the G1 first came out, on an unemployed student's budget, I recognized the greater need for frugality. Now, however, I am a graduate, am gainfully employed, and actually have reason for owning an android powered phone.

In the few short months I have owned my smart phone, (2 months actually), I have collected some amazingly useful and geekishly cool apps. Also, since I still cling to my frugal self, they are all free apps. My top ten findings I shall share here, in alphabetical order:

1) Any Memo: How many hours in your life do you suppose you spend waiting? We wait in grocery lines, lobbies, on the phone, etc. Why not use that otherwise "wasted" time to learn something new, or review something that you learned long ago? Any Memo is a flash card app that contains flash cards on everything from Languages to Geography to Math. I use mine to study Arabic. I have found it makes waiting *so* much easier. In fact, more than once, as my wait ended, I found myself thinking, "Damn! So soon?"

2) Endomondo: This is my personal trainer app. It keeps track of your workouts. It connects to GPS and can track a course you run, walk, or whatever. Then it will save it for you. You can work on beating your record, or you can sync with a friend for a bit of friendly competition. In addition, there is a handy playlist feature that pulls media of your choosing for play during your workout. With such a tool, who needs a gym?

3) GList: This is my shopping list app. Whenever I run out of an item (i.e. foodstuffs, hand soap, etc.), I add it to the appropriate list and it is there when I go to the store, provided I don't forget my phone. As I walk the aisles and acquire the items on my list, I can check them off. At the checkout, I press "checkout," and those items are removed from the list. What I especially like about this app is that is saves all previous items added into a list so that I don't have to retype them each time. For items I use often, like almond milk, this is very convenient, just "check" it and it is back on the grocery list.

4) Google Sky Maps: This app has brought the amazing coolness! I have always been a star gazer. I even entertained the idea of being an astronomer...once... before I realized the amount of math involved. With this app, though, I am able to wax brilliant and educated as I name every star visible in the sky! I just hold up my phone, start the app, and the sky map tells me the name and mirrors the location of all I see... It is a beautiful universe!

5) Laputa: This is my kindle, except I don't have to carry multiple devices, just my phone. Laputa is an Ebook reader that is connected to many free download sites. I am currently reading the Dresden File books, turning each virtual page with delight.

6) Posterous: As an obsessive microblogger, intent on chronicling my life, I have a myspace, twitter, facebook account, tumblr, etc. I want to update them consistently, but not separately as that would take a ridiculous amount of time and is most inconvenient. Posterous allows me to update multiple sites in one go. Yeah! for saving time and keeping my peeps up-to-date!

7) Shazam: Have you ever been in a coffee shop and heard your new fave song, but don't know the artist or title? This brilliant app will allow you to hold up your phone, capture a snippet of the music, and it will respon with Artist, Song, Album Title, and other relevant information. Brilliant!

8) ShopSavvy: As I have mentioned, I have frugal tendencies. Hell, frugal is my chosen lifestyle! This being so, when I find something that I desire, I scan the barcode. In one scan, all my comparison shopping is done for me. I can choose the cheapest local or web price, then, fully informed, I can acquire the item. Or, if I deem it too expensive, I can add it to the appropriate wish list. I will also set a price alert, so that if the item falls to a specified price or below, I will be alerted so that I can make my purchase.

9) Springpad: This is my catch all notepad. Whenever I have a thought, idea, hear a quote, etc. I put it here. I collect these and organize them in their proper places later. This frees me from my previous mountain of paper notes.

10) Toodledo: This one just might be my absolute *favorite* app. This is my virtual To Do list. I have always written To Dos on paper, sometimes multiple lists in a day. The paper notes are cumbersome and easily misplaced, but the feeling of checking off a completed task. Toodledo allows me to organize and keep tidy all of my tasks. I can also add due dates and reminders. The whole system is quite fabulous, and yet another paper saver! Apps help people Go Green, haha!

So, these are my top ten, but I am always on the hunt for cool apps. So, if you share any that I can add to my arsenal, anything that assists me in my mission to take over the world, you will be remembered in the regime change.

Lesson Plans

2011-02-03T13:39:00.000-06:00

I have just finished my first week as a tutor in our local school district. From this one week I learned much.

Before I began work, I was told about the reputations of the two schools I would be working at. One school is known to be academically superior to the other. In addition, the one that lacks academically is said to be populated with ill mannered students and a great deal of violence. Though I only have one week worth of experience in these two schools, I can honestly say that the assessment of the two is far from correct.

In the more prestigious high school I have met some really fabulous kids. However, just as many are rude and disrespectful. In one of my classes, I encountered an entire group of students who would not stay on task, and who used their very expensive smart phones to text throughout the period. I learned from this class that I needed to be much more stern with the class as a whole, which only made some of them angry, rather than garnering more respect and participation...

In the "other" school, I had an amazing time. I met really smart, engaged, and enthusiastic students. They all participated and seemed to enjoy the tutorials. I did not have any troubles with any of the students, and I was disappointed when the day ended much too soon.

So, what was different between the two schools? I have analyzed this thoroughly, and feel that I understand what makes them different. In the first school, all the teachers that facilitate the tutoring sessions do so differently. However, they all bear similarities in how they differ from the program in the second school:

At the first school, the teachers seem indifferent to the students, yet at the second the teacher greets everyone by name and checks in with them as they walk into the classroom. This can be as simple as asking how they are that day to inquiring about a test in a specific class.
In the first school, the students break up into the same groups every time. However, in the second school, the teacher splits up the students based upon the similarities in their questions.
At school #1, the teachers have them go directly into the tutorial, while at school #2 the teacher introduces a "fun" question to let everyone chat about themselves for a few minutes.

These are the three major differences in how the classes are organized, however, there are many other differences that are much more subtle. In all, I would say that the teacher in school #2 is exceptional. She is the sort of teacher that I hope to be, and I am definitely taking notes about the way she handles various situations and how she structures her classroom, and I will write more about this later....

Oh! What a "Tangled" web.....

2011-01-26T13:19:00.001-06:00

Way to go, Disney! Thank you for taking a (mostly) harmless fairy tale and infusing it with wickedly insidious stereotypes. Sure, we are all aware that this sort of thing has been taking place in Disney movies since their beginning, but times surely have changed, right?

Wrong! I took my daughter to see Tangled today. This was to be our special "Mommy and Me" activity. However, not five minutes into it I was questioning my choice of movies. The main antagonist in the movie is the only non-Caucasian in the whole film. She appears to be of gypsy stock with black, kinky curls. While our protagonist is a lovely young Miss with long, flowing, straight golden hair. To add insult to injury, the antagonist's name is Mother "Goth"el.

Yes, yes, I know that in the end, the Princess does have short brunette locks with an anachronistically "hip" hairstyle. However, let us not forget that at her most exceptional moment, when she was full of magick, she was sporting golden locks...

So, Disney, I must again Thank You for doing your worst and attempting to convince my ethnically diverse children, mothered by an old school goth, that all things dark must certainly be evil, and further ingraining the idea that all things good, pure, and magickal are blond....

I won't even get into the wretched anti-crone stereotypes that are represented here....

Pain in Mind

2011-01-17T11:13:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, I entered into a creative endeavor with the closest of my small circle of friends. I did so because for me, creating is the way I share myself, and doing this with another person is a way I express my deep love for them. Unfortunately, this endeavor did not go well, and it ended a close friendship in a dark and dreadful manner.

I have tried to examine my role in the demise of this friendship countless times, but I did not see it coming, nor did I ever have reason to think we were having troubles. Yes, it could be that I was blind and ignored important signs, but the way in which the situation was handled by her did not allow me any room to explore the problems that were created. She wrote me a letter "breaking up" with me, then proceeded to speak scathingly of me to many of our mutual friends. Granted, she may have been working through the situation and her feelings by talking to folks we both knew, but she said very harmful and hurtful things, and never once spoke to me directly.

The loss of a treasured friend can be devastating to anyone, and I definitely grieved for a great long while. I would feel a pit it my stomach when I thought of her. I dreamt about her. I gathered all of her belongings and tried to put them out of my home to keep the pain from returning unexpectedly. Honestly, it was like experiencing a death in the family.

I did reach out to her, after a time. I had had a particularly vivid dream about her and felt that perhaps it was time to make peace with the situation. As I thought of how horrible she had treated me, I thought perhaps I must have hurt her in unspeakable ways for her to have been so cruel. I wrote her a lengthy letter explaining my deepest regrets for the way things had ended between us and letter her know that she was important to me and that I was sorry for whatever I had done to cause such animosity.

She responded rather quickly to my letter, calling me a liar and questioning my integrity. If she held back anything, I could not tell. This response sealed the deal for me. I sealed up that part of my emotions and wrote her off in the process. Granted, we still had mutual friends, but we somehow never ran into each other after that... Until recently.

In the past year or so, we have been able to make a sort of peace. We have been at a couple of the same events and have avoided the awkwardness that one would expect. However, the hopes of a continued friendship have been carefully swept from my horizons. I have accepted this... honestly! It is our dear friend JC who has not.

JC is an amazing and wonderful girl. She sees the world in ways I do not, and her view is lovely. As far as friends go, she is of a rare breed. She is one of the truest, most loyal and loving people I know. I truly adore her, and she is loyal to both of us. As such, it pains her for the two of us not to be close and to share the bond the three of us had shared in the past. Since we found our peace with the situation, she has been trying to put us in the same places more often. I suppose she sees a glimmer of the past, and in it, hope. I just don't know how to tell her that the past can never be again. I can't open myself up to invest in that relationship again, and that the "ex" and I are not even the same people anymore.....

Looking Back

2010-12-31T15:47:00.000-06:00

As I say goodbye to 2010, I cannot help but look back with fondness. This year has been amazing, a quite honestly, life changing for me and my family. I would like to list the positives that have accompanied this year in my life.....

I graduated from UT with a BA in Mid East Studies, Asian Studies (East Asian Specialization), Arabic, and a minor in Japanese
I got a job that runs two years, and I will be a National Teaching Fellow, further living the drea,
I was accepted into grad school and will be working toward my Master's in Education, starting next year.
My honey and I bought our first home

These are the more tangible events of 2010. Now I want to look back on some of the "me" stuff I have been working on.....

To be a better mother. - This goal is a daily challenge that I face. I have learned so much, but I still have a long way to go. This is a goal that one never stops working on. I succeeded in working more closely with my children and their schools, but my patience could still use some work....
To be a better lover. - Sometimes I get so caught up in my work and all the "need-to-be-done" tasks, that I forget to work on the romance of my relationship. Having graduated and having less responsibility looming over my head has really contributed to taking stress off our relationship. Although, the boy has begun working nights, so that makes our time together significantly less.....
To take better care of my body. - Here is an area where I have completely failed. I have been eating better, true, but I have been so wrapped up in those dam "need-to-be-done" tasks, that I neglect my daily yoga plans. Aargh.. *sigh*
To nurture my spiritual life. - The very nature of academic life is that one works to nurture their mind, but the spiritual is less emphasized. This is true of me. I have been doing better, especially the latter part of this year. Again, this probably has everything to do with having graduated and having less assignments....

In the New Year, I plan to work more on all of these goals, as they are not simply one year goals, but lifelong pursuits. I am so optimistic about the coming year, as it already holds so many promises and possibilities. I love the path I am on, and look forward to walking it.....

Marked

2010-12-12T21:17:00.000-06:00

I just finished reading this joint effort by P.C Cast and her daughter Kristen Cast. Together they wrote a vampire novel. Actually, it is more than that. This book is the first in a series of vampire novels. Now, I am just as into vampires as the next guy, but I am from a different school than the current craze. My school is comprised of Anne Rice's characters, as well as Joss Whedon's Spike and Angel. However, I am still up for any new offering of undead lore, so I gave this novel a go....

The story begins when our heroine, Zoey, becomes marked. This means that she will become a vampire in a few years. As those who are marked undergo "the Change," they attend a Vampire Academy of sorts. The rest of the book follows Zoey as she tries to fit into her new "life."

The story has a very interesting,albeit not too original, plot line. It is well thought out and is definitely entertaining, yet the writing is distracting. A good writer can tell a story, including the main character's struggles and inner conflicts, and never draw the reader away from the actual tale. However, in this story, the main character's inner monologue can be so out of place and, if you will, "wonky" that the reader has to purposely pass over it. (Not to mention a vagrant overuse of parenthetical statetments.)....

I do believe that I may pick up the second novel... if I can get it for free on bookmooch

Life, as yet, Unplanned

2010-12-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

I just attended the commencement ceremonies for my Bachelor's degree. It was last night at 6pm. Three degrees, three kids, and seven years later, I feel I have accomplished much! It felt so good to walk across the stage and shake the Dean's hand, knowing that I was crossing the threshold into a new chapter of my life.

During the ceremony, there was a faculty speaker, Dr. Robert King. He gave a short, simple, and sweet speech. Contained within his speech were five "suggestions" for how to live the rest of our lives. I found the advice to be very sound, so I thought that I should chronicle them here, lest I forget them:

1. Be flexible. Having graduated with a Liberal Arts Degree, flexibility is key to success in one's future....

2. Read one book each month. It does not matter what it is, just that you read something that does not come off of a computer screen...

3. Do not depend on your gadgets. One day each month, turn off all gadgets, and live! This means cell phones, tvs, laptops, etc.

4. Know thyself, and practice the Golden Rule.

5. Love really is essential for living a full, fulfilled life.

Happy Tofurkey Day!!

2010-11-25T14:04:00.000-06:00

So, another day of giving thanks is here. Another year that my family has shared and grown.

This year I am thankful for:

....the house that we were able to buy and make our home. A space for our children to run and grow and play.

...the dog that fell into our laps, that has brought us joy and hours of fun!

...that I will be graduating in about two weeks.

....that new paths are opening up to me, and I am able to grow and learn as I experience each day.

... that we have three healthy pecan trees in the yard that I used to fill these two sweet potato pecan pies to savor this holiday......

....and so very much more!!

Another Way In Which I Still Need to Grow.....

2010-10-25T12:05:00.000-05:00

Turns out things are not going as planned.... Not that they ever do, but I am so very good at planning. I can visualize the many steps necessary to make a thing happen, and happen successfully, but the execution never seems to happen quick enough.....

It had been my deepest desire, as of late, to be fully moved into the new house so that I could do Halloween up right! I love to decorate, play creepy Halloweenie music, scare the kiddies, etc. These are things that I relish in all year long, but Halloween is such a magickal time of year for such trickery.

Herein lies my discomfort..... We have yet to even partially move in. I have set up much of the kitchen, and hung most of my clothes in the closet, but such things as beds and computers have not yet made it to the new space. It seems almost unlikely that they will before mid weekend.... As a result, I am terribly saddened, and the holiday is not engulfing me as it has done is years past....

'Tis my goal for the week to reapply the cobwebs, get my cackle in order, and set about Haunting!!

Discussion of my Absence....

2010-10-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

I am, by nature, an avid writer. I love to create using words. That is the purpose of this blog. However, lately I have been feeling far to exhausted to undertake any addition creative endeavors other than the ones that are already expected of me. Let me give you a breakdown of the my life, as of late.....

I posted about the search for our first home purchase. In fact, I believe I spoke of my "wish list." Turns out, we found a house that is just about perfect, and on 4/10 an acre! All paperwork was signed and recorded on the 4th of this month. The house is now our home.... though we are still trying to finish the moving part.

Moving is a ridiculously difficult undertaking. I am quite tired of it, frankly, but now that Christopher has begun working nights, his body has yet to adjust to this dramatic change. He has been too tired to assist me in the packing. Which is fine, but it is all beginning to feel a bit overwhelming.

In addition to my many responsibilities, I am nearing the middle of my final semester as an undergraduate. I am preparing final projects, writing papers, taking tests, applying for jobs, etc. I have a huge, looming fear that I will graduate and be unable to find suitable work. Yes, I will have three majors and one minor under my belt, but what is the usefulness and marketability of this degree? I fret.....

These tasks and responsibilities that lie before me, along with my duties to my three wee ones, have put me in a state of exhausted frenzy, hence the lack of posts. I don't know how long I will be in absence, but every spare moment, I daydream of the little plot of land, my easel and/or yoga mat, and hot tea. After all of this is completed, I may revel in these daydreams a bit before posting regularly again....

*** Want to get further into the depths of my mind? I started a tumblr account as a place to keep my favorite images http://spidergoddess.tumblr.com/ ***

Note to All Professors:

2010-08-31T12:40:00.000-05:00

Please respect the 'bell.' I respect you and your work enough to show up before the class begins. At the same time, I expect that you will respect my work and time. I need the 10 or so minutes to walk across campus and be on time for my next class. If you keep me past the bell, I will likely be late for my next meeting, putting into motion a string of disrespectful events:

My teacher might feel that I disrespected him in showing up for class late.
My fellow classmates will be disrupted/distracted by my showing up late for class.
My grade will suffer, as tardiness compounds and lowers one's grade as would an absence.
etc.....

New Beginnings

2010-08-26T14:04:00.000-05:00

I am terribly excited at how this new year is shaping up. My son has entered the first grade, my daughter is in preschool, and my wee one has moved to the bumblebee class. These transitions have all gone seamlessly. They are all doing really well. In fact I believe they are thriving, learning more than they were previously.

I am also beginning my final semester as an undergrad. I was a bit upset about having to go back to classes so soon after completing the summer semester (less than a week and a half), but I am alright with it now. My classes are so lovely and interesting, and the professors seem to be passionate about the subjects they are teaching. In all, I see this as an exciting few months ahead....

As is my way, I have made a list of goals and small achievements I hope to keep up with over the semester (and likely beyond).

This semester I will:

1) Walk/ride my bicycle to all of my classes instead of riding the bus

2) Do the majority of my homework on the weekends, so that during the week I can pay more attention to working with Z on his reading, A on her letters, and N on signs and communicating

3) Take the stairs instead of the elevator

4) Schedule in 'me' time, where I actually do nothing other than enjoy my life (i.e. no homework, no housecleaning)

5) Be better about keeping up with the housework by ridding myself of my excess. This will be done by giving away more of the things that I do not need, and that I know my friends will enjoy.... (maybe a garage sale as well)

Just five simple goals, but they are enough to keep me busy, yet simplify my world by huge degrees....

Wish List

2010-07-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

As you may know, if you have read my earlier posts, we are in the marked to buy a house. This is a terribly daunting, yet very exciting prospect. Ideally, I want to live one some land in a Queen Anne Victorian home nestled in the woods. I want to be able to farm, raise chickens, tend bees, bake pies, and drink lemonade while sitting in my porch swing....

However, for my first house, I must be content with something a bit different.... I have made a list of the features which I am looking for. These are bits that I simply cannot do without:

1)     At least 3 bedroom and 1 1/2 baths - we have 3 wee ones, and less than 3 bedrooms means chaos

2)     I would like a fairly open floor plan, especially a kitchen that is not closed off

3)     I would like there to be a window in the kitchen, one on which I could set a plant or two (i.e. aloe vera, basil...)

4)     A sizeable backyard where we can have a dog, I can plant a garden, and the kids can
play.

5) A porch, or room to build one. ( Gotta have the porch swing. )

These are very doable, but we have been having the experience that we will find a house, and before we are even able to look at it, it will go under contract. This has happened 4 or 5 times already. (Proof that the economy is not as bad as we are led to believe)

Today, I will go and look at a house that appears to meet this criteria, and then some....I will let you know

Soul of a Librarian

2010-07-06T12:52:00.000-05:00

I am a book lover. Actually, it goes far beyond that. I have a raging, passionate love affair with books. As a child, books were my best friends. I would read under the covers at night, using my digital alarm clock for light. My parents would have to enforce bedtime by taking away my reading materials. Any where I went, I had to have a book with me.

The love affair that started in the early years of my youth, still burns with the same passion. I continue to bring a book with me *everywhere* I go. I feel naked without it. I keep a book in the glove compartment of my car, just in case there is a quiet moment when I can read a few lines.

Being passionate about reading, I have often pondered how it is that I can raise my children to share this passion, as I put a good deal of value on this trait. I believe that it is my duty to raise children that love to read. As such, I have done a bit of reading (haha) into the subject. What I have found, in the way of scholarly and expert advice, is this: teach by example. Experts believe that having parents and role models who love to read does more for a child's reading habits, than anything you can say or do for them.

My example:

1) My children live in a house were the bookshelf, not the television, is the center of the common living space.

2) They also have a personal bookshelf in their rooms, where their favorite books are kept.

3) The kids see their father and me reading daily. We also, in order to get more reading time, have established an hour or so when the kids must "chill." During this time they can read, draw, or do anything that helps them relax and quiet down before bed. Often, they choose to read.

4) The fourth, and final way (that I can think of right now) that I get my kids to read, is by letting them choose their own books. Be they comics or Dr. Seuss, we regularly go to the library and/or book store so they can choose their own reading materials. This, I believe is crucial....

This is what I do to raise my kids to be passionate about reading. How do you work to this end? What are your suggestions?

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an "I Can Read!" book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Well-Dressed Dessert

2010-07-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

My Grandmama had a huge collection of very interesting cookbooks. When she left this world, I inherited a large number of them. I am so amused by some of them, that I thought I should begin sharing them with y'all.

The first installment in what may become a series, is this gem: The Well-Dressed Dessert. It was put out by Cool Whip, and is very psychedelic. I love the various photos and drawings......

This is such a great cover. To add to its coolness, it is made with its own stand, so that you can easily refer to it while making a Well-Dressed Dessert.

Kicky Kupcakes?! Who doesn't want to make Kicky Kupcakes? Goodness me, I am a sucker for alliteration....

What expert cake decorating. I shall definitely copy this fashion on a future celebratory cake.

Grandmama didn't even know how hip she was. I should show you her wardrobe next time.....

What's Happening in my Garden.....

2010-06-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

I am a renter, but currently trying to change that. My sweet hunny and I are on the house hunt. Knowing this, I hesitate to landscape and garden since I am always deeply saddened to leave behind plants I have raised and loved. As a result, it is all about container gardening for me this year. I still have some more work to do, but I am really enjoying the look of my garden. I have some photos to share....

This is my lovely little basil plant that was given to me when it had but three leaves on it.

This is a photo of the moonvine and morning glory plants my daughter and I planted as seeds just a couple of months ago. Unfortunately there are no blooms the day this was taken, but just know they are lovely. There are white, blue, purple, and variegated varieties in that one box. (Note the thriving okra plant at the bottom center..)

It is not the best photo, but there are two passion vine cuttings that have finally taken root (thank you Katinka) and are beginning to become proper plantykins. I cannot wait until the precious, unique flowers are in full blossom!!

This is another box of moonvine and morning glory plants my daughter and I are nurturing. We are hoping they will wrap around and take over the whole bench. That would be site indeed.

Well, there are many more photos, but I will leave it at that for now. By the next update on my garden, I hope to have pictures of my herb seedlings, as well as Before and After photos of the back yard.....

Bright Lights, Big City

2010-06-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

I am ever so excited. I went seed shopping today, on the internet. The result: I have a large amount of organic herb seeds coming to mi casa. As terribly excited as I am, I am uncertain as to what I will do with all the seeds. Each package contains 100 seeds, and as a container gardener, I won't use but 20 at most. Cases such as this bring out the entrepreneur in me.

My small fantasy, is that I will cultivate and grow into seedlings, these certified organic herbs. Then, once they are ready to be transplanted, I will sell them on craigslist, for a small amount. To recoup my cost is simple, as the seeds themselves were not costly. Plus, the time invested is worth it to me, as I love watching things grow and nurturing new life. In all, I see it as a winning situation.

Here is a list of the seeds I ordered:
Ashwaganda
Black Cumin
Echinacea Angustifolia
Echinacea Purpurea
Geman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile
Lemon Balm
Lemon Bergamot
Licorice
Peppermint
Wormwood

I am the girl who talks to birds

2010-06-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

Or, at least I try to. I don't even realize I am doing it much of the time. I will see a pretty birdie and will find myself attempting to communicate with it. It makes me giggle to imagine what folks who randomly happen upon my "kaa ka kaaaaa!" are thinking.

I have always felt a bit connected to black birds and magpies everywhere. I am a scavenger who tends to be distracted easily by glittery, shiny things. My collection of found objects is tucked in various places throughout my nest.

Take a gander at a few little bits I have picked up recently....

I love cicadas. As an Oregonian, I had never seen a cicada until I moved to Texas. I was ecstatic to have found this one in perfect condition.

I was tickled when I saw this on the ground near my feet. Magnolia trees are another native Texan I didn't see much of in Oregon. Their seed pods are amazing, and look like something from a prehistoric garden, don't you think? I love the blooms on a magnolia tree, though I am not too fond of the trees. Texas trees are more like shrubbery than the gargantuan trees I grew up around.....

The nest is not a found object, but the wee butterfly is. Isn't she lovely? I am always mesmerized by butterflies. Just the other day I was chasing one in the playground with my children. We thought sure we could capture it, but alas, it was not meant to be....

Found this little eggie a while ago, in the beginning of Spring. I wanted to share it along with my other found objects, though, as it is so lovely. I appreciate its pale, pale blue accompanied by odd markings of a purpley black color.

I am currently working on some 3d collages that incorporate some of my precious found objects. As soon as they are finished, I will post photos here.

My daily itinerary.....

2010-06-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

Recently, my life (as well as the life of my family) has become a bit more chaotic.... or busy, rather. This is due to the death of our 'other' car, making us a one car household. As a result, my freedom of timetable is greatly lessened. Here is what a 'normal' day looks like, until we get our 'other-other' car fixed.....

4 am - Wake up and take the honey to work

4:45 - Arrive back at the house, put the kiddos in their beds, and hope they go back to sleep

5 am - Eat breakfast, lay out clothes, check email, pack lunches, drink coffee read facebook, finish homework etc.

6 am - Get the wee ones up and feed them breakfast

6:30 am - Dress bebes, do hair, water plants

7am - leave and take wee ones to Summer Camp

8 am Catch bus from UT to Internship

9 - 11 am - Teach English to Refugess (Internship)

11:30 - 1pm - MES class

1 - 4 work on homework, readings, and various other school stuff

4 - 5 - fetch my wee ones and drive home

5 - 6 - Make dinner then sit down to eat

6 - 6:30 - eat and relax

6:30 - 7(ish) - Pick up the honey from work

7 - 8 - bathe and prepare the wee peoples for bed

8 - ??? Hang out with the honey, do homework, etc.

I do so hope that we can get the 'other-other' vehicle up and running soon, as I have so little time right now. I feel that I am always in a rush. There has been no art done in my home, at least not by me. I have a creative yearning, but very little time or energy to put aside for its expression.....

Bureaucratic Bullpoop

2010-06-20T11:23:00.013-05:00

My college financial aid office is being ridiculously slow about getting me my money! Myself and numerous other folks I know are halfway through the first summer session and have still not gotten our funds. As a result, we were forced to take out tuition loans, which cost us both finance charges and interest.

Do to the 'recession,' our University has been suffering budget cuts. I theorize that, as a means of recovering from these cutbacks, they are causing students to have to take such measures (tuition loans). Think of it, $25 from just 1,000 of 50,000+ students... That is a good bit of scratch!

I have a meeting with my fin aid counselor on Monday though, and I have high hopes that I will get my check at some point early this coming week.....(Please send prayers this way)..... *When( this does happen, I have a small list of 'necessities' I am gonna purchase:

I will invest in a new parasol/umbrella. My last one served me well, but her time has passed...

My textbooks for the fall. I would like to have a bit of a head start on my final semester, but we know what they say about 'good intentions.'

I need a new pair of 'every day' shoes. I was thinking about buying some Earth Shoes

I need a proper tuning key for my Celtic Harp

..... and my one major luxury item, though I hope to improve my business and art with it, is.....

Over Indulgence

2010-06-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

I met a fabulous woman yesterday - Young, "not old"- and we had a lovely conversation as my Honey shopped for hair products. Young was well traveled and wise. During our exchange, she summed up the problems plaguing most humans, especially Americans.

According to this sagely woman, for one to remain in good health, it is important that you not eat to fullness. It is better to eat 'just enough,' leaving a bit of room in the stomach for proper digestion. So, too, it is with life. We mustn't stuff ourselves to capacity, but take/use only 'just enough.'

Personal Growth

2010-06-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

Initially, when I began this journal, I was going to showcase my crafting and art. However, this has turned into a chronicle of my person growth. I am not planning to stray too far from that, but I do want to add my crafty side as well. Unfortunately, my life has been so taken up with my studies and my family that I have not been altogether crafty as of late (unless you count my daily cooking projects)....

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Recently I read a quote that truly effected my outlook and energy placement in the realm of relationships. Though I know not where the quote came from, or the exact wording, I am going to attempt to put it down here:

"Do not make a priority anyone to whom you are just an option."

When I read this, it was stated in a much more succinct and eloquent order, but you can get the general idea from this.... Anyway, this really effected me. I thought about it a good bit. It seemed that there was a significant number of people who I sought to have involved in my life. I would expend energy in trying to cultivate a relationship with these people, but I was the only one who was really putting energy and effort to make the relationship blossom.

This realization was/is very intense to me. Knowing that there are already very amazing and wonderful people who make my friendship a priority, and any time that I spend chasing unfulfilled friendships was taking time away from cultivating true friendships, and (more importantly) spending time with my family. This does not mean that I will not cultivate new friendships, I just won't get involved in a one-sided relationship anymore. I will not make someone a priority, if I am to them just an option.....

Oh me, Oh my!

2010-05-28T06:52:00.001-05:00

I don't know what it is about Fridays that make me feel sentimental. Perhaps it is the whole "end" of the week thing.... Anyway, I have this little ditty kickin' up its heels in me brain.....

Flashback Friday

2010-05-07T17:46:00.000-05:00

This week, I am not going too far back. I am in a 'James' kinda mood though. This is one of my favorite songs from them.....

Vampires and Presidents

2010-04-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire HunterI have always been a bit of a history geek. I say 'bit of' because it is only certain eras or individuals in history that I am interested in. For instance, I am fascinated with Amelia Earhart. Also, I study WWI history, but only from an Arab perspective, and WWII from the Japanese perspective.

One historical character I have always had a deep, abiding love for is Abraham Lincoln. In high school, one might even say that I was a little obsessed with him. I even went so far as to have professional senior photos taken of me beside a small statue of this illustrious, historic figure. Knowing this, you may have some idea of the odd mix of emotions I fest as I picked up Seth Grahame-Smith's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.

As I sat for the first time , holding Mr. Grahame-Smith's sophomore novel, I was all at once filled with curiosity, excitement, and apprehension. The peculiar mix of emotions did little to dissuade me from reading the book, however. In fact, I began reading it almost immediately.

Some books -okay most books- take a few pages to get started, a few pages before one becomes fully entrenched in the tale. Mr. Grahame-Smith wasted no time, however, in spinning such a yarn that would come to demand hours of the reader, even outside of the pages themselves. I was so engrossed in the story that I found myself considering his alternate reality. When not reading, I daydreamed about hunting vampires with Abe, or becoming part of the "Union."

That Grahame-Smith was able to closely follow the events in the life of the Great Emancipator, while interweaving an epic vampire saga, and not change any of the major events of history, is a credit to his storytelling. I am not one to add spoilers to my reviews, so I won't go any further. Just know that the mythology in this novel is fantastic and easy to sink into. I found myself wishing it were all real, that vampires really were to blame for one of the darkest times in US history....

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On a slightly different note, and due to my absolute enjoyment of this novel, I believe that I shall have to explore the genre further. The result is a book group. We shall read the original literary works, and then their super extraordinary monster counter novel. In addition, I have been throwing around a few of my one ideas:

- Love and Shapeshifters in the Time of Cholera
- Jane Eyre and the Succubus
- Crime and Punishment and Banshees
- Moby Dick and Captain Hook
- and.......

Flashback Friday

2010-04-23T12:19:00.000-05:00

So a whole week has gone by, and I have not posted a thing! Golly gee.... but I am gonna post twice today, as a way of making up for it. Right now, I am giving you a bit of fun for your Friday... Give this video a gander. Don't you wish you could kick up a heel with these hep cats?! I do....

Flashback Friday

2010-04-16T08:42:00.002-05:00

This woman is another of my heroes. Her career is rich as is her voice.

Harried Housewife...

2010-04-09T11:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I am not really a 'housewife,' but I appreciate alliteration, and I am ever so 'harried'....

This week I have dropped the ball on my 30/30 project. What a perfectly dreadful time to have such a task anyway. It is nearing the end of one of my most grueling semesters to date, and I am attempting to raise three wee ones, as well as working on my art. The poetry project simply is not a priority, no matter how much I like the idea of it.....

I have not given up completely on this, however. I have finalized my summer schedule for school, and I think that I may make June my official poetry month, so I can at least participate in my own way......

As this semester winds to a close, I am plagued with many tests and presentations. I have managed to choose my topics, and so must do some serious work to stay on top of the game:

For my 4th year Arabic course, I have chosen to do my presentation (10 min, completely in Arabic) about Honor Killings around the world. I plan to integrate the topic of Honor and Suicide as well.

For my final paper in the same class, I am going to write it about abandonment in Arab Literature. This class is a lit class, and many of the stories we have abandonment as a reoccurring theme. I think it will make for a fine topic.....

My final presentation (20 min, completely in Arabic) for my Media Arabic course is going to be about Salah Adeen (aka Saladin). He is one of my historical crushes, along with Abraham Lincoln and the first king of Iraq, Faisal.......

All of these topics are going to have to wait 24 hours though, as I am hosting a dinner party tonight. (Another reason I am feeling a bit harried). I must finish my tidying of the home, bake some bread, and chop veggies so that I can comfortably relax and partake of wine, good food, and excellent conversation.....

5/30

2010-04-06T02:12:00.000-05:00

Weary,
long hours with little reprieve....
The weight of the world,
if only I could bear it,
But laziness and the struggle have left me indifferent......

3/30 & 4/30

2010-04-05T00:45:00.000-05:00

So, I admit it, I already dropped the ball. Whatever, it is Easter weekend and madness has ensued.... I will try to make up for it by making up two poems, on-the-fly, right here and now..... Pay attention, this is how it is done.....

Easter has come and gone
   and so rest the wee ones
   content
Time spent and shared
   acquaintances reacquainted
   another year

Who are you, really?
I have known you for over a decade,
   yet,
   I don't really know you
Sure, I know what movies you enjoy,
   what books you read
   the music you listen to
   what are your passions
.....But I can't help thinking there must be MORE?

There I shall leave it, with two crappy poems to catch up on my 30/30 project......

Now I must complete a ridiculous amount of homework before 11am tomorrow.... Not quite possible, since I will inevitably succumb to sleep in a matter of and hour or two. It is my way...

Flashback Friday

2010-04-02T08:56:00.000-05:00

Michael Buble and others have attempted what only Nina Simone could do properly. This is the way this song was meant to be presented.....

2/30

2010-04-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

So, I am really getting into this project, and it is only day two!! I am easily falling back into the mode of thinking in poetry. Here is my second offering....

Breathe Deeply
   Taking it all in
Exhale Slowly
   Letting it wash over me.
I love mornings like these
   When the rain is cold
   When the coffee is hot
   When the kids are still in bed
   and I can just be me
   become a better me
I will offer this, to those still sleeping....

1/30

2010-04-01T22:31:00.001-05:00

So begins the month of April. This month is officially National Poetry Month. The challenge is to write a poem each day. I have chosen to take on this project. As a disclaimer, I must say that it has been a while since I wrote any poetry. Let us hope there will be a marked improvement over this course of this month....

Emotional Disturbance

Perhaps brought on by exhaustion
or maybe I just need an excuse

Surveying my surroundings
I realize that it is timer for change.

Spring is time for new blossoms
and I've already planted the seeds.....

Weekly Book Review Wednesday.....

2010-03-31T11:31:00.001-05:00

I recently read the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series - Lightning Thief. The movie recently came out, and it is my custom to always read the book, prior to viewing the movie.
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Before I began reading this book, I anticipated suspense and excitement that I was certain was to come along with this adventure. However, I found it difficult, initially, to get into this book. I fear that JK Rowling has made it difficult not to compare all other young adult magic/fantasy books to Harry Potter. Even some of the terminology is the same as that in the Harry Potter series (i.e. Half-blood)

I did get past the initial similarities and became very involved in this fabulous story. Rick Riordan intermingles the Modern day with the Ancient Greek Gods. Evidently, they now live in America and subject us to their various whims.

Percy is a fine and unsuspecting hero who 'accidentally' saves the day many times. I look forward to reading about his further quests. All-in-all, on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, 5 being best, I would give this book 3.5 stars.

Flashback Friday

2010-03-26T10:18:00.003-05:00

The day of the week where we take it back..... Sometimes waaaay back.

This week, I am blessing you with a special treat. Cher is one of my favorite performers. Enjoy.....

Weekly Book Review Wednesday.....

2010-03-23T19:56:00.008-05:00

Arcadia Falls Arcadia Falls
I received a copy of the book Arcadia Falls by the author Carol Goodman, just a few short days ago. I had read Ms. Goodman's first novel, The Sea of Dead Languages, and enjoyed that, so I was anxious to dive into this story.

Arcadia Falls takes place in a mountain refuge where a historic artist commune had been located. This commune had been a space for women, primarily, to nurture their talents. Later the commune became a girls' school that was shrouded in intrigue and tragedy.

The recently widowed Meg Rosenthal, and her teenage daughter Sally, move to the school so Meg can teach and Sally attend. The stage is set with the death of a student in their first days at the academy. This begins the unraveling of an intricately woven mystery.

The book immediately reeled me in, as I forsook sleep to read much of the first half. Goodman's prose flow quite freely, making the novel a relaxed and comfortable read. In the beginning (about the first 30 pages), I did struggle with the main character. Her very obvious weaknesses and the artificial dialogue between her and her daughter troubled me. However, as the book progresses, this ceases to be an issue.

Goodman has told a surprisingly complex tale, and though it bears similarity to her first novel, it is obvious that her writing has grown considerably. She completes the package with a nice, tidy ending. I would have been a bit happier if it reflected life more accurately by leaving a loose end or two. All in all, however, I truly recommend this book.

Lady Green Finger

2010-03-17T16:09:00.005-05:00

I am a small town girl, stuck in the city due to the necessity of my chosen situation. Or, as my dear friend Molly phrases it, I am an "affected provincial."

City-bound though I may be, I still desire to raise my children in such a fashion as they will experience things I benefited from in my own childhood. Not that it is Spring, my desires of this realm turn toward gardening.

As a wee little lass, gardening was terribly important to my family's well being, and so we had a good bit of land set aside for this purpose. The largest plot was the "family garden," where we planted our year-long, staple foods. They regularly crossed our table, fresh or canned, as dictated the season.

The smaller patches/plots belonged to me and my sister. In these spaces we were allowed to plant and care for the foods we most desired to eat during the year, and none of the food that we did not. We were solely responsible for planting, weeding, etc. And, once they had blossomed and ripened, we would pick the best ones and enter then in the fair, where we often won ribbons.

Two other sizable plots we used to plant strawberries and raspberries. The yield was far more than our family needs, and so my sister and I would gather and sell the excess for the money to purchase our school clothes each year.

These treasured experiences I cannot quite duplicate for my children; we simply don't have the land. However, as we prepare our backyard to become a garden, I will include them in each step. This is Spring Break week, here in Texas. By the end of this week long holiday, I plan to have all the seeds in the ground, with their help. I will keep a photo journal of our work and progress......

Once Upon A Lighthouse

2010-02-08T11:17:00.005-06:00

On days like today, as a week of care-less freedom confronts me, that I consider my aspirations of being a lighthouse keeper. Many years past, I heard tell of an opening for the job of caring for a lighthouse. Though I was not entirely certain what that meant, I became obsessed with the idea. I fantasized about it, and still do.

In my imagination, being a lighthouse keeper is a solitary job. One literally lives inside of one's work. I would set up a modest space, mainly with frilly bits of lace and a large crate (or three) of books. During my contracted stint I would read, be all sorts of introspective, and accomplish a great deal of the writing projects I have begun. Though I am a social creature, I prefer to be social on my own terms. This means that I like the freedom to withdraw, as a turtle would into his shell. Having a family has been for me, somewhat difficult on this level. I can never fully withdraw. Nor do I want to, but those moments of solitude that I so treasure, are fewer than I would care to mention. Luckily, I have an extremely understanding lover who is willing to cart the wee ones off for their adventure, as I take a few moments for mine.

So, as a week of freedom, dubbed Spring Break, washes over me, I consider what it would be like to spend that time in a lighthouse. Each morning taking my tea by the sea; watching waves and they beat against the cliff that I envision my lighthouse rests upon. Climbing stairs to be closer to the stars at night. Breathing in fully the fresh, saltwater air.....

Transgressions

2009-12-22T09:19:00.003-06:00

I have forsaken my journal this holiday season. First it was a super intense semester that required the majority of my intentions, now it is... Inspiration!

I suppose that it is purely in relaxing that one is able to grab hold of one's inspiration. Almost immediately, after finishing my courses, I was struck by ideas that found their way to delicious and fabulous. Since then I have been doing a great deal of writing. I have been writing a great deal since then. Currently, I am working on a couple of short films. One of these I might like to turn into a graphic novel. It would be amusing in that form....

The very fancy list of books that I laid out to read during the break has barely been touched. However, I have been doing a great deal of reading. So far I have read Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman, The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo, and am working on The View From the Bridge by Nicholas Meyer, along with a few others. I like laying out the plans, that gives me sense of purpose, but I am also comfortable with deviation.

Free Time?

2009-12-06T10:07:00.006-06:00

Each semester break I become excited by the prospect of 'me' time. As much as I love school, I truly enjoy the opportunity to 'do' and read according to my whims. As such, I have compiled an impossibly long list of books I hope to read during the holidays:

1) Rome Wasn't Burnt In a Day by Joe Scarborough

2) Reason, Faith, and Revolution by Terry Eagleton

3) Ghost Map by Steven Johnson

4) Souls On Ice by Eldridge Cleaver

5) Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters

6) Harry Potter (book 1) -in Arabic....

7) Kierkegaard, Language, and the Reality of God by Steven Shakespeare

Also, during this break, I would like to do a good bit of baking and crafting...Oh Yeah! And journaling, of course....

2009-11-22T09:56:00.006-06:00

I awaken this day, counting one year passed in this life, and another just beginning. This is my New Year! I do not make my resolutions on January 1st when the rest of the world's good intentions are pooled. I make my resolutions on my birthday, November 21st. Not far removed, if at all, from the usual and classic resolutions, these are the ways I desire to affect positive change in my life. I hope that these changes will not only endure this year, but be patterns that I instate and cultivate to endure all of my "ages." I feel a need/desire to declare them "out loud," so that I may not be permitted to ignore them....

* This year, I promise to take better care of my Mind, Body, and Spirit.
- Often I neglect the balance of the three as I engage in my academic pursuits.

This year I shall make time to work out: run, ride my bike, lift weights, and practice yoga (more than just a physical pursuit, to be sure).

To care for my Spirit, I shall continue (with greater diligence) in my endeavor to become one with G-d.

My Mind is fractured with the weight of my many responsibilities. To repair this, I must de-clutter. I shall not take on more than I KNOW I can handle. To do so is self-sabotage.

By balancing and caring for my 'trinity,' I believe I shall become a better mother, wife, friend, student, and artist. In sha' Allah.

Nocturnal Nikhedonia

2009-11-15T10:29:00.007-06:00

As you may recall from an earlier post, a dear friend and I put on a Craft Exhibition and Fashion Soiree. Our mission was to provide a venue for local artists/designers/crafters whose work was of a unique, and perhaps, darker nature. We succeeded! :

Since the night was well received, we were asked to come back and give it another go. We invited another couple of ladies to assist, and decided to throw a Holiday soiree, all your gift giving needs....

This event, along with school and babies, has kept me utterly engrossed. Having learned much from the last one, this event promises to be exponentially larger. We are having two bands and a fashion show this time as well, but we will also have two fabulous performance artists. I am ever so excited.

Rather than tooting my own horn further, with shameless self promotion, I will leave you with this amazing flyer that Asil Bee produced for us..... And direct you to the event's facebook page, at which you may RSVP, if so inclined..... http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=171550754724&ref=ts

* Interlude *

2009-10-03T13:31:00.005-05:00

Today is a rainy and cool Saturday. Not the sort of weather that one wants to be out in. On days such as these, I long for a library with a window seat. In that window seat, I would read for hours and the drizzly rain softly pitter-pattered against the glass of the window.

After reading time spent reading a beloved masterpiece, I would gaze out the window, past the tree that stands in the yard, and imagine or contemplate ideas that had been carefully placed in my mind by a gifted author. Perhaps I would be reading a classic, such as Beverly Cleary, or Lemony Snicket.... Then again, maybe I would have grabbed a novel by Gaiman in which I could fully sink....

After my book, I would remain in the library, but move next to the fire. Here I would take my tea, and relax as a cat, next to the emanating warmth. The soundtrack would be Beethoven, Sarah Brightman, or the like.

How I long for a window seat....

The Fae Come Out to Play....

2009-09-16T13:03:00.006-05:00

Oh, how I love it when the rains come. We have had such a drought in Texas this year, that even though it is almost Autumn, the rains have caused the world to look like Spring. So many flowers are blooming, and the grasses are re-greening. It is a little magickal faery land outside my door. It is amazing to see how quickly the plants will 'spring' back to life with just a wee bit of nourishment.

Wildflowers have always been my favorite. What many look upon as weeds (i.e. dandelions), I look upon as wonderful little miracles of nature. Those blooms in my yard, which did not come from seeds I had sewn, are special gifts to me.

Of these little gifts, perhaps my favorite are these. I have no idea what they are, I call them wild irises, but I do know that they are the work of fairies. Just looking at them one can tell. ......

In my neighborhood, each morning I am greeted by their beauty. I find it amusing how they will take over an entire yard in one spot, and leave the yard next to it completely alone. The fairies are obviously picking and choosing their playgrounds... but of course. Here is an especially lovely playground I watch often...

Philosophical Geology

2009-09-14T21:10:00.000-05:00

Today was Grand. It is nice to be immersing myself, once again, in the world knowledge pursuit. I made many new discoveries, and dusted off a few old ones......

Have you ever heard of the banyan tree, or its marvelous fruit? Well, it is quite an amazing creature. It grows aerial roots that connect to the ground in whatever spot they happen to touch. This makes it look as though it has numerous trunks....

In India there have been banyan trees that have grown canvases that span acres, literally. Oh how I wish that I had a space on which to plant the seeds of this wild plant and let it take root where it pleases... but, alas, I have no such land. Not yet at least, though I do have the seeds.....

I have some other seeds that I have been waiting to plant.... *story time* ...... One of my first memories is from when I was about 4. I have other, earlier memories, but those are more sketches, without a sound stage and lighting..... Anyway, in this memory I had a preschool teacher that I loved. Upon graduating from her class she gave each of her students a most magnificent gift.....

a mimosa pudica plant. What makes this plant so spectacular was the fact that it is a sensitive to touch. The leaves will curl when touched. To be so young and have such a fascinating plant, it awakened in me a love for plants which I have to this day!
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

After reliving this memory time and again, I found an online dealer in mimosa pudica seeds, .... and I am patiently awaiting the arrival of my very own! I shall have to get just the right pot.

Train of Thought...

2009-09-13T13:50:00.000-05:00

I received an odd text today, which got me on a bit of a tangent. The text itself was about trains....

When I was a wee little girl, I lived in a small town. No, I am not talking about the sort of small town where the only place to shop is a Wal-Mart. No, the sort of small town where I grew up has a population of less than 200 folks, and there nearest Wal-Mart, or town of any considerable size is at least 1 1/2 hours away in any direction....

A small town of this sort has a sense of community that one cannot even imagine unless you have ever lived in one.... We also had things that city folk may never have heard of. For instance, the bookmobile. This is usually an airstream, or other such trailer, whose insides have been renovated to contain rows of bookcases, much like the photo above.

As an avid reader I was always excited about the arrival of the bookmobile. She only came once every other week, but when she did come we were allowed to walk up her steps and pick out any books we desired. They would be ours for the duration of the next two weeks. This traveling library opened Worlds to me.

One such world I shall never forget, is that of the Boxcar Children. Now, many children before and after me had the opportunity to experience this amazing series. However, because the bookmobile tended to have older books, I was able to enjoy them in their original, hardcover form. You know, with the obvious cloth covering over cardboard, much like the one pictured here. To think of it now, I held in my hands books that children from the 40s and 50s and had read and loved, and I read and loved them too. I, too, had fantasies of living in a boxcar.....

Many years later, and not too long ago, I came across an opportunity to enjoy the 'comforts' of a boxcar. This I discovered when I was planning a trip to the quaint little Texas town (no, not a small town like I referred to earlier) of Fredericksburg. By way of searching for lodging, I came across the 1894 Pullman Car. This is a luxury train car that Theodore Roosevelt is said to have slept in.

Though I was not able to spend quite the amount that they were asking, I have not forgotten its existence. I plan to stay there some day, and make use of its beautiful amenities. When I do, I hope that it is raining, and that I can enjoy the sound of the rain pitter pattering on the many windows and the metal casing that is the boxcar.

Events Unraveled in a Manner Lovely....

2009-09-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

This month has begun with a 'bang,' not a whimper.....

The culmination of more than a couple of months of planning resulted in a lovely event with which all involved were able to achieve some measure of success.

My dear friend, Haunted Farmgirl, and myself, put on an event for those crafty and artistic souls that seek a venue for their dark and/or whimsical creations. I am so thankful to have had the amazing, and creative ladies involved with this event. Without their participation this event could never have happened...

The way that each of these vendors and fashionistas were able to come in and create lovely and enticing displays of their handmade goods,... well, I am utterly impressed and I have learned much from all of you. ...

www.katinkapinka.etsy.com
www.minimysteryworlds.etsy.com
www.junkhousedollyard.etsy.com
www.opticwaste.etsy.com
www.illustratedink.etsy.com
www.actionjackson.etsy.com
www.rubydollcreations.etsy.com
among others....

Let us not forget the considerable amount of time, energy and expertise that Kate Cates and her hair and makeup crew. They primped and coiffed the amazing models, and brought out such timeless and elegant beauty in each one of them. Without them, the runway would not have been as successful.

Also an integral part of this fashionable soiree, were the two most delighful bands that came out to enrich this event by showcasing their talents: Wax Museum Pandemonium and The Empirical Study. I strongly urge you to take a gander at their myspace pages, as they are decidedly "not-to-be-missed."

(I will be posting photos soon...)

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Diary of a Craft Fiend

Pepper

Three Ravens

This is The End, Beautiful Friend.....

In the Coming Year

This is the Word....

My Crafty Side

The Letter

Grandma Ann

Number 4?

Promises, Promises

Bringin' Back the Good Ole Days!

Word!

A tisket a tasket

Crazy Busy in this Crazy Life!!

The Works

Christmas In July!!

Another 4th of July has come and gone...

Grandma's Cookbook Collection Part II

My Morning Routine

Sketch #3 - Favorite Food

Favorite Animal - Sketch #2

Sketching

Another 30 Day Challenge

The Green House

Andriod Apps - *My* Top Ten List

Lesson Plans

Oh! What a "Tangled" web.....

Pain in Mind

Looking Back

Marked

Life, as yet, Unplanned

Happy Tofurkey Day!!

Another Way In Which I Still Need to Grow.....

Discussion of my Absence....

Note to All Professors:

New Beginnings

Wish List

Soul of a Librarian

Well-Dressed Dessert

What's Happening in my Garden.....

Bright Lights, Big City

I am the girl who talks to birds

My daily itinerary.....

Bureaucratic Bullpoop

Over Indulgence

Personal Growth

Oh me, Oh my!

Flashback Friday

Vampires and Presidents

Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday

Harried Housewife...

5/30

3/30 & 4/30

Flashback Friday

2/30

1/30

Weekly Book Review Wednesday.....

Flashback Friday

Weekly Book Review Wednesday.....

Lady Green Finger

Once Upon A Lighthouse

Transgressions

Free Time?

Nocturnal Nikhedonia

* Interlude *

The Fae Come Out to Play....

Philosophical Geology

Train of Thought...

Events Unraveled in a Manner Lovely....

Andriod Apps - My Top Ten List