BOLD DELICIOUS LIFE

Playing with the ice

2010-01-20T09:32:00.001-08:00

Because we've had such little snow this year the ice formations are very clear leaving great designs over top of the autumn leftovers. I thought these leaves were beautiful with all the imprisoned bead like bubbles adding an interesting texture to the mix. It's been sunny and wonderful the last few days... a nice break from the gray gloom. Such a contrast from last winter.

Happy Faces...

2010-01-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

on Christmas Eve morning, our day of celebration. No snow this year- a 180 from last year... but it didn't quite feel like Christmas without some of the white fluff laying around, so Mike made a lovely fire and put on some crooners singing White Christmas to help out the mood.
Everyone got what they asked for from Santa, and though you can't see Mike's gift it was a GC to Fitness Fanatics for new gear. The kid's toys are getting more expensive... the bigger the kid the bigger the tag.

Our day was full of family and good food, lot's of laughter, and contentment in knowing we are blessed with a good life. In these trying times we are truly fortunate to live as comfortable as we do, and thankful for everything, every convenience we have here in America that make life easy. Thank you Universe!

Hope your Holidays were blessed and happy too!

Christmas with the Bold family

The annual Allen Family Christmas picture

2009-12-14T14:16:00.000-08:00

What's for breakfast these days...

2009-11-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

mmmm... green smoothies! That's right - kale, chard, lettuce, romaine and a whole lot of fruit. After attending a class at Fresh Abundance I was inspired to go green on the inside. And I have to say it's pretty good stuff. I feel good after drinking it- good energy, nice skin, clear eyes it seems to do a lot... not to mention other things I won't mention. It has become a ritual every morning to make a blender full for one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Happy happy body. I don't think I could sit down and consume that much green and fruit, but drinking it sure makes it easy.

Peppers and Pears

2009-11-24T16:31:00.000-08:00

I've joined a photography website and will be posting photos there regularly. This was the first submission from the assignment-kitchen. While our kitchen is nothing spectacular I think some of the food that passes through it is just that. The goal here is to have fun first, and to also improve on my images. We'll see what happens.

A friend...

2009-11-20T08:54:00.001-08:00

sent this article to me and I thought it was so very good I wanted to share it with you.

Tom Hennen has a line in his poem, The Life of a Day, that says,

“We examine each day before us with barely a glance and say, ‘no, this isn’t one I’ve been looking for,’ and wait in a bored sort of way for the next, when we are convinced, our lives will start for real.”
That line is a little bit frightening because you read it and realize you’re guilty. You’ve been waiting for that day when your life will start “for real.”

The trouble with life is that it’s just so daily.

I share this with you because I’ve been thinking about my two grandfathers who are dead and my father who is likewise and I’ve come to the obvious conclusion:

Live while you have the chance.

“Papa was a rolling stone. Wherever he laid his hat was his home…”
- The Temptations, 1971

In the final moments of his life, my father scribbled a note for me to find. In barely legible pencil he scrawled, “All the little things in life add up to your life. If you don't get it right then nothing else matters. It gets lonely in the promised land by yourself.”

My Dad died lonely, I think, because he never made deep commitments. My father’s confession of his loneliness makes me sad, but his scribbled note tells me he wanted me to learn from his mistake.

I meet a lot of people who sigh deeply and say they’re looking for their passion, something to set their souls on fire and send beams of light shining out through their eyes.

But the people with light shining from their eyes know this:

Passion does not produce commitment.
Commitment produces passion.

Solomon, that wise king, spent years of his life searching for passion. In chapter 9 of the chronicle of that search, the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

People read that and think Solomon is saying, "Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow you may die," but that's not it at all. He's saying, "Throw your whole heart into whatever you do. Live while you have the chance."

This is my Holiday gift to you,
I hope you will receive it:

Find something that needs to be done
and throw yourself headlong into it.

Let today
be the day
your life begins
for real.

Roy H. Williams

"May you live all the days of your life."
- Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels

OK....

2009-11-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

so I have no picture to show you of the kids drawings from Kopanga. I missed my chance to take a picture of the piece before it got framed and went to the event. Everything was nice at the event, over $13,000 in auction items. I'm not sure what the grand tally was but it seemed like most of the items had bids. There was not the turn out they had hoped for but with this economy I think it was the best one could get. I had my fill of trying to be the social girl for the evening- that's all I'll say about that, but it was great to hear some stories from the people who had already been to Kopanga. A wide range of experiences, and opinions of the situation there, some a bit opposing. I think I'll just have to see for myself.

On another note I got a new camera... rather my Mother gifted me a new camera - a Nikon D90, and I am absolutely loving it! My D70 was nice but this one is so much fun, and I know I have barely scratched the surface with what it can do. I feel some shooting days coming on... yeah!!!

What we've been up to...

2009-11-05T10:18:00.001-08:00

healing and painting for the most part. Bella is on the mend- downy hair is growing back on that goofy looking shaved leg just in time for cold cold, and we are half way to our next x-ray to show how the leg is healing... never mind that she snuck out the dog door to chase a deer in the back yard because I forgot to close the dog door. The one time I forget and out she goes- not just casually either- full bore across the entire yard and back after that deer. Lets hope that it didn't do anything, but I have my serious doubts. Not to mention several slips on the hardwood floors. I have run out of throw rugs to put down, so it's a patch work of rugs along the main travel routes. She graduated to getting to be in the whole lower part of the house. No main stairs for a good while yet. The word "SLOW" is drilled into her head and the questioning look she throws my way is thrown back with a, 'I'm serious! Your dad will not pay for this again so you better be good' look. Such a long healing process makes for one bored doggie.

On a creative note these are the items going to the P4P Auction on Friday the 13th. I love the bird photo. I played with it in photoshop with the watercolor filter and like the result. Printed on textured paper gives it an almost real watercolor look. It just so happens that the Red Shoe Event, which I usually donate a painted piece of furniture for, is the same night as the P4P Auction and in the same building. If the table doesn't sell at our auction I'll toss it next door to the Red Shoe!

The P4P group just got back from Kenya this weekend and with them brought a collection of hand drawn pictures from the children of the Kopanga area. I can't wait to see them! I will be collaging them together like a tiled mosaic for an auction piece at the fundraiser. Stay tuned- I'll put up an image when it is completed.

Oh Miss Bella...

2009-10-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

chasing that squirrel wasn't worth it in the end after all. Bella tore her CCL ligament and meniscus in her back left leg, a common knee injury in both humans and canines, and it comes with an expensive price tag and a long slow recovery. With three days into this I can see it is going to be quite a long haul. With a mind numbing regimen of medicines I hope Bella copes okay with the long required sedative state that she will have to endure. She's so sweet all drugged up- her goofy little eyes can hardly focus on anything, and she's so wobbly when she walks outside for potty breaks. These new knees are supposed to be really strong once they recover though... and now the goal is also to keep the other one from doing the same thing, which I understand is quite common. A month of absolutely nothing but going out for potty breaks, then a little walking in the house- no stairs, a big challenge if you've ever been in our home: every room is on a different level so we'll be residing in the family room for a month or so, and I will be very used to sleeping on the couch. Then at 8 weeks you start with 3-5 minute walks on level ground outside 2-3 times a day, then up to 10 minutes and so on until you work up to 30 minutes over several weeks time. It takes between 4 to 6 months for full recovery. I'm glad we're heading into the cold season so she won't want to go out as much.

Oh this little sweet girl- to think that some people said just put her down... inconceivable to me. As much as a parent loves his or her own child is how much I love Bella. It is an unusually strong bond I admit, but I can't explain the connection there is for me with this dog, more so than with any other animals I've lived with. We have a mind thing, an understanding of sorts... and a communication that is different than with any of my other existing animal companions. There is a lot of life left in her and she and I will get to see it on my watch.

I love you Bella girl, and I know you're going to be good and strong again... maybe you'll get that darn squirrel next time!

Another one on my list

2009-10-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

It appears that I will be going to Africa this coming June... Kenya to be exact... and even more exact- a small city called Migori and another even smaller village named Kopanga. After months of talking to the powers that be, that I needed something to happen in my life, some kind of adventure or new direction, a friend thought of me during conversation with someone she knows needing to find a photographer of sorts to document her group, Partners for Progress, charity work in Kenya. She passed on the information to me via email- repeatedly saying no pressure on this, you just popped into my head during our conversation. Well, what more can someone ask for. It felt like divine work to me! So on that note I talked to Mike and said, "I'm going... are you?"

Africa has long been on my list of places I wanted to see before I left this planet and it is now tangible. I dream of seeing the vast plains, and oh... the animals... the large herds, the elephants and lions, and to see and meet the beautiful people who inhabit this big land. If I close my eyes and think about it I can smell the warm air drawing me... closer and closer each day.
It is with such a full heart that I prepare for this journey, this adventure. It brings back the feelings I had prior to going to Peru- the feeling that my life was about to change, and so welcomed a thought. One can never be the same after traveling. Like Peru I know Africa holds ancient energy- and I know too that all I see will not be pleasant or easy to see, that my heart will bare witness to much human suffering, and as that acknowledgment is deeply felt I can in the same instance hardly contain the anticipation I feel to stand upon the earth there... to feel her, and soak in all that she has to teach me.

I have much to do and prepare for as I will be photographing the work being done at the clinic and telling the story of this village, Kopanga, so that others may see and be moved and inspired to reach out as these doctors and nurses of Partners for Progress have done. Check them out at- uspartnersforprogress.org

Thank you Universe! Bless you -bless you- bless you.

Can you guess what these are?

2009-09-08T16:29:00.001-07:00

Sunflowers

2009-09-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

I went to a sunflower patch and left all my worries behind. One can't help but feel happy with those smiling faces so bright and cheerful towering over you like tall friends reaching out to say "HI!"

This trip was made great by playing with the newest edition to my lens collection... a 50 mm prime lens... should have had it a long time ago it's so fun. Love the shots it took, and the wheat field with it's soft color against the sky made me feel so dreamy I had to catch it too.

My sauce runneth over...

2009-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

and my freezer is delightfully full. This is just one weeks worth of tomatoes if you can believe that. My plants were prolific this year, and the sun time is running out on the rest of the green ones waiting their turn to ripen. This has been a great vegetable season and not bad for the sunflower either... my giant flower friend. It is hard to believe that our growing season is coming to an end soon, and that we will be feeling the cold on our fingertips again. How fast these seasons shift... one into the next till already a year has passed. I wish a quick jerk on the reins would work to slow down the speed just a little... but I guess mother nature is on her own time and I must go along for the ride. It seems the ride speeds up every year. In truth I actually relish the shift into autumn, the tangible internal shift of wanting to make yummy warm and soothing foods, hot tea mornings and crisp walks with the dogs... but not quite yet my friends, not yet.

Thank you....

2009-08-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Mr. Bumblebee for all your busy work in my garden. Because of you I have wonderful things to eat! I love the connections in life- no matter how big or small... and it seems sometimes... OK, a lot of the time, it's the smallest things that are the most powerful links to success in life. Isn't that so grand!

Giant tomato plants...

2009-07-12T16:07:00.001-07:00

taller than me are quickly blocking my windows. They are amazing! And I tell them so every day when I water and look them over, count the tomatoes growing and look for signs of any mantis life. l am truly awed at how fantastic they are. I think they like being told they are amazing. Really all of my garden amazes me- that I can have food right outside my own back door is an incredible feeling. I keep saying that over and over, but I never cease to be amazed, amused, and delighted.

If all continues this well I will be busy canning this fall. Yay-that was the ultimate goal, plus having summer fresh produce. Thank you sun and dirt and water for the magic you make happen.

At a glance...

2009-06-30T12:01:00.001-07:00

this looks like an ordinary happy garden, and a lovely one at that- if you don't mind my saying so. All those future salads and red sauce growing closer to my kitchen daily...mmm. But, what one doesn't suspect is the army that I've been so impatiently waiting for, and it finally arrived this morning in the midst of all that beautiful vegetation. Beware other bugs... the mantis is here. Unfortunately they don't discriminate between the good guys and the bad guys, if they are hungry they will nab you regardless of which side you're on.

I just happened to peek at the egg sack this morning on my garden rounds, expecting the same thing I've seen everyday for weeks now... nothing... and what a fantastic moment to peek! There they were, hatching out right before my eyes- fascinating and creepy all at once.

I've always been fascinated with the Praying Mantis thanks to my fourth grade teacher Mrs. Waterman. Every year she would bring in a jar housing an egg sack for her class room to watch hatch, and then we got to keep one in the room to roam free till the end of the school year, thus my fascination began. Each child, also got to release a box of Monarch butterflies tagged with a number on their wings for tracking their migration. It was a fantastic sight to watch hundreds of butterflies released all at once- a cloud of color filling the sky. Thank you Mrs. Waterman for instilling a life long interest in bugs.

I love the mantis in logos and artwork, and spiritually speaking the praying mantis has long been honored by the Chinese as a symbol for meditation and contemplation- because of her mindful movements.
I am so happy for their presence in my yard, and am hoping for some to establish permanent homes here. We'll watch for egg sacks this fall. Oh God, I'm turning into such a garden geek! I love it!

Always...

2009-06-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bella and Sophie are two of the biggest loves in my life.I crack to think of life without them- though I know that day will come. Everyday is filled with routine, beginning with the bedside greeting of warm breath and an intent gaze that says wake up, wake up it's another day- lets get going. Then a jump up on the bed for some affection and the question I pose every single day "Should we go have some breakfast?" which is responded to with a cocked head and a wag of the tail. "OK" I say, as I drag myself out of bed put on my robe and glasses and make my way to the stairs where Bella waits for me before going down. She takes one step down, stretches into a down dog position, and I scratch her rump in front of her tail, she turns her head, smiles at me, and bolts down stairs. Sophie does a little dance as if getting up for the day and getting started is the best part of the day- and maybe shes right, that it ought to be greeted that way everyday; yay a new day- a new adventure! Dogs are really smarter than humans, they get it.

After breakfast we're on to the garden, watering, weeding, pinching, and maybe a few throws of the ball or a game of chase... then on good weather days a walk through the mini forest close to our house, in which great new smells are abundant and ripe for eager noses to investigate. A couple of treats and scolding barks as we pass the yapping white pip-squeek that lives on the corner and we're back home to do whatever needs doing for the rest of the day. One thing is for certain, my companions are never far behind and always happy to follow wherever the work takes me- up and down the stairs, into the laundry room, out to the garbage, into the kitchen and on the floor next to the couch when it comes time for a nap.

My heart will be full of these two... always. Whatever the effort, I am paid back ten fold in loyalty and love.

Priest Lake 2009

2009-06-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

This year, like all the others, was windy and rainy- while the sun escorted us out on our way home. Our same group each year, a few added and a few left behind, witness the ticking of the clock in year increments- with most of us heading into mid-life, and kids getting louder and crazier, older and cuter, our nights around the fire aren't as wild as in years past or as late, conversations have more of a political air than they used to, bodies creak a bit more, and lounging occurs much more frequently than hiking or biking. All the efforts, the discomforts, the laughter and silly drunken men, the giggles and tickles, bumps and bruises, and food galore make this a memorable weekend.

It is a group unlike any I have ever known. Year after year I learn more about these people, these friends, I watch them grow and learn to appreciate and love them all more- for all of their greatness and idiosyncrasies endear each one of them to me in ways I never would have anticipated.

Here's to another year at Priest Lake!

How does your garden grow?

2009-05-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

In just two weeks this is how my garden has grown... mmmm I can taste the fresh already! With the attractive deer fencing up and working so far, things are well on their way. Every morning I get up and peek through the blinds to see if I've accidently caught a deer- I don't want to think about that scenario. And so far the slugs haven't visited- but just in case I have beer ready and waiting for the occasion.

The nasturtiums are just coming up about an inch or so. I'm curious to try them on a salad- I've heard they are kind of spicy and they are so pretty sitting on your plate. Who would have thought to eat flowers! What a great thing energetically... to eat beauty.
Wishing you all well with your gardens!

One Tired Man

2009-05-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

The 24 Hour Round the Clock race over Memorial weekend takes place in Riverside State Park, and it was HOT this year. Unlike most of Spokane's Memorial Day weather- which are drizzly and cool- this one was dusty hot, upping the difficulty for riders to stay hydrated. A short run up the mountain starts off the first lap of the 24 hour race to space out the riders, then hopping on their bikes they are off on a 15 mile loop of crazy terrain riding as fast as they can. Mike was on a five man team, the Columbia-High Mountain Road Marmots. They rode a total of twenty laps- each rode four laps, one lap about every four and a half hours; not much time to hydrate, eat, clean your bike and your body, and rest somewhere in the middle of it all. It was grueling- but they did finished proudly and with minimal injury. They were consistent with their times- in fact one team member kept his same time of 1 hour 7 minutes for each lap including the night laps- impressive. Thanks to Columbia Sports Wear they had a great wardrobe of riding gear and looked fantastic as a team. Thanks Columbia!

Mike was too tired to reach up all the way and hit the bell at the finish line. The question now is will he do this again next year? I think we'll wait a few days for that question.

Cheers to the team! Such great effort and team support on all counts- good job Marmots!

What does one say to 45?

2009-05-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

I don't really know. I've thought it through, and well, it feels kind of odd to think that I'm half way through this journey- and, it feels great too. There was however no confetti cake for this girl- staying true to my roots German Chocolate was the flavor of this birthday.

At 45 I am comfortable in my body now, and life doesn't throw me around as much as it seems it used to, or maybe it does but I just go with it instead of fighting it. Should I be doing something wild and unexpected or do I reserve that for the big 50? I'm sure everyone goes through some passage right about now. I've lived half my life, now what? What contribution have I made, what contribution do I want to make... should I make...I have no offspring to leave behind... I am the end... do I need to leave something behind? Maybe I should just eat another piece of cake, go shopping with my birthday money and think about it later.

The one strange thought that crossed over me with this birthday is with the state of the world, and feeling like it is all shifting- getting ready to crumble and rebuild, I felt an odd recognition that I wont be here to see how the story ends- so to speak. I know the story will never end here on earth, but I was feeling sad to know that I won't get to (physically present) see how it all turns out, and I do really want to see what happens with humanity. Will we get it? Maybe I'll just have to negotiate coming back again. Or maybe another forty years will see a glimpse.

Hmmm... on to cake.

In my yard today...

2009-05-08T10:23:00.001-07:00

yes, more birds- never tire of them in my presence.They refill my joy tank and sustain my hope in the world. Mr Robin here was quite a beautiful sight sitting in the blooming cherry tree. I must get to painting some of these birds soon. Perhaps after my garden gets planted this weekend.
I've not see these in my yard before- they are White Crowned Sparrows and so cute with their little striped caps. They've been twittering about in one particular bush by the bird bath every day and they don't seem to mind posing for the camera- I hope they stay for the season.A broken tile that I placed in the moss still peaks out... time to trim the moss a bit. I like seeing the dragonfly when I walk by- it's starting to get crusty and old looking- my favorite look for little spots of treasure.

Another Confetti Cake...

2009-05-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

and a soon to be new driver on the road. Do you remember the feeling of getting your first car? Maybe it looked something like this- the excitement on Alix's face was priceless... ahh freedom!

Seventeen years old sweet girl... you are growing up so fast, and such a great little, well... tall, chicklet you are. It's been fun watching you grow up... enjoy every moment Miss, and Happiest of Birthday's to you!

A Creative Breeze...

2009-05-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

blew about me last week and this is what transpired. I'd wanted to do something for above our bed and I mulled it over along time... months in fact. Last week inspiration hit and I painted like crazy for three days.

I love watching the birds in my yard, and look- one found it's way into my bedroom. It was just the right feeling to put me to sleep and greet me in the morning. I don't know why I haven't thought of painting birds before, I guess because they have just become a fascination in the last couple of years. Seems natural to follow up photographing them with painting them huh? Some drawing practice is in my immediate future I think.

So this is the first image- and I think I will try some more. Smaller scale. Using cheese cloth over the masonite was an interesting texture to work with and I liked it very much along with the seams it created in connecting the pieces to cover the whole board. It feels blissful to paint again.

Really?

2009-04-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

New Condo going in....

2009-04-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

just have to figure out where- and get the ‘‘for rent" signs up. Might be too late for this years tourists, but isn't it cute. Some long bearded old guy sitting on a North Division corner lot was selling these handmade houses during one of our April hail storms- I just had to stop and buy one; I mean if someone is going to ride out a hail storm... you have to support that!

Seeds of change

2009-04-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

I sat on my land yesterday and listened to her speak. She was soft and supportive, and strong- so very strong. I could feel her pulse; I felt sublimely alive, and thankful for being a steward of the little piece of her that I live on. We are going to work more with her this season and accept all that she will graciously give to us with deep gratitude.

Nothing fills me more than to have my hands in the raw energy of the earth, to get my hands dirty with life and green. Our bedroom window flourishes with tender newlings waiting for warmer days to come, while the yard gives up more grass to allow green of a different texture and color to grow. Joy and humor, tired muscles and satisfaction fill my being tonight.

Our green room.

My cute hunk of a husband playing Farmer John for me...
who could resist that smile! Thanks farmer boy.
Walla Walla sweets going in- four rows this year... it's going to be a sweet summer!

Bella delegating from the sidelines.

Whirrrrrr....

2009-04-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life is better in a blur.

My favorite today...

2009-04-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Eight little deer sprung into my yard this morning in the sunshine and finally emerging spring.

I caught this sweetheart in the birdbath without her knowing- she was so beautiful with her big brown eyes drinking the cool water. Thanks little beauty!

Ah, Confetti Cake...

2009-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

still the favorite at fifteen. Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jaren...

New bike shorts, new pedals, new helmet.... hmm, no question what you'll be doing more of this spring. And just to break in those new shorts, Dad took him on the mountain loop ride close to our house for a short, but steep ride, to which Jaren replied upon his return, “I smoked him!’’

Ahhh fifteen.

I must ask myself

2009-03-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

How has a species so beautiful, so intelligent and social, and so close to us in emotion, been so hated for centuries? What makes people hate these magnificent creatures? Even hate coming from leadership- declaring that they will be first in line to kill one of these creatures- is that leadership? I can't understand that kind of leadership, and it seems that a vast number of people in charge have some pretty strong feelings against these animals. It makes my heart ache, and sickens me to know the slaughter that is on its way, that we still have so far to go... our humanity still light years away it seems from respecting all of life? One does not have to be a lover of wildlife to honor and respect its presence.

Myths aside, I cannot reconcile in my mind why the wolf has been so persecuted- except to understand it as fear. We fear what we don't know, and I think rather than really knowing or having the willingness to try and understand, people just believe what they hear, or what they are told is truth, rather than using their own minds to investigate and decide. Anything a wolf has done I ask us to look within our own society, and ask ourselves have we not done the same. We kill for many less justified reasons, yes? How is this different than they? Have you been to our jails, to our own slaughter houses? We take care of our families, protect and provide food, punish those that do not live within our rules, we love and play, and express affection much in the same ways. So who is the wolf here?

If population control must happen, and I don't honestly know what is right here, then at least let it be done in humane ways... let us act with reverence to these life forms- then leave them to be free.

Everything New

2009-03-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

New homes, new fish, new names. While my friends are having babies, I'm having more fish. Something new to feed my nurturing side, but much easier than human babies.

Our pond goldfish that came inside two years ago, due to over heating in the summer and sadly the only two that survived, have survived in a large vase on my kitchen counter since then. While Ignorance is bliss-I have succumbed to terrible guilt because of this fish ignorance. I had no idea how much space these little guys actually require, if one wants to be a good and responsible pet owner that is. Many people keep goldfish in a bowl, but did you know that they require 10 gallons a piece ? I didn't know that until lately. I noticed they had really out grown their vase and decided they needed a real home, so I started to research about goldfish and was shocked to find out how badly I had housed them. Though I changed the water twice weekly to keep it as ammonia free as possible, they were grossly under housed, and quite the troopers to put up with their 3 gallon vase. Now they have a 29 gallon tank with nice river rocks, and plants, and a new spotted buddy, a Sarasa Comet; I couldn't resist his showy color. I'm in need of a new name for this one... I kind of just like Comet. Yes, I think that is a good name, Comet. The goldies are too hard to tell apart so they are just little pesche doro's... Italian for goldfish.

My fondness of fish is growing. I've been eyeballing my wall in the front living room... it is big and empty and perfect for a large built in tank... but that is getting far ahead of myself. I do adore my fish though.

Every morning I'd sit and have breakfast in my kitchen and watch my fish, a simple joy. They would beg at the top when I fed them, and swim close to the edge of the glass when I put my face real close, curiously watching... and yes I talk to my fish like I talk to everything else. So moving my goldfish to the family room meant I could only see them at night when I was sitting in the family room, and I missed seeing them when I was working or eating in the kitchen.

Needless to say the vase now has 5 new tenants, Gold Danios, and they stay small, small as in 1 to 1 1/2 inches, so I am happy again, happy in both rooms, though it is a little more maintenance. Mike thinks I would have a zoo if I could... I'm not sure he's too far off, but for now eight little fish, two dogs, and a geriatric cat are plenty in the Bold household.

This was home to the Goldies for two years,

and now home for the Danios.

These are the 5 Gold Danios

Comet is in the middle. Isn't he so cute.

If you want to see some amazingly beautiful zen aquariums by Takashi Amano watch this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adDeLAdWnHM

It's quite impressive with it's simplicity and beauty. Some of my next goals...

Do they know something we don't know?

2009-02-10T16:23:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise when I looked up from my computer and saw Robins flitting about my front yard. A whole flock of them! Is the weatherman holding out on us, or did the Robins misread their flight plans? I don't know, but it brings me joy every year upon their return. It is definitely a sign that spring will be knocking at my gardening shed soon, and I certainly don't have any complaints about that. I took a few artistic liberties with Mr. Robin in the photo below; he looked so great against the spikes of heavy frost that morning. I think this would actually be a great painting study... large scale. Hmmm, maybe...

Inspiration has finally...

2009-02-09T13:00:00.001-08:00

found me again. And though you will not find me sitting on a pew, or bowing my head and crossing my chest, I was greatly moved to take these late evening shots of the mist filled sky and crosses on top of St Als at the Gonzaga University campus. I think it was my reward from the universe, for sitting through the basketball game at Jack and Dan's Bar, to drive by and see this amazing image before me. I made my husband drive back around the block so I could get out of the car and snap a few shots with my new little cool pix camera. It caught some interesting images with the heavy mist and fog in the air... and I almost didn't do it; I almost went home without acting on the creative urge. It was nourishing to my soul, and a gentle reminder to do it more often; do it meaning- to act on those impulses, that split second that pulls me to another place and time for just a moment, and in acting, moves me to a new realm of being. It is magic really. I think that must be how living in the moment works. When you pay attention, and act on it, the pay offs are great, and I think that they have potential to bring about significant change or direction in the persons life. I think of being able to sustain that at all times ... how rich my life would be, and how differently my path might move forward. Just that moment of inspiration, standing in the fog, feeling the wet of the mist kiss my face, gazing up at the silhouette of the crosses against the sky, being so present in that moment, has for some reason motivated me to write on my blog again, and it has been five months since my last post. I can't say why I stopped -I just did. So here's to following those moments... big or small!

Can you say tomato...

2008-09-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

how about forty three pounds of tomatoes... small tomatoes at that. Wonderfully sweet, organically grown by one of the only organic growers on Greenbluff. But with that being said they were small, and that means lots of peeling... what did I get myself in to?

Eleven quarts of canned... because I fizzled out on the canning process too early on in the project, but... fifteen bags of chopped frozen maters, five quarts of spaghetti sauce which is fabulously tasty, and a couple pounds of dried cherry tomatoes which will soon be popped into a jar of olive oil and herbs for home made pizzas later on, or to eat with a favorite chunk of cheese from Saunder's cheese market.

In an effort to become more self sustaining, and to support my local farmers and economy, I have also gained a genuine appreciation for the women and men of yesterday who worked solely to provide their own means of sustenance. What a full days work... rewarding but hard. It feels good to see my shelves full of wonderfully nutritious food that contains nothing but the food.

I have come to understand the phrase, "Eat as close to the earth as possible." We have lost that I think, out of ignorance and the desire for a life of convenience. I'm not sure I want convenience over nutritional value, respectful farming and raising of my meats any more. I've been turned and there's no turning back now.

"Ignorance is bliss," they say, and now I understand this too. And to be a queen of quotes in this entry, "With knowledge comes great responsibility," of which I now too fully understand. It is responsibility that cannot be denied once you have found out a truth about the workings of our world. This year I have been bombarded with eye openers almost too much to absorb, but at the same time grateful to have seen and been made aware. So as much as I complained about preparing these tomatoes, I am thankful to have had tomatoes to can and dry and freeze. And I will continue peeling more tomatoes, and apples, and pears, and other staples because now... I understand.

Thank you Farmer Cole for respectfully growing our food... I'll see you soon for apples and pears.

Aren't these toms just beautiful!

Peep Update

2008-08-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Flying lessons today. The peeps are up and out of the nest trying out their wings. Mama is busy trying to keep track of them all, and I'm trying to make sure nobody ends up an appetizer in Bella's belly. Seems like feathers sprouted overnight while we were gone to Seattle to a Steely Dan concert... no more little bald heads... lots of puff and fluff happening. I finally identified these as Hammond Flycatchers, pretty common, though I've never noticed them before in the yard. Well they'll be off and away to college soon. Thanks Flycatchers for a fun summer of watching. Come again next year!

Four Babies!

2008-07-25T18:09:00.001-07:00

Wow Mom that's a full house! Lots of little squeeky peeps today coming from the nest, and I finally got to see the babies stretching those wide open mouths up waiting for Mom to bring dinner. Soooo sweet!

OUCH!!

2008-07-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

A boy and his bike meet the dirt. He was a tough patient sitting through the scrubbing and peroxiding of his newest future conversation scar. We decided that in order to pick up chicks with this new wound he needed to have a more exciting story than, " I wiped out on my bike", so we thought up rock climbing, sky diving, being in a fight... and settled on the rock climbing version of, "Well I was climbing to the top of El Capitan when I lost my foot hold and slid down the face 10 feet before catching myself." That should pull em in we agreed... and we were all done cleaning and bandaging. I'm sure fellow bikers out there in the world display some similar scar versions on your legs... they are nasty scrapes.

Does anybody know...

2008-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

what kind of bird this little guy is? It is the one in the nest on the patio, but I can't identify it. There are two of them and they have been flitting around, back and forth to the nest... we think feeding babies, and being very watchful of the nest, not straying too far from it.

They are so cute and tiny... I'd really like to know what they are.

Mike is closing in the patio soon to make a wood shop which will cut off part of the access for these two little parents. I'm hoping it will all be okay and not too disruptive. I know it's just a little bird, but I feel very protective of them... they've worked so hard it seems to make this nest and have these little babies, I just want them to be successful. They didn't choose the best of places to nest, but if we can just get them grown and out of home with no damage I will be happy. Good luck little mama.

Our summer yard...

2008-07-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

is so beautiful and green right now with flowers and veggie's growing. I've been playing with veggies more this year and having so much fun learning... and eating. Last night we had a whole dinner from the garden... minus the chicken, but it was seasoned with fresh cilantro and walla walla sweet onions grown from our dirt. What a great feeling to eat your own home grown food. I'm addicted... it feels like magic really. I've been reading and planning for next years space already, and have added more garden space with a late start on more potatoes and carrots. I think they will still have time to grow before the cold... everything is already up so fast. The empowered feeling of being self reliant is kind of addicting too... hmmm seems a lot of people have lost that feeling or maybe never even felt it... I think it is greatly on the rise however from what I've been reading... and I think I've been slow to get on the wagon, but wow it's great!

Putting away my tools lately I glanced up and saw this mess of debris piled on top of the old alarm system sensor on our back patio. I couldn't imagine how it got there it was such a mess, stringing all down the front of the sensor like someone had just thrown a wad of gunk up there. Upon closer inspection I realized it was a bird nest though it seemed empty, or so I thought. Climbing up on a ladder to see better confirmed that it was in fact not empty as this little beige head with black shiny eyes peered out at me... holding perfectly still as if trying not to be noticed. Oh a little mom on my back patio and I didn't even notice. She is so sweet sitting there. She sneaks away and sneaks back so carefully watching before she flies back to the nest keeping it safe from predators. I'm a little concerned when the juniors try out there wings for the first time... between dogs and hard concrete below.... hmmm...well I might have to try and remedy that somehow.

Simple joys.

Aaahhhh Summer Vacations...

2008-07-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

another week here and gone... so fast, in a blink we were there and gone it seems. But it finally felt like summer... hot days and cool drinks... strolling in the water feeling the waves come in and wash the sand out from under your toes. Heaven. Priest Lake is a most beautiful place and has an old charm about it... an air of family traditions. People are friendly and happy and not in a hurry... content.

Everyone had fun this year, with friends to play and be silly with, and compete with... and dunk, how could you not have fun. Lots of time to read and bask in the sun... taking afternoon naps on the beach and relishing the lack of needing to get something done. No deadlines or phone calls... well maybe a few... but in general a much needed reprieve of responsibility for the bill payer of this vacation.

It was a beautiful week with one wind storm in the middle of it that blew in big clouds and blew down a smattering of trees. It's kind of nice to have a small break in perfect weather, it makes all the other days feel so welcomed... though I heard of the awful fire in Spokane due to the winds, I felt bad for those families affected and wished for them to find there way through such devastation with peace and strength.

Until next year thanks Priest Lake for another year of vacation memories.

We celebrated our 7th anniversary while there with a wonderful savory dinner at Hills Restaurant. Praise worthy. Our taste buds were in heaven. For the supposed seven year itch we still seem to be pretty happy. Love continues to grow in new and different ways all the time... changing and morphing us into something far different than those first few months of intoxicating romance. So much deeper the acceptance and respect for one another... the allowing of the other person to be who they need to be and supporting that growth with attempted understanding... not always found or expressed but certainly sought after in our hearts. It is a continual weave that we dance and separate, dance and separate with each re-acquaintance a new stitch in the design. I hope for a beautiful blanket when we are all done, one of many colors and textures of years of joy and trial... of respect and appreciation... with the hope that a little glint in each others eye of that first love that brought us together will still sparkle somewhere... and that we will never grow too old or too grouchy to hold hands. I love you sweet man, Happy Anniversary.
This was one of the first cabins ever built in Priest Lake, though you cannot see it well it is a log structure. While out shooting I saw this on the main road and spoke with a couple that was working to take it apart, lovingly piece by piece. The front porch and windows had already been taken out, and the tongue and groove old floor was being worked on next... piece by piece disassembling the whole cabin. What a labor of love. They purchased this cabin and the structure next to it (no photo of it) which was an old gas station, and are moving them both to Ione by the end of the month... good luck to you!
The Golden Poet- my favorite shot from this trip. A little artistic freedom used here ... just a little though... but I love it so much I think I'm going to print it for above our fireplace. It held such magic... and peace... and beauty... I'd like to revisit it often.

Playing in photoshop...

2008-06-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find my way creatively again. So I've been playing in photoshop with photographs I've taken, and photos of parts of my paintings turning them into new images. It's a good way to teach myself a new skill... I'm not sure I have found quite what I'm looking for yet, but I hope it will come if I just keep playing.

I find myself being a bit bored and wanting to be productive in some form again, through self means, not through employment mind you. So come on Universe come play with me...

Camping in the rain...

2008-06-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

blustery, soggy, and cold we still managed to have some fun. Just outside the little community of Coolin at Priest Lake we had a fantastic camp site with a cabin that sleeps twelve, a small kitchen, and two bathrooms with showers. Yes warm showers!... our saving grace in the cold. It was the perfect combination for camping with a few comforts of home. We had lots of space for the tents, and of course the traditional blue tarp village.

The kids found plenty to do, keeping all the Mom's on their toe's for kids exploring the lake in their rain boots. Feeding salted peanuts to the bluejays who squawked, "More, more..." was an ongoing entertainment. Those poor birds probably woke up with huge puffy eyes... and high blood pressure by the time we left.

We huddled by the fire day and night, never letting the flames rest. Lots of good food, and snacks galore, some critters, some birds... and a moose strolling by, no sunshine peeked through till we packed up for home... but good memories were made, and some good shots too.

Spring Spiral

2008-05-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

I love this shot. Of all the wonderfully creative people I know, and I know some great one's, none of them can design quite like good'ol Mother Nature. So I challenge any one else out there to find an amazing spring image that displays your favorite design and color. I am always partial to the sacred spiral... you can find it everywhere... and green, well what more is there to say?

Purrrrrfect

2008-05-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

After the Parade

2008-05-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

It was roasty and crowded... the first hot night in a long time for the Lilac Parade. Alix looked great in the night light... making High School memories. I ran through the park following another mom hot on the trail of her kid just to get this shot. The lighting was hard to get anything too great plus following a moving target... this was the only one not too blurry, but it caught the perfect feeling. I like knowing that she will get to see this years later and remember that night.

It's fun capturing moments for your kids.

The rest of the evening walking back to the car, a small adventure in itself, was absolutely beautiful and balmy. The moon was circled by a rainbow ring, and the water was a torrent down the river making crashing waves of white frothy water spraying everywhere. Awesome, and kind of scary the feeling... it's power so fierce it commanded an instantaneous respect.

A fun night with my camera, and a semi-patient husband indulging me in my frequent halts to snap one off. I think I might roam more often at night, it's a whole different world of light that intrigued me and my camera.

A Trip To The Nursery

2008-05-14T08:13:00.001-07:00

BJ the bird greeted us at the door and offered to pose for a picture quite graciously, then did a little clowning.

Shocking reds... the perfect lipstick color, were glowing they were so vibrant, and the smell of the moist intoxicating air was like a mini vacation. I could have laid on a lounge all day right in the middle of it all... "A Margarita Please?"

Note the lovely model in the latest of floral hair accessories. Isn't she splendid in pink!

We found ourselves in a mini version of Arlington Cemetery.
Thanks Upriver Nursery, I had a lovely visit!

Morning light ...

2008-04-24T14:10:00.001-07:00

is my favorite light. Everything starts over with a fresh view, a glow of magic to erase the worries of yesterday.

The buds are just peeping out on our Japanese Maple tree... it is my favorite color combination, spring green and red,,, perfect decorator colors, shoe colors, purse colors and soft raggy t's.

I am happy to see spring and finally feeling like it is really here, with the promise of consistent yard work soon, my saving grace this time of year, I've been planning, and dreaming up and trying to justify some new plants that I love the look of... but where to put them, and perusing garden magazines at length in the isles of Home Depot. By July I will fizzle out and be tired of the daily weeding and fussing. But for now I will dive in with all my heart and watch things grow, and plant my veggies and love that I can do this, and that I had loving demonstrative women in my life who instilled this in me, and taught me the importance of working the soil and touching nature and nurturing the things that will sustain me, and give me life and fulfillment. Mmmm the wonderful feeling of dirt... soon my friend ... soon.

Mmmmm... spring bugs!

2008-04-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

Silly girl Bella. One of the first nice days to hang out in the sun and she eat bugs. What better way to spend the day.

It's here...

2008-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

sunshine and spring finally feel like they've arrived. Walking down by the river I was gifted by many little treasures... these were a few of them, they brought life back to my soul... a gleeful rebound from the perpetual snow this year.

I love spring and the "Ahhhh' feeling it brings. Where have you walked lately?

Saturday at the Caucus...

2008-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

I didn't feel so bad to be inside all day with it snowing. Yes it was the 5th of April... the 5th of April... snow. Earlier in the week it had been beautiful and sunny like spring normally is, and I was excitedly looking forward to some yard time, then I remembered I had the caucus to attend. So the snow helped assuage my ego's regret. As an alternate I was happy to stand in just in case a delegate didn't show... I didn't know it would be nine hours of standing in. We had two delegates not show up for our precinct, so I'm glad I could be there to fill in and do my part for Obama, even if my buns regretted ever saying yes. We had twice as many delegates for Obama over Hillary. A total of 555 delegates showed which was fantastic. Washington State is the leader nation wide for caucus attendance... good for us I say. It is kind of exciting to be a part of the political process... though I had my fill for a while.

People running for upper positions gave their short speeches one by one, same thing over and over again... until one old gal got up and said, " I've been a women for quite some time now... I'm voting for Hillary because I have a vagina!" WOW... what does one say to that... the crowd was silent. You go grandma!

Hours and hours of waiting, knitting, reading, snacking, listening to loud opinions fly about and vaginas boldly flapping their mouths, and in the end we got kicked out of our room because we still weren't finished. We had to stand in the lobby and wait, and wait some more until finally at 6:00 pm, two hours after the declared closing time, with a third of the people still hanging in there, we did our last vote of the day, the electing of the next batch of alternates for the State Caucus... for which I did not volunteer.

All in all It was an enlightening experience, and I now have an appreciation for what the truly dedicated people do in these campaigns. It is a huge undertaking, and a great commitment of time, patience, and passion I think, to be able to put up with it all. I'm glad those people exist because I would fizzle over night. Thank you to those who are so dedicated.

Out the window...

2008-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

of Mike's office building, across the street and through a parking lot there is a photographer's studio. His roof is a wonderful garden in the summer with lots of pepper plants in various varieties, and veggies and flowers too.

I particularly like the way it looks during the winter, so since winter is still visiting us on March 30th, I thought I would capture it's look before it is cleaned up for growing season again.

Winter Rebuttal

2008-03-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

In response to spring's second day, winter had something else to say... a confrontational challenge of snow upon spring's newly forged green, a conversation sure to end in opposition. If only they could stand apart from themselves and see from out here the merge of visual delight they play upon one another.

It's Official...

2008-03-05T14:16:00.001-08:00

the Robin's are back! That means spring is on its way. I can finally see little peeps of grass where my yard is suppose to be. I think it's still under there. I will be happy to get my fingers in the dirt... get things ready for planting. But for now I'll just have a cup of tea, and watch the sun melt all that dingy winter wonderland away.

There is...

2008-02-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

NOTHING FALSE ABOUT HOPE

YES. WE. CAN.

www.dipdive.com/

My Thought Exactly

2008-02-02T19:34:00.001-08:00

Wouldn't it be great if we could all just pull one of these faces when we really needed to. Maybe to your boss when he/she turns to walk away from you after telling you something you didn't want to know... or a co-worker, or the lady standing behind you in the grocery line, or to your sweet husband... or your dog when she throws up three piles of bird seed that never should have been in her belly in the first place, or to your teenager who after living in the house with you for the fifteen years they have been on this planet still set their dishes in the sink when the rule is put your dishes in the dish washer which is right next to the sink... or simply for the fact that sometimes you just have to break out of your self and do something silly for no reason but pure silliness which was what this photo was really all about.
.

Snow Play

2008-01-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

Laughter and play filled my backyard wonderland, both two legged and four legged kids had fun jumping in the drifts and snowball catching. I love when my yard is full of activity and joy.

My Bells...

2008-01-27T21:51:00.001-08:00

I really like my bells though they are silent for most of the winter they still hang in the trees reminding me that soon they will have something to say. They wait for a warm breeze to gently coax a song.

The King Of

2008-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

the pillow land recliner. All went well with the surgery, now we have to get through recovery. Six weeks with the sling and then they will let him start doing some things. No swimming till May or June... that's the crunch in all this... for you triathletes.

Sleepy head Mike... after the next picture you'll understand why. His favorite new post-op drink... the Oxycontin Cocktail. Here's to a speedy recovery!

My Fascination Grows

2008-01-21T09:20:00.001-08:00

Two of my largest and least seen visitors were here together this morning. My shots were so quick I didn't have time to adjust my camera. These are both such shy birds at the block I didn't want to waste time as it didn't last long... but it was a great surprise to see them together.

New Kid At The Block...

2008-01-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

I think it is a Varied Thrush. Pretty orange against the snow.

Mmmmm...

2008-01-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Imagine that right now in this very moment, everything in your life is just as you vision it to be.

Dogs and Snow = HAPPY

2008-01-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Snow cakes on table tops and birdbath cupcakes, my yard looks wonderfully edible with all this snow. The dogs are loving every flake that falls, plowing a foot deep with their noses buried and breaking new trails at record speed.

While I hear grumbles from others I wouldn't have winter any other way. The more the merrier... I'm sure Bella would agree.

Sweet Peek A Boo

2008-01-10T08:55:00.001-08:00

This was a wonderfully sweet surprise looking right in my dining room window this morning.

Yay Boots!

2008-01-07T14:59:00.001-08:00

Wow is that a good looking pair of boots if I don't say so myself. My late Christmas present just arrived by UPS... they are just what I hoped they'd be. Thank you sweet husband!

Parade Of The Birds

2008-01-07T13:22:00.001-08:00

Each day outside our kitchen window I get to see a show of visitors at the feeding block. Miss Downy is the first bird, she has quite an appetite for a miss. Her markings are so dramatic if you look at her back it is a white heart shape, and her real name is a Downy Headed Woodpecker... Miss Downy for short. I am not so bored as to name every bird that comes my way, but she is here daily and has earned a permanent resident name. The other birds I enjoy just as much, but they come in numbers too many to decipher individuality so they are just the gang. The last photo is of a new visitor rarely seen at the block. He is quite large in comparison to anyone else dining with us. He is beautiful when he opens his wings to fly off and flashes that salmon color he sports with pride. He is a Red Shafted Northern Flicker... and adds a great punch of color against the winter backdrop.

Lost in the snow...

2007-12-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

with the quiet of the trees, I feel my soul settle into my bones. There is something quite primitive about walking in the woods deep in the winter cold. It must stir ancestral memories and tug at that part of me that still feels connection to the base instinct of survival. It is gloriously beautiful, luminous and still, and at the same time I feel a respect for what it could do to me. These moments alone fill me so completely I could sometimes leave the world behind and never walk back. I think in other lifetimes I have lived solitary for it pulls so strongly on me. But then I must pull myself back to the laughter of good friends, and the comfort of warm food shared around a table surrounded by the people in my life that I love, and I find fullness there too. Tug of war, tug...tug...tug.

The Girls

2007-12-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today's Offerings...

2007-12-17T11:00:00.001-08:00

playing in my backyard this morning our Japanese Maple was dressed with droplets... every branch full of glistening beads... it was most beautiful and fun to capture. Winter offers me an amazing opportunity to find and see beauty in every corner of the land that I live on.

Oh Christmas tree...

2007-12-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

oh Christmas tree... what's this... grumpy faces! Bah Humbugs..hmmm. Dad with his one arm, the (pretend) grumpy face grinches and I got off to a good start hunting for trees. I couldn't find the kind I wanted this year so we tromped around searching... wearing patience thin, until finally we were too cold and settled on this cute tree. Jaren got to do the honors this year. Thank you little tree for growing just for us, to be our beautiful Christmas tree.

   "Peace Out". Peace in please.

   The Christmas cranks.

   MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

My Favorite Meal Of The Year...

2007-11-25T09:26:00.001-08:00

Mmm Thanksgiving dinner. My long waiting appetite gets satisfied this day with all my favorite traditional foods... sweet potatoes, cranberries, gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie, not to mention a plethora of other taste bud delights too many to list.
It is also a day I like to reflect on the many things I feel so incredibly blessed with and thankful for, and this year family was number one in my book of thanks.

I couldn't help snapping this shot of Tom and the girls confidently strutting... knowing that they would not be adorning anyone's dinner table.

The doggers spent most of the day in doggie jail... as you can tell by the oh so pitiful hanging head through the bars. It did not however go unrewarded... they got mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey with their dinner too... and very happy about that!
If this silverware could talk and tell of all the family dinners it serviced... I bet there'd be some stories to tell. It was Mike's grandmother's silver and his mom let us use it for the day. There is something nice about using handed down things, touching the patina of years gone by, and the feeling of tradition being carried on satisfy a place deep inside of me.
I have a feeling the torch has passed in our family, and that Mike and I are now becoming the next generation to host the holidays. It is a checkpoint in my life, and a deepened feeling of responsibility to and for my family that resonates well with me. It is a bittersweet holiday season this year with Mike's dad nearing the end of his time. While it was joyous to have everyone in my home it was also a sorrowful acknowledgement that this was our last Thanksgiving meal all together.
The kid table... I have fond memories of the kid table. And years later when I was so excited that I finally got to join the adult table the kid table was the last place I wanted to be. I find that I wouldn't mind returning there... they had lots of fun and silliness.

Makin' sillies.

A Young Majestic

2007-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Never mind that I was sneaking around my backyard this morning in my blue fuzzy bathrobe with my red gardening clogs on... an opportunity presented itself and at last I had time to get my camera, and even my tripod. "Thank you Mr Majestic for being so patient and waiting for me... and you posed so beautifully." He stayed around for about an hour, I think because he couldn't find a way to get out of the fence maze in the commons area behind our house. The new neighbors above us on the hill put a fence down their side property line, and that cut him off from the old route of going all the way through the common area. A doe was with him and they were so amazing to spend time with today... such a treat to jump start my day. A little early morning fresh air and then off to yoga... it doesn't get any better than that.

Getting Started On Christmas

2007-11-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

It's a gray rainy day outside my windows, what a perfect day to get started on Christmas gift projects. Photo albums this year... Costco offers a great way to make nice hardbound books of all your favorite shots. So far this is my favorite kid picture... Mike's niece. Glad this is a fun project and one I like doing... cause it's a lot of work! Makes me appreciate all of those scrapbooking moms out there.

Autumn Art

2007-11-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

A little Andy inspiration. 'Leaves and Sun'

Bellissima

2007-11-01T10:44:00.001-07:00

This is an old picture that I came across recently and one of my favorites. Bella is without a doubt my little special spark in this life... live on sweet girl, live on.

Slow Elk...

2007-10-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

...as Mike calls them. That scene felt reminiscent of my childhood, and fondly comforting. I love when things rekindle the parts of my past that felt good and real to me. The river has been my hangout lately, accompanied by my friend Nikon, at the two best times of light... sunrise and sunset... and when Nikon doesn't accompany me sure enough I wish he did.

On the way back from my mother's house the other day I drove along the river, and glanced out over a meadow where I happened to catch a gaggle of wild turkey's with several deer standing in among them grazing... and I was cameraless... no way to share this great sight with others. I've never seen that before have you? And just yesterday on the way to pick up the kids from their after school activities, the full moon was rising over the mountains in a pink haze that was awesome, and again I was cameraless. I guess I don't need to document the world, but I have noticed that I rather like the perspective that playing more with my camera brings to me. The world seems a photograph... I get into a state of appreciating things more, noticing and witnessing what surrounds my daily existance.

Spending time at the river has been a a private escape also, pretending to be a real photographer just waiting for that great shot to present itself. And time has become important to me on the days I don't go to the river. I find myself thinking about how the lighting would be right now, and who among the fourleggeds is making their way through the fields. Connecting places and time and light in my head from my travels around town fill my thoughts quite often... maybe for future reference, mapping out new hangouts and possibilites of escape with my camera.
Everyone in my life is so busy, I feel it is my job to 'intention' a slow paced day, or a day of witnessing... just to counterbalance the busyness.. or perhaps I'm just rationalizing so I can indulge my senses everyday... and in that case I need no reason, just action. Can one get lost in living that way?

Fall Findings

2007-10-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

A pod sculpture... with peony babies for next season.

Brave little bloom still reaching for the sun while everything else is nestling in.

Camouflage

2007-10-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Gazing out my window this morning I noticed this blob sort of shape on one of our trees. I couldn't figure out if it was a small fourlegged creature, or some weird fungus or what it was... as I tapped on the window a head popped up... ohhh good disguise... it had me confused for a moment. What a great display of camouflage.

Deer One

2007-10-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

In route from the grocery store yesterday afternoon I caught motion out of the corner of my eye and saw that it was a deer... once again I hurried home grabbed my camera and whizzed back hoping she would stll be nibbling the bushes. She was, and I was elated to have finally had good timing.
Deer are a constant in my neighborhood, but I've missed many opportunities being cameraless. I don't know why I feel so compelled to catch them with my lens but it feeds my soul greatly to do so, so I do. As of late I have noticed being much more drawn to the wilds, always so... but more than usual these days. I feel great joy and fulfillment in seeing and learning about the wonderous four leggeds I share this earth with, and at the same time I feel dispirited that they are all in danger of our stupidity, greed, and sense of entitlement.
I feel protective of our wilds... to me they are the very threads holding us in some form of balance... a counter equanimity for the grimmness of our wars and ugliness of our hate and intolerance. Just knowing that they are out there living pure and uninfluenced by the material world... ever living the circle, helps me to feel hope. At times I stop and think to myself that somewhere out there right now there is a wolf howling, or hunting or playing... and I find peace in that thought. And witnessing the gentle deer reminds me... that there is good in the world, and in people.
So thank you dear one... may we continue to cross paths.

"In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and travail of the earth."
-- from The Outermost House by Henry Beston

Free Lunch

2007-10-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

All's clear on the right...
all's clear on the left.
Oohhh! NuuumNummyNum!
Uh ohhhh...

Life as of late

2007-10-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy month. Leavenworth's Autumn Leaf Festival was an adventure of sorts... lots of meat and knickknacks galore...one of which made it into my bag, though I'm not really a knickknack kind of girl this little deer whispered to me. There were lots of funny little shorts with suspenders and high socks on cute little old guy's, and some not so old guys that looked more like elves in there shorts... but all were festive and fun. They also really like doing the chicken dance there... so of course we joined right in flapping with some true old sauer krauts. Hanging clouds mystified the whole town and made us feel like, if we dipped into our imaginations, that we could really be in the Alps somewhere.

The 100 mile ride the guys participated in, the real reason for the trip, went very well... tiiired boys... but the weather held for them and they finished with no flats or mishaps... and a great sense of accomplishment. They rallied the next day and ate half a beef with a mountain of sauer kraut and gravy before leaving. It was a good weekend getaway.

The moon on the way to Leavenworth was absolutely amazing peaking through a storm... this doesn't do it justice but it was absolutely a painters moon.
How many guys does it take to install an old 70's spiral staircase out at the lake place?

We are so proud of Alix. This is her flag team at a school game performance... she is right on the 30 yard line, isn't she just beautiful!

Ahhhhhh...

2007-08-26T16:29:00.001-07:00

at last we see the light and a view... We are all finished with the remodel with the exception of the fireplace which will be the next project. Mike has it planned out, and as usual it looks fantastic. Stay tuned for that finale... there is even some mention of copper... oooooh!
All those beautiful windows frame all those beautiful trees out on our little piece of heaven, and I can only imagine how magical winter will look gazing out through those pretty wooden paynes.
The new furniture gives us a comfy spot to end the day all curled up and cozy... perfect for movie night... and long naps... speaking of naps...

Golden Buddha

2007-08-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite view points from our deck is the Buddha that stands watch in my shade garden. The sprinkler was raining down this morning in a way that caught a sunburst on his shoulder. Then I just had to play in photoshop a little... to create how I really saw the image. Funny how what we capture with the camera and what we think we see are so different sometimes... then I think of that in relation to people and how unique the world must look to each one of us.

After A Year Of Hard Training For This Day ...

2007-08-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

finally the triathlon is here. Around 1100 participants competed that day in Coeur d'Alene and WOW it was an awesome sight. So many amazing athletic bodies walking around, I'd like to hop into one and take it for a run. Imagine how it must feel to have that athletic build and power at your command. There is an energy in the eyes of these people that is so alive... it radiates from them... and you can't help but absorb some of that pulsing life.
I applaud each one of them for their discipline and determination...truly inspiring... they were all great!

With supportive cheers from friends and the musical prowess of the cow bell Mike felt a boost as we followed him through the grueling spots... and fellow competitors motioned thumbs up for ' More cow bell '. *Note for next year.
Mike is already planning his next years race and how to change his training to shave time. He came in at 2 hours 49 minutes... 4 minutes over his projected time... and of course while he's grumbling about it I think it's great for a first time. There is already a plan for attending a race in September down in Tri Cities... I think someone is hooked... a new lifestyle is setting in.

At the end of the day Mike still had the smile he started out with... and his ever present sense of humor.
Congratulations honey for a successful first tri!

Remodel Update

2007-08-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Our new door is in and stained and looks fantastic! The windows are a couple of weeks out yet, but we can see how great it's going to be with all the light that comes in the room now... it's exciting to see the transformation. Only one more week of noise and dust, yay!

What is it?

2007-08-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know Soph dog... sniff it... what is it? It's big! Really big! Yikes... thats as close as I'm getting my fingers to it. Wow it's impressive... much bigger than Washington's head... hmmmm what are you Mr Bug?

It's Been a Rocky Summer

2007-07-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

This time we are moving the rocks out. Our lovely lava rock has seen it's last days inside, and will be slumbering under the stars until next years summer project... new patio and rock wall reconstruction. It will be a great way to recycle all of this rock into it's new life purpose.

Mike's been haaard at work ... freaking me out with shaking walls that I could see from the outside... just sure that we were going to wake in the middle of the night with our second floor bedroom in the middle of the demolition room. All the pounding, plumes of dust, two trips to the dump and a few bumps and scrapes finish a long week of demolition. Back to the office on Monday will be a nice break from sweaty three shower days.

We just hold our visions of a dust free, spider free wall in our heads... and new windows to gaze out from after waking from a nap on the new ultimate lounge couch... aaahhhh.
Stay tuned.

Oh Hot Summer Day's

2007-07-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Still quiet sunrises... sleepy head mornings, waking from the sun warming your bed... children splashing and laughter ringing through the air... lazy days that return to the quiet reprieve of the day's heat in a blue, cool eve.

New Work

2007-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Mike's office needed color and some space taken up on the walls, so these creations now fill the void. They are 48in x 48in ... good size for his wall space... and good size for me to play on. Ooooh paint... I do love you so!

Happy 40th Anniversary!

2007-06-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Family and friends joined us for Mike and Shirleen's big 40

Thank you weather gods for gracing us with the perfect day

The big kids in the family

Alix sampling the great fingerfood feast

A happy anniversary caught in the act... CONGRATULATIONS Mike and Shirleen.

Here a rock, there a rock, everywhere a rock rock...

2007-06-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Your grandfather would roll over in his grave laughing to know that you paid for those rocks!" said my mother. Times have changed. But I think we bought some beauties. Mike did an awesome job laying the curvey creekbed... I planted some great looking deer resistant grasses... time will tell with our four legged friends.
One more summer project checked off the list... next is tearing the lava rock off the wall inside the house... lava rock anyone?

Superman lifting those beautiful boulders... what a fantastico husband!

Ahhhhh, I like big rocks.

I think we made a great finished bed and made our goal of a low maintenance good looking walkway.

New York New York....

2007-05-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

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Last dinner... the fantastic Mexican food left us happy and full in our state of exhaustion after a week of crazy, awesome adventure in New York City. As much as we saw and did we only but scratched the surface... plenty on the list for next time... next time?

I Love the Rain and My Dog

2007-05-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

A Different Day at Manito Park

2007-04-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day At The Park

2007-04-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

The rain reminds me of painting... when I'm just finished with a piece and apply one last layer of clear top coat to add a soft glow to all the colors and glazes I've carefully built up... so too the rain in a liquid veil softens the world to a glow.

Klay incognito

PATHS TRIALS

2007-04-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you familiar with PATHS I have taken the next step and we are trying a module specifically formulated for Cystic Fibrosis. I am just starting on the module and the PATHS team will be working with it and updating and changing it as we go.
This is exciting stuff everyone, potential to do great things. So I'm keeping my thoughts on success and on we go. I'll be reporting here as we move along with this process.
My goal is to contribute something to the CF community, and I have always thought the mind would play a big part in that... maybe this will be it's chance to shine.

For all of you out there dealing with CF if you've not seen the movie 'The Secret' I urge you to do so. An understanding of the power our minds play in the creation of our wellbeing is a great and empowering necessity for the whole of life. In every moment we have the opportunity to choose who we will be, and in each moment living in gratitude empowers us even more to draw to us what we need to create those things we desire.
Over the years I have shifted my perspective of dealing with CF to one of letting it be my guide and being grateful for it's teachings. Always in all ways it has shown me where I am out of balance and when I allow stress to reside within me or with in my environment it is quick to respond.
I gained a deeper understanding of this from 'The Secret'. My hope is that you will too.
Life is too short not to live in awe of the revelations given us in each and every moment if we simply pay attention.

Red Haste

2007-04-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

Hasty hasty little red shoes... I love the way you looked, then sadly as the moments went by walking around my house for the test drive my dogs rejected you in all your cuteness... now what will I do?

Red Red Red

2007-04-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wow look at those NEW red shoes! Red red red, I like red. I drive a red Jeep, wear red beads, and wear red "Red" t's, and please let's don't forget my favorite red danskos.
I must break them in for my safar to the big 'red' apple... NYC, they will be perfect for sporting through the museums and shops and what nots... and sitting on a bench in Central Park they will look quite fine while I dine on a yummy filled gluten free pastry of some kind. I think I will just sit and unwind in my new red shoes, and dream of all the magical places we will find.

Spring in the making

2007-03-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Finally I see your flirtatious buds waiting for the right moment to burst
Joy oh joy in the sight of you

Whitworth Triath-lite

2007-03-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Seems my lens liked the bikes and the boxer that day