Noah's Compass

Since all I've been doing is reading, it's hard to believe that I only have one book to recommend and I only recommend it with reservations.
Some of Anne Tyler's books have been so pertinent in my life, particularly Back When We were Grownups and Ladder of Years, so I had high hopes for Noah's Compass. I have to say it only fed my depression instead of easing it. It's the story Liam, a 'laid-off' aging teacher with no real connection to his family and no meaning in his life.
Early on he is attacked in his bed and has no memory of the incident. "This was not his true self, he wanted to say. This was not who he really was. His true self had gone away from him and had a crucial experience without him and failed to come back afterward." Those words seem to describe my own self as well.
The title comes from a discussion with his four year old grandson about Noah not needing a compass. "...Noah didn't need to figure out directions, because the whole world was underwater and so it made no difference." That little bit alone didn't justify.
Liam begins to find some joy and meaning in his life, but this too is pulled out from under him. I had a hard time feeling anything other than pity. While there are several parts in the book I could've, might've cried, I didn't, which is telling in itself.
My final thought would be, don't bother.

A great read about an amazing woman!

Although The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls, came highly recommended to me and it's been sitting on my nightstand forever I never had the courage to read it since I knew the subject matter would be depressing. It deals with her, dare I say, horrible childhood.

Half Broke Horses is almost a prequel because it tells the story of her grandmother in a bio/novel style. It was a very engaging read, and while Lily never had an easy life she took the cards that were dealt to her and made them work, a theme that runs through the book. It's a story of courage, joy, sadness, all the elements of a great book!

I plan to start The Glass Castle today.

DJ Pettitt's Online Photoshop

Class starts on Monday and I'm really looking forward to getting Photoshop right this time.
DJ is a wonderful artist and while I haven't taken a class from her before, I've heard from several people whose opinions I respect that she's an awesome teacher.

I've had great success taking an online class from SuziBlu - see tag at the top right of the page- through the ning network.
It's easy to connect with others taking the same class and see their work.

Here's a link in case you're interested:
DJ'sOnlinePhotoshopClass

Palindromes

I am a big fan of palindromes and today is a doozy!


01022010

Prayer for the new year.

I've been gone for a long time, with some high highs and some low lows in the interim.
Today I think I am back as I share this prayer for the new year:

TOMORROW WE WILL AWAKE
ON A BLEAK NEW YEAR'S MORN,
WITH HOPE THAT TRUE LOVE
IN EACH HEART WILL BE BORN

AND WILL SPREAD TO THE ENDS
OF THE EARTH FAR AWAY,
SO THAT NO ONE NEED QUARREL
'BOUT HOW WE SHOULD PRAY.

LET COMPASSION CREATE US,
MOLD US EACH DAY,
TO A FELLOWSHIP OF NATIONS
LIGHTING THE WAY.

THE WAY HOME TO ONENESS,
TO BATTLE NO MORE,
THE WAY TO ACCEPTANCE
THAT ENDS STRIFE AND WAR.

THE WAY TO A PEACE,
WHERE WE ALL HAVE A VOICE,
WHERE EACH SOUL CAN WORSHIP
AND ALL CAN REJOICE

BE YOU ALLAH, OR YAHWEH,
OR JESUS, THE CHRIST,
GIVE US GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY
THAT LEADS TO INSIGHT.

TO A WORLD THAT WILL TREAT
EVERYONE JUST THE SAME,
SO THAT NO ONE KILLS OTHERS
WHILE INVOKING YOUR NAME.

FOR PEACE IS A SEED
THAT FEAR TRIES TO KILL.
A SEED ALL MUST PLANT
DOWN DEEP IN THEIR WILL.

IT SAYS I'LL CHOOSE LOVE
EACH STEP OF THE WAY --
EVERY MOMENT, EVERY MINUTE,
THEN BECOMES A GRACED DAY

—Carol Ann Conner
NEW YEAR'S WISH

Hopefully I can bring myself back far enough to appreciate and listen to the angels in my life.

A Magnificent Undertaking

The Saint John's Bible is the first handcrafted Bible commissioned by a Benedictine abbey in more than five hundred years.

I stumbled upon an article about this in my Santa Clara magazine.

The Saint John's Bible is separated into seven volumes. This was done for practical reasons—each completed, bound volume will weigh as much as 35 pounds, with a combined weight of more than 165 pounds. It also produced interesting artistic results. While images and motifs repeat across volumes, each collection of Biblical books takes on its own character. We can approach each collection and discover its particular character and place in the grand story of salvation.


It's a monumental undertaking, incorporating unparalleled artistic renderings.
The 7th and final volume is nearing completion.
I'm hoping there will be an opportunity to view some of the finished product.
Apparently several renderings are available through Amazon
SaintJohnsBible

my cutie is growing!

oh my goodness

a whole 'nother art genre to explore:

BrianDettmer

here's another link:
BookArtAll-Stars


Thanks, Diane.

KC Willis Collage Camp

KCWillis

First spare $98 I can find I'm headed to Lipstick Ranch!

Angel Friends

My angel friends

have a new friend, Joy

and so do I.
Thank you, Diane!

cute, huh?

if you go to Susan Branch's website:

cookies

you can click on each one and get the recipe.
I'm pretty excited, Katie wants a cookie making day when I get to Austin

A great new recipe!

Rod and I both love this, I'm sure partly because we can use his homemade, onionless, zesty salsa to give it zip.

I don't bother making the cilantro chile cream, just put cilantro in the soup, and sour cream on the top.

Mexican Chicken Soup with Cilantro-Chile Cream

A finalist in the 2002 ORTEGA "Create a Fiesta, Win a Siesta!" Contest, this dish was submitted by Julie DeMatteo of Clementon, New Jersey. This soup combines chopped chicken, corn, black beans, fire-roasted chiles, rice and chicken broth in a flavorful soup, topped with a garnish of sour cream blended with cilantro, lime juice and chiles. This hearty dish can be served as an appetizer or main meal.

• yields: 8 • preparation time: 20 min cookie: 25 min

Ingredients


1 container (32 oz.) chicken broth
1 cup water
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jarORTEGA Salsa - Homestyle Recipe (Mild), (or any flavor)
1/2 cup long-grain rice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken, cooked, chopped
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed, drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
1 can (4 oz.)ORTEGA Diced Green Chiles
1 dollop cilantro, chile cream (recipe follows)


Directions


COMBINE chicken broth, water and garlic in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add salsa, rice, oregano and salt; cover. Reduce heat to low; cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add chicken, beans, corn and chiles; continue cooking for 5 minutes or until heated through. Serve in soup bowls; top each serving with dollop of cilantro-chile cream.

FOR CILANTRO CHILE CREAM:
COMBINE 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 can (4 oz.) ORTEGA Diced Green Chiles, 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon lime juice in small bowl.


This page is from Ortega's web site. For more great recipes, visit Ortega.com
© 2003 B&G Foods

Vindicated!

I love listening to a Way with Words, Grant Barrett and Martha Barnett's NPR show.
AWaywithWords

Yesterday's episode was especially fun, discussing people who intentionally mispronounce words.
Here's a link that gives several examples,
mispronounciations

I love that I can hold my head high when I say poiple for purple
and bot-toms, accent on the toms, for bottoms.

Any examples of your own???

Advent

Always a joy to light the first candle on the first Sunday of Advent.

Journey of Hope

I just received Volume III of Journey of Hope, the annual chronicle of the achievements of Greg Mortenson's, Central Asia Institute.
Remember him from:


My admiration for him is beyond comparison.

How thrilling to see he has a new book out,


plus his children's book,



and that he will be speaking locally at the Unity Center/Downstairs Sanctuary 8999 Rd. Activity Road in San Diego on Thursday, December 10 at 7 p.m. It is a ticketed event and this site will give you the necessary info
WARWICKS

I had the privilege of hearing him speak two years ago, an unforgettable experience.


Here's a copy of his letter that accompanied Journey of Hope,

He continues his miraculous endeavor.

Pomegranates and Paper

I haven't visited Loretta Marvel's blog

PomegranatesandPaper

in far too long.
I'd forgotten what an entertaining writer she is, what a creative artist she is, what a caring, albeit witty, wife/mother/dog lover
she is. Oh and then, how much I enjoy her book recommendations, far better than Oprah.

I spent way too long this morning catching up with her life, jealous, but happy for she and her husband, that they were able to find a cottage on Cape Cod after months of searching.

In her 'other' life she's a busy attorney, but she still manages to savor her morning coffee, create, work in her garden and write something that will always give me a chuckle and pause for thought.

Thank you, Loretta!

A Sad Commentary on the Fast Pace of our Lives

that we can condense 10 years into a seven minute video.

The Gargoyle

I can't even wrap my tongue around what to say about this incredible book. It's an extraordinary first novel for Andrew Davidson.

In places it was horribly painful to read, his descriptions of the main character's horrific accident and misery in the aftermath in the burn unit are way too graphic. In other places the fantasy of budding romance between he and Marianne, the compassion they each share for one another in their mutual times of agony, leads you to believe in magic. The stories Marianne tells about their former life together are heartrending, heart wrenching. Davidson weaves in other love stories, past and present, as well.

Davi is a far better story teller than I so I'm anxiously awaiting her words to add to this.

It was recommended by our new friend, Kari, who "couldn't put it down." Davi had the very same reaction.

I, on the other hand, could, but I'm glad Davi urged me on. It's truly a masterpiece novel.

From friend to friend!

This was recommended and actually sent to me by Sherry. She's the most well-read person I know on the latest techniques and literature for well-being, both physical and mental. I've long been a fan of Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now, where he teaches you to turn off that negative tape that keeps running in your head and live in this very moment. Momfullness, plays that same theme, only with relation to how we mother our children, our selves, our oh so important friends, and our community.

I rarely take the time to type out segments of books, but the final pages of Momfulness are too good not to share.

As my children have grown and have begun to leave home, I've come to believe that the Angels' Promise (if you fall asleep before finishing our prayers, the angels will finish them for you) holds true for mothers as well. Our part is to begin the work with our children. In the end, that's all we can do. Then we must let go, say a prayer, and trust the universe - and all the angels- to hold them.

Mothering is a vocation that stretches us and that helps us find that which is most wise and loving and generous within us. Day by day, we deepen our practice of Momfulness by being more preset, attentive , compassionate, embodied, in touch with the sacred, and committed to community. As we open to the immense and maternal love at the heart of the universe, we discover that all of life becomes a meditation that transforms us, our families, and our world.

Let us keep reminding each other to breathe, to smile, to treat ourselves and one another with kindness. Let us hold each other when we need support, and let us challenge and remind each other of what is truly important. Let us take care of ourselves so that we don't hand down our unfinished business to the next generation Let us laugh together, and never lose our joy.

And let us take care of the children - our children, all the children. Let us mobilize our fierce and passionate mother energy on behalf of all beings on this little blue-green planet we call Mother Earth.

In closing, I offer this blessing:

May we be fully present, here and now, aware of the gift of each moment.

May we pay attention with kindness to what is happening within us and within our children.

May our hearts open wide with compassion for ourselves, our children and our world.

May we live fully in our bodies as we bless our families each day.

May we open to the great love and grace that holds us all.  

May we care for each other and for the earth as we draw wide the circle of our family.

May we all find peace.

May we all be well.

remember my zentangles post?

well here's a company that does very cool zentangley rubber stamps:
eragraphics

here a few images that i love:










found them through an ad in cloth paper scissors, a magazine to stir up anyone's creative juices!
clothpaperscissors

It's been a while since I've visited the oh so creative bakerella

Look what's she's done to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street


You can find the directions here:
Bakerella

Vote for CCI!

Kyle Orent

I've followed Kyle's successful fund raising events for CCI for many years and loved being able to see him on TV this morning.

What a charming, giving, industrious young man!

From today's Magnificat

The Lord Himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still (Ex 14:14)

Another well kept secret - how well these guys sing!

No. County's Best Kept Secret

I'm am completely blown away by the fact that there's been a phenomenal quilt store in Encinitas for two whole years and I didn't know about it!
Here are some photos of Sleepy Night Hollow, located at the corner of Leucadia Blvd. and Saxony. It's a house, set back from the street, but once you pass through the screen door hold onto your hat - room after room of gorgeous quilts, fabrics, decor...

The best part of it is, I didn't spend my usual fortune, just because I don't have to stock up

on goodies; I can go back anytime.   Yea!!!!

Bless Rita Cooper for finding this local treasure.

America spreads her joy

Miss America and friends at the mall

It's such an impressive sight seeing so many beautifully behaved pups walking the mall.

Five ***** for South of Broad

I absolutely loved this book. It's one I could read over and over.
His imagery with words takes my breath away.
Laugh and cry - doesn't get any better than that!

Some favorite lines:
entering a room at a country club where he knows he's not wanted, "I feel like a booger on a kleenex."
During a tough football workout, Leo's teammate, Ike, the Coach's black son is punished for calling Leo a forbidden name,
Leo takes his part, "When my cocaptain runs, I run."
Describing a time when the mass was said in Latin and the only part spoken in English was the priest's homilies,
When it came to their homilies, there was nothing living that a Catholic priest could not put to sleep."

America had a busy Halloween

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Davielle, the artist

I'm so proud of Davi.
PrincessMagpie
She's become a true artist.
This was "just a little something I put together" with 'stuff' from Lisa Bebi,
Pimpmyspleen
a local, oft-published artist.

Davi's creativity is inspiring!

How to start a Zentangle

takes me back to first grade - a very nice place to be!

It's here!

Pioneer Woman's cookbook has arrived! I've aleady tried and 'died for' many of the recipes from her blog/website
PioneerWoman
but what I love about the cookbook are her stunning, yet heartwarming, photos that tell her family's story of living on a cattle ranch in northern Oklahoma. If you love cowboys, cowboy kids, horses, dogs, sunsets I know you'll love this book!

A Gracious Man

Dean Koontz spent hours at CCI signing these two wonderful books, which chronicle the life of his beloved Trixie, a CCI released graduate pup.

He was very sweet to pose with America, who is half sister to his current pup, Anna

Family Gatherings

Here we are celebrating my brother's 70th birthday.


You might remember the collage I made way back in June

It was great fun to be able to present it to him in person.

The next day we headed to Santa Cruz to celebrate the wedding of Rosie (Rod's youngest sister of the 10) and Darren.  What a special occasion!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Two Book Recommendations

This was recommended by my sister-in-law, a school librarian.

I'm in the middle of reading this eye opening book. It's particularly appropriate for parents of middle school girls, but has much to say about how we raise our daughters and how we can give them tools to become intelligent, confident, independent thinking women.

A backyard visitor

Nice to have a jay back.
I was afraid if I moved any closer to get a better photo he'd leave.

The Jesus Prayer

I've heard Fr. Timone speak often of the Jesus prayer, but not until yesterday at his retreat on prayer, was I able to make it my own.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
I've taken some of its history from this website:
St. Vladamir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

It dates back to the 6th century.

Father gave many examples of the power of prayer, but for some of us prayer does not come easily. If that is true with you I suggest you try the Jesus prayer. In the classroom I used to ask the children where could they pray, and predictably they answered anywhere, not just in church. I've always been a car radio listener, but lately, prayer, particularly the rosary and now the Jesus prayer seems to be more what soothes my harried brain.

From St. Vladamir's: The Jesus Prayer is recommended in the morning, following our prayer rule, for some period of time, perhaps 10 or 15 minutes. If that is impossible, then sometime before noon, or in the evening. This might be called "formal" use of the prayer. The second form of the Jesus Prayer is the "free" use of the prayer. This means at any and all other times of the day, or night. This is especially true for the semi-automatic tasks such as driving, doing dishes, walking, being unable to sleep, etc. The Jesus Prayer is notably useful in time of extreme concern or upset.

We are all called to pray without ceasing, says St. Paul in 1 Thess 5:17.
The Jesus Prayer provides one good way to pray constantly.


Once again I'm so grateful to be living my life in this moment, spending time with the people I love. Yesterday was another example of my blessings, praying with Pam and Rose and Mary, under the guidance of Fr. Timone, the most Christlike priest I know.

Make a difference

This is one bandwagon everyone should hop on! President Obama has the right idea!

Even the comic strip artists see the value.

Pat Lawson is awesome!

here's the slideshow Pat made of several CCI pups:
CCIpups

Lila, out and about

Just two more sleeps till I get to see her!!!

America, out and about

in the hood



watching LaCosta Volleyball with buddy Francie

The blessing of the animals at St. James, with Prado, Kane, Francie and Hefner

Our Lady of the Rosary

I started praying the rosary on my daily walk in the late 1970's, spurred by some war threat, now an everyday occurrence.
I've said it countless times since, sometimes with utmost reverence, sometimes with impatience, sometimes with pleading, but always with comfort. It is my first thought in my wakeless nights. Often I think, well if I can't sleep, at least I have more time to pray.
I have several rosaries that have great value to me, one my mother used daily, one my dad always carried in his pocket, one from my First Communion (teeny tiny silver beads) and one with gorgeous Swarovski crystal beads handmade by my dear friend, Pam, on the occasion of my retirement, but most often I use my fingers to count the prayers.

I am fascinated by the request of Our Blessed Mother in personal appearances to the children at Fatima and the visionaries at Medjugorje to pray the Rosary. I know she has been the instrument in my life to bring me closer to her son and I'd like to think the rosary has been a small steppingstone in that quest.

Cindy's show coming up!

Blessings on the feast of St. Francis

so many legends surround this holy man.

Many do not know that the origin of the Christmas creche can be traced to him.

I pray his well known prayer daily, but here's a lesser known one this is equally as beautiful:

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.

This is a beautiful book written by Robert Kennedy Jr. on the Life of St. Francis

Magnificent species of orchids

from the orchid show at San Diego Botanic Garden, aka Quail Gardens

Aggies didn't win yesterday, but...

Lila will always be a winner!

The long anticipated chenille party

The hit of the party - the chenille that Cindy was kind enough to share
Cindy demonstrating her unique afghan stitch
Joyce showing Carrie how to crochet
Shauna, Stephanie and America
the sweet bracelets Davi brought for Cindy and I

It will be fun to see the results!

Thank you, Cindy for your hospitality.

Feast of the guardian angels

Angel of God, my guardian dear
To whom God's love commits me here
Ever this day be at my side
To light, to guard, to rule and to guide.

I am so grateful for the countless time angels, both here and from above, have been my saving grace!

I guess it's autumn

These trees in my neighborhood seem to think so, but what's with the 90 degree weather? It's just not right!
It must be very confusing if you're a tree.

I only had my phone to take the photo and sadly it didn't do the magnificent color of the leaves justice.

America makes the big time!

Pat Lawson, the magic behind many successful CCI events, was sweet to use America's photo on a tee box sign for the upcoming CCI First Annual Invitational golf tournament.

Many thanks to Allie's Party Equipment Rental, Inc. for supporting our cause.

Here's a link in case you'd like to join the fun

GolfTournament

As we turn the calendar to October

let us be aware of the many who have and who continue to suffer, not just from breast cancer, but cancers of all kinds.
There are reminders everywhere that this is breast cancer awareness month, I got mine from Yahoo this morning.
I was encouraged to read about the Athena project beginning at UCSD.
Athena
It seems likely that this will lead to a breakthrough.
I can't help but remember those who have returned to heaven after suffering with this disease, but everyday there are more and more who are cured. I also would like to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands who have walked thousands of miles to help raise money for this cause. Surely it was your steps and your blisters that have brought us this far.