Sigh. I love my mountain......
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
First Snow of the Year
I took this picture out the front door two hours ago. The snow that is dusting the peaks (behind the mountains in the front) has now come to my front door. Big, luscious snowflakes....so fat and juicy they melt instantly. Yesterday it was 80 degrees here so no wonder. If anyone wants grapes in the valley, just call and come and get them. This is my "off-year" so I won't put them up this year and so they are free for the taking!
Vintage Halloween Postcard Wafer Paper Cookies
I'm already excited for October and Halloween. I've been making Halloween treats for Creative Cooking that I will host next week. I'll show the treats later. But I found this today and wanted to share.
Vintage Halloween Postcard Wafer Paper Cookies
You will need:
I saw these cool cookies at http://www.fancyflours.com/
The cool designs are made with wafer-edible paper that you just adhere to the cookies with an edible clear gel (actually, just brush the backs of the papers with clear Karo syrup.) I think these would be cool for treats for neighbors or friends or kiddos at Halloween. If you like them too, the papers (and whatever else might intrigue you) early. It is ALMOST October!!!
Vintage Halloween Postcard Wafer Paper Cookies
• Vintage Halloween Postcard Wafer Paper (SKU: 3601-WP-HW-1)
• Royal Icing Mix (SKU: 56750-IC-RI-1 )
• Edible Clear Gel (SKU: 9999-CK-GL-1)
• Rectangle Cookie Cutter (SKU: 4200-FD-R5-1) • Squeeze Bottles (SKU: 160000018-1)
• Parchment Paper (SKU:7200-RL-PR-1)
• Small craft scissors Instructions:
• Prepare No Fail Sugar Cookie dough according to instructions. Cut out several rectangle shapes. Bake on parchment paper and let cool.
• While cookies are cooling, prepare your royal icing according to the directions on the back of the bag. Add water, a teaspoon at a time, until a consistency between heavy cream and ketchup is reached. Divide into two or three bowls and dye the desired color(s) or keep white. Pour icing into squeeze bottles.
• Carefully frost base layer of icing with squeeze bottle onto cookies and let dry completely, about 3-5 hours or overnight.
• Prepare Vintage Halloween Postcard Wafer Paper shapes by carefully cutting out with small craft scissors.
• Spread out iced cookies on a large piece of wax or parchment paper.
• Affix wafer paper shapes to cookie by spreading a thin layer of edible clear gel (or light corn syrup) on the back of the wafer paper piece with your finger. Stick to the top of one of your iced cookies and then flip right side down onto the wax paper and leave for approx. 30 minutes. This will ensure that the wafer paper will dry flat.
• Flip cookies right side up and add additional dragees, sprinkles or quins, if desired.
• Let set completely and store in an airtight container.
It is $20 for 20 wafer sheets....a little pricey perhaps but I think one cookie would make a wowzer treat for a friend. So $1 per gift plus cookie. Maybe divide the package with a friend.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Beautiful!
I loved this past Sunday. Wonderful lessons. Many thoughts for improvement. Sunday night was a Stake Fireside...which featured all the Stake Presidents who have served in this Stake. It really was marvelous and I was touched by so many things. Our last Stake President and his wife just returned from serving as Mission Pres. in Africa. They are WONDERFUL people...about our age. She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer....... It is heartbreaking. I'm in mourning over it.
During Relief Society, the teacher shared part of an article she had read by Jerry E. Johnson about going to the Quirrah Mountain temple dedication. I'm actually going to the Quirrah Mt. temple for the first time on Thursday. So excited! I thought this essay was beautiful:
The Heart of the Temple
(Jerry Earl Johnston)
Last Sunday, thousands of Latter-day Saints went to chapels to watch the dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. They'd been told to arrive a half-hour early, so there was plenty of time for reflection. And with images of the temple scrolling on the screen, I'm sure most of us reflected on the temple itself.
I found myself thinking of the verse from Corinthians: "Your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost." And I thought how that meant we were all small temples now inside a larger temple. The unborn babies there, in fact, were regular Russian "nested dolls" -- temples within temples within temples.Imagine such spiritual security.
I also found myself wondering if the reason temples were never mentioned as part of the afterlife was because we were expected to become living temples. We'd hold inside the same peace, light and warmth found in the earthly buildings.
And I wondered if the temple wasn't really a schoolhouse -- a place where God's children learned to be temples.
That sounds like pretty heady stuff, I know.But it's really quite simple. It comes back to the old saying, "Don't just be in the temple, let the temple be in you." When we enter a temple, what do we notice?
We notice the serenity.
We need to learn to take that serenity, store it inside and make it part of our lives.
We notice friendliness, trust and helpfulness.
We should internalize those things, as well.
We notice light, beauty, cleanliness, cheerfulness, sweetness, silence and warmth -- all of it meant to be more than just where we are, but eventually a part of who we are.
But most of all, I thought, the temple is a schoolhouse for teaching us to look beyond the surface to find our hidden selves -- our "more real" selves.
Temples aren't just places. They are pathways.
We move through them, in and out of doorways, beyond barriers and into wonderful spaces, always going deeper.
And that is what must happen inside of us.
We must learn to go beyond our everyday selves -- the selves that worry about tee-times, taxes, movie tickets and a million other superficial things. At some point, we must travel inward to find our deeper self, our true self, a self that is more "us" than any other -- a self carefully hidden away from view.
And when we find that "true self," it will make our surface selves seem like so much tinkling brass.
That deeper self inside us is like a secret lake in the mountains.
It is like a glorious room within us, veiled away and protected.
Going into a temple is a metaphor for the journey we must make into our heart of hearts.
We enter, we wait, we proceed.
And what we see in each temple teaches us how to recognize our deeper self -- the glimmer of light, the gentle touch, the feeling of peace that make up what is our true nature.
During Relief Society, the teacher shared part of an article she had read by Jerry E. Johnson about going to the Quirrah Mountain temple dedication. I'm actually going to the Quirrah Mt. temple for the first time on Thursday. So excited! I thought this essay was beautiful:
The Heart of the Temple
(Jerry Earl Johnston)
Last Sunday, thousands of Latter-day Saints went to chapels to watch the dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. They'd been told to arrive a half-hour early, so there was plenty of time for reflection. And with images of the temple scrolling on the screen, I'm sure most of us reflected on the temple itself.
I found myself thinking of the verse from Corinthians: "Your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost." And I thought how that meant we were all small temples now inside a larger temple. The unborn babies there, in fact, were regular Russian "nested dolls" -- temples within temples within temples.Imagine such spiritual security.
I also found myself wondering if the reason temples were never mentioned as part of the afterlife was because we were expected to become living temples. We'd hold inside the same peace, light and warmth found in the earthly buildings.
And I wondered if the temple wasn't really a schoolhouse -- a place where God's children learned to be temples.
That sounds like pretty heady stuff, I know.But it's really quite simple. It comes back to the old saying, "Don't just be in the temple, let the temple be in you." When we enter a temple, what do we notice?
We notice the serenity.
We need to learn to take that serenity, store it inside and make it part of our lives.
We notice friendliness, trust and helpfulness.
We should internalize those things, as well.
We notice light, beauty, cleanliness, cheerfulness, sweetness, silence and warmth -- all of it meant to be more than just where we are, but eventually a part of who we are.
But most of all, I thought, the temple is a schoolhouse for teaching us to look beyond the surface to find our hidden selves -- our "more real" selves.
Temples aren't just places. They are pathways.
We move through them, in and out of doorways, beyond barriers and into wonderful spaces, always going deeper.
And that is what must happen inside of us.
We must learn to go beyond our everyday selves -- the selves that worry about tee-times, taxes, movie tickets and a million other superficial things. At some point, we must travel inward to find our deeper self, our true self, a self that is more "us" than any other -- a self carefully hidden away from view.
And when we find that "true self," it will make our surface selves seem like so much tinkling brass.
That deeper self inside us is like a secret lake in the mountains.
It is like a glorious room within us, veiled away and protected.
Going into a temple is a metaphor for the journey we must make into our heart of hearts.
We enter, we wait, we proceed.
And what we see in each temple teaches us how to recognize our deeper self -- the glimmer of light, the gentle touch, the feeling of peace that make up what is our true nature.
Heritage
Two tourists were driving through Utah.As they were approaching the south end of the valley, they looked west and saw a sign signifying the Quirrah mountains. They started arguing about the pronunciation of the word Quirrah. They argued back and forth until they stopped for lunch. As they stood at the counter, one tourist asked the blonde employee, "Before we order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce where we are...very slowly?" The blonde girl leaned over the counter and said, "Burrrrrrrr, gerrrrrrr, Kiiiiing.
(By the way, Quirrah is pronounced "O- cur." )
My parents just spent their first night, last night, in their new home. Moving has been tramatic for all involved but whew! They are there. I called yesterday morning (later) and heard a lot of voices and commotion in the background. I asked what was going on. Mom laughed, telling me that they slept in too late for breakfast (it is all-inclusive) so they had to go out for breakfast! So much for having meals included!
Whenever I visit my folks, it is the joke that whatever landmark we pass, they will tell me the story behind it. Repeat. Then we joke about "not" pointing it out. It is a family tradition. This past time I was reminded by both parents, at separate times, about the sign that tells about the un-battle of Battleground, WA. The origin of the city's name comes from a battle that never took place. I love that. It's creative.
(By the way, Quirrah is pronounced "O- cur." )
My parents just spent their first night, last night, in their new home. Moving has been tramatic for all involved but whew! They are there. I called yesterday morning (later) and heard a lot of voices and commotion in the background. I asked what was going on. Mom laughed, telling me that they slept in too late for breakfast (it is all-inclusive) so they had to go out for breakfast! So much for having meals included!
Whenever I visit my folks, it is the joke that whatever landmark we pass, they will tell me the story behind it. Repeat. Then we joke about "not" pointing it out. It is a family tradition. This past time I was reminded by both parents, at separate times, about the sign that tells about the un-battle of Battleground, WA. The origin of the city's name comes from a battle that never took place. I love that. It's creative.
There are lots of fun names in Washington.
I grew up not far from George, Washington. Each year they make a HUGE cherry pie in celebration.
Also Soap Lake and Medical Lake. I couldn't believe, as a little girl, my parents would let me go to Econo, Wash. with the neighbors. It sounded like it would be close to Soap Lake, Wash. But alas, Econo Wash turned out to be a laundromat!
Ephrata (pronounced e-Fray-ta) was close by as well. We traveled many a mile inbetween our town and Ephrata for dances on Friday night (live bands) and then, in high school, discovering there was a whole new batch of boys that lived just 30 miles away!
Our town was Moses Lake. It could have been The City of Sulktalthscosum Lake had early Presbyterian missionaries at Lapwai not given that Indian chief the name "Moses."
Because of the Twilight series, everyone knows of La Push and Forks, Washinton. I actually know someone named Charlie that lives in Forks. Bella's dad, perhaps? When I was young, I loved saying some of the beautiful Indian names of towns- Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Puyallup (I say it like Pu-wall-up), Yakima. I've heard there is a town named Skookumchuck but I don't know where it is.
Our mascot for our high school was the Chiefs. Two Jr. Highs fed into the high school, Chief Moses Jr. High (home of the Braves since the high school already claimed "chiefs") and Frontier (were they "warriors?" I can't remember.) No one thought it was racist to celebrate our teams with Indian names. If anything, we thought it was awesome. I think Chief Sulktalthscosum, I mean Chief Moses would have been honored. Look....I think I see a slight smile on his lips.....
Part of our idenity is where we came from.
I don't want to forget it.
So, tell me about some fun names where YOU live!
A blonde was bragging about her knowledge of state capitals. She proudly says, "Go ahead, ask me, I know all of them." A friend says, "OK, what's the capital of Wisconsin?" The blonde replies, "Oh, that's easy: W."
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Crocodiles and Alligators
Yeah, my Guatemala kiddos are finally coming home this week....after living and working and teaching and exploring in Guat. for 4 months. This time next week we will HAVE them with us! The ladies I went to Swan Valley with are a traveling bunch. There is a travel group in our ward, led by Elsa's husband, who literally go from one fabulous trip to another. It was fun during our getaway to hear about some of their adventures. Lynda was just getting ready to leave on a cruise and it made me think of the one and only cruise I've ever been on. I went with son Ryan (who does travel tours, specializing in Book of Mormon tours and archeology- amongst his other jobs.) and we left from Florida and did Belize, cruising down to Mexico and back. It was fabulous. That is how I met my singing friend from Arizona, Michelle Baer. I can't remember if it was on the way down or back but we had some time in Florida to go to the Alligator preserve. It was just a fun time with Ryan and I (and others) zipping around the everglades on air boats, seeing incredible things. At the end, we watched an "alligator show" and at the end we got to have our picture taken, holding an alligator between us. Ryan still loves to tell the story of us holding the alligator, with our guide, and me commenting, "Wow, this feels like holding one of my husband's boots." The guide kind of jerked (or maybe it was Ryan) and glared (David loves his alligator boots...) Not the time to try and be funny. (Okay, I know I have shared this before but endulge me. That is a perk of being, well....older.)
I thought of that memory when I read this (I know, ANOTHER ONE) blonde joke:
A young blonde was on vacation in the depths of Louisiana. She wanted a pair of genuine alligator shoes in the worst way, but was very reluctant to pay the high prices the local vendors were asking. After becoming very frustrated with the "no haggle" attitude of one of the shopkeepers, the blonde shouted, "Maybe I'll just go out and catch my own alligator so I can get a pair of shoes at a reasonable price!" The shopkeeper said, "By all means, be my guest. Maybe you'll luck out and catch yourself a big one!" Determined, the blonde turned and headed for the swamps, set on catching herself an alligator. Later in the day, the shopkeeper is driving home, when he spots the young woman standing waist deep in the water, shotgun in hand. Just then, he sees a huge 9 foot alligator swimming quickly toward her. She takes aim, kills the creature and with a great deal of effort hauls it on to the swamp bank. Lying nearby were several more of the dead creatures. The shopkeeper watches in amazement. Just then the blonde flips the alligator on its back, and frustrated, shouts out, "Dang it, this one isn't wearing any shoes either!"
I was attending Brandi's son's soccer game last week when Brandi came back across the field with one of the girls just fuming. She had passed a group of young boys, 14-15, REALLY discussing inappropriate foul stuff. Both of us were in a slump thinking we feel like our kids/kiddos are going out everyday in a swamp of filthiness. It can be discouraging. And I thought of one of my favorite stories I heard years ago from Boyd K. Packer. (I realize that I've talked about these subjects before but humor me along....)
The talk is called Spiritual Crocodiles and this is just a part:
Now I might explain that the game reserves in Africa are unusual. The people are put in cages, and the animals are left to run free. That is, there are compounds where the park visitors check in at night and are locked behind high fences until after daylight. They are allowed to drive about, but no one is allowed out of his car. Because of a delay in getting our evening meal, it was long after dark when we left to go to our isolated cabin. We found the turnoff and had gone up the narrow road just a short distance when the engine stalled. We found a flashlight and I stepped out to check under the hood. As the light flashed on the dusty road, the first thing I saw was lion tracks! Back in the car, we determined to content ourselves with spending the night there! Fortunately, we were rescued by the driver of a gas truck who had left the compound late because of a problem. In the morning they brought us back to the compound. We had no automobile, and no way to get a replacement until late in the afternoon. Our one day in the park was ruined and, for me, the dream of a lifetime was gone.
I talked with a young ranger, and he was surprised that I knew many of the African birds. Then he volunteered to rescue us. “We are building a new lookout over a water hole about 20 miles from the compound,” he said. “It is not quite finished, but it is safe. I will take you out there with a lunch. You may see as many animals, or even more, than if you were driving around.” On the way to the lookout he volunteered to show us some lions. He turned off through the brush and before long located a group of 17 lions all sprawled out asleep and drove right up among them. We stopped at a water hole to watch the animals come to drink. It was very dry that season and there was not much water, really just muddy spots. When the elephants stepped into the soft mud, the water would seep into the depression and the animals would drink from the elephant tracks. The antelope, particularly, were very nervous. They would approach the mud hole, only to turn and run away in great fright. I could see there were no lions about and asked the guide why they didn’t drink. His answer, and this is the lesson, was “Crocodiles.”
I knew he must be joking and asked him seriously, “What is the problem?” The answer again: “Crocodiles.”
“Nonsense,” I said. “There are no crocodiles out there. Anyone can see that.”
I talked with a young ranger, and he was surprised that I knew many of the African birds. Then he volunteered to rescue us. “We are building a new lookout over a water hole about 20 miles from the compound,” he said. “It is not quite finished, but it is safe. I will take you out there with a lunch. You may see as many animals, or even more, than if you were driving around.” On the way to the lookout he volunteered to show us some lions. He turned off through the brush and before long located a group of 17 lions all sprawled out asleep and drove right up among them. We stopped at a water hole to watch the animals come to drink. It was very dry that season and there was not much water, really just muddy spots. When the elephants stepped into the soft mud, the water would seep into the depression and the animals would drink from the elephant tracks. The antelope, particularly, were very nervous. They would approach the mud hole, only to turn and run away in great fright. I could see there were no lions about and asked the guide why they didn’t drink. His answer, and this is the lesson, was “Crocodiles.”
I knew he must be joking and asked him seriously, “What is the problem?” The answer again: “Crocodiles.”
“Nonsense,” I said. “There are no crocodiles out there. Anyone can see that.”
I thought he was having some fun at the expense of his foreign game expert, and finally I asked him to tell us the truth. Now I remind you that I was not uninformed. I had read many books. Besides, anyone would know that you can’t hide a crocodile in an elephant track.
I couldn’t see anything except the mud, a little water, and the nervous animals in the distance. Then all at once I saw it!—a large crocodile, settled in the mud, waiting for some unsuspecting animal to get thirsty enough to come for a drink.
Suddenly I became a believer! When he could see I was willing to listen, he continued with the lesson. “There are crocodiles all over the park,” he said, “not just in the rivers. We don’t have any water without a crocodile somewhere near it, and you’d better count on it.”
The guide was kinder to me than I deserved. My “know-it-all” challenge to his first statement, “crocodiles,” might have brought an invitation, “Well, go out and see for yourself!”
I could see for myself that there were no crocodiles. I was so sure of myself I think I might have walked out just to see what was there. Such an arrogant approach could have been fatal! But he was patient enough to teach me.
I hope you’ll be wiser in talking to your guides than I was on that occasion. That smart-aleck idea that I knew everything really wasn’t worthy of me, nor is it worthy of you. I’m not very proud of it, and I think I’d be ashamed to tell you about it except that telling you may help you.
Those ahead of you in life have probed about the water holes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big, gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even, than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa.
These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them.
It seems almost to be against our natures, particularly when we are young, to accept much guidance from others. But there are times when, regardless of how much we think we know or how much we think we want to do something, our very existence depends on paying attention to the guides. Fortunately there are guides enough in life to prevent these things from happening if we are willing to take counsel now and again. If you will listen to the counsel of your parents and your teachers and your leaders when you are young, you can learn how to follow the best guide of all—the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. That is individual revelation. There is a process through which we can be alerted to spiritual dangers. Just as surely as that guide warned me, you can receive signals alerting you to the spiritual crocodiles that lurk ahead.
Sunday (and every day) is a good day to think about the crocs/alligators that surface in our life....before church and before partaking of the sacrament. I have some I would love to get rid of. I wonder if David needs a new pair of boots?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
And the Winner is.....
The winner is hidden inside the comments.
Comments to DS at the well- lofarithn. AMAZING we have lived without understanding it all these years! I think it was invented to make something simpler but you had to PAY ATTENTION to figure it out. So not there!
Sophia- you can take two hours to tell a five minute story? It makes for a loooong lunch. Let's meet at Firehouse. You know the exit...
Lana- I'm double-checking your post. Your creator is nuts! But a FABULOUS blonde joke!
HOLLY, YOU CUTE AZ. GIRL!- YOU ARE OUR DRAWING WINNER!!!! Send me your address info to my email- mdwillpoet@msn.com And tell me what gift certificate you would like. Just think, you can buy $25 worth of avocados if you wish!
Sherrie- I LOVE hearing from new lurkers. I get tired of talking to myself! And "oh my gosh!"- you yodel AND play bass in a bluegrass band????? I want to yodel AND play bass. Well, really in the next life I'm going to play a cello. Do you love Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band? (google them.) And you talk a mile a minute AND you eat potatoes, potatoes, potatoes? Soul mates. That's what it is called!!!! (And it is cool to be closer to 100 than one...except your body starts falling apart in shocking ways....)
Cindy- well, you were actually too late to be in the drawing but I would have added your name except I had already thrown the drawing papers in the garbage and then cleaned out the leftovers from the refrigerator. I know...more details that anyone cared to know but I'm friends with Sophia and new best buddies with Sherrie. We are talkalots. But just so you know, it is un-American/British to not be a Beatle's fan. And just because I talk about a colonoscopy on this site, YOU talk about "dilation?" (laughing!) (My best try at topping this was I was dilated to 3 for two weeks, 4 for a week, 5 for a week and had a 25 min. baby. Ta-Da! Anyone? Anyone? (meaning can anyone top us?) And sushi and pumpkin cookies mentioned in the same sentence about did me in! I LOVE pumpkin cookies but sushi smells too much like my childhood fish tank. But my Guatemala kiddos LOVE it. Does that mean I'm uncool? Un-21st century? I WANT to like sushi....in fact, I LOVE saying sushi. Sushi. Sushi. Sushi. Isn't it fun. But eating it?
CONGRATULATIONS HOLLY!!! HAVE A NICE DAY!
Comments to DS at the well- lofarithn. AMAZING we have lived without understanding it all these years! I think it was invented to make something simpler but you had to PAY ATTENTION to figure it out. So not there!
Julie- or "Sticker Bullock" as little Tanner used to call her....you have my absolute admiration. Anyone who runs a marathon is a super hero in my book. Of course, it probably meant your mother dropped you on your head as a baby. (kidding)
signed, yours truly, The Slug
Sophia- you can take two hours to tell a five minute story? It makes for a loooong lunch. Let's meet at Firehouse. You know the exit...
Lana- I'm double-checking your post. Your creator is nuts! But a FABULOUS blonde joke!
HOLLY, YOU CUTE AZ. GIRL!- YOU ARE OUR DRAWING WINNER!!!! Send me your address info to my email- mdwillpoet@msn.com And tell me what gift certificate you would like. Just think, you can buy $25 worth of avocados if you wish!
Sherrie- I LOVE hearing from new lurkers. I get tired of talking to myself! And "oh my gosh!"- you yodel AND play bass in a bluegrass band????? I want to yodel AND play bass. Well, really in the next life I'm going to play a cello. Do you love Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band? (google them.) And you talk a mile a minute AND you eat potatoes, potatoes, potatoes? Soul mates. That's what it is called!!!! (And it is cool to be closer to 100 than one...except your body starts falling apart in shocking ways....)
Cindy- well, you were actually too late to be in the drawing but I would have added your name except I had already thrown the drawing papers in the garbage and then cleaned out the leftovers from the refrigerator. I know...more details that anyone cared to know but I'm friends with Sophia and new best buddies with Sherrie. We are talkalots. But just so you know, it is un-American/British to not be a Beatle's fan. And just because I talk about a colonoscopy on this site, YOU talk about "dilation?" (laughing!) (My best try at topping this was I was dilated to 3 for two weeks, 4 for a week, 5 for a week and had a 25 min. baby. Ta-Da! Anyone? Anyone? (meaning can anyone top us?) And sushi and pumpkin cookies mentioned in the same sentence about did me in! I LOVE pumpkin cookies but sushi smells too much like my childhood fish tank. But my Guatemala kiddos LOVE it. Does that mean I'm uncool? Un-21st century? I WANT to like sushi....in fact, I LOVE saying sushi. Sushi. Sushi. Sushi. Isn't it fun. But eating it?
CONGRATULATIONS HOLLY!!! HAVE A NICE DAY!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Contest
From recent memes, tell me:
1. Your favorite Beatle's song (you could tell me why if you want...)
2. Tell me something you can do (or have done) that most people can't.
3. Did one of your schoolteachers ever say you were "retarded" in reading? That you had "retardation" in ANYTHING? Please tell me one thing you are "retarded" in. When I told Brandi the "retardation" thing, she said, "Well, your teacher was actually using the term correctly. We don't use it correctly today." That just goes to show that "retarded" people can produce very intelligent kids....
4. What food could you eat three times a day and never get sick of it?
5. What do you love best about fall?
Contest will end Friday morning at noon. I'll post when I get home. If you also post a blonde joke, I'll enter your name twice.
1. Your favorite Beatle's song (you could tell me why if you want...)
2. Tell me something you can do (or have done) that most people can't.
3. Did one of your schoolteachers ever say you were "retarded" in reading? That you had "retardation" in ANYTHING? Please tell me one thing you are "retarded" in. When I told Brandi the "retardation" thing, she said, "Well, your teacher was actually using the term correctly. We don't use it correctly today." That just goes to show that "retarded" people can produce very intelligent kids....
4. What food could you eat three times a day and never get sick of it?
5. What do you love best about fall?
Contest will end Friday morning at noon. I'll post when I get home. If you also post a blonde joke, I'll enter your name twice.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
In Between Messes
Yesterday, while talking to Ben, my outdoorsy encyclopedia about everything concerning the earth, he told me it was equinox.
An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the Sun being vertically above a point on the Equator. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name "equinox" is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, the night and day are approximately equally long. (Wikipedi)
In other words, fall is officially here. Yesterday was nuts weather-wise. I alternately turned on my heater, then air conditioning about a dozen times....often times several times in 1 hour in the car! I couldn't figure out if I was hot or cold. It froze up in the mountains last night and we might get that this week on the benches. I heard they had some snow in Castle Rock, Colorado. No, no, no! That's just wrong. The word is FALL!
I love fall.
Today I am cleaning and packing again. This time I'm off to Swan Valley, Idaho with friends from the ward. Just for a few days. We will be hitting Jackson Hole one day. Good food, good conversation. I try to plan these trips when David is gone or busy. Last week was trial preparation and for the next week and a half, the actual trial. During a trial I never see him so it is a good time to be gone.
Some urban legend people claim that on the March/Sept. equinox day one can balance an egg on its point. Have your kids try it. Don't tell them that they can balance an egg on its point any day of the year...if one has enough patience. I don't. Patience isn't one of my strong points. In fact, I remember when I was young, just thinking I wanted to be a mom. My greatest ambition. Then I read a quote by David O. McKay that said, "Patience is a mother's greatest virtue." Yikes! My poor kids!
I feel equinox. In between (and in my case, not equal since I'm closer to 100 than one.) In between good health and poor health. In between happy and melancholy. In between crazy busy and can breathe.
In between. Weird place to be.
Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm - it comes from becoming still - in order to reflect and meditate on our inner wisdom and receive answers. A peaceful heart is one that is free from worry and trouble. It's becoming quiet so we can look at things quietly so we can more clearly understand them and thus come up with creative solutions. It is learning to live in the present.
Well, I'm TRYING to repeat that to myself. But Dorothy Parker also said: It's not the tragedies that kill us. It's the messes.
I'm going to go out in nature and breathe deeply. You too?
An equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the Sun, the Sun being vertically above a point on the Equator. The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name "equinox" is derived from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), because around the equinox, the night and day are approximately equally long. (Wikipedi)
In other words, fall is officially here. Yesterday was nuts weather-wise. I alternately turned on my heater, then air conditioning about a dozen times....often times several times in 1 hour in the car! I couldn't figure out if I was hot or cold. It froze up in the mountains last night and we might get that this week on the benches. I heard they had some snow in Castle Rock, Colorado. No, no, no! That's just wrong. The word is FALL!
I love fall.
Today I am cleaning and packing again. This time I'm off to Swan Valley, Idaho with friends from the ward. Just for a few days. We will be hitting Jackson Hole one day. Good food, good conversation. I try to plan these trips when David is gone or busy. Last week was trial preparation and for the next week and a half, the actual trial. During a trial I never see him so it is a good time to be gone.
Some urban legend people claim that on the March/Sept. equinox day one can balance an egg on its point. Have your kids try it. Don't tell them that they can balance an egg on its point any day of the year...if one has enough patience. I don't. Patience isn't one of my strong points. In fact, I remember when I was young, just thinking I wanted to be a mom. My greatest ambition. Then I read a quote by David O. McKay that said, "Patience is a mother's greatest virtue." Yikes! My poor kids!
I feel equinox. In between (and in my case, not equal since I'm closer to 100 than one.) In between good health and poor health. In between happy and melancholy. In between crazy busy and can breathe.
In between. Weird place to be.
Peacefulness is an inner sense of calm - it comes from becoming still - in order to reflect and meditate on our inner wisdom and receive answers. A peaceful heart is one that is free from worry and trouble. It's becoming quiet so we can look at things quietly so we can more clearly understand them and thus come up with creative solutions. It is learning to live in the present.
Well, I'm TRYING to repeat that to myself. But Dorothy Parker also said: It's not the tragedies that kill us. It's the messes.
I'm going to go out in nature and breathe deeply. You too?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Somewhat Lacking
While at my parent's home, I went through and brought home a large box of photos and memorabilia of life. My mom had saved most of my report cards. I hadn't seen my elementary school report cards but I "knew" I was an outstanding student. In 4-6 grades, when we used to do these timed and progressively more difficult SRA reading tests, I was always in the highest group. I had good self-esteem with intelligence. Well, until this week.
After church yesterday, Travis and Tenille and family came for dinner. We have company from Idaho as well- my darling niece Ashlee and husband, Wes and baby Cree. Gaia, their friend from Italy has been here for two weeks vacation and they came and stayed last night to take her to the airport this morning. I shared this humiliating tidbit with them.
On my lst grade report card.....my teacher wrote the following note:
"Marilyn is behind in her reading skills. I feel her retardation in reading is due to her many absences."
Retardation???? What the heck? Did the woman not understand political correctness? I was "retarded" in my reading skills?
Well, apparently I was a sickly child as well. I was absent 13 days in that particular quarter. Mom said I caught everything that came around and then brought it home and gave it to Gary.
I must have been too sickly for mother to mention to me that I was "retarded" in my reading skills.
Sometimes ignorance is a good thing.....
Then to make matters worse, Rylee, age 7 was in the kitchen working on her homework. I said to her, "Rylee, what is your teacher's name this year." Rylee said, "Well, Grand-ma (string it out when you say it)...if you can read, it says it right here on my paper!"
Retarded! Humpf!
"Those who are slow to know suppose that slowness is the essence of knowledge."
Friedrich Nietzsche
After church yesterday, Travis and Tenille and family came for dinner. We have company from Idaho as well- my darling niece Ashlee and husband, Wes and baby Cree. Gaia, their friend from Italy has been here for two weeks vacation and they came and stayed last night to take her to the airport this morning. I shared this humiliating tidbit with them.
On my lst grade report card.....my teacher wrote the following note:
"Marilyn is behind in her reading skills. I feel her retardation in reading is due to her many absences."
Retardation???? What the heck? Did the woman not understand political correctness? I was "retarded" in my reading skills?
Well, apparently I was a sickly child as well. I was absent 13 days in that particular quarter. Mom said I caught everything that came around and then brought it home and gave it to Gary.
I must have been too sickly for mother to mention to me that I was "retarded" in my reading skills.
Sometimes ignorance is a good thing.....
Then to make matters worse, Rylee, age 7 was in the kitchen working on her homework. I said to her, "Rylee, what is your teacher's name this year." Rylee said, "Well, Grand-ma (string it out when you say it)...if you can read, it says it right here on my paper!"
Retarded! Humpf!
"Those who are slow to know suppose that slowness is the essence of knowledge."
Friedrich Nietzsche
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Home again. Home again. Jigglie- Jig.
It was hard to say goodbye to the folks and leave with things in moving disarray....
I got to see my brother, Gary, for the first time this trip this morning....he just got home last night from another hunting safari to Africa. Okay, please don't hold that against him. I have to do self-talk about his hobby all the time but it also feeds many, many people in Africa. I tell myself that over and over. Good thing he's one of the most amazing men I know or I'd have to bop him across the head. Actually, I never did that as a child since he was older. Our mode of fighting would include him doing something to provoke me (of course) and then I would scream REALLY loud and then he'd try to smother me with his hand and THEN I couldn't resist biting his fingers REALLY hard.... mom usually heard the commotion by then and we were both in trouble. Big time. There is no fury like a mother who has had enough!
Brothers!
My 80's BFF Cynthia, who lives in Tigard, picked me up at the house (with daughter, Allison, and new baby Henry) (Allison is Tanner's age) and we went through books and giveaways at my folks, then headed to breakfast and the airport. She must have driven an hour just to spend a few hours with me and I appreciated it so much. Once boarded, I fell asleep before the plane left the tarmac, woke up for about 5 minutes on the flight, then woke up again as we were landing. Brandi's thinking, "No big surprise there..."
This was a working trip....I'm frustrated I didn't get more done. I had David stop at the grocery store on the way home so I could get Sunday dinner done tonight (4 lasagnas made- 2 for tomorrow and 2 for the freezer) so I wouldn't feel totally useless.
I love being with my parents. They are amazing, funny and awesome. I love coming home to my husband. He's pretty awesome as well. I love talking to my kids and hoping they all missed me. And a few friends. Working on my lessons for tomorrow as well.
Life is busy. Life is good.
A lawyer and a blonde are sitting next to each other on a flight from PDX to SLC. The lawyer leans over to her and asks if she would like to play a fun game. The blonde just wants to take a nap, so she politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists and explains that the game is really easy and a lot of fun. He explains" I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5, and vice-versa." Again, she politely declines and tries to get some sleep. The lawyer, now somewhat agitated, says, "Okay, if you don't know the answer you pay me $5, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500!." Figuring that since she is a blonde that he will easily win the match. This catches the blonde's attention and, figuring that there will be no end to this torment unless she plays, agrees to the game. The lawyer asks the first question. "What's the distance from the earth to the moon?" The blonde doesn't say a word, reaches in to her purse, pulls out a five dollar bill and hands it to the lawyer. Now, it's the blonde's turn. She asks the lawyer: "What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?" The lawyer looks at her with a puzzled look. He takes out his laptop computer and searches all his references. He taps into the Airphone with his modem and searches the Net and the Library of Congress. Frustrated, he sends E-mails to all his co-workers and friends. All to no avail. After over an hour, he wakes the blonde and hands her $500. The blonde politely takes the $500 and turns away to get back to sleep. The lawyer, who is more than a little miffed, wakes the blonde and asks, "Well, so what IS the answer!?" Without a word, the blonde reaches into her purse, hands the lawyer $5, and goes back to sleep.
I got to see my brother, Gary, for the first time this trip this morning....he just got home last night from another hunting safari to Africa. Okay, please don't hold that against him. I have to do self-talk about his hobby all the time but it also feeds many, many people in Africa. I tell myself that over and over. Good thing he's one of the most amazing men I know or I'd have to bop him across the head. Actually, I never did that as a child since he was older. Our mode of fighting would include him doing something to provoke me (of course) and then I would scream REALLY loud and then he'd try to smother me with his hand and THEN I couldn't resist biting his fingers REALLY hard.... mom usually heard the commotion by then and we were both in trouble. Big time. There is no fury like a mother who has had enough!
Brothers!
My 80's BFF Cynthia, who lives in Tigard, picked me up at the house (with daughter, Allison, and new baby Henry) (Allison is Tanner's age) and we went through books and giveaways at my folks, then headed to breakfast and the airport. She must have driven an hour just to spend a few hours with me and I appreciated it so much. Once boarded, I fell asleep before the plane left the tarmac, woke up for about 5 minutes on the flight, then woke up again as we were landing. Brandi's thinking, "No big surprise there..."
This was a working trip....I'm frustrated I didn't get more done. I had David stop at the grocery store on the way home so I could get Sunday dinner done tonight (4 lasagnas made- 2 for tomorrow and 2 for the freezer) so I wouldn't feel totally useless.
I love being with my parents. They are amazing, funny and awesome. I love coming home to my husband. He's pretty awesome as well. I love talking to my kids and hoping they all missed me. And a few friends. Working on my lessons for tomorrow as well.
Life is busy. Life is good.
A lawyer and a blonde are sitting next to each other on a flight from PDX to SLC. The lawyer leans over to her and asks if she would like to play a fun game. The blonde just wants to take a nap, so she politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks. The lawyer persists and explains that the game is really easy and a lot of fun. He explains" I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5, and vice-versa." Again, she politely declines and tries to get some sleep. The lawyer, now somewhat agitated, says, "Okay, if you don't know the answer you pay me $5, and if I don't know the answer, I will pay you $500!." Figuring that since she is a blonde that he will easily win the match. This catches the blonde's attention and, figuring that there will be no end to this torment unless she plays, agrees to the game. The lawyer asks the first question. "What's the distance from the earth to the moon?" The blonde doesn't say a word, reaches in to her purse, pulls out a five dollar bill and hands it to the lawyer. Now, it's the blonde's turn. She asks the lawyer: "What goes up a hill with three legs, and comes down with four?" The lawyer looks at her with a puzzled look. He takes out his laptop computer and searches all his references. He taps into the Airphone with his modem and searches the Net and the Library of Congress. Frustrated, he sends E-mails to all his co-workers and friends. All to no avail. After over an hour, he wakes the blonde and hands her $500. The blonde politely takes the $500 and turns away to get back to sleep. The lawyer, who is more than a little miffed, wakes the blonde and asks, "Well, so what IS the answer!?" Without a word, the blonde reaches into her purse, hands the lawyer $5, and goes back to sleep.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Cousins
Deanna...this one is for you! I had never seen this picture before. My closest cousin growing up...Deanna (on the left) and me (right.) At that time we thought brothers (and boys) were all incidental but I'll include them here: Denver (isn't that a cute name for a boy) on the left, baby Michael and brother Gary. Look, cuz! We have matching shoes!!!
A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.
Blonde
A young blonde woman went into a bank to withdraw some money.For security purposes the cashier asked her if she could identify herself.She opened her handbag and took out a small mirror, looked into it and said, "Yes, it's me all right."
The photographer for these pictures had come to our home. Apparently my single pictures didn't turn out (not so photogenic...) He actually came back to retake mine that day...but I was napping and he had to wait until I woke up. Notice the single picture curls are not quite as tight. Does any of Tenillie's family think there is any Boston in my brother?
Yep, my dears, I am the perfect example of the heart-shaped face! Do you see Hallee Babe in there?
We've: packed boxes, gone through pictures, gone through closets, 3 loads to the new apartment, played Phase Ten, tried selling books on Powell.com, eaten out, went to the movies last night with all the girls (Mom and I, Cher, Lisa and Melinda- awesome!) to see Julie and Julia! Today is more closets, trips to Goodwill, working on spices and food stuff. I feel like we haven't even made a dent.
Q: What did the blonde do when she heard on the news that over 90% of traffic accidents occur around home?
A: She moved.
The photographer for these pictures had come to our home. Apparently my single pictures didn't turn out (not so photogenic...) He actually came back to retake mine that day...but I was napping and he had to wait until I woke up. Notice the single picture curls are not quite as tight. Does any of Tenillie's family think there is any Boston in my brother?
Yep, my dears, I am the perfect example of the heart-shaped face! Do you see Hallee Babe in there?We've: packed boxes, gone through pictures, gone through closets, 3 loads to the new apartment, played Phase Ten, tried selling books on Powell.com, eaten out, went to the movies last night with all the girls (Mom and I, Cher, Lisa and Melinda- awesome!) to see Julie and Julia! Today is more closets, trips to Goodwill, working on spices and food stuff. I feel like we haven't even made a dent.
Q: What did the blonde do when she heard on the news that over 90% of traffic accidents occur around home?
A: She moved.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Day 3 of 5
(a continuing meme)
Labor Day typically puts the finishing touches on summer. What are 5 things that you accomplished this summer and what did you learn?
1. David and I hosted 30 kids and leaders at a Youth conference at a ranch in Circleville, Utah. I learned that doing a project like this is MUCH different with your husband than with a Young Women's presidency. I work in committee MUCH better. But at the end of the day, I still loved him. I tend to over plan. David tends to under plan. That's why together we make one complete brain. At Youth Conference, we had a cowboy time. We milked cows, we fed cows, we roped cows and we ate cows. It was crazy. It was fun.
"Do you know why they call it PMS? Because Mad Cow Disease was already taken...."
2. Hosted two weddings at our home. I learned that you can work as hard as an overplanner can, but life can change in a second.....bulls can stampede through the wedding, little guests can find giant snakes lurking that you didn't even know existed, and septic can come up in your house and yard at the most inopportune moments. And you still survive.
"I'm gonna go see Dr. Finklestein and I'm gonna tell him we have a whole new bag of issues. We can forget about mom for a while." (quote from Wedding Crashers)
3. That Lake Powell is heaven on earth, even if your week is shorter than usual. We missed our "friends" half of the week, but being with family is just the best.
You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.
-- Alec Waugh
4. That a reunion of high school friends was probably the highlight of my summer. I knew it would be fun but I really didn't imagine it as over-the-top funny, entertaining, serious and glorious reunion it turned out to be. I cried when they all left. I realize why these people mattered to me so many years ago. We can't wait to be together again. (Fay, I'm sooo glad we resolved our "issues" since childhood. Please know that I'm "on-toe" ballerina style as I type this....) (note: my Barbie ballerina doll was cuter than her Barbie ballerina doll and she's held a grudge. Also, I tried to get a job at a motel where she worked...and I couldn't make the bed fast enough so I didn't get it. "I" wasn't good enough..... I doubt I had ever made a bed until that point.....)
As far as I'm concerned, there won't be a Beatles reunion as long as John Lennon remains dead. (George Harrison) (Boy! THAT quote is old and ominous.....)
5, You can feed 200 plus people at Stake girl's camp for a week because: a) you're in the Heber facility with a state of the art outdoor kitchen b) you have amazing friends who say without hesitation "Of course we'll help c) and then they did! d) you realize that all the work was worth it when you felt the adrenaline, excitement and spirit that was there. You realize that girl's camp, when you were that age, with the previously mentioned elementary through high school friends, was really what changed your life. What you felt there, you wanted to hang on to for life....
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver (I heart George Washington Carver...one of my all-time favorite heroes.)
Labor Day typically puts the finishing touches on summer. What are 5 things that you accomplished this summer and what did you learn?
1. David and I hosted 30 kids and leaders at a Youth conference at a ranch in Circleville, Utah. I learned that doing a project like this is MUCH different with your husband than with a Young Women's presidency. I work in committee MUCH better. But at the end of the day, I still loved him. I tend to over plan. David tends to under plan. That's why together we make one complete brain. At Youth Conference, we had a cowboy time. We milked cows, we fed cows, we roped cows and we ate cows. It was crazy. It was fun.
"Do you know why they call it PMS? Because Mad Cow Disease was already taken...."
2. Hosted two weddings at our home. I learned that you can work as hard as an overplanner can, but life can change in a second.....bulls can stampede through the wedding, little guests can find giant snakes lurking that you didn't even know existed, and septic can come up in your house and yard at the most inopportune moments. And you still survive.
"I'm gonna go see Dr. Finklestein and I'm gonna tell him we have a whole new bag of issues. We can forget about mom for a while." (quote from Wedding Crashers)
3. That Lake Powell is heaven on earth, even if your week is shorter than usual. We missed our "friends" half of the week, but being with family is just the best.
You can fall in love at first sight with a place as well as a person.
-- Alec Waugh
4. That a reunion of high school friends was probably the highlight of my summer. I knew it would be fun but I really didn't imagine it as over-the-top funny, entertaining, serious and glorious reunion it turned out to be. I cried when they all left. I realize why these people mattered to me so many years ago. We can't wait to be together again. (Fay, I'm sooo glad we resolved our "issues" since childhood. Please know that I'm "on-toe" ballerina style as I type this....) (note: my Barbie ballerina doll was cuter than her Barbie ballerina doll and she's held a grudge. Also, I tried to get a job at a motel where she worked...and I couldn't make the bed fast enough so I didn't get it. "I" wasn't good enough..... I doubt I had ever made a bed until that point.....)
As far as I'm concerned, there won't be a Beatles reunion as long as John Lennon remains dead. (George Harrison) (Boy! THAT quote is old and ominous.....)
5, You can feed 200 plus people at Stake girl's camp for a week because: a) you're in the Heber facility with a state of the art outdoor kitchen b) you have amazing friends who say without hesitation "Of course we'll help c) and then they did! d) you realize that all the work was worth it when you felt the adrenaline, excitement and spirit that was there. You realize that girl's camp, when you were that age, with the previously mentioned elementary through high school friends, was really what changed your life. What you felt there, you wanted to hang on to for life....
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in. ~George Washington Carver (I heart George Washington Carver...one of my all-time favorite heroes.)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
5 More Things
Here's another 5 meme since I'm at my folks and trying to figure out a household full of stuff. I LOVE their new apartment and can't wait to start filling it up. I'll be happy knowing they are in a great place. Meanwhile, what do you do with 200 plus cookbooks, 50 books on health remedies (Marci, I'll save some for you!) and another 50 about home repairs and another 50 on diets! And every paper back novel you could buy in the past 5 years. I know we can donate them for book sales but some of these make a nice collection. I wish I knew how to do Craigslist.
1. The new sports season is about to begin...do you love it or hate it? I WISH I loved it. I WISH I even liked it a bit. But I don't. My husband and sons (except one) LOVE basketball and football. I wish I would have paid attention since they can all talk non-stop sports. It mooshes my brain cells.
2. What's your favorite of the sports and what team? Actually, growing up my favorite sport was baseball. None of my kids watched baseball although they played and I did love watching them. In my high school, wrestling was as big as football and basketball, with our school taking the State championships most years. And, of course, the boy I was in "true love" with played football and was a State champion wrestler so I was interested for different reasons. Wrestling isn't that big in Utah. I used to like San Francisco 49ers when Steve Young played since one of my sons loved him. And in baseball with Dale Murphy because another son loved him. I'm so not a sports mom. I failed there. It just bugs me that it takes up so much of people's lives and conversation. Just think, they COULD be talking about FOOD!
3. Do you get snow where you live? Do you love it or hate it? We get TONS of snow where I live. And I love it! I love it when it's deep and white and gorgeous. I don't mind driving in it since we all have 4-wheel drive vehicles. I love to snow ski. It IS my favorite sport. I DO NOT love or even like snow after March. It is an instant grrrrr. Winter should last 4 perfect seasons then quit. But did I mention that snowmen are one of my favorite things on earth?
4. You just had a fight with the person you are closest to. Do you not speak to them until they apologize...or do you apologize first. I cannot stand conflict. I'm not a fighter. I feel very strongly that nice is important...and that includes with people that get in your face. I'm better at standing up for myself during inappropriate behavior but frankly, I am surrounded by wonderful people. The "person I am closest to" would be David and we don't really fight. Well, one time, 28 1/2 years ago, he said, "Get off my back!" and I thought it was the end of the world as I knew it. We're certainly don't always agree but we are more the silent treatment kind of people but don't do that much either. I apologize easily if I have erred. I don't mean to be unkind but goof up occasionally because my tongue speaks without thinking sometimes. What is the saying? "Be careful of the tongue. It is in a wet place and may slip...."
5. What is/was your all time favorite Beatles Song? Gosh, the Beatles were totally my era. They made so many wonderful songs, from all the goofy ones to some of the most beautiful ballads. The ballads were my favorites- The Long and Winding Road, Michelle, Let It Be, Hey Jude. I loved Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Band....but my all time favorite Beatles songs ...
hands down....
is.....drum roll.......
"Birthday!" You haven't really lived until you have received a voice message from me on your birthday singing this song. I can do all the parts and even the sound effects and percussion. This is one of my favorite songs EVER!!!! It is the happiest song in the world!
If you don't know it, you gotta Itunes it. Just listen. If you know it, you'll be singing now!
1. The new sports season is about to begin...do you love it or hate it? I WISH I loved it. I WISH I even liked it a bit. But I don't. My husband and sons (except one) LOVE basketball and football. I wish I would have paid attention since they can all talk non-stop sports. It mooshes my brain cells.
2. What's your favorite of the sports and what team? Actually, growing up my favorite sport was baseball. None of my kids watched baseball although they played and I did love watching them. In my high school, wrestling was as big as football and basketball, with our school taking the State championships most years. And, of course, the boy I was in "true love" with played football and was a State champion wrestler so I was interested for different reasons. Wrestling isn't that big in Utah. I used to like San Francisco 49ers when Steve Young played since one of my sons loved him. And in baseball with Dale Murphy because another son loved him. I'm so not a sports mom. I failed there. It just bugs me that it takes up so much of people's lives and conversation. Just think, they COULD be talking about FOOD!
3. Do you get snow where you live? Do you love it or hate it? We get TONS of snow where I live. And I love it! I love it when it's deep and white and gorgeous. I don't mind driving in it since we all have 4-wheel drive vehicles. I love to snow ski. It IS my favorite sport. I DO NOT love or even like snow after March. It is an instant grrrrr. Winter should last 4 perfect seasons then quit. But did I mention that snowmen are one of my favorite things on earth?
4. You just had a fight with the person you are closest to. Do you not speak to them until they apologize...or do you apologize first. I cannot stand conflict. I'm not a fighter. I feel very strongly that nice is important...and that includes with people that get in your face. I'm better at standing up for myself during inappropriate behavior but frankly, I am surrounded by wonderful people. The "person I am closest to" would be David and we don't really fight. Well, one time, 28 1/2 years ago, he said, "Get off my back!" and I thought it was the end of the world as I knew it. We're certainly don't always agree but we are more the silent treatment kind of people but don't do that much either. I apologize easily if I have erred. I don't mean to be unkind but goof up occasionally because my tongue speaks without thinking sometimes. What is the saying? "Be careful of the tongue. It is in a wet place and may slip...."
5. What is/was your all time favorite Beatles Song? Gosh, the Beatles were totally my era. They made so many wonderful songs, from all the goofy ones to some of the most beautiful ballads. The ballads were my favorites- The Long and Winding Road, Michelle, Let It Be, Hey Jude. I loved Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Band....but my all time favorite Beatles songs ...
hands down....
is.....drum roll.......
"Birthday!" You haven't really lived until you have received a voice message from me on your birthday singing this song. I can do all the parts and even the sound effects and percussion. This is one of my favorite songs EVER!!!! It is the happiest song in the world!
If you don't know it, you gotta Itunes it. Just listen. If you know it, you'll be singing now!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fives
Here's a crazy meme ( two ways of pronouncing this- either like mem in memory or another way is to rhyme with dream.) You get to choose.
1. The cops are banging on your door late at night. What are you thinking they are there for?
Well, probably a pack of mad coyotes are attacking everything in sight. We've had ton this year....and in our yard. Then the vultures arrived. Something BIG was going on.
or
We live next door to a huge house (I think like 13,000 to 15,000 sq. feet.) The previous owners sold to a builder, who sold to a builder, who sold to a builder who totally desecrated the pastures and landscaping and put in a cul-de-sac in order to sell off the property. He went under as well. It has been empty for a year....then people have moved in. At first we were told it was a drug rehab. Now someone said it is a "Fat Farm." If the police were coming to my house, it would be because the Fat Farm guests went out of control because they could smell my cooking!
2. Children learn what they live....so they say.. what would a child learn in your household??
The kiddos totally know they are loved here. They know we love the Lord. He's part of our everyday conversation. They know that Grandma loves art and has fun paints and markers and has a never ending supply of paper. They also know Grandma can't understand everyone talking at once.
3. Tell us about 1 family ritual your family does every year. We have a week on a houseboat at Lake Powell. It is our heaven. By the way, Rylee (age 7) got up on the surfboard (behind the boat) this weekend! Awesome!
4. What is the favorite food that you would eat everyday 3 times a day if you could? I love lots of foods but other than snacks (chocolate covered almonds from Costco had to be outlawed...) I would say potatoes. I would love them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I ate them that much, I wouldn't be able to get out the door. But what can I say....I was born in Idaho!
5. Your neighbors put their dogs out at 630 AM everyday and they bark non stop and wake you up. How do you handle the problem? I would probably ask them what was going on with the dogs if I knew the people. I would figure the dogs were chasing the coyotes. If I didn't know the people, I probably wouldn't say anything. After all, I DO live with magpies. I'm not a big people/neighbor confront- er. Things usually seem to take care of themselves.
5. Tell us about something that you can do that more than likely not a lot of other people can do.
Have lots of various people live with us from time to time. Some that we didn't even know. I'm low key with guests....when you're here, you're family. I know that would stress out most of my friends. But I'll tell you....I've loved everyone that has stayed here. And I always can find room for one more at the table. Or 5 more. Or more!
1. The cops are banging on your door late at night. What are you thinking they are there for?
Well, probably a pack of mad coyotes are attacking everything in sight. We've had ton this year....and in our yard. Then the vultures arrived. Something BIG was going on.
or
We live next door to a huge house (I think like 13,000 to 15,000 sq. feet.) The previous owners sold to a builder, who sold to a builder, who sold to a builder who totally desecrated the pastures and landscaping and put in a cul-de-sac in order to sell off the property. He went under as well. It has been empty for a year....then people have moved in. At first we were told it was a drug rehab. Now someone said it is a "Fat Farm." If the police were coming to my house, it would be because the Fat Farm guests went out of control because they could smell my cooking!
2. Children learn what they live....so they say.. what would a child learn in your household??
The kiddos totally know they are loved here. They know we love the Lord. He's part of our everyday conversation. They know that Grandma loves art and has fun paints and markers and has a never ending supply of paper. They also know Grandma can't understand everyone talking at once.
3. Tell us about 1 family ritual your family does every year. We have a week on a houseboat at Lake Powell. It is our heaven. By the way, Rylee (age 7) got up on the surfboard (behind the boat) this weekend! Awesome!
4. What is the favorite food that you would eat everyday 3 times a day if you could? I love lots of foods but other than snacks (chocolate covered almonds from Costco had to be outlawed...) I would say potatoes. I would love them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I ate them that much, I wouldn't be able to get out the door. But what can I say....I was born in Idaho!
5. Your neighbors put their dogs out at 630 AM everyday and they bark non stop and wake you up. How do you handle the problem? I would probably ask them what was going on with the dogs if I knew the people. I would figure the dogs were chasing the coyotes. If I didn't know the people, I probably wouldn't say anything. After all, I DO live with magpies. I'm not a big people/neighbor confront- er. Things usually seem to take care of themselves.
5. Tell us about something that you can do that more than likely not a lot of other people can do.
Have lots of various people live with us from time to time. Some that we didn't even know. I'm low key with guests....when you're here, you're family. I know that would stress out most of my friends. But I'll tell you....I've loved everyone that has stayed here. And I always can find room for one more at the table. Or 5 more. Or more!
5 Things to Do Before I Get on a Plane today:
1. clean
2. pay bills
3. run to cleaners
4. make a few phone calls on my to-do list
5. have lunch with Cathy on the way to the airport. She's a great friend! (I'll try not to have potatoes....)
5 Marriage Quotes from my lesson:
For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked. Bill Cosby
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages. Friedrich Nietsche
The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together. Robert C. Dodds
In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage. ~Robert Anderson
"Do not marry a man to reform him. That is what reform schools are for." - Mae West
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Suppose We Really Found Him
(while I was looking through my C.S. Lewis quotes, I found this one I had forgotten about and remembered that I loved it. Perfect for the Sabbath.)
It is always shocking to meet life where we thought we were alone. 'Look out!' we cry, 'it's alive'. And therefore this is the very point at which so many draw back - I would have done so myself if I could - and proceed no further with Christianity. An 'impersonal God' - well and good. A subjective God of beauty, truth and goodness, inside our own heads - better still. A formless life-force surging through us, a vast power which we can tap - best of all. But God Himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed, the hunter, king, husband - that is quite another matter. There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly: was that a real footstep in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion ('Man's search for God!') suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He had found us?
It is always shocking to meet life where we thought we were alone. 'Look out!' we cry, 'it's alive'. And therefore this is the very point at which so many draw back - I would have done so myself if I could - and proceed no further with Christianity. An 'impersonal God' - well and good. A subjective God of beauty, truth and goodness, inside our own heads - better still. A formless life-force surging through us, a vast power which we can tap - best of all. But God Himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed, the hunter, king, husband - that is quite another matter. There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglars hush suddenly: was that a real footstep in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion ('Man's search for God!') suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He had found us?
- from Miracles- C.S. Lewis
Friday, September 11, 2009
7 Random Thoughts
1. Last night was big Ward barn dance at Tillotson's. The announcements were so darling (and funny!) I knew it would be fun. Cathy called me to go with them. I passed. David was at a roping last night and today. It wouldn't have been as much fun without him. Sometimes it is nice being low-key at home. But while I've been outside sanding, I can hear the music playing and laughter. Hard to believe I would miss a party, huh?
2. Since David wasn't here, I had crackers and avocado for dinner. Weird! I never liked avocados growing up (I can't even imagine when we would have had them...) but when I was in college, my roommate Calleen used to make avocado crackers and practically force fed me.
It was love at first bite. I seldom have c & a- but last night I had a couple of left-over avocados from Labor Day jumping up and down on the counter trying to get my attention. I put six saltines on a plate. I smeared them with mayo. I sliced a wedge of avocado on each cracker. Top with salt and pepper. Yumo. I felt like I was 18 once again....
3. I'm excited about today. I get to have a little time with Brandi ....just a titch....which always makes me happy. Then Tanner is coming to watch the BYU game on t.v. and hopefully we will prime the cabinet doors.
4. I'm flying home to Washington to my parents to help sort and box and give away a houseful of their memories. They have made the decision to move into a lovely independent living facility. Mom and I looked at several when I was there last time but they actually chose one I had not seen. This is a very bitter sweet time. It is so easy to give away other people's stuff or discredit what other people save. I realize that the "thing" isn't the important part....but the "thing" is often the trigger of the memory. When the "thing" is gone, oftentimes so is the memory trigger. Going "home" will be different from now on.....I'm in mourning. (I realize I've told you this before...)
5. can I just say how much I love to paint? Not house paint or cabinet paint but paint-paint. Sigh..... (even though I've said this before, I just wanted to make sure you're listening...)
6. The other evening I was talking to a friend on the phone. I "pace" the entire time I talk on the phone (a quirk all of my children have inherited...) and I go in and out of rooms, inside, outside. I ended up on the balcony and my friend on the other end of the line exclaimed, "I can hear your crickets!" Sophia commented on how loud they were. They ARE loud. I'm going to miss them. It is hard for me to hear them in September without singing jingle bells. They sound just like someone has big Christmas bells that they keep shaking. They make the perfect background accompaniment for singing in 4/4 time....
(really, you do want to smack me when I repeat, repeat?)
7. Married life teaches one invaluable lesson: to think of things far enough ahead not to say them. ~Jefferson Machamer (can you tell I'm still working on my lesson about marriage? )
2. Since David wasn't here, I had crackers and avocado for dinner. Weird! I never liked avocados growing up (I can't even imagine when we would have had them...) but when I was in college, my roommate Calleen used to make avocado crackers and practically force fed me.
It was love at first bite. I seldom have c & a- but last night I had a couple of left-over avocados from Labor Day jumping up and down on the counter trying to get my attention. I put six saltines on a plate. I smeared them with mayo. I sliced a wedge of avocado on each cracker. Top with salt and pepper. Yumo. I felt like I was 18 once again....
3. I'm excited about today. I get to have a little time with Brandi ....just a titch....which always makes me happy. Then Tanner is coming to watch the BYU game on t.v. and hopefully we will prime the cabinet doors.
4. I'm flying home to Washington to my parents to help sort and box and give away a houseful of their memories. They have made the decision to move into a lovely independent living facility. Mom and I looked at several when I was there last time but they actually chose one I had not seen. This is a very bitter sweet time. It is so easy to give away other people's stuff or discredit what other people save. I realize that the "thing" isn't the important part....but the "thing" is often the trigger of the memory. When the "thing" is gone, oftentimes so is the memory trigger. Going "home" will be different from now on.....I'm in mourning. (I realize I've told you this before...)
5. can I just say how much I love to paint? Not house paint or cabinet paint but paint-paint. Sigh..... (even though I've said this before, I just wanted to make sure you're listening...)
6. The other evening I was talking to a friend on the phone. I "pace" the entire time I talk on the phone (a quirk all of my children have inherited...) and I go in and out of rooms, inside, outside. I ended up on the balcony and my friend on the other end of the line exclaimed, "I can hear your crickets!" Sophia commented on how loud they were. They ARE loud. I'm going to miss them. It is hard for me to hear them in September without singing jingle bells. They sound just like someone has big Christmas bells that they keep shaking. They make the perfect background accompaniment for singing in 4/4 time....
(really, you do want to smack me when I repeat, repeat?)
7. Married life teaches one invaluable lesson: to think of things far enough ahead not to say them. ~Jefferson Machamer (can you tell I'm still working on my lesson about marriage? )
Bad Habits
A blonde was sitting down in a bar one day next to a red-head. Both of them were sitting there having a good time and then the news turned on.The woman reporter shouted out "A man is at the edge of a cliff attempting to jump!". Then the red-head leans over to the blonde and whispers, "I bet you $50 that the man's gonna jump!" The blonde responds back "That's a bet!" So, both of the woman stared at the news waiting to know what's gonna happen. Then, the man jumps! The blonde turns around to the red-head and hands her the $50. The red-head feeling guilty said "I can't take that there money. I saw the news earlier this morning. I knew he was gonna jump off the cliff."And the blonde says "Well, I did too! But I never would have thought that the man would do it again!"
In case you haven't noticed, I sometimes take on more than I can chew. I thought I had learned my lesson from the summer.... you can't swallow when you can't chew your food. That is why it is good to have a BFF to smack you across the head so that you make a paradigm shift from insanity to sanity. I don't have to do my surprise Design Star room in two days before I leave for Washington. The end of the world isn't coming and I can surprise them when I get back.
Hello? Why didn't I think of that? There were reasons why I was trying to get things done before but also, craziness is the mode I've been in for the past 4 months and if I didn't take advantage of every day, I was doomed! It is hard to teach an old dog (closer to 100 than one) new tricks.
I'm breathing in. I'm breathing out. That's what friends are for.
With the deadline off, Cathy and I spent the day yesterday doing some shopping for the surprise. Relaxing. I took her to the house and she had some good ideas. I really am excited. I put the last coat of paint on the dresser for Annee's room and screwed in the fun knobs. While we were at the house, we hung the magnet board I made and the cute lettering for the wall. I'll show pictures later. Her room is turning out darling. This weekend I'll be helping sand kitchen doors so we can get them primed and then begin painting (black antiqued.) That is way less pressure than trying to get the living room and kitchen painted.
I'm also working on my Sunday School lesson for Sunday. It is about marriage. I've been having fun finding some good quotes and thoughts for the board. If you have any particular talks or quotes, please send then on! Because my husband is an attorney, I found this one funny:
English Law prohibits a man from marrying his mother-in-law. This is our idea of useless legislation. ~Author Unknown
In case you haven't noticed, I sometimes take on more than I can chew. I thought I had learned my lesson from the summer.... you can't swallow when you can't chew your food. That is why it is good to have a BFF to smack you across the head so that you make a paradigm shift from insanity to sanity. I don't have to do my surprise Design Star room in two days before I leave for Washington. The end of the world isn't coming and I can surprise them when I get back.
Hello? Why didn't I think of that? There were reasons why I was trying to get things done before but also, craziness is the mode I've been in for the past 4 months and if I didn't take advantage of every day, I was doomed! It is hard to teach an old dog (closer to 100 than one) new tricks.
I'm breathing in. I'm breathing out. That's what friends are for.
With the deadline off, Cathy and I spent the day yesterday doing some shopping for the surprise. Relaxing. I took her to the house and she had some good ideas. I really am excited. I put the last coat of paint on the dresser for Annee's room and screwed in the fun knobs. While we were at the house, we hung the magnet board I made and the cute lettering for the wall. I'll show pictures later. Her room is turning out darling. This weekend I'll be helping sand kitchen doors so we can get them primed and then begin painting (black antiqued.) That is way less pressure than trying to get the living room and kitchen painted.
I'm also working on my Sunday School lesson for Sunday. It is about marriage. I've been having fun finding some good quotes and thoughts for the board. If you have any particular talks or quotes, please send then on! Because my husband is an attorney, I found this one funny:
English Law prohibits a man from marrying his mother-in-law. This is our idea of useless legislation. ~Author Unknown
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Roe vs. Wade vs. Thrashing
Bambi, a blonde in her fourth year as a UCLA freshman, sat in her US government class. The professor asked Bambi if she knew what Roe vs. Wade was about. Bambi pondered the question then finally said, "That was the decision George Washington had to make before he crossed the Delaware."
That's the decision I feel like I make every morning...do I wade or roe (row.) I ran into a friend (not literally) at the store (while I was buying more painting supplies) and we talked forever (surprises you, doesn't it...) about this life just whirling with hard stuff. If you haven't seen the Youtube Cliff Bar triathlon training video, you need to! Funny stuff. You just have to laugh or you'd fall apart!
So, I've got two days to finish my room make-over. That is pressure considering I have another room to paint. And it isn't a square room but one with ceilings and angles. I'm giving myself "buck up" pep talks as I write. Last night I finally got Annee's dresser done (and by the way, her first day of the new school was rough. She came out looking shell shocked with a terrible headache. It made me cry. But yesterday she was better. Tanner took treats to the teacher and asked if Annee could pass them out at the end of class since she was new. A little girl ran up and said, "I'm her friend." That's what she needs...) and also her bookcase. They aren't even going into the make-over room. I'm going to run out right now and put on a second coat. Hopefully the gnats will stay away.
Yesterday was wonderful. Michael Wilcox's class started and Cathy went with me, met Elsa there. Cathy hasn't gone before and we had lunch at Rumbi's, class, then hit TJMaxx and found a treasure for the makeover room, then Cathy made me go to nearby See's because she's an addict. Can I just say "Scotchmallow....yum!"
Michael W.'s class is beginning in Luke where he left off in the spring. I feel like we are going over the same material we are in the J. the C. class, which is wonderful and refreshing and I feel like I've learned so much. I presented the class on Tuesday (J. the Christ) and I told them that when I got to the part of the people stoning Christ, I actually cried because I just love him so much. I love the scriptures and I feel our in depth studying this year has been my anchor in the storm. M.W. did share (oh? he has my initials....) several quotes from CS Lewis, Mark Twain and Ben Franklin. I looked them up and found two. I'll post them here separately for those of you who read this and attend his class...then you'll have them. Great analogies.
That's the decision I feel like I make every morning...do I wade or roe (row.) I ran into a friend (not literally) at the store (while I was buying more painting supplies) and we talked forever (surprises you, doesn't it...) about this life just whirling with hard stuff. If you haven't seen the Youtube Cliff Bar triathlon training video, you need to! Funny stuff. You just have to laugh or you'd fall apart!
So, I've got two days to finish my room make-over. That is pressure considering I have another room to paint. And it isn't a square room but one with ceilings and angles. I'm giving myself "buck up" pep talks as I write. Last night I finally got Annee's dresser done (and by the way, her first day of the new school was rough. She came out looking shell shocked with a terrible headache. It made me cry. But yesterday she was better. Tanner took treats to the teacher and asked if Annee could pass them out at the end of class since she was new. A little girl ran up and said, "I'm her friend." That's what she needs...) and also her bookcase. They aren't even going into the make-over room. I'm going to run out right now and put on a second coat. Hopefully the gnats will stay away.
Yesterday was wonderful. Michael Wilcox's class started and Cathy went with me, met Elsa there. Cathy hasn't gone before and we had lunch at Rumbi's, class, then hit TJMaxx and found a treasure for the makeover room, then Cathy made me go to nearby See's because she's an addict. Can I just say "Scotchmallow....yum!"
Michael W.'s class is beginning in Luke where he left off in the spring. I feel like we are going over the same material we are in the J. the C. class, which is wonderful and refreshing and I feel like I've learned so much. I presented the class on Tuesday (J. the Christ) and I told them that when I got to the part of the people stoning Christ, I actually cried because I just love him so much. I love the scriptures and I feel our in depth studying this year has been my anchor in the storm. M.W. did share (oh? he has my initials....) several quotes from CS Lewis, Mark Twain and Ben Franklin. I looked them up and found two. I'll post them here separately for those of you who read this and attend his class...then you'll have them. Great analogies.
I don't know why I love blonde jokes (and I choose to spell blonde with an "e"...spell check doesn't like it. Who writes blonde "blond?") but some are profound. This is the one I needed today with all the busy-ness-
Why did the Blonde stare at the can of frozen orange juice?
Because it said concentrate.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Ben Franklin- The Whistle
(preface; M.W. was talking about when Christ asks the apostles "Who do men say I am?" Then Christ asked the apostles "Who do ye say I am?" The discussion was based on how many of the choices that we make in life are because we "sell" out what we know or think for what the world approves of. Or we get sucked into spending our time or efforts on things of less worth. Christ was trying to teach the apostles to not get caught up in the world's opionions and things of the world but be firm in your testimony of him.)
Now to Ben Franklin......
I am charmed with your description of Paradise, and with your plan of living there; and I approve much of your conclusion, that, in the meantime, we should draw all the good we can from this world. In my opinion we might all draw more good from it than we do, and suffer less evil, if we would take care not to give too much for whistles. For to me it seems that most of the unhappy people we meet with are become so by neglect of that caution.
You ask what I mean? You love stories, and will excuse my telling one of myself.
When I was a child of seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.
This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don’t give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money.
As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I thought I met with many, very many, who gave too much for the whistle.
When I saw one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, this man gives too much for his whistle.
When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by that neglect, "He pays, indeed," said I, "too much for his whistle."
If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of accumulating wealth, "Poor man," said I, "you pay too much for your whistle."
When I met with a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations, and ruining his health in their pursuit, "Mistaken man," said I, "you are providing pain for yourself, instead of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle."
If I see one fond of appearance, or fine clothes, fine houses, fine furniture, fine equipages, all above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career in a prison, "Alas!" say I, "he has paid dear, very dear, for his whistle."
When I see a beautiful sweet-tempered girl married to an ill-natured brute of a husband, "What a pity," say I, "that she should pay so much for a whistle!"
In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles.
Yet I ought to have charity for these unhappy people, when I consider that, with all this wisdom of which I am boasting, there are certain things in the world so tempting, for example, the apples of King John, which happily are not to be bought; for if they were put to sale by auction, I might very easily be led to ruin myself in the purchase, and find that I had once more given too much for the whistle.
Now to Ben Franklin......
I am charmed with your description of Paradise, and with your plan of living there; and I approve much of your conclusion, that, in the meantime, we should draw all the good we can from this world. In my opinion we might all draw more good from it than we do, and suffer less evil, if we would take care not to give too much for whistles. For to me it seems that most of the unhappy people we meet with are become so by neglect of that caution.
You ask what I mean? You love stories, and will excuse my telling one of myself.
When I was a child of seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.
This, however, was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don’t give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money.
As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I thought I met with many, very many, who gave too much for the whistle.
When I saw one too ambitious of court favor, sacrificing his time in attendance on levees, his repose, his liberty, his virtue, and perhaps his friends, to attain it, I have said to myself, this man gives too much for his whistle.
When I saw another fond of popularity, constantly employing himself in political bustles, neglecting his own affairs, and ruining them by that neglect, "He pays, indeed," said I, "too much for his whistle."
If I knew a miser, who gave up every kind of comfortable living, all the pleasure of doing good to others, all the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and the joys of benevolent friendship, for the sake of accumulating wealth, "Poor man," said I, "you pay too much for your whistle."
When I met with a man of pleasure, sacrificing every laudable improvement of the mind, or of his fortune, to mere corporeal sensations, and ruining his health in their pursuit, "Mistaken man," said I, "you are providing pain for yourself, instead of pleasure; you give too much for your whistle."
If I see one fond of appearance, or fine clothes, fine houses, fine furniture, fine equipages, all above his fortune, for which he contracts debts, and ends his career in a prison, "Alas!" say I, "he has paid dear, very dear, for his whistle."
When I see a beautiful sweet-tempered girl married to an ill-natured brute of a husband, "What a pity," say I, "that she should pay so much for a whistle!"
In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value of things, and by their giving too much for their whistles.
Yet I ought to have charity for these unhappy people, when I consider that, with all this wisdom of which I am boasting, there are certain things in the world so tempting, for example, the apples of King John, which happily are not to be bought; for if they were put to sale by auction, I might very easily be led to ruin myself in the purchase, and find that I had once more given too much for the whistle.
Labor Day
This past weekend was so busy helping T. and B move into their home. Yesterday I was worried sick about Annee starting her new school. She is VERY shy and this was just terrorizing for her. And everyone. I suggested they find out her Primary teacher's name (church) and then ask her for the names of a few little girls in the neighborhood and take them treats and introduce them so when Annee goes to school the next day, she might see a familiar face. Brandi reminded me last night that I did this when we moved into a new neighborhood. She was in lst grade. We laughed because the house we went to had a deer that they were cutting up, hanging from the garage. I about lost it! The imagine is still here after all these years!
Yesterday I took Tenille out to the house to do a walk through for ideas. I am doing a surprise "makeover" for their empty living room and I wanted some help from Tenille. I'm hoping to pull this all off before I leave next week for Washington. I'm VERY excited. The last time the girls and I did a surprise makeover was for Marci, when she was expecting Heidi. She was almost due and didn't have the nursery even begun. Josh's room was only halfway completed without the mouldings up. Ryan arranged for her to go with some of her famiy for the day and we got to work. We painted the room (I had asked her what color she wanted it a long time before) and totally had everything set up, with a new dresser and fun things on the walls. It was just beautiful. Josh was using an old dresser from one of our boys and I had a matching one at home....so Tenille painted the one at my home barn-red and we replaced the knobs, then switched out the dressers in his room, painted the dinosaur moulding and Ryan C.(Brandi's husband) hung it, the window rods, the chunky shelves in both rooms. When we were complete, we hid in the shower when Marci got home. We could hear her say she smelled paint when she came in downstairs. Ryan (my Ryan) led her up the stairs....and when she saw the rooms, she just started whimpering with tears. She was soooo happy! We jumped out and did the surprise thing because we really are cheesy. It was awesome.
Monday we had a big BBQ with lots of people we love. Everyone came about 5- our family, John and Kim Lambert and kids (John is like our adopted kid) and the Gwilliams (Tom and Penny, then their son Brandon and his wife, Tiffany and two boys) and friend, Sopia, who came for a sleepover since she had an early morning airport pickup the next morning. I was so happy for Sophia to meet friends and more of my family.
We had:
BBQ chicken tenders. Half of them were marinated in 1/2- Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce and 1/2 portion of Bernstein's Italian dressing. This is our favorite marinade. Then I did the other half in Lowry's Sesame Ginger marinade. Both delicious.
Ryan C. made a huge bowl of homemade fresh salsa and there wasn't a drop left. I made crab and shrimp ceviche which I could easily eat the whole bowl by myself. Ryan also did a whole cooler of corn on the cob. The sweet boy cooked it all up and the cooler kept it tasty warm for dinner. For dessert, I made Sophia's fresh peach pie and it was a hit! The trick with peaches is to buy them a few days ahead so they are ripe.
Some wanted the recipes, which is why I'm repeating myself here. Wait? I tend to repeat myself ALL the time.
Sophia's Fresh Peach Pie
Crush 3/4 package Pecan Sandies cookies and mix with 1/2 sq. butter and press into pie plate.
Slice enough peaches to fill shell.
Mix 1 can of Eagle Brand milk with 1/2 cup lemon juice until thick, then put on top of sliced peaches. (note: use a fresh can of milk since it darkens with even months of sitting on your shelve.)
Chill this pie then serve with whipped cream (made with Tablespoons of powdered sugar added). Sophia likes to sprinkle more cookie crumbs on top.
If you hate peeling peaches, drop a peach into a pot of boiling water for a few seconds. Then remove the peach and drop it into cold water. Slice the peach in half and the skin will just slip right off the peach. Just don't leave in the hot water too long and cook the peach.
And also for the Crab Ceviche (Aunt Pat's recipe.)
Crab Ceviche
1 lb. imitation crab meat (shrimp is good added in as well.)
10-12 limes (or bottled juice equivalent) (I used 1/2 and 1/2)
Pour freshly squeezed lime over crab meat and let marinate at least
15 minutes
Add:
2 avocados, cut up
1 med onion, chopped ( didn't do, I just like the green onions)
½ bunch green onions (mostly green part)
1 cup frozen corn
4-5 tomatoes chopped (add just before serving)
salt and pepper and
garlic salt to taste
Serve with chips
Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow. ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You
Yesterday I took Tenille out to the house to do a walk through for ideas. I am doing a surprise "makeover" for their empty living room and I wanted some help from Tenille. I'm hoping to pull this all off before I leave next week for Washington. I'm VERY excited. The last time the girls and I did a surprise makeover was for Marci, when she was expecting Heidi. She was almost due and didn't have the nursery even begun. Josh's room was only halfway completed without the mouldings up. Ryan arranged for her to go with some of her famiy for the day and we got to work. We painted the room (I had asked her what color she wanted it a long time before) and totally had everything set up, with a new dresser and fun things on the walls. It was just beautiful. Josh was using an old dresser from one of our boys and I had a matching one at home....so Tenille painted the one at my home barn-red and we replaced the knobs, then switched out the dressers in his room, painted the dinosaur moulding and Ryan C.(Brandi's husband) hung it, the window rods, the chunky shelves in both rooms. When we were complete, we hid in the shower when Marci got home. We could hear her say she smelled paint when she came in downstairs. Ryan (my Ryan) led her up the stairs....and when she saw the rooms, she just started whimpering with tears. She was soooo happy! We jumped out and did the surprise thing because we really are cheesy. It was awesome.
Monday we had a big BBQ with lots of people we love. Everyone came about 5- our family, John and Kim Lambert and kids (John is like our adopted kid) and the Gwilliams (Tom and Penny, then their son Brandon and his wife, Tiffany and two boys) and friend, Sopia, who came for a sleepover since she had an early morning airport pickup the next morning. I was so happy for Sophia to meet friends and more of my family.
We had:
BBQ chicken tenders. Half of them were marinated in 1/2- Kikkoman Teriyaki sauce and 1/2 portion of Bernstein's Italian dressing. This is our favorite marinade. Then I did the other half in Lowry's Sesame Ginger marinade. Both delicious.
Ryan C. made a huge bowl of homemade fresh salsa and there wasn't a drop left. I made crab and shrimp ceviche which I could easily eat the whole bowl by myself. Ryan also did a whole cooler of corn on the cob. The sweet boy cooked it all up and the cooler kept it tasty warm for dinner. For dessert, I made Sophia's fresh peach pie and it was a hit! The trick with peaches is to buy them a few days ahead so they are ripe.
Some wanted the recipes, which is why I'm repeating myself here. Wait? I tend to repeat myself ALL the time.
Sophia's Fresh Peach Pie
Crush 3/4 package Pecan Sandies cookies and mix with 1/2 sq. butter and press into pie plate.
Slice enough peaches to fill shell.
Mix 1 can of Eagle Brand milk with 1/2 cup lemon juice until thick, then put on top of sliced peaches. (note: use a fresh can of milk since it darkens with even months of sitting on your shelve.)
Chill this pie then serve with whipped cream (made with Tablespoons of powdered sugar added). Sophia likes to sprinkle more cookie crumbs on top.
If you hate peeling peaches, drop a peach into a pot of boiling water for a few seconds. Then remove the peach and drop it into cold water. Slice the peach in half and the skin will just slip right off the peach. Just don't leave in the hot water too long and cook the peach.
And also for the Crab Ceviche (Aunt Pat's recipe.)
Crab Ceviche
1 lb. imitation crab meat (shrimp is good added in as well.)
10-12 limes (or bottled juice equivalent) (I used 1/2 and 1/2)
Pour freshly squeezed lime over crab meat and let marinate at least
15 minutes
Add:
2 avocados, cut up
1 med onion, chopped ( didn't do, I just like the green onions)
½ bunch green onions (mostly green part)
1 cup frozen corn
4-5 tomatoes chopped (add just before serving)
salt and pepper and
garlic salt to taste
Serve with chips
Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow. ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)