After- thought

First Thing

2012-01-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat (pizza) and drink (beer and wine) with them, to listen to their stories (while you play cribbage) and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes (and winning the game), and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them!

-Henri Nouwen (parentheses mine) :)

All photos by C.

Jay took our table bench home to fix the last time he came over. This time He and Allison came with the bench fully repaired + they brought Pizza! Bonus!
We laughed and ate and played right up until my pumpkin hour. The girls wandered in and out of the scene. M had knitting that she was immersed in. C got home from work, took photos and said goodnight after a long day.
Taking time to be with people in the evenings is always difficult for me but, I never regret making room for others. Never.
We are already talking about next gamenight!

Oh, Life ...

2012-01-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

I seldom make stirfry, but I'm not sure why that is. My whole family loves it, and there are seldom leftovers but I just don't think to do it until someone starts walking around the house quoting Kung Fu Panda; "We are noodle folk. Broth runs through our veins." "Noodles, don't noodles?" ...

The ingredients vary - mushrooms, pea pods, peppers, bok choy, endive, squash, asparagus tips, ... Doesn't matter, they eat it!

We used yaki soba noodles this time. I think these are their favorite ones, but they are gluten so I like to use the bean threads or rice noodles wherever possible.

C and I spent Friday morning together over cups of coffee just chatting and catching up. I love my eldest. She is an amazing woman. I also love that she gets me. I'm snapping pictures of cups, hands, faces - from all directions and angles and she is just giggling at me. "You are such a photographer, Mom."

She does a great job with a camera too.

These times are so precious because I don't know how much longer she'll be with us. She has dreams and adventures to pursue. I will miss her so.

Sitting here, in the morning light, sipping white mochas, nibbling apples, laughing, and uncovering those dreams? Priceless.

I tell ya, she is good with photo composition!

She doesn't like me taking her picture, but I love that she lets me. :) I mean, tell me how could I resist this face?

She captured M's silliness the other night too. What will life be like in this house with these two wonders gone?

M works well with 1 year olds. She 'gets' them. Home for lunch break, she lets out some pent up emotions, then, off to love the chitlins again!

Now, we have the weekend stretching before us just fraught with possibility. I think it will be simply wonderful.
Hope your weekend is beautiful, too!

Scenes from the weekend

2012-01-23T10:47:00.002-07:00

Minda made another star lantern. She makes little changes each time and each time she gets better results.

She bought this paper at Ro-Sham-Bo last weekend, and this weekend it became a star.

We found this fabric on sale at JoAnn's and decided it would make a perfect Valentine tablecloth.

Gluten Free Gnocchi. Yum! Easy and Delish.

Waiting for the pot to boil.

Steamy goodness topped with fresh pesto!
I like giving them reasons to stay home and gather together.

GF Focaccia bread, Gnocchi and Pesto and an Arugula Shitake salad with grated goat's milk Asagio.

(Recipe for Gnocchi). (Recipe for Pesto). (Mix for Focaccia)

And GF Coffee Cake for friends who came Sunday Morning! (Recipe for GF Coffee Cake)

Around here lately...

2012-01-21T09:46:00.004-07:00

Game night with friends! We taught Cameron how to play Cribbage.

Evie made an awesome birthday cake to celebrate her daddy's and Stefan's birthdays!

Such a perfect depiction of these 2 fellas. Love them.

Making wishes.

Everybody anticipating the deliciousness.

Kaylie had to make wishes too.

Joy came to visit for a few days from Washington.

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

2012-01-12T08:13:00.001-07:00

In 2012 ~ from dissonance to consonance

2012-01-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

I so often don't see my giftings as anything special, beautiful or to be desired by anyone but me. Then James buys me these. Investment holds value in a timid heart. Suddenly hope takes root where once only wishes were carelessly tossed. We shall see what 2012 draws up from the well.

New kid on the block!

2011-12-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

My big brother holding his firstborn son.

Welcome to the world

Little K.

Handcrafted Christmas

2011-12-28T11:44:00.003-07:00

This year was all about crafting! You saw the quilts Mom made for us in the posts below. None of the rest of us went quite so elaborate. I made the Quick Change trousers above from Anna Maria's book. They are so soft and thick. Corduroy, flannel, and cotton. Fully reversible and so easy to whip together. Can't wait to see them on the nephews and niece!! I made Jer a matching hat, but had to throw a hot pink liner in it as a tribute to his papa.

For Mom & Dad I cut down wine corks to make them a set of coasters and a trivet.

I also made several of these reusable snack bags using this tutorial. Mommas can always use more fun ways to carry foods for those growing moppets!

M made several of the bubble magnets for Nanna to have more ways to hang all that art work Conner and Marion will be doing.

I bought some local goat's milk soap from Hyalite Farms and wet felted it with roving from local sheep.

M made a star lantern (and can't wait to make more for her own room!) They are so pretty.

And this roll-up-take-anywhere Hopscotch mat and beanbags (actually filled with rice) for those rainy days when the kids have to be inside.

Of course, M knitted up a storm of hats and wraps for the long, cold days ahead. She is so fast too!

My little gnome I felted will hopefully soon be the new mascot of the Adventure Explorers of Hotels, Beaches & Campsites club (so named by Con-man). He'll be a bright, happy edition to the nature table if he doesn't go adventuring though.

and lastly, chalkboards! They must be all the rage right now because it took me 6 stores to find chalkboard paint in stock! I hung mine a bit differently than the one above.

Hope everyone enjoys their goodies. I had big dreams and visions of doing so much more than this, but when you begin 2 weeks before Christmas, there is a bit of a crunch... ahem... yes, well, live and learn. None-the-less, they were all made with love, + some blood and sweat and tears too, for those we adore.
I should also show you what the girls created for each other. ...

M made a mixed media journal for C and C made a mixed media canvas for M!

So thankful my kiddos love each other so deeply.

The Recieving of the Love

2011-12-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

DPP '11 :: swaddled ::

2011-12-26T16:19:00.003-07:00

... in Grandma's love

DPP '11 :: all ::

2011-12-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from all us Pauls!

DPP '11 :: texture ::

2011-12-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

DPP '11 :: friendship ::

2011-12-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

What she sees in me I have no idea, but Oh! How I love her and am so blessed she loves me too.

DPP '11 :: merry ::

2011-12-22T06:20:00.000-07:00

Packages sent with Rudolf guiding the way...

DPP '11 :: flake ::

2011-12-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let the kids have ALL the fun!

DPP '11 :: snip ::

2011-12-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Cassia and Minda invited Bruce over for his last night in town to make snowflakes.

I slept through it.

All photos by Cassia and Minda.

DPP '11 :: welcome ::

2011-12-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Our front wreath was given to us by friends when we moved into our current home.

It's become tradition around here to change out the picks for the changing seasons.

Summer is simply the Queen Ann's lace. Autumn found Fireberries and vines
wrapped in amongst them. Spring is yet to come, but Winter chose
the vibrancy of Cranberries.

DPP '11 :: Matthew 2:2 ::

2011-12-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Star light.

DPP '11 :: wrap ::

2011-12-17T18:41:00.002-07:00

Way behind on getting things in the mail.

DPP '11 :: with ::

2011-12-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Coffee with friends this morning. Always better when we are together.

DPP '11 :: longevity ::

2011-12-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

editing some photos this morning . . .
Grandparents hold the rings of the newlyweds.
Held and blessed and bestowed.
This caught my heart today. Wondering if my children will be know such a moment.

DPP '11 :: goofy ::

2011-12-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Kung Fu Panda 2, Friends, Wine, and Noooooooodles!

DPP '11 :: outtake ::

2011-12-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

So bad but, OH!, so good! Hahaha!

DPP '11 :: drink ::

2011-12-12T10:24:00.002-07:00

So they don't have to...

www.brownwatercoffee.com

DPP '11 :: kinfolk ::

2011-12-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

The hardest thing about them growing up are the holidays when you want them home.

DPP '11 :: lunar ::

2011-12-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

What an event! I felt awe wash over me, standing there in the chill and quiet of the morning.

No tripod, just me and the hope of clarity of shot.
Decent, but no real justice of the beauty.

DPP '11 :: picked ::

2011-12-09T04:01:00.001-07:00

i need to gather more. it's a beginning.

DPP '11 :: new ::

2011-12-08T03:46:00.000-07:00

...at least to me.

Found these cute, little, red

shoes at the thrift store for $3.49.

The perfect winter pick-me-up!

DPP '11 :: chilled ::

2011-12-07T14:51:00.001-07:00

DPP '11 :: snackin' ::

2011-12-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Goat Cheese Bree! Mmmm Mmmm Mmmmmmmm!

Such a warm, gooey, satisfying snack on a freezing day.

DPP '11 :: strung ::

2011-12-05T10:50:00.001-07:00

My friend, Shalet, over at Peculiar Momma made this felted acorn garland for me!

Isn't it the cutest?

Aqua and red are sort of a lifelong infatuation.

They never fail to make me smile when I see them together.

She sent me 2 six foot long garlands.

I can't wait to hang them up! I just need to decide where...

It's been rough for me to get motivated this year to put up decorations ~ which, for those of you who know me, you will be dumbfounded by, I'm sure. It's true though. Not a single piece of decor decking the halls as of yet.

Maybe today I'll go for a walk and find some lovely twigs and berries and begin there.

Craving

2011-12-05T07:56:00.001-07:00

2 ½ c. chopped Turkey meat
½ c. chopped celery stalks and young leaves
½ c. diced onion
3 tsp. capers
1 clove crushed garlic
½ c. toasted almond slices
1 c. Grapeseed oil Veganaise
1 tsp. fresh ground pepper
¼ tsp pink salt
½ tsp curry powder
juice of half a lemon

Mix it all together, thoroughly. Refrigerate in airtight container for 2 hours, until chilled through. Serve on a bed of Kale or cold Quinoa and a tear of Focasia bread as a pusher! Delish!

A couple variation I do occasionally -
* Substitute ¼c. Pine nuts for the almond slices
* Add in ½ a diced green apple (for light tartness)
* Add in 1 diced Jalepeno (for kick!)
* Substitute chicken or baked tofu for turkey

The baked tofu is actually my favorite way to make this. I baked cubes of it for 30 min. in a tiny bit of Sesame Oil after marinating it in Braggs Amino Acids for 15 minutes. Then I leave the pink salt out of the recipe. It's divine.

iPhone Christmas Stroll 2011!

2011-12-04T15:05:00.001-07:00

DPP '11 :: spiced ::

2011-12-04T09:01:00.001-07:00

Our annual cookie exchange is this evening.

This is the only time through the year that I see most of these wonderful ladies

and I can not wait to spend the evening with them!

For this year's event I made Heidi's Triple Ginger Cookies, but I had to switch it up a bit.

I made them with Red Mills GF Flour, added cinnamon oil, and GF cinnamon chips!

I don't eat things with added sugars anymore, so my neighbors and family are the only ones to benefit from this occasion. Well, except for me getting to catch up on the lives of some

remarkable women.

DPP '11 :: stitch ::

2011-12-03T07:01:00.001-07:00

It's a handmade Christmas this year, but this machine is helping me.
I'm not a fabulous seamstress, but I do love to watch a project come together and see it being used by the one I took the time to create it for. There is something so elementally pleasurable in watching little ones wear, play with, snuggle under, and love what you put together with your 2 hands, from your heart, just for them.

DPP '11 :: endure ::

2011-12-02T06:51:00.001-07:00

Waiting for the little boy who rode him whizzing down the slopes long ago. Patient. Quiet. At rest. Hopeful.
Things with a past unknown intrigue me.
I tend to sit and wonder at them, making up a narrative in my head.

DPP '11 :: beginning ::

2011-12-01T07:24:00.001-07:00

View from the Prairie Box is hosting their annual December Photo Project again! I hope you will join us in documenting this season through pictures!
You can click the link icon at the right of the page to get details.

DPP 2011

2011-11-30T08:36:00.001-07:00

December Photo Project 2011 begins tomorrow! Can't wait to share this season with all of you. This is my fourth or fifth (?) year of participation. My focus, this year especially, is on the Truth of the season as we live it here in our humble abode. Jesus, the warmth of family, the flavors, the colors, the light & scents - Mmmmmmm! Such an incredible time to pause, reflect and savor. I hope you'll join in, but if you'd rather just observe, there is a facebook page (new this year!) and a flickr page for your viewing enjoyment.

Young Love

2011-11-26T10:24:00.001-07:00

25 years ago I sat in the bleachers of Chief Moses Jr. High gymnasium for an assembly. We got out of classes just to go hear the highschool jazz choir perform their repertoire for an upcoming competition. My Civics teacher, Mr. Paul, had told me that his oldest son was in the choir and would have a solo. From my angle, I couldn't see his face, but I didn't need to. The voice was enough to make me (and all the girls around me) dream of being the girl he was singing to. It was a Billy Joel song - "The Longest Time" & probably one of the reasons why I still love Billy Joel to this day. It would be 1.5 years from that moment before 'the voice' & I actually met face to face. Mr. Paul and I would continue to have conversations about him during my Library Aide period and his planning period for the remainder of my jr. high year. Then, when I was a shy, wallflower of a sophomore, he asked me to dance and I said 'yes' - and have been saying 'yes' ever since.
23 years ago today our pastor asked if I "would willing offer myself" as best friend, only lover, & dearest treasure to this handsome 6'5" chap who had been crying as I walked down the aisle to take his hand. I said I would. And I did. Completely.

Happy Anniversary, Babe. You make me so happy.

Doubled by Wonder

2011-11-25T09:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Great Grama Virgie's Apple Pie

Mama's Southern Pecan Pie

Our traditional Wassail season begins

A first. Purple potatoes from the summer garden produce lavender mashed potatoes! They were delicious, but you had to get past the color!

Roasted to perfection turkey!

Small crowd this year, but it was sweet to share this day with friends. The Wests and the Merwins totally made our holiday.

Our feast consisted of Garlic-Tarragon Infused Turkey, a Quinoa Cornbread Stuffing with Toasted Pecans, Croissants, Fortified Tawny Port Raspberry Reduction, Antipasti, Green Bean Feta Salad, Pear Roquefort Salad, 20 Fruit Salad, Purple Mashed potatoes with rosemary and leeks, gravy, Asparagus, And serving Dr. Loosen Eroica Riesling, Champagne, Alsatian Pinot Gris and sparkling cider for the kiddos. Oh & sweet potatoes.

Apple Pie, Southern Pecan Pie, and Pumpkin Pie.

Wassail and coffee and whipped cream for the pie.

Thoroughly stuffed, we vegged until 7 when we headed around the corner to the Merwins' to play games and hang out. The girls beat the guys (soundly) at Taboo while we drank French Press and Wassail until 10PM.

I was so ready to crawl between the flannel sheets and dream deeply!

Hope you and your Loves had a blessed day of reflecting on His goodness and reveling in it!

'I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.' - G.K. Chesterton

Wherein J & D Fly Away & Return Home Again

2011-11-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

With a moon that crisp and clear, we knew snow was on the way, again.

Lots of colds and sniffles going through the ranks around here. I'd been drinking up the green smoothie goodness in hopes of keeping it at bay while packing for the upcoming Patrick Learning Community in Torrance, CA. It worked!

A storm blew in the night before we were to load up (along with the West Crew) to head over the passes. We had just put snow tires on Orson, so we were prepared!

A little aero-triptych to punctuate the metamorphosis. A journey to the land of sun.

Going over the Continental Divide is always gorgeous, but the dusting of snow sure intensified it for us!

I live in the most magical place. But I am so blessed to be able to get away to places that re-emphasize that fact.

Places where a golden sun sinks into a blue horizon of ocean...

Where you can sip some good Jo, while listening to the surf roll in ...

And the flowers are still in bloom ...

Where Palm trees nestle in with Pine, & Maple, & Gingko...

& Where night lights dance on the tide along the boardwalk. All the while you are wearing shorts in NOVEMBER.

We love our leadership training; our Oikos; our people of peace ...

We always leave so filled (with great food thanks to Lynn) with information to process and grow from, with affection for the great diversity of our teams, and with challenges ahead to face together.

Needless to say, when it is completed we need to unwind!

J had planned for us to spend a couple days kickin' it in Laguna Beach. We had a great dinner together at Nick's (highly recommend!) that night, but the next day the exhaustion kicked us instead. We spent the day in the hotel room sipping Pelegrino, slurping soup, and watching Winnie-the-Pooh.

Saturday we joined Eric and Lisa Strom in La Verne. So awesome to see where they 'do life'!

We had breakfast in old town, then got to see where Eric pastors before taking off for the "Hollywood" tour Little Red Insight style. :)

Lisa drove us to her walking trails that over look La Verne. It was lovely. Fall was still in full swing & the riots of color were everywhere!

When Eric finished up his official responsibilities we took off to truly partake of the area... Beginning in Alta Loma at Rancho de Philo's Sherry Winery. They only open one week out of the year for selling their sherry. We just happened to be in town for it! Lucky us! While they poured, they told us stories, and they poured us more - we did not argue.

After leaving the Cucamunga Valley, we drove to Claremont and walked the streets, window shopped, talked plants and other nothings-of-significance until we ended up at the wine bar where we settled into a cozy corner and ordered a flight of Pinots, a Zin, a Merlot, and a Chianti along with a plate of divine cheeses and whiled away a couple hours talking of music and life and the complex beauty of wine. It was hard to say goodbye.

Sunday, bright and early, it was time to return to the great white north. And, as I said, we love being able to go, but we love even more to return.

And return we did.

Tomorrow I begin working for a Naturopath in town, and there are just a few days left to prepare for Thanksgiving, and we celebrate 23 years of marriage just after that.
So full. So beautiful.

Every minute unleashed all day is a beautiful minute;

acclimatize with the pace,

And every entity sojourning upon the surface of

this earth is a beautiful entity;

making this endlessly spinning globe a
beautiful place; giving rise to the famous
and immortal adage;
'Life is beautiful'.

Take wing. Live. Fly into life, full. Embrace. Be beauty.

~ Nikhil

2011-11-08T12:23:00.001-07:00

The coffee cake was such a hit, I have to share the recipe with you.

Streusel Coffee Cake
1.5 c. flour
2 tsp. baking pwd.
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp cream of tarter
1/3 c. sugar
2 Tblsp butter
2/3 c. milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg

sift dry ingrd. together, cut in butter. Beat egg, add milk& s.crm. - blend. Combine the liquid with the dry ingrd. Pour into oiled 8x8 pan and top with Streusel (below).
(the batter doesn't really "pour", and it isn't smooth on top when in the pan - it is sticky and has peaks and valleys all over the place).

3 Tblsp flour
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c br. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tblsp butter

mix together dry ingrd., cut in butter, sprinkle on top of coffee cake.

Bake 25 min. @ 400 degrees F.

Our days and weeks fill up fast around here. These morning moments of quiet, sipping coffee, appraising the week/day/month ahead, are a godsend. Thankful that all those years on the ranch of getting up at 4 AM never really worked their way out of my life.

Also thankful I no longer have to head out the door to feed horses and move handlines at that time of day!

Sunday evenings are always spent with neighbors. Having to be indoors now presents a bit of a challenge space-wise, but I have to tell you, I kind of enjoy the coziness and all the chatter and the togetherness due to the embargo imposed by the snow and cold.

I made this for dinner, with home baked Parmesan Focasia, and a simple green salad. It's so delicious, and easy! So, lucky you, you get 2 recipes from me today!

Roasted Mediterranean Chicken

1 16oz. jar Sauerkraut, drained

1.5# small purple potatoes, washed & halved

1/4c. vegetable broth

2 pints grape tomatoes

1 head of garlic, separated and peeled

2c. Kalamata pitted olives, drained

2 Tblsp. Olive Oil

2 tsp. Mediterranean seasoning (oregano, garlic granules, lemon peel, dill weed, chili flakes, spearmint leaf, thyme & mace) (I found it at World Market)

8 pieces of chicken with skin

Fresh ground black pepper

Juice of one lemon

Preheat oven to 425.

Toss all ingrd. except 1 Tblsp of oil & chicken, pepper and lemon juice in a large bowl (or directly in roasting pan)

Nestle chicken, skin side up, into veggies. Brush with remaining oil, sprinkle with pepper.

Roast until chicken is cooked through - about 35 - 40 minutes.

Transfer chicken to platter. Squeeze lemon over veggies. Gently scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan before transferring to bowl to serve with chicken.

I'm eating leftover veggies today. Had me singing Depeche Mode "I Just Can't Get Enough" as I was heating up seconds.

Nows

2011-11-06T15:59:00.002-07:00

“forever is composed of nows.”

The first snowfall of the season

Hot Thai Fish Stew and Rosemary scones at Co-op with my baby girl.

At the Emerson for a class and Farmer's Market

Classroom

What the class taught me...

Movie seats

The Wonder of stillness and new sight

Conversation over a sparkling sip or two

Coffee cake - blessing of navigating the drifts to my house.

Tea wisdom

Patiently awaiting the changing to warmer days

Friends arrived for games and laughter.

PURPLE! The garden is still giving us bounty :)

Tonight more friends will arrive for a hot meal and sweet togetherness.

Hope all your nows are composing a beautiful Forever...

::presently::

2011-10-31T07:57:00.002-06:00

Presently, I am ~

:: blessed that a 2 year old invited me to her birthday party. When did my own grow up?

:: using the last of the fresh picked apples for the dutch baby brunch with friends.

:: marveling that Bozeman has no snow, yet all my friends back east do! Strange days, these.

:: anxious to taste the new coconut lemongrass ginger soup Malinda made! Mouthwatering scent!

:: enjoying Bowerbirds new LP ~ Upper Air. delightful.

:: laughing. At, Oh! So many things. Minda's faces, J's goofy humor, Cassia's dance moves ... & it feels good.

:: trying to psych myself up to finish the Christmas gifts. If the snow would only fall! With everything white all around, yes! I would hunker down. I just know I would!

:: wondering what to wear to greet the munchkins at the door tonight.

:: amazed at how Minda throws something together from her closet and walks away with the perfect costume. Photos later. Christmas pirates will be roving the streets tonight in search of booty for the Food Bank.

:: snickering at my diabolical plan to not be tempted by the handout candy tonight! Being allergic to chocolate has it's upside!

:: baking pumpkin bars and brewing cider to give the parents of the costumed tots who knock upon our door.

:: loving the fact that my fully grown daughters wanted to carve pumpkins. Cassia's first time in 21 years!

:: anticipating the company that will be landing later today. Friends are always such a grand improvement to my days.

:: planning my monthly menu & grocery shopping trip. Full cupboards are BEautiful a sight!

:: rediscovering my love for cooking. Being home again for this season has been lovely, indeed.

:: happy to have my sweaters about me again. The more, the merrier/cozier/snugglier I am!

:: knitting (that's right, me, knitting), crafting, sewing, and smiling all the while. Praying the recipients do to.

:: hoping you all enjoy your evening of sweets and the sweet ones that accompany them.

Verde

2011-10-28T18:09:00.000-06:00

Remember these?

They became this...

And then this... :)

These awaited...

While these were prepared ...

And now they wait for winter nachos and maybe some enchiladas, or even ... a surprise.

After all... verde is the MUTHA of all sauces.

Down the road

2011-10-26T07:45:00.000-06:00

Nothing like hot Co-op soup on a cold day. J had veggie beef. Mine was Indian curry.

A short stop at Rockford to grab a mocha (white chocolate coconut) ...

Then out the canyon, listening to J's retro tunes on the iPod.

All these are through the car window at 50+ mph... Autumn is a lovely blurr...

The clouds were lying so low you could only see the foothills.

Willsall. Nothing was open, so we took pictures instead.

Crazies. Clouds began to lift a little.

Bridgers, Headed toward home.

Pause to take more photos of the lowing cattle.

He reminded me so much of one of our horses when I was but a wee lass. Cherokee . I learned to ride using the Hackamore on Cherokee. He was the only one of our horses that used it.

He was rather protective of his beauty. I can understand why. She is a charmer.

Thunder Jack wave us on our way. Clouds almost completely lifted from the Crazies.

But not the Bridgers.

More Autumnal blurr.

Nearly home. What a delectable drive. The company was pretty fabulous too.

Infatuation

2011-10-25T04:30:00.000-06:00

Bamboo iPhone case from Grove

When I got my phone back in July, I noticed the case of a friend of mine in England. She had ordered it through a company in Portland, Or. Mine (above) is no longer available, but there are a ton to choose from.

Woolen slippers

I've been jonsin' for these for a few years now...
My last pair of slippers gave up the ghost last year (along with the Christmas tree we've had from 20+ years!), so now I am back to trying to justify the price of these!

Simone Layne wrap

A good friend of mine has one of these and it is so lovely. I like nearly all the colors, but my favorites are the aqua, cream, pumpkin, and gray!

black sesame tamari crackers

I could eat these non-stop. Just the right amount of saltiness, thick enough to stand up to hummus or 'we can't say it's cheese', and gluten free / yeast free!

My friend Lisa sent me an invite to join this place a little over a month ago. I don't spend as much time as some do with their pinning of things to their bulletin boards, but I immensely enjoy finding something and knowing I can "put a pin in that"!

merrell boots

My little sister, Anna, had these & I fell in love. I just bought some in July at the REI garage sale and could barely wait for cool weather to hit so I could wear them! Waterproof, rugged, comfy.

smart wool - tights and socks

Winter is about to hit. It's frosty in the mornings, there is snow on the mountain tops ... it won't be long now. I don't have the kneehighs, and don't really want them, but the mid-calf and low ones I LIVE in. They are worth the pretty pennies I've paid! Every year a pair or two wear out and are replaced. Their patterns, the smoothness, & warmth - unbeatable!

andes peppermint pieces

3 bags have been purchased and I am holding off opening them until the snow comes. They are so bad for me. I don't eat candy through out the year. The only sugar is in my coffee in the morning. And that is just where these go!

2 moms in the raw - Blueberry granola bars

Malinda and I discovered these at Starbucks on our trips back and forth to WA to take care of my Mama. We just recently found them in larger packages where Cassia works at the Natural Market. We were SO excited. Pace yourself, Deea.
No added sugars, gluten free, and chewy!

Kinfolk

I've been a fan of Kinkolk for about 6 months. It's an online magazine about small, intimate gatherings. In my dreams my home is like the ones depicted in their pictures and stories. I love the styling, the colors, the feel ... Wish I knew how to achieve it with greater accuracy. Practice, and lots of stories and pictures, I hope.

Felted wool creations

We are having an homemade Christmas this year and it is pushing me to try all kinds of new crafts. Not that I object. This is one that I am really excited about becoming more skilled at!

What about you guys? What are you loving right now?

saturday - sunday

2011-10-24T11:04:00.001-06:00

Emerson - Winter market

New artist at Tart - wished we could have bought nearly every piece!

Cloud Nine Farms eggs.

last of the fresh raspberries this year, but I may be collecting some of their leaves for an arrangement! Beautiful!

I baked apple cinnamon muffins. Minda made spring rolls.

watched Bill again. I love his smile.

my own mouth was curved into a smile for most of the weekend. friends were in abundance. so were hugs, and encouragement, and food, and stories... and time to enjoy it all.

Blessed by this life I get to live and the others who encourage me to live it to the fullest.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life,” Jobs said. “Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

-Steve Jobs, 1955 - 2011

Putting by

2011-10-20T09:38:00.004-06:00

We harvested the remainder of the garden this week and pulled all the plants to get it reading to till under and compost for the winter.

There were so many green tomatoes I had to come up with SOMETHING besides our go-to salsa to do with them.

So armed with these books I am making my way through all 13# of green pear and cherry tomatoes!

Garlicy slow roasted green tomatoes are on the menu for today. Halve or quarter 2# pear tomatoes, toss with 1/2c Olive Oil and 2 heads crushed garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 325 F for 3 hours.

Along with our huge harvest of tomatoes, we also have the typical abundance of zucchini. I'm not a huge zuc fan. I only like it baked into things so, my answer every year comes in the form of Cuisinarts shredding plate, ziplock bags, and my freezer. :)

This winter we will be able to enjoy the scent of spiced breads and buttery crabcakes and know our time tilling, weeding, watering, and gathering was well worth every moment.

Poured Out

2011-10-14T07:38:00.004-06:00

Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.

William Shakespeare ~ Othello, II. iii. (315)

Oh some are fond of Spanish wine, and some are fond of French. However, I am most fond of whoever is pouring me a glass.
John Masefield ~ Captain Stratton's Fancy

The whole trip to Cali and Mexico we kept thinking how much fun it would be to have our friends with us. So, we decided the next best this was to bring the wine to them!

2 of our most favorite varietals were uncorked and served up with cheeses, olives, meats, chocolates, crusty baguettes, fruits, and crackers.

Laughter flowed freely. Troubles were suspended. Relationship was deepened.

All because we poured.

Patchin' up the day

2011-10-12T14:42:00.000-06:00

Without

2011-10-11T05:31:00.002-06:00

For the past 40 years I have celebrated today. It was special because she was. This year, today, it is simply Tuesday, October 11th. Nothing special. I am without her. I miss her.

At the same time that I am feeling loss, I'm also exultingly happy. A constant confliction of emotion, this heart of mine. Shaun & Anna gave birth to Judah, Oct. 9!!

Life truly does ebb and flow. Can't wait to meet this new little man and celebrate life!

These days...

2011-10-09T19:51:00.001-06:00

We seem to just be waiting for the first real snowfall of the season. The mornings are bitingly cold.

The knitting needles are fastidiously working.

The pond is quiet. It's usual inhabitants have flown.

The Aspens are turning. Quaking in the north winds.

Rain drops tease the ducks from the shore. One at a time.

Leaves are letting go. Dying softly.

Squash and gourds have found their way to the table. And other nooks and crannies.

Berries and vines have become entwined with Queen Anne on the front door.
Greetings.

We are also waiting anxiously for news of the safe arrival of our newest niece/nephew! Pins and needles! Hope and prayers.

Last day to be carried away {{7}}

2011-10-09T11:25:00.003-06:00

This was probably my favorite day. We spent the whole morning and afternoon wandering in an almost trance-like state around the Getty Villa. J was amazed by the age of the artifacts, I was amazed by the beauty.

trompe l'oeil ~ The only thing real is the door...

My favorite Muse

Neutered Hercules... hahaha - poor fella, makes it through all those impossible labors to gain immortality only to become a eunuch.

Floor tiling

Sarcophagus

I couldn't stop staring at these. Fascinating to think that someone took the time to place each little square in just the right color to achieve this huge mural.

For Minda :) My little elephant lover.

The fountain of Ulysses and Agamemnon.

Ulysses

Very alien-esque - don't you think?

Wine gathering and pressing

Does it look to anyone else like the little one is catching what the one on the ladder is expelling? Sorry. I couldn't stop laughing after I saw this, so I had to take a photo!

Reminded me of The Black Stallion movie.

... also for Minda.

J took on look at these and said, "Ah, the heads of state."

I could have spent the whole day right here.

When we left the Getty we went to Rosenthall Vineyards and tasted a flight of wines, then went and celebrated our last night at the ocean with Huge, Gluttonous amounts of crab legs & watching the paraboarders catch some serious air!

It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away

And find tranquility...

Carry Me Away {{6}}

2011-10-08T06:35:00.001-06:00

Uta and Joe were amazing hosts.

Joe mad us one of his renowned omlets. Stuffed with mushrooms and leeks, seasoned with tarragon and parsley... Let's just say I didn't bother with lunch that day!

Breakfast each morning in the courtyard caressed by Pacific breezes? It was heavenly.

James had arranged for an entire day of wine tasting.

Rancho Ventero in Oxnard; Petite Syrah

Magnavino in Oxnard; Barbaera - or 2nd favorite of the trip!

They served us cheeses with the wines and had lime water to cleanse our paletes!

See the little bag on the counter? Yah, we brought some home!

On to Ojai. The oldest winery in the Malibu area. Old Creek Ranch.

The grounds were lovely, but the wines? Not so much.
Moving along to the next winery in downtown Ojai we found several we could have tucked in our suitcases, but we settled for a Grenache from 2003 - it didn't actually make it home though...

Next was Camarillo & Bella Victoriana for dinner. Brooke, the vinter's daughter, gave us a little history and shared their wines with us as we ate. Believe it or not I finally found a Pinot Noir I like! Of course, after a day of drinking our way along the coastline, it may have been the wines before it clouding my judgement. I'm going to have to try it again in order to know for sure :)

Beautiful scenery to imbibe by.

The close of the day found us back at the B&B with a plate of cheeses in our room (set out by our hosts!) and a movie on the laptop while we snuggled. *sigh* I could SO get used to this!

Project Life

2011-10-07T14:05:00.001-06:00

Photo Credit - Jen Mefford, Little Bear Photography, Missoula, MT
Several of us from RMSP decided to continue challenging and encouraging one another by gathering our every days into photos. One photo. Once a day. One day at a time.

Join us on our journey:

Project Life

a photographic journal of being ...

Carried Me Away {{5}}

2011-10-07T10:17:00.001-06:00

R & R @ a B & B in Malibu

Me llevó lejos (That would be Spanish for 'Carried Me Away') {{4}}

2011-10-06T17:13:00.002-06:00

Last of our Mexico port of call. Dona Lupe' vineyards. Small, grassroots, organic, family run ~ our kind of place. Not our kind of wine, but I must tell you, we bought jars of their jams and sauces and wish they were available online or here in the states. It will be a sad day when we swallow the last drops.

They served us flatbread pizzas, and the hens were hoping for their fair share too.

Hacienda and new vines of Temprinillo.

Bee Hives! We were on the bus, jostling over a few of the kinds of rocks you see here - hence the blurr... sorry.

Wild Olives.

The local Pharmacy....

James stopped to buy a cigar or two for the Friday poker night with the boys. I couldn't resist capturing the Absinthe advert.

Time to head for home. Little did I know what James had up his sleeve for us when we arrived back in Long Beach.

Me llevó lejos (That would be Spanish for 'Carried Me Away') {{3}}

2011-10-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

Our next stop was Ensanada. We were whisked away from port for a full day of wine tasting. Though we weren't impressed with the wines, the wineries and countryside were lovely - and the heat was simply delicious!

Mexico's Oldest Winery, L.A. Cetto.

The wine makers sign the barrels when they are especially proud of a batch.

He was the yummiest part of the day.

The next winery was an organic, family run farm. Stay tuned...

Carried Me Away {{2}}

2011-10-06T08:48:00.002-06:00

And the Wind to Carry Me ...

2011-10-05T08:39:00.001-06:00

It's not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

Sailing
Takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free

~ Christopher Cross

Okay, technically there was no "sailing" involved, but it had the same effect on me.

Our community 3DM leadership decided that since it was the same price to rent out a room at a hotel and cater the meals as it was to take an all inclusive cruise to Catalina and Mexico, why not really 'get away'?

I don't think they got any argument!

I have a lot of photos to share, but the song lyrics express more of what went on in me than the photos can.

The wind was right. We were carried away.

more to come...

Harvest Gathering

2011-10-03T16:37:00.001-06:00

To Have and To Hold

2011-09-25T09:50:00.001-06:00

I love beauty. I'm deeply stirred in that fairytale, believer-in-wonder side of me when my eyes happen upon something beautiful.
People that can create beauty fascinate me. What a gift to be able to encapsulate ambiguity and make it tangible; able to be held & not simply behold.

Our family loves pottery. There is something so earthy in it's tactile quality that we find ourselves often just holding pieces of it, turning them over in our hands, running our fingers over the sweet imperfections. That's another reason for our love of it, I think. That it isn't perfect. Each piece has it's own personality and character.
When my Mama was alive we were both early risers. Both of us were up and ready for our days to begin by 4 AM. She would sit on her bed for the first hour or 2 reading, journaling, praying, or just being. Then she would wander out to the dining room and we would have tea/coffee together. Right before she passed away she gave me some money and told me to get something for myself. It was silly to me at the time. All I wanted was her. When she did pass and I was missing our morning chat over our steaming mugs, I knew what I would use her little gift for.
I began to search for a creator of beauty. Someone that could stir my heart; make me want to hold and feel, not just see, what they created. Emily Davis @ DiTerra Pottery was just such a creator.

4 months (nearly to the day) after Mama's death I'm sitting at my table, reading, listening to the geese setting off for distant horizons, watching the sun rise over the mountains, and cradling beauty in my hands thinking about how much she would love this morning. She would love these mugs too.

Thank you, Emily. Thank you.

Joining in the Rhythm

2011-09-22T10:13:00.002-06:00

Autumn has such a sweet cadence to it. Crisp mornings, warm afternoons, early evenings. Soups begin to be simmered, ovens are warmed after the long summer dormancy, and the scents of home glow with kindly invitation. And there are apples! Red and yellow and green; sweet and tart and crunchy. In WA where I grew up we had them coming out our ears, but here in MT they are a treat. And so ... we treated ourselves to a day in the orchard and came home with a bushel of delights.

I see apple pie, & apple crisp, & applesauce, & apple cider in our future!

School Days

2011-09-20T05:56:00.000-06:00

A dream came true for me last week. One I seriously thought was just going to remain in the 'dream realm'. I became a student. A Rocky Mountain School of Photography student. What an empowering, liberating feeling it is to learn and grow; to be challenged and encouraged to go beyond the boundaries of what you have experienced up to this point.

One of my only complaints is that classes are held in Missoula when Bozeman would be so much more interesting and fun to photograph. I'm biased, I know. :)
Thank you Kathy for your patient and continual support as we learned. Thank you Jen for being such an encourager and being excited to see us succeed.
And thank you Neil for making it possible; for giving us a place to come, discover, & become.

Off to go capture my world (with my tripod attached, Kathy)!

Courtyard Luncheon

2011-09-10T07:25:00.000-06:00

Seafood Fettucini w/ Lavendar

Rosemary Garlic Parmesan Fries with Mint and Lemon.

One Last HOORAH! {day 3}

2011-09-08T10:13:00.002-06:00

Look familiar? Pickleball was played more than once a day usually. In fact, after I was in bed on this last day, the 3 night owls went out for a moonlight set and one of the guys from the bar joined Minda as her doubles partner.

Lunch @ the lodge again. This time overlooking the water and pickleball courts. Our waitress was so great, and the food didn't disappoint. I had Mahi Mahi tacos and they were the best I had had since Kauai!

The girls had Huckleberry Lemonades, with berries picked that morning!

She seldom takes a serious photo - so why should I?

Poke wars. Yes, they still act like children.

The Sour Hucks and their imbibers.

Cassia and J are so alike. It's always reiterated when we are together for long amounts of time. One thing they both enjoy are long, deep, philosophical conversations. Minda and I just sit and make faces at eachother while they wax eloquent.

Fire, lakeshore, prawns... Ahhhhhhhhhhh ...

We had leftover black bean salad that we didn't mind a bit having a second time, and I added an Peppered Orzo pasta with Feta & a dilled mustard vinaigrette to the mix. It was gone by the end of the meal. :D

Can you blame her for hoping?

Then it was time for some S'mores action! I went a little different direction with them. We had Reeses Peanutbutter Cups instead of plain chocolate, and I found graham cookies instead of crackers!

Cassia and J hunted up some roasting sticks.

Needless to say, they needed no encouragement to dig in!

I can't have chocolate, but it didn't stop me from gobbling one marshmallow sammie!

Savoring the moment...

One Last HOORAH! {day 2}

2011-09-07T09:57:00.003-06:00

Awakened by sun through the firs. *sigh* I love getting away!

Priest Lake is calling. Time for a boat ride!

El Capitan

JOY!

Picnic on Kalispell Island. Scott, once again, cooked us lunch. Scrumptious chicken breasts in a non-sweet BBQ sauce!! For those of you who know me well, you know how happy it made me to not have to eat sweet meat. :) Glory-hallelujha-amen & amen!!! We brought crackers and hummus and cucumbers along from the cabin, sat on tree stumps near the water and soaked in the sun before heading back to the dock.

I think I remember my days by what I ate. My life seems to revolve around food :)

Time for some hickory smoked grilled salmon, peppery black bean salad with a red wine vinaigrette, & artisanal bread spread with herbed cream cheese!

No meal complete without a little 'ham'...

Another tradition - homemade, hand-churned ice cream!! You don't crank, you don't eat! We normally do this about 3 times during the summer, but this was our first as a family this year!

We chose coconut. It's all organic - because if they are going to eat cow's milk... at least they aren't eating the steroids and antibiotics! Nor are they eating eggs from chickens who have been tortured, deformed and filled with all kinds of drugs. (Yes, I'm a radical - deal with it)

Anticipation....

Always worth the toil and strain!

Cricket wishes there were some in her bowl too.

Finishing the day by the fire, with all of us scrunched onto the couch, listening to James Taylor and reminiscing about the delights of the day. Ahhhhhh....

No recipes for you today. They are family secrets. Closely guarded and delighted in (cue evil, maniacal laughter here) :D

One Last HOORAH! {day 1}

2011-09-06T19:36:00.002-06:00

We saw summer letting go of us, but we just couldn't turn loose quite yet. When the opportunity arose for us to spend Labor Day weekend in Idaho at J's childhood stomping grounds, Hills Resort on Priest Lake, we did a little happy dance and thumbed our noses at the waning season!

We ate lunch in the lodge when we arrived. The food here is prepared by J's friend (and the owner's son), Scott Hill. It was DELISH!

Then it was off to Pickleball and some friendly family competition.

I prepped for dinner while the others wandered.

It's a tradition to have a clambake our first night at the campsite, and we were all anxiously awaiting it!

Ending the day with a sunset on the water

and

homemade, fresh blackberry cobbler

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Recipes:

Clambake

2 # fresh clams, washed to remove what sand you can

1.5 cubes butter

1 head of garlic

1/4 c. water

salt & pepper

Shallots (optional)

aluminum foil

Line a bowl (deep enough to hold all the clams) with foil, leaving 2 -3 inches of overhang.

Place a couple pats of butter on the bottom.

Pour in clams, and top with all other ingredients. Cover with another piece of foil that reaches the edges of the overhanging bottom piece. Roll and crimp edges together to form a packet that will hold in the steam.

If you have coals rather than flame, you can put the packet directly into the coals. We had flame this time, so I put an iron skillet on the grate (borrowed from the BBQ) and put the packet in it. They take very little time. Too long and they will get dry! It's basically long enough to let the butter melt and seep into them, & let the steam heat enough to pop them open. Ours took 6-7 minutes. In coals it could be 10.

Cobbler~

1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup melted margarine
2 cups fresh blackberries
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water

Preheat an oven to 350. Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
Whisk 1/2 cup sugar together with the flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Stir in the milk and margarine until a batter forms. Scrape into the prepared baking dish. Add the blackberries, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar. Pour in the water.
Bake in the preheated oven until the batter has risen and the top is brown, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool before serving.

Just Your 'Garden Variety' BBQ!

2011-09-01T14:00:00.000-06:00

3 Nights in 3 Years

2011-08-27T16:33:00.000-06:00

Yet ...

2011-08-24T15:32:00.003-06:00

Summer days are drawing to a close. It's hard to let them go with the long, long winter we experienced this past year.
We still have some summer loves to live before it turns crisp and chilly - So back off Autumn!

* Camping at the lake shore.

* Clam bake at that same lake shore.

* Neighbors gathering & grill out at the garden.

* Harvesting, canning, freezing garden bounty.

* Long lazy float down the river.

* Hand churning ice cream one more time.

What are YOUR last days of golden light and warmth being filled with?

By the Sea

2011-08-19T10:59:00.002-06:00

"When I grow up I will travel to faraway places and return to live by the sea when I am old."

~ Alice Rumphius

Questions and Answers

2011-07-08T08:26:00.018-06:00

1. What do you want most out of life? Adventure and security, time without demands on it, a settled home where roots can go deep.

2. What do you want to see happen in the world? For the US dollar to be worth so much that it makes it easy for me to see the rest of the world. For human trafficing to be forever abolished; For children to be safe and cherished.

3. What makes you special? Nothing really. Anything of value in me is because of Jesus.

4. Things I can do/am capable of doing right now. Being aware of the great graces and blessings of this life I lead. Cherishing moments and days. Capturing beauty both with heart and lens. Smiling even though it deepens wrinkles and exposes crooked, & missing teeth. Letting others know they are loved, wanted, & unique. Choosing joy.

Happy Papa's Day

2011-06-19T21:41:00.003-06:00

the journey ends

2011-06-14T19:54:00.001-06:00

Don't Look Now... {2}

2011-06-08T05:17:00.003-06:00

How would I describe me?

Old and out of shape.

Kind, comfortable, & little.

Sassy, stubborn, wistful, & wishful.

Easy laugh-er.

I see me in their eyes. They don't describe me the way I describe myself.

They say I'm "GAHgeous" & cute.

Generous, caring, loyal, & hospitable.

They say I'm a dreamer.

Wise & stuffed with awesome.

Employee of the month, Mom, family oriented.

Jovial.

Chef & cuddler.

I want to be seen as a woman who is full of grace, talented, and a person of peace. I want others to be drawn to me ~ or see something in me that makes them look deeper & want to get to know me.

I wonder if they see a reflection of something larger than myself in me. Do I sparkle?

Don't Look Now... {1}

2011-06-06T15:00:00.006-06:00

The context of my life? Home, family, relationship. They are who I am. They are the environment and the substance that bring cohesion and sense to life - that tell me who I am, why I am here, how to fully live.
Who am I?
*I am an introvert. Deriver of energy from solitude. It isn't shyness, nor is it vulnerability - I just like to be alone. Family and relationship challenges me to expel energy - to let it overflow on them.
*I am an early riser. Watcher of the pink light of dawn through the firs. Relisher of the quiet stillness. Delighter in the languid hours.
*I am a devoted becomer. Dedicated to metamorphosis. Committed to the process of growth - of becoming.
I am a :
~ seed planter
~ decipherer of words
~ believer
~ audience & confidant
~ chronicler of memories
~ pupil
~ list maker
~ note taker
~ patron of the green grocer
~ organic / local/ slow food advocate and devourer
~ red wine imbiber
~ master (rather, mistress) of a Pekingese
~ wifer-for-lifer
~ mommy
~ auntie
~ sister
~ friend
~ cook
~ servant
~ thought provoker
~ coffee connoisseur /snob
~ lover & fighter (protector of whom I love)
There is probably more. In the past the list would have been much longer. Growing older has whittled away the requirements of me. The emerging image from beneath the knife's blade is someone I am happy to be, though.
There are roles I wish I was cast for. Ones that I still hope the whetted edge carves into me somehow.

What I can't say I am, that I so wish I could:
~ incessant world traveler
~ daughter
~ author of classics
~ head turner, *sigh*

Conner sings for his icecream

2011-06-04T20:54:00.003-06:00

Conner sings for his icecream a video by efiw on Flickr.

I had been trying to get him to sing to me all weekend, so when he asked one night after dinner for ice cream, I told him there was ice cream for anyone who could sing me the Doxology. :) Sneaky Auntie. Mama backed me up though!!
I adore his little "Elmer Fudd" sound.

Family Time

2011-06-04T19:14:00.001-06:00

Our first Memorial Day celebration with family in 5 years.

So good to be together again.

Carry me on my way... {5}

2011-06-03T14:08:00.011-06:00

"Today, and often times, joy is ... lilacs in the rain. And I don’t think Jesus minds that.

As long as I grab the joy and hold it for a while, sinking my face into the sweet fragrance of its blossoms, letting the juice of it run out the corners of my mouth, laughing all the while, the next time He sends some my way." ~Amy Sorrells

Once upon a time there was a girl in a calico dress, faded by years of washing, and drying in the sunshine. She wasn't the first to wear it. It had been handed down, and down again, and down again, until at last it had reached her. She loved it. The softness of the fabric, the tiny bit of lace at the sleeves and collar, the smocking around her chest. She felt beautiful in it. Her eyes didn't see the looks of the other little girls who wore dresses from stores that had vibrant colors and yards of lace. Her ears didn't hear their scornful snickers as she passed them on her way home from school. Or, at least, not until one especially wealthy little girl jumped in front of her and mocked her openly.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she ran home to an empty house. Mama was at school. Did the girls at Mama's school think horrible things about her too? Why would anyone say such things? Why would someone wish to cause her pain?

Time passed and the girl grew to be a beauty, inside more than out. Pain continued to be her companion, but it was a companion of strength not sorrow or saplessness. Mama had told her, that day long ago, that great joy lurks on the underbelly of ache & so she had gone about, forever turning it over, finding the delight beneath.

Today the calico is exceedingly faded. Faded but loved all the more by her own little girls who will wash it and hang it to dry in the sunshine for their own small ones.

end note:
The little girl of old now walks in high heels with painted toenails, & believes strongly in 2nd hand shopping & hand-me-downs. :)

Carry me on my way... {4}

2011-06-02T10:29:00.001-06:00

Home is a place not only of strong affections, but of entire unreserve; it is life's undress rehearsal, its backroom, its dressing room. ~Harriet Beecher Stowe

Life took a drastic turn two weeks ago when Mama left this world. I had prayed for her to go quickly and without pain when I made the decision to sedate her so she wouldn't get hurt trying to get up without help, but I wasn't prepared for her to go in a single day.

We'd always been close. Not that we hadn't both made mistakes, but we were not going to stay estranged because of them. Nothing had been left unsaid. We had spent the months previous basking in eachother's company and becoming a part of eachother's lives more deeply even than before. Still, I wish I would have taken one more moment to really tell her how much I love her.

J's parents took me into their home and cared for me sweetly while I prepared for Mama's home-going service, but nothing was right with J far away in Montana. He is my "home", and I was homesick.

I was anxious to be back in "life as normal"; sleeping next to him, laughing at his silly jokes, knowing he was home by his song reaching me before my eyes saw him, cuddling on the couch after a long day...

Now that I am here, I'm finding it hard to leave and go back to WA to finish up estate stuff. I just want to remain.

Maybe it's also knowing that Mama won't be there at the end this time. It'll be my first journey without her hugs, without her smile, without her.

Carry me on my way... {3}

2011-06-01T16:43:00.003-06:00

Born - to parents who had just adopted a son and were contemplating divorce. 10 months later they were; I looked just like my father...
18 months - Spinal Meningitis. Not expected to live. Proved them wrong.
2 yr - Car accident. 45 stitches across face. No scar.
8 yrs - first realization of how destitute we were and how cruel children can be. Begin journals and photographing life with Mama's camera.
12 yr - lie about a life. wish it were truth. Met Laura. One friend is worth more than a 1000 so-called's.
16 yr - met James in dance class. wrote all summer.
18 yr - married James, for love. Taught ballet, for love.

19, 20, 23 yr - Cassia, Christopher, Minda. Motherhood is a grace and a glory.
32 yr - diagnosed with Lupus. no cure. Prayer & faith work miracles.
35 & 36 yr - Korea. Kindness & respect ~ received and given.
36 yr - Daddy dies unexpectedly. So hard to not say 'good-bye'.
40 yr - Mama dies. 4 months after cancer diagnosis. 'Good-bye' doesn't make it easier.

Carry me on my way... {2}

2011-05-31T21:36:00.000-06:00

Travel. To & fro. 8.5 hours one way. Joy in the process.

Contemplative. Contemplate, wonder at, stand in awe. Be. Amazed.
The way (my way) seeks an ever-expanding level of fluency and grace.
We live in a fantastically big and small world.

Give more than take; allow future generations the same gift -

Wild Geese ~ Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting--
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

In the family of them ...

Carry me on my way... {1}

2011-05-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

Barefoot. Without shoe or sock, sole or stocking. Unclad, uncovered, undressed.
Grampa called me "Okie". Through grasses, across gravel, & over dusty trails with nary a shod tootsie.

Even today, in my grown-up world, it's all about comfort. Børn flip flops cradle my summer feet when shoes are necessary. Otherwise, without, I wander.
I've trained, unknowingly, my girls to follow suit.

Daily paths lead me to feel ~ to know the way by touch. Tactile. Rough, cold, grooved, cushy ... surface utterances communicated, articulated, understood.

Arriving at a destination fully aware of the pleasures, dangers, bumps and great leaps traversed amidst the trek.

My White Chili

2011-04-22T14:32:00.001-06:00

Assume the ingredients are organic, or local, and fresh!

I don't know anyone who make this the way I do, so I thought I'd share it with you. I'm loving being home and cooking for my crew again. It fills me with smiles. I'll post photos later.

1/2 cup water, divided
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
pepper to taste
2 tablespoons arrowroot

Pour half of the water into a saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the garlic and garlic powder, and boil until the water has almost evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Yogurt, parsley, and pepper. Mix the arrowroot with the remaining water, and stir into the sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

1 tablespoon sunflower / canola oil
2 shallots, roughly chopped
3 Large cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 c. diced jalapeno peppers
1/2 c. chopped green chili peppers (any kind - I used Serrano)
3 c. diced green tomatoes, with juices
Juice of 2 limes
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
30 oz. low sodium, low fat chicken broth (can sub veggie broth)
3 cups chopped, cooked chicken breasts (can be left out)
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans
1 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup shredded Jack cheese (optional)

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the shallot until tender. Mix in the garlic, jalapeno, green chili peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken and white beans and white sauce (from above). Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the mixture from heat. Stir in cilantro. Slowly stir in the cheese until melted. Serve warm.

Cornbread or tortilla chips for a side and dinner is served!

Walking New Paths

2011-02-25T15:26:00.002-07:00

We had to make an unexpected trip to Washington this week. We received some news that made the impending snow storms and slippery mountain passes of no consideration. It was just Minda and I. Our first such trip. I can't tell you how much I prayed as we climbed up into the fog. The rain was a sweet friend. Our trip was not for happy circumstances and it seemed only right to let it pelt the van with it pattering rhythms and clouded visions.

We drove in companionable silence most of the way. Photographing things that caught our attention, listening to Girl of the Limberlost, sipping our water - the endless highway ahead of us. When it began to clear I wasn't prepared for God's grace to flood over me, but it did.

A promise of His presence and protection. It was bright and big and full, and suddenly so was my spirit. Moses Lake came more quickly after that.

Then there were friends who wanted to get together, and business affairs to take care and, of course, the main reason we traveled over 3 mountain passes for 8.5 hours in the middle of winter...

My mama was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer. She is an amazing lady, though. Joyfully abiding in the life she has left, ready to enter the arms of Jesus if a miracle doesn't occur, and peacefully letting go of all this world has to offer... I cry because I'll miss her, 'naught for else'. She is coughing almost continually and wears out when a long fit occurs, but she takes it in stride. She is inspiring. I doubt, even with the promise of Heaven, that I would take it all so graciously.
My big brother, Kyle, was able to join us several days too. Including the night we arrived. His girl, Emily, snapped this photo.
It was a blessed time together. Just what I had prayed for. We'll be returning several times over the next few months. You can pray with us for continued safety and sweet times together.

news

2011-02-14T05:59:00.000-07:00

We're fording some difficult streams in life right now. Prayers coveted.

Shadow Play

2011-02-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

Working on some Valentines for the Parents of my ELC kiddos!

I'll post more about it later. :)

'Mist'ical

2011-02-01T06:25:00.003-07:00

Montana winters are long but constantly changing and, Oh! So enchanting.

Time with Minda

2011-01-28T22:05:00.002-07:00

I have a photo session Sunday in Springhill and wanted to check out the locale before the day. What a GORGEOUS day it was! I almost wished we could have done the shoot right then.
Minda has become mm nearly-constant companion these days. Running errands, photoshoots, even just quick grocery runs (because I'm out of floss and it's bugging me!) she throws on a jacket to ride along.

This day was no different. We shot this for Josh. That is Ross Peak behind Malinda and it was Josh's fave when he was here. Miss that fella. The snow out here was knee deep, but untouched. It was pristine! I can't wait to shoot some lovers out here! WooHoo!

Then came the drive home. Neither of our other kids had to go someplace special to learn to drive. We lived in the boonies (sorta) and just practiced going and coming on the backroads until they felt ready to conquer traffic. Minda, however, has had her permit since August or Sept. and this was the first time she got to drive (Other than once from our driveway to a stop sign. That experience made me say, "I think we need to go out of populated areas before you try that again.").
Still a tad nerve wracking for Mama even on the 25 MPH roadway with no cars to be seen (she likes to hug the shoulder... or piggyback ride it... or she is intensely polarized by the center yellow line...) but, we made it. She's ready for round 2.

The Thrills Keep Coming...

2011-01-28T10:43:00.001-07:00

Margotbianca's linens ~ Set me thinking of spring and toasty sunshine.

DiTerra's Starry Night Mugs. Summer nights. Fireflies. & swirling balmy air.

Shalet's felted acorns ~ There is something intrinsically delightful acorns. When they are felted and a beautiful blue the delight is simply mesmerizing.

Sewn Natural. I have Baby Nephews and Nieces on the heart. So many ambrosial diversions.

Wicked Pen. Alluring sweet little nothings.

Artyscapes seasonal tree pendants. I think I would wear them to signify my moods. LOL! Spring - feeling renewed & life is flowing, Summer - warmed & free; fruitful, Autumn - cozy, anticipating, letting go, Winter - quiet, mellow, introspective...

Christy's Bags! Oh My, Oh My, Oh My! I know I'm a little person, but I just love BIG bags.

Joom's notecards. & Everyday Grace's. Simplicity speaks to me. I used to, in my younger years, be into all the Victorian excess & foof & frill. The older I've gotten the more beauty I see in the lack of those things. I find I breathe more deeply in the uncluttered.

Earthart. ~ Dream are meant to be unaffordable, right? At least unaffordable for the dreamer. I love more than just the canvases above from Laura. I think I'd put one of her pieces in every room of my home.

What is thrilling you ?! Do tell!

Thrills & Guilty Pleasures

2011-01-27T16:57:00.002-07:00

Marimekko Lumimarja Fabric in grey/white/bue It's that soft robin's egg blue that sends me...

Belle & Boo. Seriously?! This has to be one of the cutest shops ever!

PapernStitch's Littleput Land's Birdy Magnets. I'm a bit obsessed with birds. I have been for years, but it's crescendoed in the past couple years to a vociferous weakness that overcomes me whenever I see them...

Janey Mac's wall art. We rent. This may be the only way I get COLOR! And what cuh-UTE color it would be!

Wild Roses Grow Birdie Printed/ Embroidered linens and niceties ~ Yah, I know, totally tweet!

MacCheek's Mayhem cosmo imprinted mugs. The other thing I would enter into the "Obsessed With" category would be trees & leaves - especially silhouettes! That, & I love pottery.

Reusable Snack Baggies by Bananasaurus Rex! Several years ago I stopped using paper towels, & napkins. I have been unable to get away from plastic, however. These are so adorable & a step further down the path I'm hoping becomes my way.

Playing Grown Up's chalkboard bunting magnet set ~Actually, Playing Grown Up in general ROCKS! Clothes Pin chalkboards, Love Notes chalkboards, a photobooth set of chalkboards... *love* ! What I would really love is an entire chalkboard wall but, again, the whole 'renting' thing.

Olive's Pillows. Complete & Utter delight. They make me smile.

Mayi's Sweet Notes. Okay, I have to admit, I'm a list maker, note taker, & a 'check-this-box' kind of girl. To be able to do it on something this darling? *Swoon!*

Ingote's Slippers. I need new slippers. Forever and a day I have wanted pretty & woolen ones. Ingote's are just what I see when I envision what would be perfect.

Max and Melody's slouchy hats. Another longtime love. See, I've wanted dreds for years ~ I now know I'll never have them, but I am smitten with the look of the hats. Now the look is 'in' for all, not just those with dreaded "locks"! :) Yay!

I have more to share with you, but I am out of time for today.
Hey! Something to look forward to!

After- thought

First Thing

Oh, Life ...

Scenes from the weekend

Around here lately...

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

In 2012 ~ from dissonance to consonance

New kid on the block!

Handcrafted Christmas

The Recieving of the Love

DPP '11 :: swaddled ::

DPP '11 :: all ::

DPP '11 :: texture ::

DPP '11 :: friendship ::

DPP '11 :: merry ::

DPP '11 :: flake ::

DPP '11 :: snip ::

DPP '11 :: welcome ::

DPP '11 :: Matthew 2:2 ::

DPP '11 :: wrap ::

DPP '11 :: with ::

DPP '11 :: longevity ::

DPP '11 :: goofy ::

DPP '11 :: outtake ::

DPP '11 :: drink ::

DPP '11 :: kinfolk ::

DPP '11 :: lunar ::

DPP '11 :: picked ::

DPP '11 :: new ::

DPP '11 :: chilled ::

DPP '11 :: snackin' ::

DPP '11 :: strung ::

Craving

iPhone Christmas Stroll 2011!

DPP '11 :: spiced ::

DPP '11 :: stitch ::

DPP '11 :: endure ::

DPP '11 :: beginning ::

DPP 2011

Young Love

Doubled by Wonder

Wherein J & D Fly Away & Return Home Again

Share

Nows

::presently::

Verde

Down the road

Infatuation

saturday - sunday

Putting by

Poured Out

Patchin' up the day

Without

These days...

Last day to be carried away {{7}}

Carry Me Away {{6}}

Project Life

Carried Me Away {{5}}

Me llevó lejos (That would be Spanish for 'Carried Me Away') {{4}}

Me llevó lejos (That would be Spanish for 'Carried Me Away') {{3}}

Carried Me Away {{2}}

And the Wind to Carry Me ...

Harvest Gathering

To Have and To Hold

Joining in the Rhythm

School Days

Courtyard Luncheon

One Last HOORAH! {day 3}

One Last HOORAH! {day 2}

One Last HOORAH! {day 1}

Just Your 'Garden Variety' BBQ!

3 Nights in 3 Years

Yet ...

By the Sea

Questions and Answers

Happy Papa's Day

the journey ends

Don't Look Now... {2}

Don't Look Now... {1}

Conner sings for his icecream