A Book Review "Sarah's Key"

For the BCB, (Book Club Bitches) this year has been fun in sharing a book once a month. I have made it to every meeting and discovered reading books that are out of my comfort zone has been good for me too! (Not all stories can be about Dogs and happy endings hahahaha) I was able to share my favorite author, Jon Katz and his novel "Rose in a Storm" in this book club. I still prefer my dog/farm stories, just being made aware of all the different novels and different emotions in these other books was good. Most of our group slowly dropped off, these kind of groups usually do. We ended up becoming a comfortable handful of friends. I had first worried this book club would be a power struggle of some very strong willed women, then I worried it would be a showy event of computations as sometimes women can be judging. I have wondered for such a long time why some Women do not feel comfortable around other women, or why do some women attack and hurt each other? As I have grown up I have come to realize I don't fit into most women circles and had my doubts about the beginning of this book club. I LOVE being girlie, having kindred spirits in other girlie friends makes it even more special. I just wish I could answer my own questions about women in our society, what drives them to play games or be mean? I believe we have just as much ability to do good and be that everlasting friend! In our Book club, we read "Sarah's Key", it was a powerful story about the Holocaust, this shares how in Paris the Jews were taken from their homes. Sarah is a young girl, who tries to protect her little brother, she doesn't realize such a choice as that will follow her through out the rest of her life. This book has that style of modern day lives followed up with flash backs. I use to protest this style of writing because I connected to one part of the story first, I hated being "Interrupted" for the second story line. One time I read a book like this and ONLY read the captures of the first story then went back and read the other chapters I had skipped of the second story. My Mother-in-law thought that was a crazy way to read the book. In discussing "Sarah's Key" We sat outside on the first warm day this spring. This was Betty Jo's home, full of her artistic nature this cottage was simply adorable! I loved every room and every corner of it! Even before I had parked my car pulling up I knew this was going to be a beautiful place to meet, Betty Jo has been a life long friend with my Mother-in-law JoAnne and I could see clearly their shared artistic natures and humor. As I watched them laugh and visit, I felt so lucky to be apart of this book club and a part of their lives! For Betty Jo made personal onion soups with sweet caramelized onion and croutons, along with cute personalized quiches and red wine. We had a bowl of melted chocolate to dip our strawberries into on that warm spring evening. We laughed and shared our thoughts about this important book, as we welcomed in the fresh new spring on that cozy patio, we wondered if we would ever be surprise again if soldiers began rounding up our neighborhood children and how important it is to let your kids know what is going on in the world for their safety. We got teary eyed, we shared and we discussed. It was one of the best book discussions ever! I left the evening feeling so happy to of had such a good time with delightful women and how I will always be willing to put myself out there for a new friend and even most importantly to give all women a place of refuge with my life.

Biking the Green Belt

In the summer I was 16, my church had a young adult gathering in the Boise park. Where we all were going to ride our bikes up one side of the Boise River all way around to the other side on the Greenbelt. I was so excited and so out of shape that by the time the ride was on, I wasn't set up to go. My mother was terrified of this whole event, she gave us kids a long lecture of all the rules for biking the greenbelt in the big city of Boise. I suppose because she grew up out on a orchard farm safe from possible homeless people. The greenbelt was a wonderful place to bike or walk or just sit and read. After I grew up and moved to Boise there wasn't anything scary around me and I wondered where did all that fear in my mother come from? I remember when I was 16 years old and when I was truly excited with more energy then I knew what to do with on this biking event! I had been listening to a christian radio program that very same morning "Adventures in Odyssey" it was a cliff hanging episode, so when I saw my beloved friend Rebekah she came running up as we jumped up and down twirling into each other at the fact we hated the "Be continued" of our favorite radio program. I remembered my mom's long list of rules for biking, Like she said nervously  "You can not bike alone at all or you will be grounded. THIS is very important." and second "You have to look out for your brother and sister at all times." and three "DO NOT stop to talk to strangers even if some of the other kids do." I remember the rules because I asked my mom why was she so upset, she answered this a place full of homeless crazy people, big cities have many problems. I found myself looking everywhere to see a homeless person and actually I never did. My annoying friend who really wasn't a friend at all,Whisper came along complaining about her knee or her arm or her head ache. She found me instantly as she asked if I would be her biking partner, I pictured her biking only past 2 or 3 trees saying she was done. I didn't know how to just say "Nope." in a nice way, my beloved friend Tiffany mumbled to me "Why are you so nice, she is just using you!" I sighed looking sadly at the sudden mess being nice had got me into. When the whole biking group took off, my mom began shouting at me all wildly waving her arms and pushing me off to be with the rest of the moving group, I was startled by her actions and she said forcefully that if I didn't get riding I was going to be to far behind and she was not going to allow me to bike after all. My partner Whisper had crashed her bike before we even started and acted all dramatic while I was helping her up through the chaos. My mom was so angered by this, she said that I had picked a bad lazy fat partner to bike with. I didn't know what to do but I was wanting to go on this bike ride with everyone else so as my mother pushed me on the path I quickly took off. It was impossible to catch up to the whole gang, so I just cried for most of the first part of the bike path. I think I cried because I felt bad that Whisper crashed into the ground before we ever started riding. (Although looking back I bet it was intentional) Then I also cried because my mom was so alarmed and so mad at me, I didn't understand why. I cried because being 16 years old was one of the worse years in the whole of my life, if I had planned it better I would have taken a short cut across the bridge and gave myself some peace and quiet before the group came back around. That bike ride was scenic and peaceful, I soon calmed myself down enough to just enjoy it. As I pedal thinking to myself "I'm in trouble already, I'm so alone out here that she will kill me for sure!"  My beloved friend Tiffany and her brother Zach were waiting for me around the bend of the river and when I saw them I burst out into new tears this time from having such good thoughtful friends like them! The three of us talked about my mother's rules and why they were so strict. Tiffany explained that my mother had been to much NEWS for they always have some kind of warning about strangers on the greenbelt. After the break when we all catch back up with each other, Tiffany biked with Rebekah for awhile as Zach and I stayed together avoiding the chaos of all the other teenagers with their racing games. Zach, Tiffany's brother pedaled thoughtfully staying with me saying "Everyone is missing out on this beautiful scenery around here by all this racing...I like taking my time to enjoy the afternoon!" I laughed back exclaiming "ME TOO! I would think it gets tiring being a boy and having to keep up or stay competitive all the time!" Zach nodded in his reply over his shoulder as we biked all the way back to our picnic place. "I would think it is tiring being a girl and always having to be nice to everyone, especially if all ya want to do is ride your bike!" I burst out laughing even more and agreeing. It was a perfect ride back and I wasn't alone so my mom will not be madly waiting for me to turn up. When we saw our whole group gathering around the fresh BBQ, Zach said "Well now we can't be friends anymore..." I frowned confused "Why?" I asked annoyed for I truly enjoyed his friendship and his open honesty with me on that ride, I loved all the things we talked about and we watched out for each other. He shrugged "I don't make the rules, but if we hang out with each other like just friends everyone else will gossips, You heard my sister earlier say that everyone is looking for juicy story!" I snorted and shook my head because I wasn't going to be intimated. "Well, we are not Everyone...we are friends and I am sitting with YOU over lunch!" I marched right over and claimed 2 seats for us to eat our hamburgers with my chin just a bit more higher then usual and Zach just laughed!

Singsperation

Growing up living on a Orchard farm, we didn't have very many visitors or even contact with the outside world. Our Grandparents were usually the only adults we saw. It was a very sheltered life being homeschooled by our mother who viewed the public school system as a corrupted, sinful, brain washing organization that the government used to control people. I am surprised at times looking back that I EVER had the "guts" to talk to a stranger after everything I was told from my parents. At first I really wanted to go to school when I saw my older cousins get on a bus, then as I grew older I was terrified of such a place. The one place I left like it was safe, the one building I wanted to live at....was CHURCH. Funny, now it has been 10 years since I have attended church like that. Back in my day it was a wonderful place, Safer then public school and full of my dearest friends! I volunteered for everything as I grew old hoping to be at church just a bit longer and be around people more. The only thing I did NOT like volunteering for was the 5th Sunday night of every month, when my church had an evening service dedicated to just singing. Everyone in the church family could sign up and sing in groups or a solo or just play a musical instrument.It was called a "Singsperation", usually families came together to sing in front of the Congregation in a way that praised God and help us be reflective on our own spiritual soul. When I was 11 years old I remember my very first Singsperation when my beloved friend Tiffany played the piano and afterwords I stood up clapping and cheering after her only to suddenly realize NO ONE was clapping like me, I sat down quickly feeling the heat raise up my cheeks, there were a few chuckles and sympathetic looks. My Mother looked horrified at me and I never forgot that confusion as I had been working so hard to befriend Tiffany and get her to like me. She came up to later after that church service to explain to me that no one claps for the music, it is about honoring and praising God not our own vanity. So the place is stone cold with people watching others preform but they can NEVER response in some kind of reaction other then a confident "Amen". I took note of how people reaction and learned how to join in. Even though I attended that church for 11 straight years I never did like that no one clapped on Singsperation Sunday. But I DID LOVE that service the most! I loved singing camp fires songs in church or choosing my favorite hymns to sing! I loved listening to people sing and always felt like those Sundays were the best to sit with friends and have fun. Shortly after our new baby brother Daren was born in 1992, our mother was inspired by an idea, that HER kids could sing for singsperation! Now usually my mother didn't like attracting ANY attention to herself at church. So on  the day she said to my sister Dana and I that we will sing in front of everyone at church, I couldn't help but laughed out loud! Mom had it all figured out in her mind it was going to be perfect and wonderful. In the look my sister shot me said otherwise. I will always remember THAT conversation!  
Mom continued "I am serious! Dana can play her guitar and all of you kids can sing!" 
I replied "But she has JUST started teaching herself how to play. she isn't very good yet...and what would we sing?" Mom smiled proudly saying "You can sing any number of the songs you already know with Dana's guitar."
Dana snorted rolling her eyes "Debby can't sing." I nodded eagerly in agreement. I had once imagined my singing to be like some famous country star singer only to realize it was truly NOT!  
Mom waved her hand to silence us as she looked through our song records to find one for us to sing. Our brother Derek was thrown in with us as we were told to practice everyday over the month. Derek's voice was changing as he tried to sing and I found myself laughing so hard that tears rolled down my cheeks when he squeaked a musical note. It is one my most favorite memories those sunny afternoons with Dana holding her guitar as Derek and I stand together reading the song words from the same music sheet. Then before long I am falling face first into my sister's leg laughing again as Derek frowns explaining he doesn't want to do this. Our mother won't let him off the hook although Dana said when I started giggling I made our practice time longer. No matter how many times we told our mother we were NOT ready for the big time church service she would just shrug saying back "Practice makes perfect." Dana said there was just no reasoning with her once she made up her mind that HER kids were preforming. When the night came for us to sing, mostly terrified we stood in front of maybe 2oo people not able to stop shaking as we sung, we tried to follow each other's voices. It was such a struggle for me to look up seeing all eyes on me, then I would forget where I was in the song by this distraction. Derek found his safe spot standing behind me as much as he could. He seemed to almost stop singing all together and Dana strumming one cord at a time. She was doing really good for not having ever been shown how to play! I felt sweaty as I sung realizing my voice was the loudest. It was odd for us to be on stage most everyone was paying attention so I kept my eyes on my feet hoping to stay on tune. The song could not end fast enough for us!  We knew we hadn't done very good, we knew we were actually never going to get even close to sounding okay. BUT we still did it! I was proud of that fact mostly that we at least risked it. The important thing to note is that our Mom never asked us to sign up for Singsperation ever again!

Words of the song, "Beautiful day" by U2

The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
But there's no room
No space to rent in this town
You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere
You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Always
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace
Always

It's a beautiful day
Day
The sky falls and you feel like
Day
It's a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination
You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you
Always

It's a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day
It's a beautiful day
Day, day
Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by clouds
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light and
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

Day, day

It was a beautiful day
Day
Don't let it get away
Day
Beautiful day
Day, day

Touch me
Day
Take me to that other place
Day
Reach me
Day
I know I'm not a hopeless case
Day

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
It was a beautiful day
Day

It's warm in the sun, I reach to the sun

My Knitting

My knitting needles are some of my most favorite things to hold while relaxing and listening to the radio or my auto books on my ipod. While I enjoy seeing things come together as I knit, I have found that sitting outside in the warmth of the sun helps me stay focus and finish my project. So far I have been knitting the last 7 years and have ONLY ever made a scarf. When I realized this, I changed it to wash cloths for my mom. Now, I can say I knit squares and long snake like scarfs. I should challenge myself to try other things really! I did create a new looking mixed and match scarf made from all my odd pieces of left over yarn. It was amazing to see this hippy wacky scarf come together! Soon after that I started making all kind of weird patterns in my colors of scarfs. For Christmas my brother Doug gave me bright red yarn so that I could make myself a scarf and I LOVED that kind of gift! I made that scarf in a week so I could show him the finished product. My knitting will grow with me as I go and as I REALLY want to create a hat now, but the knitted socks kinda freak me out! For I look closely at all the details in knitting those wondering if I could pull it off or not:-}
When I work at the Fair every year I find myself starring at the ladies spinning yarn. I love the old wooden wheels moving along as the ladies visit turning wads of sheep wool into strong dyed yarns. What a transformation! What a lost art! What an amazing world of knitting and yarn there is! I want to keep learning and improving my love for the clicking of the needles and the magic of simple string becoming something useful, Something beautiful!

Words of the song, "One Step Closer" by U2

I'm 'round the corner from anything that's real
I'm across the road from hope
I'm under a bridge in a rip tide
That's taken everything I own

One step closer to knowing
One step closer to knowing

I'm on an island at a busy intersection
I can't go forward, I can't turn back
Can't see the future
It's getting away from me
I just watch the tail lights glowing

One step closer to knowing
One step closer to knowing
One step closer to knowing
Knowing, knowing

I'm hanging out to dry
With my old clothes
Finger still red with the prick of an old rose
Well, the heart that hurts
Is a heart that beats
Can you hear the drummer slowing

One step closer to knowing
One step closer to knowing
One step closer to knowing
To knowing, to knowing
To knowing

Oprah, My Oprah!

It is a sad day to say goodbye to the Oprah show, When it came to my connection to pop culture before the magical Google option. I would watch OPRAH for the insightful perspective. I loved her real honest smile on the TV screen. How she conducted herself with confidence and thoughtfulness. In my eyes she was beautiful before she lost all that weight even! She was vibrant and visually approachable on screen. I knew she didn't know me at all but I looked forward to watching her at 4pm every afternoon. In her 2002 Oscar dress I stared in awe by her beauty, by her soft chocolate skin, for she had such genuine happiness! (I took that very style of dress for my own wedding dress, I felt like she had my very same shoulders and wide chest.) She said on her show that real women REALLY do have curves. She had to become comfortable in her own skin right there on TV. Not everyone was going to like her, I am glad that I did! Oprah became part of the afternoon background noise at the family own cafe I worked for. These shows were discussed at my mother-in-laws BBQ dinners, when she would start by asking "Did you watch Oprah today?...." And I loved arriving ready to discuss the latest show or topic. Sometimes when I would hear myself saying "Well now Oprah says white pants are making a come back, a very popular look for spring." I would chuckle to myself, As if I even knew ANYTHING about style or new looks for the season! That is just what Oprah did for being apart of every day life and bringing us all together to watch her. Mama Jojo would be calling me on my cell phone as I glanced at the clock with alarm while I answered her explaining quickly "I almost forgot! I am turning it on right now!" Mom laughed excitedly as she replied "It is SO GOOD! I thought of YOU right away for you would LOVE this job of "make overs" for a bedroom or living room, Quick! the commercials are almost over, gotta go, bye!" Mama Jojo was never one for a long goodbye on the phone. I would then sit focused on the TV screen with her same excitement over Oprah's new topics. When the hurricane Katrina hit and Oprah did her very special report I found myself curled up in my blanket on the couch crying like a baby at the suffering of all those people. I think the lessons learned and shows shared teach us about the world and how important it is to take the time to learn of someone's stories and what they went through. I believe that it takes a true sincere heart to connect to another person, it takes bravery to get up in front of everyone and be a real person. To give honestly apart of yourself to the others around you. Oprah had what it takes And she did an amazingly great job!


So with a bittersweet feeling, I say GOODBYE Oprah and THANK YOU for sharing your advice, your life and your love with us all!

All You Can Eat Ice Cream

I was so excited when I turned 13 years old because that meant that I was an actual Teenager, My parents liked celebrating all of our birthdays by going out after church on that birthday Sunday for the All-You-Can-Eat Ice cream sundae bar at the restaurant JB's. There was many different combinations of soft served ice cream sundaes. So as a kid I was in AWE by the 3 options of soft serve ice cream Vanilla, Chocolate and Swirl! I would take my 16 oz. glass cup then filled with a mountain of treats! I use to put colored marshmallows in first before the ice cream so they would be almost frozen by the time I ate them, hahahaha these were such FUN Sundays in my memory! There was also 3 sauces like strawberry, Chocolate and Carmel. The bar was setup with the same candies like sprinkles, nuts, candy bar pieces, Oreo cookie crunches and maraschino cherries. A legend story was of the time I ate 16 sundaes, or maybe it was 14 or maybe just 8! The truth is I can't remember because I had NEVER hurt like that before! I usually remember such great details, on the day I over ate from the ice cream bar my mind entered a foggy state. I had try several combinations, twirl and Carmel with sprinkles, vanilla and Oreo, chocolate with marshmallows and strawberry sauce. It was a crazy Sunday afternoon while my father cheered me on and we all were amazed that I kept going, I kept EATING endless amount of ice cream! I also refused to throw up by the end even though I thought I was truly going to die! My mother warned me several times that it was going to make me sick of ice cream for a long time, but I didn't listen. My father liked to compared styles, combinations and presentation of our own personal made sundaes. This wasn't a eat quick system for we usually spent the big part of an whole afternoon in JB's for the ice cream. I never forgot that 13th birthday celebration when my legs went numb and my back burned in pain. My mouth hurt and my head ached, my ribs were stuck to my sides and my skin was icy cold. For I had reached my limit to the "All you can eat ice cream" I hadn't realized it was going to be a classic family story that everyone LOVED to talked about! I only remembered it more like a huge mistake, One I knew I would never make AGAIN!


It was on my brother Derek's 13th birthday, when my dad asked him if he was going to beat my recorded, Derek didn't look so sure as I shook my head in alarm. 
"It's not FUN after a certain amount!" I warned. Once again after church we were sitting in JB's for the all-you-can-eat- ice cream sundaes. Our Father ended up getting a call to go back to work, so we teenagers were left with our mother who was easily distracted by our baby brother Daren, Derek had also invited his friend Matt to join us on that particular afternoon, Matt was also the brother of one my beloved friends. In many ways he and I were better friends then he was with my brother because I hung out at his home far more often. I remember this time very well, Derek didn't usually invite many of his friends to hang around us I had noticed. So I tried to explain to our friend Matt how it works with creating/eating the sundaes. He wasn't very impressed, as he ate his second cup he whispered over to me "When do we actually eat?" I looked around in surprised for I didn't realize my brother hadn't warned him before he agreed to hang out all day, For We just go for the ice cream. The restaurant had raised the price to $6 a person, my parents were mad about that, now we REALLY only ate at the ice cream bar....We also had to get our money's worth, my mom calculated the number of sundaes we needed to eat for it to have paid for itself. These were all the requirements for the family outing. I sat back thinking quickly what could I do to help our guest not suffer hunger for the lack of REAL food. I patted Matt's arm as I nodded while he kept whispering on explaining "I am starving, I can't just eat ice cream...this is weird..when do we EAT?" I completely understood his questions and his alarm. I spoke out bravely to my mother "Can we order of the menu? We are really hungry!" I wasn't expecting such a quick glare from my mother as she replied "NO. Debby you know the rules, if you are hungry you can have a peanut butter sandwich when we get home." I felt a flush of heat moving up my cheeks for I had thought I was being clever and being polite to not putting our guest on the spot. Matt leaned in next to me again whispering "When will we be home then?" I mumbled back "Not for at least another hour maybe..I dunno actually." I tried again to approach my mother. From across the big long table where we all sat spread out I called out again "Will we be heading home soon to eat thenmaybe?" my mother was getting really annoyed by my second question as she fed my baby brother. "Debby... stop Please just stop." For I was known for challenging her. I had wanted to eat real normal food as well once before, I had ask to order off the menu only to the horror of my parents and I remembered thinking ice cream was making me so sick yet I was very hungry! It was learning memory. The fact that I was asking for real food again, wasn't because I was an idiot! Mom gave me the "How dare you!" look again. I got THAT very look most of my life and knew how to avoid such conflict. Now in this moment I wanted to help my best friend's brother get something to eat! So I wasn't giving up as fast I would if it was just me! Finally after my third attempt with my mom as it felt like we would start fighting again. Matt patted my arm right back and took charge of speaking out about needing to have some lunch for himself if it was at all possible. My mother handed him a menu and saw my proud grin as she quickly pointed her finger right in my face "Not for you, just for our guest. YOU can wait until we go home." I replied at the very same moment as Matt, saying "He's eating ALONE?" as Matt said "I'm eating ALONE?" but my mother had already walked away so I shrugged then Matt rolled his eyes. That boy could create any facial expression which often said exactly what I was thinking. He still shared his fries after a plate of real food came for him and actually he never joined us again for a Sunday afternoon, I couldn't blame him. Over that whole event I reflected over how different our parents were. How it was when I spent a Sunday afternoon at his home with his sisters and mother, we all order off a menu without a debate or just made a fun fresh picnic to sit outside all together. Matt's mother never wasted time getting lunch ready right away for her kids! I was in awe of how different all parents are.......
I also think the idea of going out for ice cream was fun for my parents, they were excited to discover this cheap fun way to celebrate birthdays. The days of the ice cream smorgasbord are ones I won't forget, that bewildering amount of candies and syrups along with the fun contests we had in who created the best looking sundaes. Shortly, after our father blew up at the server we never returned to JB's. And our new birthday tradition changed to hanging out at Chucky Cheese....just in time actually!
for I was getting quite chubby as it was!

Homemaking

Over the last year and a half I have been a full-time homemaker, I think it has been a lost art, a lost job. Homemaking is a really important, I am excited to see these next generations embrace homemaking again! Because those who come home from the working world still need a helping hand, a cozy freshly made bed! So I love helping out in this way! The walls of a house transform by the touch of my hand into a Home, It's like magic! For there are a million cleaning projects, there are endless cooking possibilities and a sense of safety in being home. 
I love when my husband comes home to a cozy living room full of the aroma with dinner cooking and ready made cocktail. He says on cold winter nights the glow from the windows makes he walk a bit faster knowing I will have fresh warm goodies and cozy soft blankets waiting for him! It makes me VERY PROUD to be a homemaker, to see the happiness in his face and hear the joy in his voice. With our little dog napping in the evenings because I run him out earlier that day or I brush the cat out so that we all live in this very zen like life!  I like to step back and ask myself "How did I get to this time in my life where everything is perfect and wonderful?" The answer always comes back to me quickly, My husband Tony. He loves me being home as much I love it too! For I married the most AMAZING man! We are both food lovers, finding new recipes to try and even get into our own game of competing for the best pot roast or sizzling bacon. When I arrange flower bouquets around the home he stops to smell them before he goes off to work. When he calls me in afternoon hungry I take him lunch or we sit in the park together watching our dog play Frisbee. I used to do all these things and have a job too, since we are both very laid back people, what is important to us has matured into this peaceful paradise. If I get a job, I will work. If I stay a homemaker I still work hahaha for the home is my first place of comfort. Dusted book shelves and freshily made bed smelling like lavender and the brownies baking in the oven. Moments like these are my passion, being able to live on the exact schedule of my husband also helps our friendship and our family of pets. Sometimes people don't get it, how could I settle at home? I don't look at it like that at all, I look at it from a sense of fulfillment. Because I am never bored, each day moves just as fast as the next. I may stay out in the park all morning one day and scrubbed out the shower the next. I have sewn and fixed clothing to knitting wash cloths. Art is a form of a person's ability to create something, My homemaking is my own artistry, once I have a bigger place I hope anyone who visits can feel right at home! It is nothing to be ashamed of, as a very confident imaginative female I believe that I am right where I am meant to be! For running a home is an all day job full of wonders and new discoveries:-) 

My Cup of Coffee

In my mornings I look forward to the process of making coffee. It is refreshing to get up with the steaming warm liquid. It is almost like a meditation, the fresh smell of whole beans grinding in the air, along with the soft sound of heated water on the stove. The few minuets passing as the coffee grounds meets the hot water in a stainless steel french press! Ah YES it is truly morning by this very simple routine! My french press has been with me almost 7 years now and still working perfectly, (I had to learn the hard way after several broke at first, that investing in good quality is well worth it) Also my espresso machine allows me to therapeutically steam perfect foam. and I LOVE my lattes too!

My roommate was sitting in the farthest booth at the Flying J truck stop at 1 am as I found her there among her college text books laying out, "I am glad you left a note so I could find you!" I exclaim as I slid into the worn old seat across from her, as she flicked her cigarette into the ash tray. She smiled and rubbed her eyes with her other hand as I turned my coffee mug over, It was that historic brown pottery mug. I liked those style because it reminded me of my Papa Rudy and my father drinking from those same kind of mugs when I was a kid. My roommate stop me in mid-action "It taste like dirty ass by the way." I looked surprised as she said this to me then I replied "What does? The coffee? Do you eat a lot of ass to know this?" She chuckled and winked  as my hand went up to stop her realizing I had maybe opened myself up for to much info. Then I choked and tried not to laugh as the coffee hit my throat like motor oil. I had not taken her advice and really wanted some warm coffee as we sat there late into the night or early morning depending on how we looked at it. My roommate handed me a new lit cigarette as I stared in horror at the black stuff in my mug, "What the fuck is this stuff? Did they just scrape it off one of those semi trucks out there?" It was definitely the worse tasting coffee of my whole life! She didn't miss a beat as I took the new smoking ciggy from her hand, She explained "This will help the coffee taste better, I have learned." My roommate was a cynic, always playing it "cool" and she also felt that since I was a sheltered child, I needed helpful advice now. So I gave it a try, with a few puffs on the cigarette then sips of coffee I was in awe! "Wow! what a combination! smoking... then... drinking coffee!! They actually really complement each other, don't they? a smoky rusty flavor! Wow I will remember this for next time!" My roommate glanced around with a smirk in her dry humor sarcastic voice saying "YOU really need to get out more." I sat back nodding and thinking about how true that was. Over time I found that good coffee doesn't need any kind of companion with it, as long as it is brewed correctly.  So I don't smoke anymore as the fresh air helps start the fresh new day off right!

Hotel Rwanda (A Movie Review)

When I think of Rwanda, when back in 1994 the horrific genocide took place and I was 15 years old. I didn't know about this at the time, yet I still FEEL responsible as I became a part of the rest of the world who turned their backs or didn't care about this civil unrest and hatred while it exploded. When this movie came out in 2004 I felt truly stupid realizing I had NOT been aware at the time! So I vowed to NEVER just "not know" about the world around me anymore. I want to live my life as a peace maker, I will try to be in a position in the future to help out in some way. Hopefully, we have ALL learned from Rwanda, even though we said that we had learned from the Holocaust, Rwanda still happened. I want to believe we are changing as a whole nation as we learn. Yet I don't think most new generations can remember these tragic stories, unless those who have seen and heard can reminded them. This is why I am doing this movie review because it is NOT just a movie, it was apart of our very own lives. We lived comfortably in this wealthy nation, I personally believe that we should of felt the instant their blood splashed onto the earth, we should have woke in the middle of the night by their screams and ran to the rescue! For it's not just one nation against another, WE as the people who are currently living in this world should feel connected and responsible for each other. I believe there is a deeper connection to each of us, that really no one is a stranger. Will we forget? Will we repeat history time after time? Will we not care or try to help?  I have heard from people I know say "IF it doesn't effect my life I don't care, I don't want to waste my energy." I think when I have heard this, (And it doesn't come from just one person, for many people feel this way) 
I am filled with sadness by this phrase. Not everyone will want to help or be connected to others, I can not force that deeper calling in them. So when I share my grief, my heart's desire to help a hurting world..I realize I have to start with these people in my own society. Compassion grows from the home out into the rest of the world. I know I can be apart of the solution not the problem. I will never give up sharing what I feel and what I have learned:-) People can create their own lives, decide to war against another or walk with peace. In the movie Hotel Rwanda I loved how it seemed like one man can make a difference, often people don't want to be that one person. I am willing to learn how to rescue and protect those around me. This is a remarkable story, this is a time in our history where we wondered the deep question "What am I made of?" and What can we do together to help each other remember that.....

THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE!

A Book Review, "A Dog Year" by Jon Katz

When I began my collection of Jon Katz books, I read this book in only 2 days! Maybe that was the fastest time I have ever read before! From the moment I bought it to sitting in a coffee shop that same early morning right in front of a cozy warm fire place in Boise's new BoDo area. I was captivated by pages as they took me away to the previous life Jon had lived before his bedlam farm spirit! This book talks about how he took a sudden risk and changed his whole life by one struggling Boarder Collie Dog! Devon who is later named Orson after his transformation into Jon's life. And the personal growth of Jon into Orson's life makes me realize I am meant for such a life also! I have always loved my dogs but now I see it clearly as a calling from my very soul of who I am, of who I always was and who I want to be even better! This book talked about Jon's perfect dogs, the golden labs named Standley and Julius. I loved those dogs so much, for they were so calm as they could walk through the neighborhood off lease, they never ran away. I liked how they cuddled and loved so gently. My heart didn't let go of the fact I needed a lab in my own life, I know that I have the energy for any dog, I think that not having children or any distractions is why I can feel such bountiful energy. In this book I was apart of the how Bedlam Farm got started, Jon's blog is a great boost to read before racing off to work and I have loved Boarder Collies my whole life even though I have never had one of my own. As a small child I remember once my family went to some kind of sheep festival out in the country, I remember being in awe at the herding power of this breed of dogs!  
I felt like Jon Katz captured his experiences perfectly in this story, I also felt like the possibilities are endless! Maybe just maybe my own Boarder Collies and farm awaits!

....Walking through the Park and Reminiscing!

My most favorite park in Boise is the amazingily beautiful Katherine Albertson Park, I live only 5 minuets away, so when I first began to think I should get a dog I was walking it daily on my own. For on all those early mornings walks I noticed the Canadian Geese gathered on the soft open grassy fields and I usually carried my coffee cup along to keep warm while still outside in all of nature's glory! Once when a goose hissed at me and I squealed moving to the side of the sidewalk in sudden fear! (birds and me have a history) Now I wasn't ever afraid of being on my own, I wasn't ever afraid of a strange dog coming towards me off leash, and I wasn't afraid to ever talk to complete strangers.....BUT I WAS sooooo deathly afraid of those crazy hissing geese! I knew right then and there in year 2006 that I needed my very own dog to chase those scary birds away! This park has a history with the city of Boise, it is a habitat for wild life with wonderful colors! Along with ponds and bridges, the nice pathways takes me through everything without disrupting the structure of the land. Dogs are not allowed through the spring season while baby birds are being born. In this park I love to meet up with a friend and walk the whole length and visit. Sometimes after 3 or 4 laps around the park my dog and I will just stop to rest, Sitting together on a bench watching the ducks in the ponds, or a turtle. When I finally did get a puppy (Oscar) this was the very first park we walked in together. And it would become our most favorite over pace to go in these last 4 years as we daily soaked up the sun shine, or the fresh snow fall, or the rain storms or the duck fights or the surprise of a stray cat and most importantly those mystical deer encounters!  THIS PARK is the best setup for the imagination, for the refreshed spirit and the return to nature before the 5 o'clock traffic jams start up the honking of car horns and grumpy people. When I go here I am never in a hurry for instantly life is put into perspective, Life is made simple and good just by strolling through the doom covered path of the park section of woods!  

A Book Review "Change of Heart" by Jodi Picoult

There was such a yummy spread of goodies at Jenni's beautiful home, for it was her book to discuss for the BCB. I was amazed at all her "Good Eats" because some of the past book discussions had lack this amazing kind of spread and nutritional comfort! Jenni has stayed with the book club from the beginning and I have enjoyed getting to know her! I also like how willing she is to really discuss the book. Her book choice was  "Change of Heart" By  Jodi Picoult. I read this book thinking about how struggling it is for a single mom, with not knowing all the facts but having to protect her daughter. This story also address the nature of person good  or bad can make us think the soul is somehow connected to the physical heart. I also enjoyed the structure of each chapter titled with the person/character's name so you could follow who the story was about as they all came together.  This book was a great read! I really enjoyed the different perspective of all the people in the story. Jenni had some great points I had missed while reading so that is why I love being in this book club. At the very beginning of this BCB I was not sure I could be around so many women, especially if they were competitive or play games with each other. Sometimes I am shocked at how mean women can be to each other, Finding real honest trusting ladies can seem almost impossible at times. But I see how having stayed with this fun book club this whole year that really in my own life I had a personal "Change of Heart", for I have learned how to changed it from being "On guard" around a group of women, to being "Lovingly Open" towards every new possible friend!

It's A Book!

I was told about this kid's book from my friend Wendy, She is a substitute teacher and tutor. She found out about this book while at school. For She said that she laughed so much while reading it! Also that I would like it too, So I went on a quest to purchase this kid's book! When I would ask the sales clerks about this title they would always light up with such happy understanding, this was very popular a few months ago I guess.... I was really surprised at how hard it was to find this new Kid's Book entitled "It's a Book!" by Lane Smith, I liked that it was so popular, for there are many jokes of real books disappearing, also there are debates about children today even knowing what a REAL book  is or whether young people can even read anymore. Once I found this book I instantly bought it, it makes me smile so much even though it is a simple read, yet extremely clever!

I may not have any kids of my own but I do really like a thoughtful good kid's book, I also think the art in these illustrations so amazingly comforting! (this is by Lane Smith, he also won a Caldecott Honor Medal for these illustrations) I recommend this short story for a good laugh or a peaceful coffee table read:-D 

My favorite Book Store in Boise

It is so easy for me to pop into a book store whenever I want that I have become so spoiled by this routine. It's impossible for me to not come home without a book even though I haven't read all the books I even owned ...yet! Now I said to myself that I wouldn't buy another book UNTIL I read every book I owned, I have 26 books to read right now if that is the case:-} Buying a book feels like I am capturing history as I can clearly see how book stores are changing! It is my last attempt to keep real books in my home before the Kendall arrives (Don't get me wrong, the Kendall has it's place for a useful read, especially for all those college text books! One Kendall holding all that info is less heavy and organized) Although I love the smell of paper, the smell of real books! My favorite book store here in Boise Idaho, is a locally owned place called Rediscover Books.
I sometimes go with my husband to Boarders or enjoy a coffee during the holiday season at Barnes and Nobles, but I love the little shops of new and used books the most. My husband thinks it is a happy place to shop at Rediscover Books. I think this place does a great job in connecting to the community and sharing a place for book clubs and encouraging writers! If you are ever walking down 8th street in the heart of downtown Boise, make some time to pop into this cute cozy shop and buy a book, A REAL BOOK for it's a changing world, we need to support our local environment, our local friends!

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It is wholesome and bracing for the mind to have its faculties kept on the stretch.    

-Sir Richard Steele                         

Showers and Bath time

The fact I ONLY have a shower setup in my condo, makes me miss a bubble bath so much! YET I do find staying in hotels to be even more delightful with a huge tub! I LOVE to soak, I like to see my wrinkles after a long lazy time in the tub! THEN I drain the old water out to refill it all over again! Yes I am crazy and goofy like this, I really love watching all the old dirty water leave while I am still in the tub sliding around on the slick surface, for I feel JUST like a kid again only happier to wait and refill the tub with fresh clean water. (When I was growing up us 3 kids had to share the very same bath water and were not allowed to take a shower if our father was home, he didn't want to run out of hot water for himself) So now I am fascinated by fresh new water over and over again.(Yup I am weird) When my husband and I are on vacation, my bath time is of this kind of silliness! AND I LOVE IT! My husband knows when I am refilling the tub, he always chuckles at me, while I am sliding around in a empty tub happily! He knows I like watching the new water coming out of the faucet. He usually walks in with a big grin as I am playing in the tub! We also think a good bathroom is VERY IMPORTANT when on vacation....For we love the hours of soaking in a tub or steaming in the shower. We have stayed in some really nice places, but we always come back to whether the bathroom lived up to our expectations. I liked debating with my husband over if you get the cleanest in a shower or a bath tub? I think when I change out my bath water I can get cleaner in the tub, but in a shower the water doesn't hang around your body so it's hard to know for sure. It is fun to soak in a big bubble bath and then rinse off in the shower. Ideally having a bath room with BOTH options is a great setup! I hope in my next home to look for that ( But My husband would also want a hot tub and a jacuzzi too! Hahaha) It really doesn't matter what bathing setup you have, for I think we never out grow our love for fresh water, for bubble baths and for getting squeaky clean!

Thieves

        When I started cleaning my home several years ago with Thieves I realized I truly loved the natural scent and the safe chemicals for my cat and dog while still keeping a clean home. I would recommend this recipe for EVERYONE who worries over the air their families will breathe in. And the importance of natural remedies. Also this is great for the sinuses:-)

According to the legend, four thieves went around during the French plagues of the early 1700s robbing graves and taking items from the homes of the plague victims. At first the Authorities disregarded the thieves, believing they would soon die from the plague. But time passed and they continued robbing and plundering, seemingly immune. The Authorities questioned the Thieves wanting to know how they avoided the plague. Coming from a family of Perfumers the thieves had a vinegar mixture that protected them among the sickly dead. Lavender was the key component in this famous recipe.
To make;
2 T. of each Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Rue and Mint,
In a Jar combine together with 2 C. Apple cider Vinegar.
Leave 8 weeks to soak.
Strain the liquid and add chopped garlic to sit for 2 weeks.
Strain again and use as a salad dressing, antiseptic wash, room spray, or even a safer bug spray:-)

http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/index.html

Goldys

I enjoy eating breakfast in this cute cozy little cafe downtown Boise Idaho. It's has a light fixture in the middle of the restaurant that feels very Harry Potter-ish, Light bulbs with wings to each one going in every direction. Goldys, a lovely place to have breakfast and sit with a good friend. One of my friends who loved this place too, is Bethany. Even though she has moved away now, I am hoping to meet back up with her here again in the future, in the "someday" of our plans. We use to enjoy those long winter mornings tucked away in Goldy's, or afterwords walk around outside downtown in those fresh new spring and summer days! This is a perfect place for girls like us in our skirts and scarfs to meet. We could eat a hearty breakfast or have simply a cup of fresh fruit. While this small cafe is always busy, always crowded and even though there isn't a waiting room, people will stand outside in line because it's so yummy to eat here! (My husband isn't a fan of how tight tables and chairs are, he usually changes his mind about going here for breakfast.) That is why I think of Goldy's as being more of a place to catch up with girlfriends, a place where I happily run up hugging Bethany as we enter the cozy place together!

"Are you alright?" I asked across the table as we sat up in the balcony of this noisy cafe, Bethany looked worried, then she shrugged. Now our friendship went back in time, back to when we were just kids, attending the same church. Her sister was one my beloved friends, so in many ways I had always thought of Bethany as my own little sister too. Then over the last 4 years we were reconnected again. It happened just after the first of the year 2007, we had literally bumped into each other! The moment she smiled I was thrilled to know her, she had grown up into such a lovely lady. Surprisingly we were instantly friends again! I thought it was so refreshing to be around someone who lived with unconditional love, and yet we remembered that other life time we shared. 

Bethany and I sat at Goldy's when she replied "I'm not sure....a part of me just wants to get married and another part knows I should finish college." I smiled nodding, I had thought it was getting close to when she would be ready to marry this sweet guy she talked about often. I enjoyed all the excitement and sparks of young love, as she clearly bloomed with happiness. We had walked for miles talking about all of these things next the Boise river on the green belt. We also had lazy afternoon picnics by the pond watching people paddle boat by, as we looked over a stack of magazines for decorating ideas and dresses. As much as I knew I would miss her once she married and moved away, I was still so happy for her with no doubt we would always be friends. I replied back "What I have learned in my own life, is once you are married everything gets better because you are now a "team", Suddenly you aren't so alone in finishing school or saving money...because NOW you have a best friend who will encourage you to reach these individual goals, and create the family you would like. On the other hand, if you wait...you can stay focused on your own life." I listened as Bethany explain these big choices she had to make, I explained that for Tony and me dating 4 years was a perfect amount of time for us, yet once we were actually married everything came together perfectly and we knew we actually belonged. THAT feeling and understanding gave us a better setup to reach our goals and dreams. Bethany smiled as she said "I like how you believe in "Happily Ever After", and that no matter what I decide, you will still be my friend." I held up my coffee with a grin in reply "YUP no matter what, I am here! And I also know that wonderful things lay ahead for you!"

A sweet adorable place like Goldy's where friends meet and yummy pastries crumble on their plates over steaming coffee and teas, can't be replace so easily. Maybe it's really the people who create such a nostalgic memory? Yet...it has to start with an actual place, a place JUST like Goldy's, waiting there for them to return again.

A Book Review, "Dog Days" by Jon Katz

When I think of a wonderful place to discover through the power of reading! I think of "Dog Days" by Jon Katz, for in this book I came to love his farm Bedlam Farms as if it was my own personal farm to visit time and again through the open pages and escape he created for his readers! The passion in how he loves dogs and respects them, how he sees the structure of his farm, how each person in his life is just as important as each dog with their own personality and time. I loved how he discovered Izzy! (Both The story of Izzy, and the story of Rose, the other hard working boarder collie on his farm, can take you right into a place of your own heart and your own memories of the dogs you have also loved!) Jon writes with such honesty and love for his dogs. When he captures the surroundings of his farm from the flower gardens to the barns. From the mysterious cats to the goofy sheep that he keeps around to work his dogs, Bedlam Farm is the first place I found that I belonged, in my mind's eye and heart I am happiest when I am there through these pages of the book! I can see my own life moving in this same direction. I feel like Jon Katz says exactly what I am thinking or feeling when he writes and shares his life. Ever since the day I read this book I learned how to returned to my old childhood desire to be a writer, to be as real and as honest in my life like when I was 10 years old.When I held my notebook in my lap writing all I saw around me as I leaned against my very first dog Savannah. This book brought me back to that moment again as the summer sunshine warmed my heart while I stated out loud to my big old dog   "I want to be a writer..."

My Weekend in Portland

Flying into Portland Oregon was like returning to my second home, my second beloved city!  (Actually, In 2009 I added up 5 trips to Portland creating my admiration for the place all that more powerful!) Over my childhood memories visiting Portland with Grandma Norma brings me back time and again. My father's sister Aunt Chris also lives in this wonderful city, Her friendship and love has become a big part of my life! And why I love Portland more and more! I enjoyed walking the halls of the airport last weekend on my own, I was happily moving forward to embracing my Aunt, one of my dearest friends! I am amazed to have such great family connections in this adult life of mine! I think unconditional love is the best part of family, the best part of ourselves. I was also glad to share with my Aunt and Uncle in this important event for me, of meeting Jon Katz in his Book Signing last Friday night, Now last summer when we were all at the beach together, I found my friendships with Uncle Steve and Aunt Chris to be one that I could share everything I love in this world with!!! Their kids are now college age so in also spending time with them, I am thrilled to create new friends! I believe having such good memories and good friendships like this will last a life time. This trip was heart warming as I got to have breakfast with Cousin Kelsey and dinner with Cousin Jerram! I would not of made it the book signing on time without the help of Uncle Steve's sweet styling ride and Aunt Chris's directions. Sharing with them this magical evening and enjoying the togetherness, make the night complete! I loved how my Aunt Chris watched over me with unconditional love and support while I got my book signed. How sweet Uncle Steve was in chatting with me, I cherish having them in my life! It was so much fun to visit a couple locations of McMenamins, where there is a sense of community and awesome art. The gardens at McMenamins were truly amazing! I loved walking through those gardens and going on a walk with my Aunt's Boston Terriers puppies, Murphy and Emma in the glimpse of sun light one afternoon. And in Portland where the rain comes and goes at random, the dark colors of the earth and the foliage contributes to the BEAUTIFUL City! The City I will keep returning to!! For I love it all and I love my Portland Family!!!

My First Book Signing

My very first book signing event to attend, was to see my favorite author,

        JON KATZ and his new children's book "Meet the dogs of Bedlam Farm."  

 This "larger then life"  moment was why I felt so nervous, so excited and so awkward hanging back chatting with the other people in line, I was trying to get up my nerve to face 
Jon Katz, as he signed my book! WOW and YIKES was how I felt inside all at the same time! I was almost the first in line when the talk was over but when I saw Jon's wife Maria, I ran over to meet her first! I also follow her blog regularly, for She inspired me to not give up on my sewing! Her blog truly makes me feel like I have found a kindred spirit! Maria has a way with animals that I relate with, I love how she gracefully poses in Jon's Photography almost hidden like she knows the object in that picture is more important then herself. As I approach Maria in person, I felt so bewildered by my own nerves and fast heart beat, I was asking myself questions like "Will I sound like a blabbing fool? Will I intimidate her by knowing all about her art and sewing?" I wanted to run right up to her with a big hug, for in my heart she was already my friend! Although, the reality is...well, we have never met! Truly now, I knew I wasn't an actual friend. Although, my heart was going to burst! Jon was wearing his new red hat and signing books, He seemed so relaxed, happy and a natural with visiting with his fans. I enjoyed my time in line trying to calm myself down before I met him face to face! While I was talking with everyone in line, I enjoyed how I wasn't alone in this exciting night! Even when some one would ask if they could cut in line I didn't mind at all because I felt like it gave me a bit more time to think of what to say or how maybe not to jump up and down so much:-)

Jon Katz in person, is a very nice friendly man! I was still nervous and excited when he gave me a big smile and shook my hand! I instantly felt his calm, down to earth thoughtfulness help me also calm down! When he interviewed me I was struck by how hard it was to look directly in his camera, although I finally told myself to stay focus. Sometimes I get an overwhelming feeling in my heart and soul, that I am RIGHT where I am MEANT TO BE and this was one of those moments again! He hugged me back, saying "Let's keep in touch." (and I couldn't believe this amazing treatment in our personal connection!)

Along with my soft tears of true happiness, I hold his signed book of the farm...of the dogs....and most importantly of him... and truly of all that I will love forever in my life!

A Beautiful Night....One I will never forget!

When I first saw that my most favorite Author was coming to the Pacific coast side on his new book tour. I held my breath in true surprise! For he lives on the East side of this country, I wondered if I could make a trip work to see him! Then so many things about my life was up in the air that I gave up thinking it would work out. That somehow I wasn't going to see JON KATZ after all. Then all of a sudden everything came about in a odd way!  I was trying to heal after having been attacked by a good friend, the emotional pain of that event really changed my whole focus. In this world nothing is actually perfect and I understand that, but the things I have learned made me realize that I will never stop sharing my heart, never stop being myself. SO this weekend was a gift from my Hubby Tony and my mother-in-law JoAnne, they insisted on me taking this trip for the book signing! It was from their love and friendship that they both knew, they both understood how desperately I need to get away, How I adored Jon Katz and all his writing! How I love his blog and follow his four dogs. (Even this last winter in my book club, I shared Jon Katz's novel "Rose in a Storm".) 

In the summer of 2006 when I began taking my long walks everyday over the Boise River, the parks and the downtown alleyways. I found visiting with strangers while I walked to be one of those "old style" connections,  where no man is an island suffering alone! In that very same summer I read my first Jon Katz book "Dog Days" and cried when it ended. For in the depth of my heart is this desire to write, to capture all the dogs out there up into my arms! So I cried because I wanted to return to Bedlam Farm over and over again! When I read I find myself actually THERE in every word described, in every page! So Jon Katz books have that ability to capture the magic of life with all the true emotions we feel! I admire my Husband who knows the things I really truly love, I admire my Mother-in-law Mama Jojo because she is embracing new changes and loves being there for her grown children! They both gave me something I will NEVER forget! They gave me such A beautiful night!

A Beautiful Night!

Words of the song, "Dreams" by the Cranberries

Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems

I know I felt like this before
But now I’m feeling it even more
Because it came from you

Then I open up and see
The person fumbling here is me
A different way to be

I want more, impossible to ignore
Impossible to ignore
They’ll come true, impossible not to do
Impossible not to do

Now I tell you openly
You have my heart so don’t hurt me
For what I couldn’t find

Talk to me amazing mind
So understanding and so kind
You’re everything to me

Oh my life is changing everyday
Every possible way
Though my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems
’cause you’re a dream to me
Dream to me

Give a Helping Hand

I believe that GIVING is one of the best feelings in the whole world! I am not talking about giving a mountain of gifts over some random holiday, I am talking about the kind of giving that connects you to another person in a good personal way. In that helpful sharing world peace kind of way! Now the holiday time DOES bring to light the needy are always with us! Giving, even if it is the smallest of actions can help a new friend! Examples like letting an old lady cross the road while you patiently wait to drive down the road. OR saving a baby duck that got stuck on a rock away from it's squawking mama. For ALL around me I see this amazing NEED to give!!! There is no other feeling as wonderful as simply giving! Be it in giving of your time, your hugs or even a donation! I use to think that I was born in the wrong time, that I was meant for a different place in history, one where we lived in smaller friendlier communities full of helpful hope. THEN I suddenly realized I can create that sense of kindness on my own, by my own choices of how I want to live, and most importantly how I want to give! 

SOooooo GO OUT THERE and GIVE, even if it's the simplest of a smile! Give from your heart and change the whole world!  http://givesmart.cityofboise.org

My First Sewing Class

In May of last year my sister-in-law and I took a sewing class together! It was truly fun to learn and create our first summer skirt! My sister-in-law is now an "A class seamstress", with her beautiful sewing room and great focus on perfection! She has created the most amazing things since those days of our first intro class. NOW I on the other hand, am NOT a perfectionist! (sometimes wish I was) My sewing setup isn't as grand. But I have come to like my differently sewn things....(For where else would you get a ribbon slanted bed skirt? or a uneven zipper? HA! Debby must have sewn that them! YUP! SEE that is more like ME! Hmmm my sewing is... well very....Unique? hahahahahahaha
I can live with it for now,  I Love shopping in the fabric stores like Caledonia Fine Fabrics.
In Caledonia where we had our sewing class, the fun of mixed patterns and laces really makes the afternoon hours fly by as you take in all the many colors and choices! Last spring I enjoyed listening and taking in all these new things about sewing again. For growing up my mother sewed and knew these things about this amazing talent. I didn't pay attention very well as she let me play on her sewing machine, I couldn't make the items like she could so I gave up! Now I did laugh when I sat down again in front of my sewing machine for that beginner class, only to discover phantom habits of where the controls were on my mother's sewing machine. My instructor asked "What are you doing?" Without paying attention my hand moves to the back of the machine for I was in the wrong place to move up and down the "Foot" of this classroom machine. I realized that somewhere in me there are some memories of how a sewing machine works, it truly made me laugh! For my mother's sewing machine is auto fixed in my brain, sadly though her great talents are NOT!
I like to spend some time in another fabric store not far from my home called, Hancock Fabrics.  It is the very store Grandma Wilson and I got my wedding dress stuff, For there isn't a more amazing seamstress like Grandma Beth! (Sometimes I tried to think of ways to wear my wedding dress again for the wonderful comfort of it all! Grandma did a perfect job on it) Sewing is a good thing to know, it is even better when you sew right the first time, augh! I am sure after I practice more and take my time....I will do much better! 

Of course I have noticed while I am writing that I will think to myself "I should go play with my sewing machine this afternoon, practice and create something..." Then my writing continues on and I forget:-)