Perfectly Patti in Every Way

Lessons

2011-08-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's been more than 2 months since my last post----so much for being a diligent blogger! During this time I did go on a week-long holiday with my youngest son, Alex. We'd been planning this get-away for quite some time and it finally arrived, ready or not, at the end of July.

I had originally planned a 9-day trip with Alex, our little dachshund and myself, but as we looked at all that we were planning to do, the weather, our sleeping arrangements, etc. we decided we would make the trip sans pet. It turned out to be the right decision, and it allowed us to really relax and enjoy the simplicity of our time away, which was what it was all about. Alex and I were so excited, we left just before midnight on Friday night. I drove for hours, made it into Oregon, and then got SO tired I had to stop at a Rest Area so I could get a short nap.

View from OMSI, Portland, Oregon

After getting lost several times, we made it to our first stop, which was OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) in Portland, Oregon. WOW! This was an incredible place to spend several hours. Our favorite exhibit, hands down, was The Chronicles of Narnia. An entire room on the 2nd level was devoted to costumes and props from both The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian films, including 2 full-size centaurs and the weapons used by each of the four children during the battle scenes. There were interactive maps to explore, a hands-on ice wall, and a full set of armor worn by King Miraz, which was on a pulley so everyone could try to lift it up, demonstrating just how heavy it was for the actor who wore it hours on end----I could only lift it about 2 inches, but Alex heaved it up a good foot from its anchor!! So much to enjoy but, sadly, NO PICTURES ALLOWED!

OMSI also had a vintage video games exhibit (Alex LOVED this) which showed the steps involved in getting the material from the drawing board to the finished product. Even though video games are not my thing, it was interested, nonetheless. There were so many other exhibits that we enjoyed and explored---too many to list.

We drove over the Columbia River Bridge to Vancouver, Washington, and spent the next 2 days with my Uncle Steve and cousins Trisha and Paul. This was such a relaxing and pleasant visit! We did a little shopping, watched a few movies, enjoyed Steve's famous Hawaiian burgers with BBQ ham and pineapple and then on Sunday we drove to Gresham, Oregon, to see a vintage car and airplane show. My cousin, James, Steve's oldest son, had a 1971 Chevy Blazer that he had restored entered in the show, and we spent the morning checking out all the COOL cars and watching the planes take off. We finished up just as it started getting much too warm for me. The remainder of our time with my family was spent relaxing and chatting, bike riding and trampoline jumping, sharing meals and drinking lots of ice water to ward off the heat!

The next day Alex and I drove to our campsite at Seaquest State Park, just a stone's throw from Mt. St. Helens. This area was immensely beautiful, mountainous, and tree dense; a perfect spot for a camping adventure. Setting up camp was quick and easy, thanks to being organized and having a helpful son who pitched in and did everything asked of him and then some.

Our home away from home.....for ONE night

Taking a break

After setting up camp was accomplished, we went to the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center across the road from the campground. Sadly, the day was overcast and rainy so we couldn't see the mountain, but we watched a short film about the infamous 1980 eruption of St. Helens that destroyed the landscape, several towns, and killed 57 people, some locals, some tourists/campers, and USGS geologist. We toured the exhibits, looked at countless maps and photos and then went, one last time, to the viewing area, hoping to get a look at Mt. St. Helens---no such luck! Being too early to prepare dinner, we decided to drive into the nearest town, Castle Rock, to have a look around. It was a typical small town that, according to the film at the visitor center, was still struggling to survive after the eruption of the volcano 30 years ago that had destroyed her. Since small towns always close up early, we drove back up the mountain to our campsite to make dinner----there is something about preparing food and eating outdoors that just can't be beat!

It started raining gently just before 8 pm so we turned in early----by 9:30 the gentle rain had turned into a torrnetial downpour! Thinking all was well, I went to sleep. I woke at 12:30am to deflated air mattresses and....a flooded tent!! Not just a little bit of water, but a floor covered in it. Alex was, amazingly, still sleeping soundly, so I roused him and, after changing into dry clothes, we spent the night in the car. The next morning I checked the condition of the tent and it was well beyond saving. We loaded up our camping gear, minus the tent and air mattresses, and left the park. I have to say that I was really heartbroken----this was to be the highlight of our vacation. But, we made the best of it and changed our plans and carried on. What else could we do?

Next on the agenda was a drive to Tacoma, Washington, where my grandmother was born and lived until her mother died in 1929. It was my intention to find my great-grandmothers gravesite (I had called the only Catholic cemetery in Tacoma before we left home to see if she was in fact buried there----she was!). After some help from a very gracious secretary and a groundsman, we found her:

Catherine Lippre 1902-1929

I was quietly overjoyed at finding this link to my lineage. I was raised by my grandmother and, although her mother passed away when she was so small and was buried on my grandmother's 8th birthday, she talked of her often, mostly little things she remembered about her. Finding Catherine's grave at Calvary Cemetery has given me a bit of hope that I will be able to uncover more of my family history to pass on to my sons.

From Tacoma we drove back down I-5 to Tenino to spend the afternoon with a dear friend I went to highschool with. Seeing Geraldine brought back memories of our teenage years in the 1980s and how much we've both changed. We enjoyed lunch in a local cafe and visited for a bit at her home, complete with miniature donkeys, goats, and dogs---she is an agriculture teacher so I would have expected nothing less!!

We then traveled back into Oregon, turned toward the coast and Astoria. We had originally planned on Astoria being a day-trip from the campground, but we were forced to make things up as we went along. I had hoped to find a hotel in Astoria so we would be able to see the Maritime Museum and Ft. Clatsop the next day, but being the height of summer travel, all hotels were booked solid. We drove further down the coast hoping to find a hotel, but, alas, NO ROOM AT THE INN! We FINALLY found a room in Newport, Oregon, too many hours from Astoria to make it feasible to drive back in the morning. We drove the 7 1/2 hrs. from Newport to Humboldt County the next day, stopping at several places along the way for photos, to stretch our limbs, and to enjoy one last campstove lunch prepared at a roadside stop.

Oregon Coast, near Heceta Head Lighthouse

The drive from Astoria down the Oregon Coast was stunning! Rocky beaches, rugged coastline, fishing vessels moored in quaint little fishing villages, Heceta Head Lighthouse....little pieces of heaven all along the way. I'm so glad that I have mellowed enough to be able to find beauty in the "detours", in the "messed-up" plans and unexpected trials. Our leaky tent was just a piece of equipment----we got wet, had to sleep scrunched up in the car, but we didn't have to scramble to safety fearing for our lives while a mountain erupted like the campers on Spirit Lake did in May 1980 and we had plenty of food to eat and a cell phone for emergencies. Truly, all was well.

I learned a lot on this vacation:

1. I worship at the feet of the man/woman who came up with roadside Rest Stops!!

2. Don't plan to do too much at too many locations which are MILES apart.

3. Always check gear before leaving.

4. Expect (and prepare for) the unexpected. I'm not sure that duct tape would've worked on our leaky tent, but extra towels to mop up the water might have saved us from having to leave, since it didn't rain again the whole time we were gone.

5. Go with the flow----sometimes that's where all the fun is.

6. Spending a week with my son, just the two of us, was wonderful and I can't wait to do it again!

7. The world is a beautiful place, literally and figuratively, filled with beautiful people.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ~Henry Miller

For Love

2011-06-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Although today is Father's Day, I've actually been thinking a lot about what being a mother means to me. I suppose this pondering mood of mine was partly inspired by something that happened in the early hours of Saturday morning.

On Friday night my oldest son, Ryan, stopped by with a friend to chat and eat a mom-made sandwich. He and his friend left at nearly 11:00 pm and I turned in for a night of restful slumber. At 2:50 am the phone rang. I can tell you that having had a son who served in Iraq for a year created a conditioned response to phones ringing in the middle of the night---sheer terror! And even nearly two years after his safe return I still experience the "heart in the throat", "knots in the stomach" panic when awakened by that sound.

Ryan in Amarah, Iraq

As it turned out, Ryan was suffering from "welder's flash", or photokerititis. It is a very painful inflammation of the cornea caused by the UV light of the welder's arc and is just one of the many hazards involved in welding. Ryan works for a company that manufactures various equipment used in road construction, bridge building, etc. and recently, among other things, became a certified welder----just one more thing for mom to worry about! On Friday he had welded for nearly 11 hrs. and, so, was most certainly in a right place to develop this condition.

Ryan managed to call me (thank goodness for speed-dial) and say he needed some help. I took a few minutes to "Google" for some information on home-treatment and discovered that potato slices or used chamomile tea bags placed on the eyes then covered with a cold washcloth were the recommended remedies. Taking just enough time to throw on some clothes and with washclothes and potatoes tossed in a bag, I headed out the door without a second thought.

When I arrived, Ryan was lying on the sofa in a pitch-dark room. I turned on the light in the kitchen so I could at least get an idea what I was dealing with----his eyes were swollen shut and so red! After several hours spent trying to alleviate my son's suffering, we finally found some success and he rested comfortably. I drove home tired but happy that I was able to help. I am still a little amazed that, once again, nature provides so much of what we need and that something as simple and ordinary as a potato could relieve such immense burning pain.

As I drove home my tired mind wandered to various instances where my abilities as a mom were the only thing that would do. I thought about the boys as little children with skinned knees, hurt feelings, and broken toys. I thought, too, about the many letters and care packages sent to Ryan in Iraq over the course of a very long year and how it helped me feel connected to a child who was in harm's way. I thought about long converations with my son, Matthew, concerning the book he is writing and spending hours reading chapters and then editing them at his request.

Matthew at Clam Beach

Regardless of what others might say, I firmly believe that boys (and grown men!) long for their mamas when they are hurting or in need, or when they just need to get something 'off their chest', so to speak. Blessed is the mother whose sons still request her presence when they are old enough to care for themselves. I am so honored to be a part of my boys' lives.

Alex at the Corn Maze

The word love is SO misused that I believe we've lost touch with all the meaning it encompasses when attached to other human beings. We love everything from ice cream to cars, but I don't believe I hear the word used often enough to describe how we feel about one another, especially within the family. It was a mother's love that drove me to my son's house at 3:00 am Saturday morning and it was a mother's love that helped another son study for tests and it is a mother's love that causes me to listen to my youngest son talk for hours about his favorite wrestlers even though wrestling just isn't my thing. Mothering is a labor of love---not to say that we will always be amazing moms who always get everything right, never yell, are never selfish, and are wise beyond measure with all the right answers. As a matter of fact, I fail often! I am saying, though, that love is what motivates us to keep trying and to teach our children to do the same. It is love, not perfection, that makes each of us shine.

I am convinced that parents need their children and children need their parents.....always. Being a mother, a parent, isn't a task that ends when a child turns 18. Of course our children need to strike out on their own-----make mistakes, learn about themselves and the world they live in, enjoy successes-----and we need to stand aside and let them grown into their skin. But, we should also be available to assist when asked (and learn to be quiet when not asked-----I will admit that one's SO difficult for me sometimes!!!) and to love them as they walk down whatever road they choose to take, cheering them on all the while. Like in all our relationships, it is wise and right to give to our children without expecting anything in return. When we give simply for love's sake we can then quietly say, "Truly, my cup runneth over".

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of love."

~~~Maureen Hawkins~~~

"A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."

~~~Alan Marshall Beck~~~

Stay-cation Fun

2011-06-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our family commitment to explore more of our local area, I've always wanted to enjoy a "stay-cation"-----you know, visiting things close to home by day and being able to sleep nice and snug in one's very own bed by night!! Since we've been a bit short on funds while we save for two separate vacations away from home in late summer, we decided that with my husband's week off in May we would just do things within an hour's drive or so and spend very little money. This was our first vacation with just the three of us since my two oldest sons now live on their own; my husband, Mark, our youngest son, Alex, and myself---and, of course, Bruno the dachshund.

We did, in fact, accomplish our goal, although I am quite disappointed that we weren't able to enjoy the three day camping trip we had planned to Albee Creek Campground in Avenue of the Giants. Alas, the weather chose not to cooperate this time around. But, in spite of a slight change of plans, we did enjoy a relaxing, and not too busy, "stay-cation".

Battery Point Lighthouse

On Saturday, we drove north to Crescent City, in Del Norte County. On the way we stopped at Trees of Mystery, but just for a quick look since we've been there more times that we could count. First on the agenda once we reached Crescent City was a tour of the Battery Point Lighthouse. While Mark and Alex took the tour, I stayed on the beach with our dog and hunted for seashells. It was very windy and a bit chilly, but still a really lovely day. We next stopped at a local park for a picnic lunch and then went on to the Marine Rescue Center where we got to see two baby harbor seals who were recent rescues. I'm sure the center does wonderful work, but it has always been standard procedure in our area to avoid "rescues" of marine mammals, particularly seal pups. Mother harbor seals leave their pups on the beach while they take to the ocean to hunt. When the mothers return the pups are then found by location, not by recognition. If the pups have been moved, the mothers are unable to find them and then a "rescue" must be facilitated. Anyway, they were darling and made sweet little noises that came very close to sounding like "mama".

Klamath Beach

We stopped at Ocean World just before leaving Crescent City so Mark and Alex could take the 45-minute guided tour. Although they did say it was interesting, Mark said it was nothing compared to other marine exhibits we've had the pleasure of experiencing in Canada and at Marine World in Ohio and several other larger aquariums in the country. Alex bought a shark-tooth necklace as a memento---very cool! We stopped for just a bit at Klamath Beach and then made a pit-stop at Woodland Villa Market for fresh smoked salmon-----at $50.00/lb. we bought just three small slices. Nothing like it, to be sure!

The "We Have Salmon" sign at Woodland Villa

While we were in Del Norte County we took a quick drive to the Klamath Glen where my in-laws once lived many years ago. They were there during the 1964 flood that practically destroyed the little town of Klamath and then they returned in the mid-1970s with their family as Carl, my father-in-law, was pastor at Klamath Baptist Church. My husband has fond memories of the years he spent living there. We then took the steep and winding road to Requa, which used to be the site of a small U.S. Air Force base, before heading back home and were treated to a grand view of the mouth of the Klamath River and the Pacific.

Klamath Estuary

After traveling to Del Norte County, we decided to spend one day checking out various thrift and antique shops in Eureka and Arcata, which is always fun. It's a bit like the anticipation of Christmas----never quite sure what you'll find! Since I collect vintage Pyrex, I'm always on the lookout for lovely pieces to add to my stash. How I would LOVE to have all the old Pyrex pieces my grandmother sold at a yard sale so long ago for next to nothing!

Mid-week we drove to the quaint little towns of Ferndale and Loleta. I adore Ferndale and my favorite place to browse is the Golden Gate Mercantile----the store has the feel of stepping back in time. In addition to locally handcrafted foods, they have a fine selection of international products, as well. I can never leave without a jar of thick, creamy lemon curd made, close by, in southern Oregon. We've always meant to stop by the Ferndale Museum, and so, this time around, we did! It was really fantastic. The displays were well-done and informative and I was particularly fascinated by a section of the old Pacific Bell switchboard that was in use in Humboldt County until 1982.

Just a short distance north of Ferndale is the tiny, "blink and you'll miss it", town of Loleta. We stopped, for the very first time, at the Loleta Bakery. The smells wafting from this place were heavenly. We grabbed a Pecan Pie Bar to share----oh, my goodness! It was huge and so delicious! Just down the street from the bakery is the Loleta Cheese Factory, which makes handcrafted cheeses from local, organic milk. Yum!! I picked up a brick each of Fontina and Harvarti, flavorful and rich.

Although I always enjoy a day south in Ferndale, my favorite day during our stay-cation was most certainly our drive to the seaside town of Trinidad. This lovely town is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, just 7 miles from our home. There are numerous shops to browse in and a small maritime museum, which houses many Yurok and Karuk artifacts, a handcarved kayak made by a local Yurok artisan, and walls covered with photographs of local fishermen and their vessels from years past. Further on, overlooking the Pacific and in view of Trinidad Head, is a replica of the lighthouse that sits atop the Head and is still used and maintained by the U.S Coast Guard, which has a small post mid-way up. Next to the lighthouse replica stands a beautiful memorial to all those lost at sea in local waters and serves as a reminder that the Pacific is both majestic and treacherous. We were there just as the bell was striking the noon hour----twelve loud rings! After ordering a tasty "to-go" lunch of homemade clam chowder and 1/2 an ABC (Avocado, Bacon, & Cheddar) sandwich from The Eatery, we dined, picnic-style, at Trinidad State Beach. Our last stop was the Humboldt State University Marine Lab. The lab is undergoing a remodel so many of their "touch-tanks" were unavailable and most of the displays were off-limits. We will return when the construction is complete.

The rest of our days were just relaxing round the house and enjoying being able to do "nothing". We did get quite a bit of rain, as well, but that's just fine for book-reading and movie-watching. Vacations away from home are always lovely, but there is something to be said for planned vacations close to home that allow us to be tourists in our own hometowns.

Beltane at the Beach

2011-05-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, May 1st, which happened to be Beltane, I spent the afternoon at Luffenholtz Beach with my husband, our youngest son, Alex, and our little dachshund, Bruno. After a rather steep trek downhill on rickety steps (with no handrail!!), we descended onto a beautiful, rather remote, beach. Northern California is known for her rugged, rocky coastline and Luffenholtz did not disappoint. I have always been utterly enchanted by the amazing views from so many of our local beaches-----they are postcard perfect!

Luffenholtz Beach is located about 2 miles south of the small village of Trinidad, in Humboldt County. The entire area is a haven for surfers, hikers, and beachcombers alike. When the tide is out, Luffenholtz has some fantastic tidepools just right for the eager, hands-on explorer. At the time we were there, however, the tide was beginning to come in just a bit.

This particular day was absolutely perfect-----the sun was shining, the air was pleasantly warm, and there was just a hint of a breeze. Although there were several families enjoying the same beach, several men surf fishing, and children and dogs running through the sand and waves, there was still plenty of room to spread out and claim our spot to explore. We would've been able to walk a little further north had the tide been out, but it was lovely, nonetheless.

My husband and I have made a commitment to explore a different place in and around our local area each weekend with our son-----rivers, beaches, Redwood forest, fields and meadows-----someplace we haven't visited in a while or have never been before. The idea is to spend as much time outdoors, enjoying the sights and sounds, as we possibly can, and to allow time together as a family doing something in which we can be actively engaged with the natural world around us. We are so blessed to live in such a rich and diverse area of this country. Humboldt County has something for everyone and it would be a shame not to explore and become intimately familiar with this wonderland we call home.

I encourage you to make the same commitment with your family that we have made-----get outside each and every weekend that you are able and explore the area where you live, the place you call home. Do a little research about what your county has to offer; you might be surprised at how many places you've never visited or activities you didn't even know were available. Above all, have fun!

Each moment of the year has its own beauty . . . a picture
which was never before and shall never be seen again.
~~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Warm Spring Days

2011-04-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is beginning to show signs of Spring warmth, our little family decided to have a picnic and enjoy an afternoon exploring last Saturday. With gas at nearly $4.50/gallon we chose a spot relatively close to home, but still far enough to feel like we'd "gotten away from it all"---at least for a few hours.

Kuchel Visitor Center is just a mile, or so, south of Orick, at the mouth of Redwood Creek. It's back door opens onto the beach, with waves from the Pacific crashing to shore just a stone's throw away. This particular area was once home to the Yurok tribe. There is a sign posted outside the visitor center that tells a local Yurok legend---let me take a moment to share it with you:

"There was a young Yurok girl from the village known as Aut-mec-quar who was always crying and wailing for no apparent reason other than for her own amusement. The girl's parents tried to explain to her the seriousness of crying for no reason----to the Yurok people it was like wishing to be in mourning.

After a long while the girl's parents pleaded with her to stop, warning that something bad might happen if she continued. Sure enough, one night the great owl, Tech-quan-is, who is the bearer of bad news, came and carried her away to a huge rock called Aus-keel-el that stands in the ocean, just off the shore.

Day after day, various men from the tribe would row out to the rock to rescue her after hearing her cries, but each time they did, her feet would turn to stone and she could not be moved. As the men would start back to shore, they could see her running across the rock, but when they once again returned for her, she would be held fast by feet of stone.

Each time the men came for the young girl over the course of many days, they would find more of her had turned to stone so that she could not move at all. Eventually, the girl's entire form became solid stone and, if one looks closely enough, you can see her still standing on the huge ocean rock, and if you turn your ear to the ocean you can sometimes hear her wailing and crying. The moral of the story is aimed at children who behave badly and cry about nothing."

Heading north, there is a trail that leads to the creek----a calm, peaceful area just right for shell-searching and driftwood-hunting.

We spent a lovely several hours exploring and simply enjoying being out in nature, smelling the faint scent of salty air and listening to the birds flitting in the nearby trees. As we walked slowly back to the Visitor Center, we could see cows grazing in the meadow on the east side of the creek and watched as two Canadian geese came in for a landing on the creek.

After we had our fill of exploring, we headed back south, toward home. On the way, we stopped at The Little Red Schoolhouse (a local museum and summer RV haven) to take photos of the largest wild elk herd in our area. This herd has been coming down the mountain to graze in the meadow there since I was a little girl. At the height of tourist season, the roadsides are packed with those anxious to take photos of what we may sometimes take for granted.

Every time I take the opportunity to be outdoors in this magnificent paradise that I am blessed to live in, I feel refreshed and renewed. I find myself becoming more aware of not just who I am, but of the importance of being spiritually connected to this beautiful earth that we share with so many other creatures.

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." ~~~John Muir

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive." ~~~Eleonora Duse

Scottish Oat Scones

2011-03-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

I LOVE scones----all shapes and sizes and flavors! I am particularly fond, though, of the plain oat scone. I used to make them often when my two older boys were little----they were easy, quick, and inexpensive afternoon treats, but, they were always a bit too dry. I ran across this particular recipe in a wonderful gem called Babe's Country Cookbook (yes, folks, as in the movie about a sheep-herding pig!!) quite a few years ago and I haven't bothered looking for another scone recipe since. This one is beyond excellent.

Real Scottish Scones (or so the cookbook says)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar (if using Sucanat, reduce to 8 tsp.)

1 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small chunks (NO substitutes, please)

1 1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup currants, raisins, or dried cranberries

1 large egg

1/3 cup whole milk

Topping:
1 Tbsp. whole milk
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter. Stir in oats and dreid fruit. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

In another bowl, mix egg and milk, then pour into well in the dry mixture. With a fork, stir together until evenly moistened. The dough should be soft and just a little crumbly.

On a lightly floured board, pat the dough into an 8-inch round. Carefully transfer to prepared baking sheet. With a knife dipped in flour, cut into 12 equal wedges.

For the topping:

Brush wedges with milk, then sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Best served warm from the oven with jam, marmalade, or honey, and, of course, a nice cup of English tea.

For the Love of Cooking

2011-03-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to stay committed to blogging more regularly---needless to say, it's been hard! I look at my life as being rather simply-lived, and although simplicity really suits me, it doesn't provide much in the way of excitement that some might find worthy of sharing. So, just the other day, a friend suggested I start posting my menus/recipes on occassion; the ones that seem to have appeal and sound incredibly delicious. I've decided that it's a good idea.

I am going to kick off this new portion of my blog with a tribute to the "mom" who raised me; my maternal grandmother, Kay Dean. Mom was such a wonderful cook. Growing up in the 1920s and through the Depression years and, later, surviving as the divorced mother of a young child for several years during the 1940's before she re-married, she learned to be creative with food preparation and to be able to, somehow, whip up a feast with very little.

In the late 1960's and early 70's, when I was a little girl, Mom would stand me on a chair in the kitchen right next to her so I could see what she was doing and participate, at least as much as my small hands would allow, in the whole kitchen process---from stirring, to chopping, to washing dishes and wiping counters, I wasn't viewed as a nuisance, but as a "helper". I lovingly acknowledge her for encouraging my love of cooking and for teaching me that food doesn't have to be "fancy" to be delicious. Her kitchen motto was always "simple is best".

Growing up, one of my favorite cold weather, rainy day meals was Shepherd's Pie. Because ground beef has always been an economical option, we ate our "fair share", to be sure. Here is her recipe for that lovely, stick-to-your-ribs casserole.

Shepherd's Pie

Topping 1 1/2 lbs. Russet potatoes, peeled, quarted, and boiled until tender

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tsp. garlic

ground pepper and salt, to taste

When potatoes are cooked to tender, drain and reserve 1/2 cup liquid. Return to pan and mash with remaining ingredients, adding some of the reserved potato water if needed. Using electric mixer, whip potatoes until smooth and creamy. Set aside and keep warm.

Filling

3 Tbsp. cooking oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 large carrot, peeled and diced

1 celery stalk, halved length-wise, then cut into thin slivers

1 lb. ground beef (or lamb)

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. dried rosemary

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 cup beef broth (more may be needed)

salt and pepper, to taste

paprika

In heavy skillet, heat oil on medium heat, add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until tender; about 5 minutes.

Add ground meat, 1 Tbsp. flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Cook until meat is no longer pink and mixture is bubbly and thickened. Add additional beef broth if mixture becomes too thick---should be a gravy-like consistency.

Pour mixture into a 2-qt. casserole dish and top with mashed potato mixture. Sprinkle top with paprika and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.

***NOTE*** When I make this for my family, I always add 4 oz. sliced, sautéed mushrooms to the filling and I sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup butter-toasted bread crumbs and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese and just a bit of paprika for color.

Mom always served Shepherd's Pie with green beans cooked with chopped onions and a little bacon grease, with bread pudding for dessert.

Mom's Bread Pudding

3-4 cups stale bread, torn into pieces (I always use French bread)

2 cups whole milk

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup raisins, soaked in warm water, drained

1/4 tsp. allspice

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

3 Tbsp. butter, melted, and more to butter dish

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a medium bowl, soak bread in milk until completely absorbed. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, sugar, vanilla, raisins, and spices. Add to bread and stir to combine. Pour mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Pour melted butter over top. Bake 30-35 minutes until firm and golden brown. Serve with vanilla custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

"Food is our common ground; a universal experience." ~~~James Beard~~~

Love Thy Neighbor

2011-03-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I guess it's about time I wrote another post-----I just keep putting it off hoping something exciting will happen.

Well, it did! After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11, we had our own tsunami warnings here in Humboldt County. As a whole, it turned out to be absolutely NOTHING compared to what Japan is suffering, but frightening nonetheless, for residents up and down California's coast.

Crescent City, about 60 miles north of us in Del Norte County, experienced the worst property damage in our area, along with one lost life, which was the result of failing to follow orders issued to keep folks off the beaches and ocean-emptied waterways. Crescent City Harbor lost 11 boats and saw additional boats damaged, many beyond repair. The docks there are no more.

Here, in northern Humboldt County, the surge was just a few feet, with very little damage. Check out this video!

It amazes me that there were folks there, with their children, watching the surge----surge height was expected to be over 6 feet. Although I'm sure it was an awesome thing to behold, from afar, I'm quite sure it wasn't worth the risk had the water height been as predicted. However, I do appreciate being able to see it, if only from the lens of someone else's video camera.

When we got the intitial information on Friday morning, we immediately pulled up the National Weather Service online and called the boys. Ryan was already on "stand-by" with the National Guard, but both he and Matthew decided to drive up to McKinleyville and wait it out with us. Shortly after they left their apartment, the local police requested a non-mandatory (suggested) evacuation of several apartment complexes since they were in a low-lying area. We waited it out most of the day here at home, listening to the local news and checking weather updates off and on, until the warning was lifted in the early evening. Much of neighboring Eureka, which is at sea level, was shut down on the perimeter and inland about a mile until late afternoon. With the exception of just a few, all schools in the entire county, even those not directly in a tsunami zone, were closed for the day. The "tsunami sirens" in Samoa sounded----at least we know they work!

Although I was concerned, I was not as worried as my husband was, who had us gathering water and establishing evacuation plans for ourselves and our pets. It was my sincere belief that we would not have it nearly as bad as was being predicted, and although I was right, it could have been much, much worse (like the 1964 tsunami that was spawned by a 9.2 earthquake in Alaska) had the surge been what was originally expected. We were lucky that day!

Japan, however, was not to experience that same kind of luck. My heart aches for that nation as they deal with the aftermath of the quake and tsunami. I feel helpless, really. I can pray and send my love and warm thoughts, but that is all. With the world joining together to support our Japanese brothers and sisters, maybe it will be enough to help lift them into a place of recovery, of healing. Healing goes so far beyond the re-building of a home or even a city. For most, it will require the re-building of a life and learning to go on, somehow, after the loss of loved ones.

It is sad, on many levels, that it often takes a disaster of massive proportions to bring people together in a real and tangible way, rather than only paying lip-service to the idea that we are all, regardless of our national or ethnic allegiance, fellow travelers on this earth, bound together by our humanity. We all love and laugh and cry--we all endure hardship and sorrow--we all feel pain--we all rejoice in our triumphs. Now it is time to embrace a nation who is suffering in ways that most of us never will, in whatever way we are able.

If you feel led to donate, please contact the organizations below. They offer help and aid all over the world, with no strings attached. I believe in their mission.

http://www.ifrc.org/ OR http://www.icrc.org/eng/index.jsp

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the

whole earth." ~Bahá'u'lláh

A Lovely Blog to Share With You

2011-02-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

I adore handmade things, regardless of what they are. Handmade is always better, lovelier, in my opinion. When a person takes the time to create something, whether it is a painting, a piece of jewelry, or a hand-carved trinket, they cannot help but put a little bit of themselves into each item. I suppose people create for different reasons, but, mostly, I believe people create because they have no choice---they simply MUST do it. Their art is so much a part of who they are it is almost as necessary as breathing.

Jeff and Taryn, at Wooly Moss Roots, are those kind of people-----they live a beautiful, simple, purposeful life (with their little son, Bracken) and spend their time creating lovely things to share with the world. The amazing pieces that Jeff hand-carves speak volumes to me about the reason he creates and I've no doubt that each and every work of art he turns out has been lovingly and joyfully made.

Inlaid Tree Pendant

(photo courtesy of Wooly Moss Roots)

Wooly Moss Roots is having their very first give-away (entries accepted until February 28th); an inlaid tree pendant that anyone would be proud to wear. Please take a look at their Etsy Shop and enjoy browsing at the lovely things they have to offer.

Road Trip

2011-02-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today is a lovely day-----the sun is shining, although the wind is brisk and it's a bit chilly. That's okay, though, because I know that Spring, glorious Spring, is just around the corner. For some reason, after the winter holidays, I am SO ready for all the things that go along with springtime. I start getting anxious to plant flowers, re-do the garden beds, clean up the yards, just generally get everything into top form. I start daydreaming about picnics and walks along the river and a return to warmth that, as I get older, my body aprreciates very much.

I am also looking forward to the trip that my son, Alex, and I are planning for late Spring/early Summer. He and I, and our little dachshund, Bruno, will be taking a "road trip" North to visit family and friends. Our final destination is the Seattle area of Washington State, but we will be making many stops along the way so I can show Alex all the lovely places I enjoyed as a child. There is something magical about sharing favorite places with our children, places that we once enjoyed with our own parents so many years ago, places that we loved and thought about long after we left.

Our route will take us from northern California up into Oregon and Washington----some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet, in my humble opinion, of course! The state and national parks offer so many activities, or just spots to enjoy being surrounded by nature. The Pacific Northwest is dotted with lakes, rivers, mountain ranges----a true wonderland of scenic beauty. I am excited, and truth be told, a bit nervous, about taking this trip with just my young son and our little pup. But, the thought of passing up such a splendid opportunity to see so much and share so much is just....well, unthinkable!

Mount Hood, Oregon

Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Mount Rainier, Washington

Although we will have a basic plan for where we will end up and how many days we will be gone, we WILL NOT, I repeat, WILL NOT, plan our days to a tedious fault. I will not remove even the slightest chance for some serendipitous moment of bliss by over-planning and trying to create the "perfect vacation". I want to allow precious time for wading in streams and stopping at some silly roadside attraction and wandering through the trees and picking up shells on an unfamiliar beach and pulling up to an out-of-the-way diner for a piece of pie and a milkshake.

I want to instill in my son that some of the most wonderful times to be had are times spent simply, with family. I want him to know deep down in his soul that it isn't necessary to spend a few days and a small fortune at some theme park or other to have the adventure of a lifetime---all it really requires is a car, a map, a mom, a boy, and his dog.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” ~~~ Miriam Beard

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~~~ Mark Twain

Happy Eating

2011-01-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Although I don't particularly enjoy making New Year's resolutions, or at least making formal ones, as in writing them down and sealing them in an envelope to return same time next year to see with my own eyes how miserably I failed, but I do find that I seem to make a mental note of the things I'd like to change, things I'd like to see happen.

My big "resolution" for 2011 (or maybe "committment" would be a better word) is to make the change to eating completely organic fare, in all food catergories. I've been gradually making changes here and there, for the benefit of myself and my family, but I've also been doing so much reading that shows, time and again, that choosing wholesome, organic, and preferably, sustainably-raised foods, is best for our bodies and our planet. What is there to discuss----it's really plain and simple.

I'm well on my way to a healthier lifestyle and as I write I'm smiling. I really do feel better when I eat better. Don't you? Now, that's not to say that I will never indulge in a pizza from the local take 'n bake, or that I will never eat something that is not all the things I mentioned previously---I won't say that because I know I will. I would never be such a "food snob" as to turn down a meal with a dear friend or refuse to eat what someone lovingly prepared for me and my family simply because it didn't meet my criteria for healthy food. I suppose that what I'm saying is that I am making a committment to make good food choices as much as is possible and not beat myself up when I don't or can't. I will say that because 'organic' and 'healthy' are becoming synonymous, though, it is becoming much easier, and more affordable, to find those options when dining out.

Before the new year began, I flirted, rather briefly, with the idea of trying a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Now, this was mostly for health reasons, although doing my part to stop the needless suffering of animals in conventional feed-lots is important to me, too. I weighed the possibility of a strict new way of eating against the fact that I enjoy consuming small amounts of both meat and dairy and decided that, although I respect those who make such choices, it just wouldn't do for me. Instead, I chose to reduce the amount of animal products I eat and make sure that those milk and meat items are mostly organic/grass-fed/sustainably and humanely raised.

Jersey Cows in Humboldt County

I recently discovered an organic ,"cream-top" jersey milk that is so delicious and local to my area. The Borges Family Creamery in Smith River is a family-owned dairy that cares about how they raise their cows and cares about the quality of product they make available to the public. As a now-loyal customer to their non-homogenized milk, I hope they will expand to include butter and other dairy products of the same high-quality.

My favorite yogurt is from another organic producer, Straus Family Creamery, in Sonoma County. They use fresh Jersey whole milk for their yogurts and also produce various other milk products, including butter.

I have been buying Humboldt Grassfed Beef for some time now. It is locally raised and processed right here in Humboldt County where I live. Contrary to what some folks say, there really is a huge taste difference between conventional beef and those that are fully grass-fed. We had a BBQ last July for my oldest son who was returning home after serving 3 years in the U.S. Army-----folks couldn't stop raving about how delicious the hamburgers were and I was happy to tell them it was Humboldt Grassfed Beef. Yummy!

I am fortunate to live in an area that supports a large seasonal farmers' market from April-October and that also has many local farms and small food businesses. The North Coast Co-op, where my son, Matthew, is employed, offers a plethora of these products, too, and is an important vehicle for spreading the news about the availability of local foods. With so much being offered at mostly reasonable prices, there is no reason not to try to incorporate as many local, organic food choices as possible. I can imagine that, wherever you live, you will find at least a few sources for seasonal produce, although you may have to do a little research. Of course, the best way to provide ourselves with whole foods is to grow them, but we can't always do that, or simply don't want to. That's why it's important to encourage our local farmers by buying what they work so hard to grow for us.

Considering that there is a wealth of information about healthy living and organic eating, I would imagine that it would be easier than ever to find support and encouragement for this journey. At no other time during my 43 years have I noticed a bigger shift toward "green living" than I do now. We are becoming more aware of how our living choices and eating patterns effect, not only our bodies, but this planet that we share with every other living thing.

HAPPY EATING!!!

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" ~~~ Hippocrates

Soul Music

2010-12-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the last day of school for TWO WHOLE WEEKS!!! I'm so glad that we adopted an "unschooling" way of life this year----the learning keeps happening whether he are "doing school" or not!

Alex and I are currently trying to wrap up our study of the Vietnam Era and the Civil Rights Movement. Wow!!! The 1960s was such an amazing decade----so many important issues were brought to the table of discussion and so many changes took place in our society. There is just so much information to process. Alex really took an interest in the events of this turbulent time in our nation's history. We have read so many books and looked at so many websites and we still only barely scracthed the surface. I know we will re-visit the 1960s again when he is older.

Today, we discussed the music of the 60s and listened to many different artists who inspired an entire generation. We watched live performances (via YouTube) of The Temptations, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Smoky Robinson, The Jackson 5, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. I love that my son is willing to listen to nearly any genre of music, even if he doesn't like it after hearing it. Sometimes, we may find that we LOVE a particular sound that we didn't even know we liked simply because we had never heard it before. And, sometimes, like today, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the music of this bygone era.

One of the joys of homeschooling is that I don't have to follow a rigid set of rules---we can experiment and try new things simply because something sounds interesting and we want to. I suppose some folks may feel that 90 minutes of our day was wasted simply listening to music, but I don't!! Alex and I talked about what we liked about the various songs and artists we heard, we talked about what kind of life they lived during the height of their popularity and what changes they may have helped bring about, and we talked about how some of the musicians of the 1960s destroyed their lives by abusing drugs and alcohol. No subject is ever exclusive---any particular discussion can, and usually does, lead to even more discussion.

It is a beautiful thing to feel free to listen to or read anything that might help us to better understand a particular event or era or even "just because". On the other hand, we can also choose to pass up something that someone else tells us we should do or see or read because it doesn't appeal to us. History should never be dry and dull, but rather alive and exciting. When we, as both children and adults, can participate in and interact with the facts, they become so much more real to us and that enables us to find an affinity with certain individuals or movements, or, as was the case for Alex today, music! Music is such a great equalizer----it can help build bridges between the generations, the races, the religions, the political parties----bringing people together who didn't realize they had anything in common. I have yet to meet a single individual who doesn't like music. All music is "soul" music; it speaks to us in ways that nothing else can.

"After the silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." ~~~Aldous Huxley (1894-1963)~~~

Holiday Happiness

2010-11-30T08:55:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and the Christmas season fast approaches. I haven't really enjoyed the Holidays in a long while because it seems to serve as a reminder of our financial woes. Although I am a firm believer in living simply and keeping my environmental footprint as small as can be, I will openly admit that hearing others talk of their vast "Xmas Shopping List" makes it a bit difficult to be jolly. I know, I know, that attitude seems so superficial, but at the very least, I admit my problem.

Having been raised on a meager income by my grandparents, I never felt "lacking" until the Holidays when friends were discussing what they wanted for Christmas and, of course, what they knew they'd get. While their lists were at least a full page of wishes and wants, I remember my immense, yet simple, desire to find a Barbie doll under the tree come Christmas morning---not just the dime store version with hollow plastic legs---but the REAL BARBIE with bendable, rubbery legs, and all the amazing accessories, and myriad of friends, that went along with her. I think I've always been a bit sad at not ever having my very own Barbie doll.

When I grew up, married, and had children of my own, I promised myself, silly as it seems now, that my children would have presents stacked to the ceiling, like I never had. When my boys were very young we were living in eastern Kentucky, on a fairly modest income, but we always managed to have a big Christmas for them. My husband and I delighted in going on our annual shopping trip to Huntington, West Virginia, about an hour and a half from our home. Huntington had a huge mall and various "big name" stores that offered everything a person could want and more----just the place for a young couple with children! While my mother-in-law took care of the boys, we would make a day of it, leaving early and coming home late, exhausted, but satisfied, from our endeavor!

I know it is such a sad commentary on the state of affairs in our nation of plenty that I could feel even slightly unhappy at the lack of gifts that will grace the living room floor under my tree this year----how petty of me. No iPads, no Droids, not even a new computer that would be such a welcome replacement for our slow, out-dated dinosaur---no, this year, just a few things that I know our sons will enjoy that have been lovingly chosen, but not particularly costly. Yes, there will be the long-coveted video game, a few favorite books, a toy or two for our youngest son, and the random article of clothing or accessory. And, as usual, I'll be warming the kitchen with the lovely smells of the Yuletide season, a gift in themselves----gingerbread and pumpkin pies, and, of course, Christmas cookies and candy.

Have we somehow failed our children in not providing their every Holiday desire-----absolutely not! Our children were raised to tell the truth, to serve others, to be true to their own values, and to be loving and giving to their family and friends. No amount of presents under the Christmas tree could instill those traits in any person, no matter how much we might wish it. As my two older sons have grown and moved out on their own, it is my prayer that they will continue to grow and mature, as I know they will, into men who possess an indomitable spirit and who retain the strength of character they have been taught. No gift could be better than that!

My own desire to give over and above what we can afford, I'm sure, comes from the power of American materialism; in old-fashioned terms, "keeping up with the Joneses". Strive though I may to live simpler, greener, and saner, it is much easier to be content with what one has when there is no one near in which to compare possessions, or a lack thereof, with. However, I should be in control enough to put those thoughts from my mind and stick to the path that I know is best and true; simple, heartfelt living. And, most of the time, I do.

So, now, I will sit back and reminisce about all the lovely Christmases that have long-passed, the memories of precious time spent with loved ones, the traditions that make the Holidays special for my family, and the abundance and blessings that come simply from knowing who I am and what is truly important.

Going Green

2010-10-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs, The Organic Sister, is hosting the Great Big Giveaway from Sustainable Baby Steps, a fantastic website that not only promotes "Going Green", but helps you on your journey.

Now, being a big fan of the "Going Green" movement, I appreciate websites/companies/individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to honestly inform, educate, and equip. It's nice to read about how important it is to ourselves, our children, and our planet to adopt a greener lifestyle, but it is just so wonderful to have a "go to" source to help us implement this choice in a practical and do-able way. Although I am new to Sustainable Baby Steps, I believe in what they are doing and I believe that they are making an difference in the lives of those of us who desire to do what we can to make our world a lovelier place.

Let me also say, in support of The Organic Sister, I LOVE Tara's blog!! I've been reading for some time and I am SO thankful for her honesty and integrity which shines through in each and every post. I look forward to reading about her family's adventures and about how a simple and sustainable lifestyle works for them on a day-to-day basis. It is constantly a source of encouragement and inspiration to me.

My family and I try to do our part to encourage a true concern for the health and well-being of our planet and ALL those who inhabit it. We compost, recycle (or re-purpose), we've reduced our water and energy consumption, started a small raised-bed garden, combine trips into "town", buy what we can from our local thrift/consignment shops, bag our groceries in re-usable cloth bags, use "green" cleaning products (we mostly make our own), use cloth napkins, and cook "from scratch" using mostly organic "real" foods-----all wonderful ways of enjoying a "greener", more sustainable, lifestyle. I'm sure there are many more ways to do an even better job of living in harmony with the Earth, and as we continue to learn and grow and discover, we will continue to analyze what we do and change what we can to color our lives an even deeper shade of green.

Simplicity

2010-09-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a whole month since my last post. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I just having been "feelin' it"!!! There has been so much going on in my life lately---some of it good, some of it....well, not so much. I suppose I have allowed the stresses of life to get me down. I would love to take a few days just to "run away" and relax, regroup. But, for most moms in general and homeschool moms in particular, that just isn't an option.

I think, sometimes, I get so bogged down in the day-to-day aspects of living that I forget to take care of me; physically, spiritually, emotionally. Usually, when I'm feeling depleted and in need of a respite from the cares of the world, I go on a walk or take a drive to a favorite place and just soak in the outdoors. Sometimes I'll curl up with a good book---a comforting old favorite---and other times I'll just sit quietly, eyes closed, listening to the sounds of the forest or the ocean or the river. After a few hours, I can feel my spirit and energy renewed and I feel confident enough to leave and take on the mantle of my life again.

One of my favorite spots along the Van Duzen River

Taking time to connect with nature is a vital part of who I am and how I function. I'm sure my affinity with the outdoors, my need for peace and stillness, is directly connected to how I was raised. I love to go and to do, but I love even more to just be. I firmly believe that there is an art to "doing nothing". It is becoming a lost art, to be sure, along with the whole "simplicity movement". There are little pockets of folks all across the world who have rediscovered the joys of simple living and the importance of "doing nothing"and that fact gives me hope.

I have a little booklet that I purchased many years ago from the Elf~help Series produced by Abbey Press. It was written by Linus Mundy and is titled "Keep~life~simple Therapy". Through the years it has provided quiet strength as I try to do what I know to be right. Each "tidbit of wisdom" is numbered with a sweet little illustration by R.W. Alley---I'm going to list all 35 of them just for you.

1. Reduce life to its essence. It is mostly love that matters...and lasts.

2. Reduce love to its essence. It is mostly a knowing and being known. Make the effort, do the work, of getting to know and let your true self be known. You will see the oneness of love and Love.

3. Learn the art of saying "no". When you exclude something, you invariably include something else even more fully.

4. Welcome your role in the drama of creation. Imagine the part you play as a leading role (which it is). But once in a while, keep still and let God speak the parts.

5. Celebrate the ordinary. Your heart knows the comfort and the beauty in common things. Let it tell your head.

6. Don't expect so much from more----and so little from less. Expect a lot from less. You won't be disappointed.

7. It is hard to know when you "have enough". Make the question, "Do I really need more?" part of your life's work.

8. Look to nature for nurture. It is as reliable as the God who provides it.

9. When making choices, opt for the plain, the simple, the functional. Less goes wrong when you stick to life's standard equipment.

10. D0 not pretend to be anything you are not. That way you can always be consistent and truly free.

11. Live in time. Rushing to get one thing over so you can move on to something "more important" is folly.

12. Practice being content. It is both the work and the reward of a lifetime.

13. There is a time for doing---and a time for doing nothing. Don't underestimate the value of porch-sitting and rocking-chairing. They are simple gifts you can give to yourself---and others.

14. Live intentionally. Forget that and your life will be lived for you.

15. Learn to value spiritual things over material things. They last longer, cost less, bring more.

16. Let manual labor, hard work, be a part of your life. You'll be proud of how humble it makes you.

17. Be small and child-like. There is no simpler, better way to see the big picture.

18. Try to eat and live lower on the food and resources chain. You'll be doing a world of good to beings yet unborn.

19. Silence is golden. Seek it and it will quietly enrich your life.

20. Get alone. It is one sure way of getting yourself together.

21. Trust that God supplies you with unlimited good. There is grain left in the field even after the harvest.

22. Remember that the primary reward of hard work is finding meaning and well-being, not money. Forget that and you'll stop being well.

23. Set you desk, your chair, your sink, your sights with a view to the great outdoors. Life is simpler out there.

24. Don't take your life too seriously. Trust in a God who cares for your every need.

25. Don't let work and play be rivals. While each may have a separate place at times, both can also occupy the same space.

26. Know your limits. There is nothing more freeing---or more motivating---than knowing what you can and cannot do well.

27. Learn from life's oldest living things: trees. They impressively break forth with buds and colors--but know innately when it's time to shut down and be unimpressive.

28. Strive to have access to things, not ownership of them. Possess something and it possesses you.

29. Create a ten-second wildflower meadow in your mind whenever you need it. Your imagination can be a great peacemaker in times of chaos.

30. Think small. Planting tiny seeds in the small space given to you can change the whole world---or, at the very least, your view of it.

31. Cultivate the simple virtue of patience. Anticipation is not the only reward for waiting.

32. Don't forget that the longing for simplicity is a spiritual longing. Asking physical things to meet spiritual needs doesn't work.

33. Do only one thing at a time. Putting yourself wholeheartedly into what you are doing---no matter how small or mundane---honors it...and you...and your Creator.

34. Rediscover the joy of a quiet conversation, a simple story or game, an honest expression of affection for another. These simple gifts and pleasures will help keep your life balanced.

35. Know that your true home is in the holy Presence. It's that simple.

A Brand New Year

2010-08-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

It seems that California's north coast went quickly from Spring to Fall with just a little bit of Summer thrown in for good measure. Here it is the beginning of a new school year and I feel like the Summer Holiday is yet to start.

"Summer Days" by Dorothea Sharp

Today, amazingly enough, the sun is just peeking out from the mantle of cloud cover, but I have a legitimate suspicion that it won't last long. We've has several days of average summer temperatures and sunshine----certainly nothing memorable.

As I write, the wind is blowing gently through the trees in the backyard and I can hear the sound of a lawnmower nearby. I have clothes out the the line and my "inside chores" are done. My floors are clean, dishes done, rooms tidy. I feel a sense of accomplishment.

So now, it is time to pour over homeschool materials and make some plans for the year; basic plans, no "written in stone", detailed lessons that must be realized. Just a simple roadmap with plenty of space for changes and add-ons and erasures and scribbled notes.

This year, Alex and I are using a curriculum from Oak Meadow that I found at a yard sale. It was brand new, still boxed, in perfect condition. What a find---a curriculum worth hundreds for just $2!!! I only use textbooks as reference, so these are simply materials to use as a guide for the year and to give me some ideas for a course of study in history and science. I prefer a hands-on method of teaching so we try to get out and about as much as we can. I'm particularly excited about Alex's "Nature Journal", which he will use to document and describe what he sees on our outdoor adventures. And, of course, history is always a source of deep joy for me. I love teaching it, reading about it, watching documentaries about various time periods. I am so glad that Alex loves it, too.

I suppose, although Summer seems to have passed us by without much left to show for it, I am ready to begin a new school year. It is always a time to reflect on the previous year and make a commitment to excellence for the coming year. I truly can't imagine doing it any other way. I am privileged to have the opportunity to be an important influence in my child's educational life and to, hopefully, instill in him a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

"We learn best by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction."~~~Malcolm Gladwell

Some Helpful Links About Nature Journals

http://www.sierraclub.org/education/nature_journal.asp

http://lapazfarm.homeschooljournal.net/pages-from-our-nature-journals/

Change

2010-07-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to write a post that addresses my personal spiritual beliefs for some time. I have hesitated and stumbled and wrote and re-wrote, trying to get it exactly, precisely right. I suppose, too, I've been afraid of offending my conservative Christian friends, because much of what I believe to be true is far from the path that these folks I love dearly travel on. I indentify deeply with my Christian roots and upbringing, and many things about being a Christian resonate within me. But, at the same time, I also find great truth in the sacred texts and spiritual writings of other faiths, many of which I've incorporated into my own faith practices.

As the result of a recent "misunderstanding" between myself and a friend concerning differences in religious theology/doctrine, I've been doing A LOT of thinking. Not just random thoughts about any old thing, but specific thoughts about what is really important in my life and about how I have changed spiritually in the last 6 years or so.

I won't go into great detail, but this "misunderstanding" with this particular friend was about an inaccurate biblical and cultural interpretation concerning the traditional concept of "hell". She believes all the "unsaved" (God's enemies) are going there; I don't believe it exists, as taught by today's conservative, evangelical Christians, and as indicated by the original Greek of the New Testament. I rarely share my personal religious beliefs because, well, they're personal. Not everyone needs to be privy to what I believe about any particular issue, religious or otherwise, unless they ask and I feel comfortable enough with that person to tell. But, sometimes, every now and then, I feel absolutely compelled to speak. I occassionally find something so offensive and just outright wrong that I have no choice but to respond.

I realize that some may say I choose to speak up because I'm arrogant and think too highly of myself and my opinions, but that is truly not the case. I always try to respect the beliefs of others, particularly religious beliefs, because they so deeply represent the very soul of that person and how they relate to their world. But, when a biblical concept that has caused untold pain and suffering down through the ages, a concept that was invented to induce fear and servitude, continues to be propagated, even if by well-meaning, good people------well, I just can't keep silent.

As I've been thinking about where I am now and who I am and how far I've come, I feel a sense of purpose. I'm beginning to feel comfortable in my own skin and with what I believe, enough, maybe, to consider sharing that bit of myself with others without fear of condemnation or ridicule. I'm beginning to suspect that I've arrived, or am in the process of arriving, at a place in my life where I can finally not care, quite so much, about what others think of me and just be who I am. Then, of course, there are those times, as with this "misunderstanding", when I think, once again, "Oh, no! You've done it now! You just couldn't keep your mouth shut." At least with "two steps forward and one step back" I'm still making progress----just a little more slowly than I'd like.

I would like to think, though, that I am becoming a kinder, gentler person from what I once was. I'd like to think that I am learning to value people for who they are rather than for what they believe (or don't believe) and that being a friend to and with someone doesn't require that we are on the same path, whether that be religious, political, social, or even geographic. Actually, I find that friendships with those who are quite different from me are eye-opening experiences and wonderful opportunities for learning and growth. I'd like to think that I am a better wife and mother than I once was when I believed that everyone that didn't subscribe to my personal brand of Christianity was doomed to suffer an eternity in "hell"----those kind of thought processes can make a person downright cranky and leave them exhausted from all that judging of others! I'd also like to believe that I'm a better Believer than I once was----that I can love people unconditionally without any "strings", that I can disagree with someone on key points and still respect them. I really believe that is how God, however we choose to see him (or her), loves us. God is just too big to fit into our narrow box of contructs. He is beyond definition in a world that wants everything spelled-out; preferably on a highway billboard so we can read it as we speed past to our next assignment, the next thing on our "to do" list.

I read a fantastic book some months ago by Parker J. Palmer called, The Promise of Paradox. I found that, as I read, I was physically nodding my head on every page, at every paragraph. He perfectly detailed what I believe in such a beautifully profound way. One of my favorite quotes says, "But when Christians claim that their light is the only light and that anyone who does not share their understanding of it is doomed to eternal damnation, things get very dark for me." Things got dark for me, too, once upon a time. So dark, in fact, that I had to step away for awhile. And during that time, I began to examine myself, my beliefs, my practices---my whole person. What I found, and continue to find, surprised me. Somewhere along the way, I had changed. Some changes were very subtle, but some were like the difference between night and day!

I believe with all my heart that God meets us where we are. He comes to us, if we so choose, in a way that we can indentify with, a way that we are able to relate to. We will not all agree on matters of theology or doctrine, we cannot all envision God as the average white, American, Protestant populace does. And, as I said before, God is so much bigger than our minds can conceive and, as detailed in the concept of "inclusivism", God cannot and will not refuse the devotion of a sincere soul who sees him with a different face or calls him by a different name---it is just not in the character of the God I know. In fact, I believe that there is truth in every faith and I find it necessary and enlightening to learn about the many facets of various religions, not just to practice tolerance, but to find the gems of Godly truth within each of them. I suppose, in all honesty, I would have to call myself an Inclusivist/Pluralist----I don't agree with every doctrine presented by every religion, but I believe they all present valid ways in which God speaks to and meets those who genuinely seek Him.

We don't see the big picture, we don't have all the answers, and we may very well be wrong about a lot of things. But, you know what? I'm okay with that. It is much like the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." I say boldly, and with absolute certainty, that "there's a wideness to God's mercy." There is indeed.

"In my Father's house are many mansions."— The Bible, John 14:2

"I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world. I believe that they are all God-given and I believe that they were necessary for the people to whom these religions were revealed. And I believe that if only we could, all of us, read the scriptures of the different faiths from the standpoints of the followers of these faiths, we should find that they were, at bottom, all one and were all helpful to one another." — Mahatma Gandhi

Naveen Chawla, longtime friend and biographer of Mother Teresa asked her: "Do you convert?" She replied, "Of course I convert. I convert you to be a better Hindu or a better Muslim or a better Protestant. Once you've found God, it is up to you to decide how to worship him."

Robert Schuller interview with Billy Graham
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNCnxA91fHE

UK Apologetics (Inclusivism)http://www.ukapologetics.net/evinc.htm
The Harvard University Pluralism Projecthttp://pluralism.org/pages/pluralism/essays/from_diversity_to_pluralism

Coming Home

2010-07-09T08:10:00.001-07:00

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis~

In just a few short days, my oldest son, Ryan, will be on his way home. He has been away for a little over 3 years, serving in the United States Army. What a roller-coaster ride this "Army life" has been for our whole family.

Ryan decided to enlist in the summer of 2006, just as he was beginning his senior year in high school. He was adamant about joining and my husband and I offered our encouragement and support, even though the thought of him being deployed to a war zone was unthinkable.

Just a month after graduation, Ryan left for Basic Training. In October 2007, after receiving his infantry training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, he was posted to the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Hood, Texas. The Brigade was later re-flagged as the 1st Cavalry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Regiment, 7th Battalion, and Ryan's orders to deploy to Iraq were soon secured. What was always in the back of my mind was becoming a reality. My son was going to war!

As I started mentally working my way through the certainty of his upcoming deployment, I went through so many different emotions---fear, pride, grief, dread, anger----they all showed themselves during this period of acceptance. My son was a soldier, and it was my job to love and support him through the long, dark days ahead.

Ryan left for Iraq on 10 June 2008. It was the beginning of a very long year----a year of jumping on the internet every morning to see what was going on where he was, hoping that there would be no news, because "no news is good news". It was a year of waking up in the middle of the night wondering what Ryan was doing at that very moment and then sending him my love across the continents and hoping he could feel it. It was a year of faithfully sending "care packages" every two weeks, packing each box a hundred times in a hundred different ways so I could squeeze as much as possible into every corner. It was a year of waiting for word from the FRG (Family Readiness Group) when I read in the news that the FOB (Forward Operating Base) had been mortared and there were casualties or that someone had been killed by an IED and information was pending notification of 'next of kin'. Oh, what a year it was!
.

Ryan made it home, safe and sound, in June 2009. All the prayers, all the candles that were lighted on his behalf, all the loving thoughts that were soaked into the little bag of protection stones that Ryan kept in a pocket of his uniform, the Thor's hammer that he wore with his dog tags and the warrior spirit that it represented, and the good sense and training of both Ryan and his fellow soldiers, all worked together to carry him through. Along with a Muslim prayer cloth and prayer beads, Ryan brought back some amazing stories about his experiences in Iraq----some things that a mother would rather not know her son had to go through, some that were hard to hear.

And now, he's coming home. His contract is up, and, for now, he has decided he needs a break from the Army; a return to a "normal" life, to the area that he loves so much, college, work......LIFE!

What a journey this has been....for everyone. Although it is our sons and daughters who go about the day-to-day routine of Army life, as parents, we live it, too. In a different way, of course, but we live it.

WELCOME HOME, RYAN!!!

*****During the course of Ryan's deployment, I connected with several other 2-7 Cav moms who were dealing with their son's first deployment to a combat zone, as well. Through emails and phone calls, these women became sources of encouragement, support, and hope, to me and I to them. Even though our sons are on their way out of the Army, I continue to keep in touch with them. Cynthia, Karen, and Vicki-----you ROCK!!!!

Living With Fibromyalgia

2010-06-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! My name is Patti, and I have Fibromyalgia. Although this sentence is attributed to the 12 Step Program for Alcoholics, it nonetheless applies to those of us who suffer daily with Fibromyalgia. The first step toward healing is admitting that you have this....thing....this condition/syndrome, that robs you of rest and health and general well-being. It is only after that admission and acceptance that we can move to a place where the quest for knowledge and support can happen.

Knowledge: It is SO very important to be informed about anything that is wrong with our body. In this case, knowledge is, indeed, power!! Because Fibromyalgia is now recognized by the American Medical Association, those of us who live with it can feel more confident about sharing our plight---spreading the word to our family and friends---about what FM is, and isn't. We need not be shamed into thinking that it is "all in your head" or fearful that others will think we are just "faking it".

Support: It is equally important to have the support of those we love and share our life with. It is emotionally hurtful and counter-productive to hear things like, "but, you don't look sick" or "you're hurting again----but you haven't really done anything today that should cause that kind of pain". Hearing those kinds of things can make us feel unloved and usually cause us to just "suck it up" and keep our mouth shut. No one should have to suffer in silence.

The difficult thing about FM is that it is often considered an "invisible" disease. Even though the pain is generally associated with the areas around the joints, there is almost always no inflammation. In fact, most common symptoms associated FM with are internal, in nature, so others can't see the effects it has on on the body. And, sadly, to many, if we don't look sick, we aren't sick.

What, exactly, IS Fibromyalgia? This article is a fantastic overview of what FM is. It is so difficult to define and explain to someone who just has no idea. This particular article should help. It might be a good idea to print it out and give a copy to your close friends and family members.

There are also such misconceptions about Fibromyalgia. This interview with an expert from Mayo Clinic is the best I've read and details those common misconceptions.

Here is a simple description of Fibromyalgia, including a list of common symptoms:

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. Muscle pain, tender points, and fatigue are the predominant symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is very common, affecting up to 5 percent of the U.S. population. Although anyone can get fibromyalgia, eight times as many women develop it relative to men.

Common Symptoms:

~Pain: Most people diagnosed with fibromyalgia feel pain all over their bodies, above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. Many report that the pain is worse at some times than at others. For example, morning stiffness is common, and the pain may be worse on some days than others. The type of pain varies and may be described as burning, aching, shooting, stabbing or tingling. It may also change locations. Headaches and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, which causes jaw pain, are also common. Fibromyalgia is a physical illness. Research shows that the brains of people with fibromyalgia handle pain differently from those of “normal people” and that much more of their brains are involved with the pain signal.

~Fatigue: The fatigue of fibromyalgia ranges from the feeling of being slightly tired to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. The fatigue may always be present to some degree, or it may suddenly sweep over a person like a wave, bringing with it a longing, or need, to lie down.
Some describe their fatigue as feeling like there are concrete blocks tied to their arms and legs. Some also report “brain fatigue” – feeling totally drained of mental energy and having difficulty concentrating.

~Brain Function Problems: Some people with fibromyalgia experience problems with poor concentration, thinking clearly, short-term memory or multi-tasking.

~Sleep Dysfunction: Sleep does not refresh or improve fatigue. Fatigue may be present even after sleeping for 10 to 12 hours.

~Problems with Automatic Body Functioning (Autonomic Nervous System): The autonomic nervous system regulates key functions in our bodies that occur "automatically," without us thinking about them. This includes, for example, keeping our heart beating, our blood pressure regulated, our stomach and intestines functioning properly and our lungs working. When this system is affected by fibromyalgia, a variety of symptoms can occur as a result, such as light-headedness, dizziness/vertigo, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and sweating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, gas and bloating (all related to IBS--Irrital Bowel Syndrome).

~Hormonal and Endocrine Symptoms: Some people with fibromyalgia have trouble maintaining their body temperature and feel cold all the time or feel hot.

So, as you can see, FM affects many body systems with an amazingly wide range of symptoms. Although Fibromyalgia is not progressive or fatal, living with it on a day-to-day basis can be overwhelming. The pain is crushing, the fatigue is all-consuming, but a restful, refreshing sleep is unattainable.

There is currently NO treatment for Fibromyalgia. Doctors can, and do, prescribe a plethora of medications to help alleviate symptoms, which, in turn, create a load of other symptoms for which additional medications must be taken, etc., etc. I have found that with most ailments, a more natural approach is desirable. There are various homeopathic remedies which some have found helpful and it has been discovered, more recently, that a gluten-free diet may be very effective in treating various FM symptoms, from pain to IBS.

I am 6 full days into a gluten-free diet and I can already notice a difference in how I feel. Now, I can't say whether this improvement will be long-term or not and although this certainly may not work for everyone, it is, in my opinion, worth a try. Gluten intolerance has been linked to a variety of health issues, and considering that approximately 1 in 133 Americans have a problem with gluten, it is no wonder that removing it from our gluten-laden diets makes us feel better.

So, whether or not you choose natural or homeopathic remedies or decide to go with a more "western" approach to your FM care, the most important thing we can do for ourselves is to be educated and pro-active. And equally important is finding and using whatever works for us so that we may enjoy our life and be able to share in the lives of those we love.

Please visit The National Fibromyalgia Association:

http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer

"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
-- Albert Camus --

**Most clinical information was obtained from http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca and http://www.healthscout.com.

25 Random Things About ME

2010-06-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

1. I LOVE rain!!! The absolutely 'pouring down in buckets' kind of rain. No wimpy "gentle mist" for me!! I also love the feel of the wind in my hair.

2. Closely related to #1----I love, love, love thunderstorms. No place does thunderstorms quite like eastern Kentucky, complete with fantastic lightning displays zig-zagging all across the sky. I used to really enjoy sitting on the porch on a sultry summer night, watching the show. AMAZING!!!

3. My most favorite fictional heroine of all time.....Elizabeth Bennet. Intelligent, down-to-earth, feisty, kind-hearted and truly genuine. What more could I aspire to be.

4. Favorite flower: Wild Roses----the kind that grow in the hedge-rows and smell so heavenly. Cultivated roses are just too perfect for me. Because I am SO not perfect, I like imperfection (and a little wildness) in other things, too. Imperfection gives character and creates interest.

5. One of my regrets-----not keeping my body in shape through the years. It's so much harder to lose weight at 43 than at 23. Oh, to have a great body again!!! I must keep at it.

6. In highschool, I had a few close "girl friends", but lots more "guy friends". I really don't know why. I think, sometimes, men can be less judgmental than many women.

7. I LOATHE drama. I strive to lead a drama-free life as much as possible. I like a quiet, simple life.

8. It has been a life-long dream of mine to visit Tuscany-----a long visit------okay, actually LIVE there, for a little while, at least. I am Italian and I firmly believe that we have a connection to our roots, however physically far removed we may be from them. How amazing it would be to walk the dusty village roads, get to know the local people, put my hands in the soil----in the same soil that my ancestors did, once upon a time.

9. Directly related to #8----a favorite movie of mine, yep, "Under the Tuscan Sun"!!!!

10. I might regret telling this one----I've been covering up the gray since I was in my mid-20s.

11. I have fibromyalgia.

12. I love biscotti, any flavor!

13. Another dream of mine, after living in Tuscany for a while, is to buy a piece of property in the mountains, away from the world, and live off-grid, off the land, in a cabin, surrounded by trees, a river and a lovely meadow nearby----with a garden and some chickens, a few goats, maybe. Pipe dream, I suppose, but at least I can dream.......

14. I adore cats! I can't imagine my life without them in it.

15. I am shamlessly domestic and a little old-fashioned. I enjoy cooking, hanging out my laundry and the general "art of home-making". Don't expect me to apologize for not being a "career-woman" because I won't.

16. I believe that people should SLOW DOWN and enjoy the beauty of doing....."NOTHING"......cloud-watching, front porch-swinging, day dreaming.

17. I love "treasure hunting" in thrift shops.

18. I was born in San Francisco, grew up in Humboldt County, lived in eastern Kentucky for 15 years, and moved back to Humboldt County 6 years ago.

19. I love wearing jeans, knitted sweaters and hats. I am mostly a cooler weather kind of girl, although, as I get older, my body definitely appreciates warmth.

20. I've never met my biological father.

21. I own a single square foot of land on a country estate in Scotland. Really....it's weird, but totally true!!!

22. I used to wear contact lenses, but I was so afraid to stick them on my eyeballs it would take me at least 30 minutes for each eye, so I finally gave up on them and went back to glasses.

23. I spent a week in Canada with my family enjoying Niagara Falls and other various points of interest in Ontario. On the way into the country, cars were randomly being searched and.....yep....our lucky day. We had to pull EVERYTHING out of our car, along with 3 kids and all their travel paraphernalia and stand away from the vehicle while the border patrol/customs people searched our car. Come on!! WHO, in their right mind, would travel to Canada, by car, with THREE tired and cranky kids just to...what....smuggle something illegal into the country???!!! REALLY!!!!!

24. I have spent more vacations in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee than I can count.

25. My oldest son, who is only 21, is an Iraq War veteran, my middle son graduates from high school this year, and I homeschool my youngest son.

Loss

2010-05-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I last posted. I love blogging, but I must say I haven't much been "in the mood".

Just a week and a half before Mother's Day some folks we knew many years ago lost one of their 22 year old triplets, Heath, to Cystic Fibrosis. He was a playmate of my oldest son, Ryan, during the time we attended a little church in the hills of eastern Kentucky during our 15 years in Appalachia. Even a death that is expected seems to take a person by surprise, especially the death of one so young.

And then, just a short two weeks ago, a friend of mine, Danny, that I've known for over 30 years, suffered a massive brain hemorrhage following shoulder surgery. He was pronounced brain dead on May 8, just the day before Mother's Day. Shock....surprise.....disbelief.

I first met Danny when his father came to take the pastorate of the church I grew up in and attended, from infancy, with the grandparents who raised me; he was just 6 years old at the time, I was 10. My husband and I went to see Danny on Saturday---he was being kept alive because he was an organ donor. Although he was really already gone, I wanted to see him one last time, just to say goodbye, I guess, to the body that once housed his spirit. Through his beautiful and generous gift, at least 16 families or individuals have either a more happy, healthy life or have been given more time with their loved one.

Mother's Day was bittersweet this year. I was immensely happy to be celebrating the wonder and joy of being a mother to my three sons, but also hurting for the two mothers I know who are grieving the loss of a son. I can't imagine a pain more real, more intense, than that.

Although I have been deeply saddened over these two losses, I have also been reminded of just how important it is to love my own family, my boys, in tangible ways; to tell them I love them and to show them I love them. I can't just take it for granted that they already know, which I'm sure they do, but they still need to hear my voice telling them and experience my actions showing them. A huge part of my job as a parent is to be love for my children, to be that place of solace and comfort that they can come to when they need it, that they can always count on, that they can recall in a real and even palpable way when I am gone and they can no longer feel my touch or hear my voice.

To my dear fellow mothers, Betsy and Pat: May your God comfort you in a way that only He can as you grieve the loss of your beloved sons.

To Heath and Danny: Fly free now, far above the pain and hurt, beyond the sun and the moon and the stars, to that new world that welcomes you with open arms. Be at rest, for now you truly know the peace that passes all understanding.

Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality. ~Emily Dickinson

Living in the Moment

2010-04-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Matthew

Living in the moment is hard to do---especially if you're the kind of person who is always planning their next "move". I used to be so much more focused about things which, I'm quite sure, made me uptight and anxious. Not that being focused on a particular task is a bad thing, just that focusing our lives right down to the very last detail takes all the spontaneity and joy out of the moment. It robs us of our enjoyment of the RIGHT NOW!

Alex

My 43rd birthday is fast approaching, and as I get older, and as my children grow up, I am reminded almost daily that I will never pass this way again. I will never again be able to seize that exact moment that I lost because I was too busy, too tired, too stressed-out, to be a part of what was happening right then and there.

Matthew

A really amazing and beautiful thing about children is that they don't have to try to live in the moment----they just do! It's as natural to them as breathing. Most children I know have a difficult time trying to put time into perspective because all they understand is right this minute. Sometimes as parents we become exasperated in attempting to explain for the hundredth time that dinner will be ready "in an hour" or we'll be there "soon" or you need to finish up "right away". But, oh, that we adults could throw out the window our concept of time, of the urgent, the necessary, just for....."a little while". If we could learn to play with abandon like our children. If we could learn to get lost in the now.

Alex

"This Day"

by Point of Grace

This day is fragile ~ soon it will end

And once it has vanished, it will not come again

So let us love with a love pure and strong

Before this day is gone

This day is fleeting when it slips away

Not all our money can buy back this day

So let us pray that we might be a friend

Before this day is gone

This day we're given is golden ~ Let us show love

This day is ours for one moment ~ Let us sow love

This day is frail ~ it will pass by

So before it's too late to recapture the time

Let us share love, let us share God

Before this day is gone

Planet Earth

2010-04-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY

Do something beautiful today. Plant a tree or some flowers. Commit to a recycling plan for your home. Hang your laundry on the line instead of using the dryer. Talk a walk in nature and as you do listen to the sounds, see the sights, breathe in the fresh air, so you will remember that the earth IS worth saving.

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." ~ ~~Attributed to Chief Seattle, 1855

Laundry Lines

2010-04-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Today has been such a lovely Spring day. The sun has been doing its thing since early this morning and there has been a gentle wind most of the day. In other words: a perfect day to hang out the washing.

There is something immensely therapeutic about going through the motions of hanging clothes on a line. It is a gentle, soothing, almost spiritual act. The morning is the best time for this particular activity because the world is mostly quiet, the only sounds being the chirping of the little birds in the backyard trees and the occassional caw from the impatient crows waiting for their morning handout of bread crusts.

When I stand at the laundry line with a basket of clothes at my feet, time seems, not to stand still really, but to just not matter very much. All that interests me is the rhythmic bending, pinning, bending, pinning. And I'm always just a little sad when the last shirt or sock is hung on the line and it's time to go inside. But, too, I feel relaxed, peaceful, as though I've just spent a sacred moment in the presence of the Divine.

On some of my travels with my family to the Amish country in Pennsylvania and Ohio, I would sometimes catch a glimpse of the sturdy handmade clothing pinned to the lines near the large white farmhouses. The dark blues, purples, mauves, greens and blacks flapping in the breeze painted such a lovely picture---not just one of simplicity, but of industry, a life of integrity, and joy.

I think it is an art to find beauty in the simple pleasures that life affords us and that we so often take for granted, simple pleasures like the smell of line-dried sheets. And sometimes, there is nothing more lovely to behold nor more pleasing to the eye than a load of clean laundry pinned to a line by my own two hands, drying in the early morning sunshine.

Rainy Days

2010-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

I love a good rain! Not a soft, gentle misting, although I do enjoy those, too, but a strong, steady downpour. I love everything about rain; the sights, the sounds, and even the smell of a drenched earth. There is something very soothing about a rainy day---it has a way of calming me, of bringing me back to a place where everything is right with the world. I guess, in a sense, it cleanses my soul.

When I lived in the South with my family, one of my favorite things to do on a rainy summer evening was to sit on the porch and watch the rain falling down. Sometimes, every now and again, I would be treated to a fantastic electrical storm, complete with loud thunderclaps and streaks of lightning. Such a wondrous, exciting display! At night I would lay in bed listening, entranced, as the rain pattered on our metal roof. It was peaceful and somehow reassuring to fall asleep to the rhythm of the rain.

In Humboldt County, California, where I live with my family now, we experience an average rainfall of more than 100 inches per year, with most of that falling between October and April. Relative humidity is high and as a result of our close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, we enjoy one of the coolest, most stable temperature regimes on the planet. It's a rain lover's paradise!

As I write this afternoon, the wind is blowing and a light rain falls. It's that time of year. We are expecting several consecutive days of rain and occassional thunderstorms. After a while there will be puddles where there were none and if it rains hard enough, and long enough, the creeks in some areas may swell until they overflow their banks. But with the rain will come a renewed sense of purpose, of peace, and once again, all will be right with my world.

April Rain Song
by

Langston Hughes

Let the rain kiss you

Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops

Let the rain sing you a lullaby

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk

The rain makes running pools in the gutter

The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night

And I love the rain.

The Great Outdoors

2010-03-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a lovely book called Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. The book discusses the fact that many children today are disconnected from nature. Louv goes on to say that that disconnection, that lack of contact with the natural world, has caused untold damage to an entire generation.

In this technological age we live in, where we are bombarded with everything from computers and iPods to satellite tv and video games, it is becoming rare, indeed, that families choose to spend time together in nature. I have known more than one individual who has never been on a family picnic. Never! Picnics are one of the simplest and most pleasurable outside activities----how could someone have missed out on the joy of eating a meal in the "great outdoors"? What a sad comment on our busy, and sometimes shallow, lives.

When my boys were little we spent a large amount of time outside. We lived in eastern Kentucky for nearly 15 years, so we had the privilege of experiencing the four seasons in all their glory. Each season had its own activities that afforded us the opportunity to explore the world around us. We swam in local rivers, floated leaf boats in the creek near our home, enjoyed picnics too numerous to count, built snowmen and makeshift igloos, and walked in the Autumn woods. All three of my sons have known the delight of looking for shapes in the clouds, catching fireflies, building sandcastles, skipping rocks, making snow angels and climbing trees. What wonderful memories I have of those years with my family when my sons were small and the world seemed so big to them, just waiting to be discovered and explored.

Although it is more difficult these days for my family to find time to share together outside, we try to make time. It may just be a short walk on a forest trail not far from our home or, like today, a two-hour strenuous hike through Redwood Park. We may spend an afternoon exploring one of the beaches just a few miles from our front door or a morning of picking blackberries along the river in Blue Lake or simply enjoying a BBQ in our own backyard.

In whatever way you might choose to "get outside", may I humbly suggest....just do it! Take the time to introduce, or re-introduce, your children and yourselves to the beauty of the world in which we live, and share. You will be helping to create precious memories as a gift to your children. I promise that you won't regret it. And one day, when they are grown, you will have the pleasure of hearing the words, "Hey Dad/Mom, remember that time when we............"

NATIONAL PARK WEEK IS APRIL 17-25, 2010. ENTRANCE TO ALL NATIONAL PARKS IS FREE DURING THIS TIME

http://www.nps.gov/npweek/

Visit the sites below to better understand the importance of outdoor play:

http://www.childrenandnature.org/blog/

http://richardlouv.com/

The Gift of Gratitude

2010-03-10T08:18:00.001-08:00

It always amazes me what a grateful heart can accomplish~~~

Artwork from: http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/

I Pledge To Read the Printed Word

2010-03-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

"She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain." --Louisa May Alcott

I love my new widget from I Pledge To Read the Printed Word. As I've said before, I absolutely adore books!

Although I love the fact that technology has made so many advances and is available in so many forms, I truly believe that holding printed material in one's hands helps to create a lasting love affair with the written word. I feel immensely sad for anyone who has never had the bittersweet pleasure of reaching the last page of a beloved book and feeling deep sorrow that the story was finished.

So, take the pledge with me------pick up a book and READ, READ, READ!!

Faithful...Genuine...Sincere

2010-03-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today I will strive to be:

Artwork from: http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/

A Victorian Village

2010-03-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday my husband and I spent the morning in the Victorian hamlet of Ferndale. I love that little town! It is quiet and quaint and.......special. It is one of the few local places that seems to be untouched, for the most part, by all the consumerism of the age. Of course there are shops and cafes and a repertory theater and even a little market, but the feeling of the town is so much different from the hustle and bustle of other areas-----it's like stepping into another era. It feels, very simply, like home.

Ferndale boasts some of the most beautiful examples of 19th century Gothic Revival, Italianate, Eastlake and Queen Anne architecture in California and, in fact, the entire village is a California Historical Landmark (No. 883). These homes, many of them still private residences or Bed & Breakfast Inns, are locally known as "Butterfat Palaces", referring to the fact that they were built for the wealthy dairy farmers of the late 1800s.

Ferndale's Main Street

Mark and I rambled about for an hour and a half or so before heading to Ferndale Cemetery to have a look around. Wandering through a cemetery is not really my idea of "fun", but this one, I must say, was interesting as it is situated on an immense hillside, with some gravesites dating to the 1870s.

Ferndale is certainly one of the loveliest little towns I have ever had the pleasure of visiting and I am so glad that it is near enough my home to make it a regular destination. Please visit the following website to learn more about Ferndale and other towns in the Eel River Valley.

http://www.victorianferndale.com/

Children Are Miraculous

2010-02-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

This really says it all.........

~~Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy (SARK)~~

A Perfect Day

2010-02-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, my husband and I and our son, Alex, spent the afternoon in Trinidad----it is one of the most beautiful places on earth, in my humble opinion, and is just a few miles from our home, off of Highway 101 North.

We first took Scenic Drive to Tepona Point and stood for quite a long while just watching the waves crashing to shore. There were several people walking on the beach below and a few were fishing from the rocks in an area that looked far too dangerous for us to even attempt reaching (I confess: I am desperately afraid of heights in places that have nothing to hang onto). Alex wanted to see the boats in the harbor so we continued on Scenic Drive, turned left into Trinidad proper, down the hill past the lighthouse and the HSU Marine Lab. We parked amidst an adundant and varied collection of cars and SUVs, many with surfboards attached to their tops and walked out onto the pier. There were fishing boats dotting the harbor and while we were there, two boats were lifted from the water, attached to their waiting trucks, then driven off the wooden-planked dock which bounced and shook with the effort. It was such a lovely, sunny, windy day and local folks seemed to have the same idea we had----get out an enjoy it before the winter rains come again.

There is no point in explaining what others have already done so well. So, just click on the links below to learn more about this heavenly spot where the Redwoods meet the sea. The photos were taken from Tepona Point, which is on Scenic Drive between Moonstone and Luffenholtz Beaches.

http://www.discovertrinidadca.com/

http://pages.suddenlink.net/popenoe/scenes/Trinidad.htm

View to the south from Tepona Point

Trinidad Harbor in the background

Casting a shadow

Tepona Rock

Tepona Rock with Trinidad Head in the background

College Bound

2010-02-22T12:59:00.000-08:00

Ah----the maze of paperwork that accompanies the college admissions and financial aid processes.

My middle son, Matthew, graduates from highschool in June and so, needless to say, we are gearing up for his continuing education (an AA degree in Liberal Arts) which he has decided to obtain from Cerro Coso Community College. With the rising cost of university tuitions, coupled with the fact that California is in dire financial straights (meaning not much offered in the way of state financial aid), starting out at a community college is definitely something to be considered. We have filed the one-stop shopping FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and just finished the application for Cal Grants. I am so grateful that these programs exist----a college education should never be denied someone who has the desire for it, but not the funds.

Because Matthew is already enrolled at Cerro Coso, which is located in the foothills of the Sierras, making the transition from concurrently enrolled highschool student to full-time regular student should be fairly painless. He, very fortunately, has a wonderful counselor at his highschool who has been instrumental in walking him (and me!!) through this whole college admissions thing. Thank you, Betsy!

Matthew wants to earn his English degree after CCCC, so he will most likely arrange a transfer to our local higher learning establishment, Humboldt State University, in 2012. What can one do with an English degree, you might ask? For Matthew, who wants to be a writer, an English degree can help pay the bills while he awaits the publishing of his first novel. Matthew is a very gifted storyteller, so I have no doubt that before long I will be standing in line at Borders to have my copy of his book autographed. Wow! That is such an exciting thought!

The fact that Matthew will earn his entire Liberal Arts degree online is an amazing thing to me. Just a decade ago this would have been an impossible feat. Making educational degrees more accessible to the masses is such a wonderful idea. Not everyone can afford to move away from home to attend college, or maybe they have obligations that render a move completely inappropriate. Or maybe, like my son, the online student has absolutely no desire to attend college away from home and finds the thought of campus life unappealing, at best----a waste of time, at worst. Online education is defintely the 'wave of the future'.

Here are some links with information that may be helpful in preparing for college:

http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/CollPrep.pdf

http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/C/College.asp

And I must say that, regardless of what choices our children make concerning the pursuit of higher education, it is so important that we, as parents, offer our love, our support, and a listening ear.

Keats

2010-02-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

A Thing of Beauty

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:

Its lovliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing

A flowery band to bind us to the earth,

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth

Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,

Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkn'd ways

Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,

Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

From our dark spirits.

Such the sun, the moon,

Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon

For simple sheep; and such are daffodils

With the green world they live in; and clear rills

That for themselves a cooling covert make

'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,

Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms

We have imagined for the mighty dead;

An endless fountain of immortal drink,

Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

~John Keats~

Beach Day

2010-02-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon I took my sons to Moonstone Beach in Trinidad, just a few miles from our home. It was a perfect beach day-----the sun was shining, just a bit of wind and clear blue skies. We finished up our schoolwork in the morning and then packed up some drinks, the Frisbee and a bag for shells. Matthew and Alex were glad to get out of the house and I definitely needed a respite, as well. The rugged and untamed coastal beaches of my beloved northern California soothe my soul and lift my spirits.

Moonstone Beach

The boys played Frisbee, stopping occassionally to help me hunt for shells. The beach was littered with mussel shells, a few clam shells, and broken sand dollars. The sand was hard and compact and the tide was far enough out that we could explore the sea caves, too.

Inside the Sea Cave

As I stood on the beach looking out over the Pacific, a flock of brown pelicans flew past, headed to the rocks just a short distance away. I called out to Matthew, pointing excitedly, "Look, Mattie. Look at that!" He watched for a while and then said simply, "Very cool, Mom."

We are so privileged to live on what I consider to be one of the most lovely places on earth. We are surrounded by majestic Redwood forests, the Trinity Alps to the east, the King Range to the south, various rivers, and of course, the grand Pacific. I am so glad that my children have the opportunity to grow up amidst such awe-inspiring beauty.

Moonstone Beach

Favorite Blueberry Recipes

2010-01-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

I always seem to get an intense craving for blueberries mid-winter----well, not just plain blueberries, although they are delicious all by themselves----I'm talking about a warm, comforting blueberry bit of goodness. When the craving hits, only a tasty muffin (or two) or short-stack of blueberry pancakes smothered in warm maple syrup will suffice. Unfortunately, berry season is long gone, so I keep a bag of blueberries in the freezer just for this purpose (and for the occassional blueberry smoothie).

I've searched high and low for the best recipes and I've finally found them. These muffins and pancakes turn out beautifully every time and the taste is......well, the best! Enjoy!

**NOTE: If using frozen berries in either recipe, let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes

Blueberry Muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1/3 cup milk

1 cup FRESH blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 deg. C). Grease muffin cups or use cooking spray---do not use liners.

Combine flour, sugar , salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil in in a one-cup measure, add egg and enough of the milk to fill the cup. Mix this into the flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top.

Bake 20-25 minutes.

Blueberry Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

2 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups buttermilk

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup FRESH blueberries

In a large bowl sift together all dry ingredients. Allow melted butter to cool and in another bowl, beat together eggs and buttermilk. Whisk in cooled butter.

Mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Combine until you have a lumpy batter. Do not over-mix. Gently fold in blueberries.

Heat pan or griddle to medium heat. Add cooking spray to pan. Use about 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Cook until golden on each side.

For the Love of Family

2010-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

From early infancy, I was raised by my maternal grandparents, Scotty and Kay. They were both products of the Depression so they were resourceful, frugal, and old-fashioned. I had a quiet, happy childhood, though there was rarely money to spare. From them, I learned the importance of budgeting, making-do, and thrift. Waste not, want not were words to live by. But, more importantly than the practical aspects of life, I learned the importance of family.

Kay & Scotty Dean

When I was a little girl in the late 1960s and early 70s, family vacations were the highlight of the year. My grandparents would save a little each month to be able to make those trips every summer. So, each June, just after school got out, I would get to travel all over California, Oregon and Washington, visiting family and friends along the way and visiting every historic landmark my granddad could find. We camped in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier, attended a clambake and went oystering with my Uncle Ken on Puget Sound, stood in awe of the beautiful Crater Lake, viewed Seattle from the top of the Space Needle, walked through some of the old Spanish missions in California, traveled on Highway 12 in the Valley of the Moon and spelunked through the Shasta Caverns. Glorious fun!

Little Me

Some of my very favorite childhood memories center around the times we spent with family in the San Joaquin Valley, which is part of the Central Valley of California. That was where my grandfather's family lived------practically the whole huge clan. Sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.

My favorite spot was Uncle Harold and Aunt Billie's farm in Atwater. The property was very near former Castle Air Force Base and was edged with sweet-smelling eucalyptus trees. Because of the proximity to the air base, the huge jets would fly directly over the rooftop of the house as they came in for a landing. Needless to say, to a small child this was so terrifying to me. The powerful roar, the wind---if I was anywhere outside I would run to the nearest parked car and throw myself underneath, hands over ears, tears streaming down my face. As I got older, the fly-overs became a thrilling part of our visits, as my fears finally abated and I pretended I was the pilot flying those immense fortresses.

During the day, all of us children would walk to the canal, which was just a short trek down the country lane, to go swimming. We'd stop to pick the long grasses that grew beside the road and reach our hands through the fences to feed the neighbors cows. Our folks never worried about us because the older children always looked out for the younger ones-----that was just the way it was. After several hours of swimming and splashing, we'd tromp back to the big, sprawling house, tired, but happy. The grown-ups would have sandwiches and watermelon waiting for us on a big table in the yard and we'd eat until we could eat no more, washing it all down with tart lemonade. We would then spend the rest of the afternoon playing together or helping with chores, maybe riding the tractor or feeding the goats or chasing the chickens or climbing trees. Every now and again, just before dinner, the youngest children would be summoned over the fence of Grandaunt Billie's nearest neighbor for a tall glass of milk, still warm from the cow----what a treat that was!

My great grandparents, Lillian and Buford Dean (on the right) and my great-grandaunt and great-granduncle

After dinner, when everything was cleaned up and put away, all the kids would gather around, sitting with whoever had an empty lap. My granddad and grandma and all the granduncles and grandaunts would take turns telling stories well into the night-----tales from their own childhood, from the Depression and World War II, stories about the Dean Family. I learned about their parents, my great grandparents, who were long dead before I was ever born. I listened to battlefield stories that my Granduncle Howard would share, only after he'd had a few beers. Uncle Howard fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII, just a young man at the time. Because of injuries received during childhood, my grandfather couldn't fight in the war, but he instead worked at the Naval Shipyard at Mare Island in Vallejo. The shipyard built ships and submarines for the war effort and repaired damaged battleships, as well. My grandma told about growing up in a Catholic boarding school in Washington and the horrific shortage of pantyhose during the war. Grandaunt Billie always had a funny story to tell about the difficulties of raising 12 children.

Naval Shipyard at Mare Island

Those nights spent on the porch at the Botwright farm were so memorable, I can sometimes smell the eucalyptus and the fresh-mown hay and see, if only in my mind's eye, all of us children splashing in the canal. That was where I learned to love family traditions and where I decided that being a wife and mother was an honorable career choice. I will tell you that, after hearing all those stories and making numerous trips to the air base museum, I also entertained the notion of being an Air Force pilot, but, well, two out of three ain't bad!!

My grandparents are both gone now. Granddad passed away over 20 years ago and Grandma in 2006. Most of the uncles and aunts are gone, as well. The cousins are scattered all over the country and I only keep in touch with a few of them now. Several of them passed away at a young age. I miss the closeness that we all shared during those times so long ago. I miss the lazy days of summer spent with extended family, when all seemed right with the world.

My children had the great fortune of living near their paternal grandparents for a large portion of their life, along with several aunts, uncles and the cousins. They developed a keen sense of the importance that family plays in our lives as we grow and change and learn. They have developed their very own childhood memories that are stored in the deepest places of their hearts, waiting to be shared with their children one day.

My Family~~~2009

I look forward to the day when I can gather my grandchildren on the porch, grandchildren who are now just a far off thought, and pass on the stories of my childhood to their listening ears.

Do you have any lovely memories from childhood that you just haven't found time to pass on to your children or grandchildren? I encourage you to make the time~~~you'll never regret that you did.

"The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together."~~~Erma Bombeck

Helping Haiti

2010-01-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

There has been such a flood of love and concern for the people of Haiti. Every blog I read has at least one post about all the avenues available in which we can help. I suppose I haven't posted anything simply because I don't know what to say.

People are hurting. People are suffering. What more is there to say.......

We all have our own special projects and organizatons that we financially support for one reason or other. Some are political in nature, some are religious. But when a disaster of such magnitude strikes, in the long run, I don't think it matters where the support comes from, as long as it does come, and quickly.

So, give a few dollars, offer up a heartfelt prayer, light a candle. Nothing that you do is too little. Do what you can, in whatever way you feel led, to lighten the load.

The following organizations are on the 'frontlines' in Haiti. They are neither political nor religious in nature-----they have no ulterior motives and nothing to gain through the aid they offer. I believe in their mission.

Doctors Without Borders

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Partners In Health (Stand With Haiti)

http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti

International Red Cross

http://www.icrc.org/eng

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." ~~~Edward Everett Hale

Homeschooling For Life

2010-01-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Homeschooling.......what an amazing adventure. It means so many things to so many people. For me, it is about real parents learning side-by-side with real kids about real issues that will help to create, for all involved, a real life.

I've been a part of the homeschool movement for nearly 15 years now. I started this journey in early 1994, just as my oldest son, Ryan, was turning 5 and the thought of sending him away to school left a bad taste in my mouth. Why would I have a child, raise him until he was 'school age' and then turn him over to someone else for the next 12 years? I was selfish. I actually wanted to raise my own son. What an novel idea!

After homeschooling for more than 10 years, our family, which now included 3 sons, moved back to northern California and our financial situation required that I began working outside the home. During this two year period, all three of my boys attended public school. Those two years seemed like an eternity, but I was finally able to return home and, once again, we picked up our homeschool adventure where we'd left off----and we discovered a popular choice for homeschoolers in California----charter schools. This option seemed to be the best of both worlds for my two older sons.

While charter schools are public schools and use traditional textbooks and/or online classes, they offer the unique opportunity to complete the required work at home under the supervision of an assigned independent study teacher, with all work being facilitated by an involved parent. My oldest son, Ryan, graduated from a local charter school in 2007 and my 17 year old, Matthew, will graduate from the same school this year. This approach, while attached to the public school system is, in my humble opinion, a legitimate way to achieve homeschool success, if you so choose. Because Matthew is at home, we are able to discuss things right then and there. We often, very often, 'chase rabbits' when it comes to discussions simply because there is so much to say about one subject and that subject is nearly always linked to another, and so on. We are a family interested in the facts, but also in knowing the more personal side to various issues, which demands involvement and conversation. The charter school option also allows plenty of time for children to explore their own creativity and the world around them----Matthew writes, reads, bikes, plays guitar, and spends time with family and friends. Some 'hardliners' refuse to accept charter schools as a 'real' homeschool option but it has worked well for us. Charter schools may not work for everyone and, I must say, that were it not for the fact that we are linked with a teacher who gives us a huge amount of freedom, I would not be willing to consider this option.

Alex at Trinidad Beach

Now, having said all that, my youngest son, Alex, who is 11, is independently homeschooled. We did, in fact, try the charter school situation with Alex the first year I homeschooled him. For a young child, I felt it was just too rigid with too many requirements. And, all the work he was doing demanded my complete involvement. So I was, in fact, homeschooling on my own anyway----I just had to turn in all the work to prove it. So, for Alex, we have embraced the world of 'unschooling'. I almost hestitate to use that term simply because it means different things to different people. I guess you could say we 'unschool' in a more structured, yet eclectic, way as compared to the most commonly accepted definition of the term.

Unschooling, for us, doesn't mean that we will never use a textbook or workbook (I will say that when and if these are used it is primarily for reference) or that we don't follow any course of study. With Alex, we maintain a loose schedule that allows for field trips, plenty of time to read about whatever we are studying at the moment and an adundance of free time for Alex to enjoy what interests him. We spend a great deal of time talking about various issues----at present we are focused on the subject of slavery because we are studying American history and have finally arrived at the 1860s and the Civil War. We are watching the Roots televison series on DVD and reading a whole range of books about the people of that era and the thoughts and ideas that were born out of such great pain----that rose from the ashes of the incredible atrocity that is slavery. We use a practical approach for mathematics and we use two amazing books for English Study: English From the Roots Up and Intermediate Language Lessons. Our 'study time' is accomplished in the morning and early afternoon which leaves ample time for Alex to use the computer, read, play, draw, daydream.......all the things that an 11 year old should be doing.

Daydreaming at the Trees of Mystery Sky Lift Overlook

Because there are as many definitions of what unschooling is (or isn't) as there are unschoolers, there is no one way of doing things. What worked yesterday may not work today, but then it may work again tomorrow. As I see it, unschooling is never an excuse not to do work, it is more about the way in which we approach that work and then having the flexibility and confidence to make changes when necessary. Children are not empty vessels to be filled up. They are already filled with an innate sense of the world around them and our job as parents/teachers is to help them discover, or perhaps uncover, what they already know about it, while gently guiding them to learn what they don't.

Blackberry Picking in Blue Lake

Although the 18th century English educator, Charlotte Mason, was not an unschooler, per se, she masterfully taught children using the very principles that the unschooling movement embraces. I rely heavily on her written works, ideas and guidelines in teaching Alex. Why? Because, at least for Alex, they work. Ms. Mason was a proponent of 'the gentle art of learning'. She believed that children should be given the tools for learning and then allowed to become participants in their own educational journey, rather than just spectators as is most often the case in the public school system. Those tools included limited study time, daily access to the outdoors, nature walks, keeping nature journals, the availability of good literature ( real or living books), and, among other things, plenty of time to dream.

The world of education, before it became a government mandate full of rules and regulations, was a specialized vehicle for life. Many parents taught their children at home as the natural course of things. A person learned what he needed to know in order to make a life for himself. Education was practical, personal, and meaningful, as it should be. We should all have the opportunity to learn about what interests us----what excites us----realizing that no two people learn exactly the same way.

My journey as a homeschool parent is my own. My children's homeschooling journey belongs to them. I have played, and continue to play, a part in it, but what they've learned, what they have come away with, belongs solely to them. I love what homeschooling pioneer, John Holt, said on the matter, "What makes people smart, curious, alert, observant, competent, confident, resourceful, persistent - in the broadest and best sense, intelligent- is not having access to more and more learning places, resources, and specialists, but being able in their lives to do a wide variety of interesting things that matter, things that challenge their ingenuity, skill, and judgment, and that make an obvious difference in their lives and the lives of people around them."

I hope you will tell me about your own homeschooling journey---what works for you, what is it that you find exciting about being a home-educating parent, your learning philosophy. Share, share, share!

Charlotte Mason sites you might find useful:

http://www.amblesideonline.org/WhatIsCM.shtml

http://charlottemasoneducation.com/

Unschooling sites you might find useful:

http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/earl_stevens.html

http://www.holtgws.com/index.html

"Leaders are not, as we are often led to think, people who go along with huge crowds following them. Leaders are people who go their own way without caring, or even looking to see, whether anyone is following them. "Leadership qualities" are not the qualities that enable people to attract followers, but those that enable them to do without them. They include, at the very least, courage, endurance, patience, humor, flexibility, resourcefulness, stubbornness, a keen sense of reality, and the ability to keep a cool and clear head, even when things are going badly. True leaders, in short, do not make people into followers, but into other leaders. " ~~~John Holt

Stand Up and Be Counted

2010-01-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have been attending the little church of my childhood for just about a year now. It is the church I was raised in and feel most comfortable in, even now as an adult. Many of the faces are new to me, but some are the familiar and kind faces I remember from so long ago-----the same folks, just older!

I have chosen, up to this point, not to be a "member". I don't personally feel that membership will make me a better person or cause me to participate on a deeper level and, quite frankly, having had some of the experiences I've had at others churches over the years, I don't feel particularly compelled to put my name on the roll of any organization, church or otherwise.

I suppose a favorite part of attendance for me is the early morning discussion in what is commonly referred to as "Sunday School". I've never really liked that term, but it is what it is. This morning I was reminded just how much my thoughts and attitudes about myself have changed in the last 20+ years. I used to be the kind of woman that kept her opinions to herself, especially the ones that might seem a little controversial or not in keeping with commonly accepted Christian thought. Needless to say, I'm not that woman any longer.

I must say that I do try to be kind when offering a different opinion, but I find I can no longer sit quiet when someone uses, or rather, twists Scripture to "support" their point. I was made aware of that fact this morning as I listened to a particular person quote Bible passages to try to support their stance on war. I am more sensitive to that subject than most, perhaps, because I have a son in the United States Army who has seen the devastation of war firsthand in Iraq. All that he saw, did, and heard will forever be a part of who he is. Naturally, this makes me loathe to say that war is an acceptable means of dealing with our differences with other nations. It is my opinion that war should only ever be a far out there possibility when ALL OTHER MEANS HAVE BEEN UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED!!! It should never be entered into lightly and it should never be seen as a panacea for the world's problems. War almost always creates a whole new set of problems and I truly believe the words of a bumper sticker I recently saw (I'm a big bumper sticker fan), "War doesn't determine who's right, only who's left.".

Getting back to my original train of thought-----should we be the kind of person who sits back and allows others to take the lead, even when their leading is based on false thought? There was once a time when I would have said, "Well, as long as it doesn't hurt me." I think it is always appropriate to share our thoughts and opinions when we are discussing spiritual truths. This is, in part, how we are able to form what we think and believe about various ideas. Sometimes I'm not entirely sure what I believe about something, but I sure know what I don't believe. It can often be through this not knowing that I arrive at a place of knowing. Does that make sense? And not speaking up actually does hurt us----in a big way. Being silent in the midst of wrong, even wrong thinking, turns us into people who are complacent. It turns us into people who become comfortable with looking the other way, with doing nothing. It is, I will say, the easier way, at least for a time. But suddenly, we may find ourselves on the receiving end of the fear and hatred that false thinking breeds. Then we find, ironically, it is very much about us.

Challenging wrong thought patterns and battling the injustices that follow close behind them, especially when they are being proclaimed in a religious setting as the 'will of God', and though we may often stand alone, should be as natural to us as breathing. We should read and study and reflect and then, we should think for ourselves, even when the thoughts we are thinking are different from everyone else's in the room. As Friedrich Nietzsche said, "The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."

So I guess what I'm trying to say is this: I will never again be a person who sits silently when I know something is wrong, either in word or deed. I will not be silenced by fear or embarrassment or inconvenience. I will try to be kind, benevolent, and loving in my speech, but not apolegetic. I will be me.

"New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common."~~~John Locke

Let Freedom Ring

2010-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Americans will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is not only a day of recognition for one particular man, but a day to remember and uplift the ideals for which he stood and, ultimately, for which he died. These are the ideals which should be important to every man and woman in this country: equality, freedom, justice, perseverance, loving our fellow man. Martin Luther King had a dream----for so many at the time, it may have seemed impossible to imagine real freedom. But, they went after it anyway. They kept on marching and protesting and speaking out and signing petitions. They kept on dreaming. And when those who 'fight the good fight' are all dreaming the same dream, amazing things can happen.

I HAVE A DREAM
August 28, 1963

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.

We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.

This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous peaks of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and every molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King, Jr.

Quilts Galore!

2010-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Although I love the finished product that quilting produces, I have never been particularly interested in learning to quilt myself. I am not a very coordinated person by nature and I think quilting, for me, would be a frustrating experience, to say the least.

My first taste of lovely quilts was from the handiwork of a man named Tom Lacy. I got to know Tom in the late 1980s when I was staying with my soon-to-be in-laws. Mr. Lacy was, well, he was an interesting character. He passed away during the ice storms in Kentucky last year, but he left behind an amazing legacy-----beautiful, handsewn quilts! I suppose it is a bit odd for a man to enjoy quilting, but Tom was a unique individual. He cooked, baked, sewed, and quilted throughout his entire life, well up into his 80s; and all very well, indeed. My mother-in-law was the recipient of several of his handmade quilts and I know she felt very lucky to have them, each one made just for her.

After living in eastern Kentucky for nearly 15 years and vacationing in the nearby Smoky Mountains more times than I can count, I can tell you that I have been privileged to see some gorgeous handmade quilts made by local artisans. Some were very intricate, with wild designs and bright colors, defnitely made to look at and not use. Others were very simple, almost primitive, and obviously made to be functional. It was, of course, this very quality that made them so stunning.

"Sunny Girls" by Pat Durbin

A friend of mine, Pat Durbin, is also a quilter-----a quilter extraordinaire! She creates lovely pieces of art with fabric and thread in ways that truly astound. Pat has won numerous awards on local, state, national and even international levels and she has also written several books detailing her very unique method for making "picture quilts". Her work is absolutely inspiring! Please check out her website:

http://patdurbin.com/

"Among Giants" by Pat Durbin

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination" ~~~Henry David Thoreau

Shake, Rattle & Roll

2010-01-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 9, 2010, at about 4:27 pm, California's North Coast experienced yet another earthquake----this one being a 6.5 magnitude. It was located about 30 miles off the coast of Eureka, about 13.5 miles deep, the epicenter being a little northwest of the Mendocino Triple Junction, which is formed by the intersection of the Mendocino fracture zone, the San Andreas fault and the Cascadia subduction zone. Although I grew up in northern California and learned all the 'earthquake safety stuff', I have to say, I was scared.

My husband and I had taken a quick trip to our local Blockbuster to redeem a coupon for a free dvd rental. We were browsing in one of the aisles when it suddenly felt as though a huge truck had hit the side of the building. We walked out onto the main floorspace to see what had happened when the entire building started rumbling and shaking. Earthquake! The motion seemed to go on for quite a long time and it was difficult to keep balance in a standing position. After it stopped, I immediately tried to call home with no response. We left quickly to return home to check on our 17 year old and 11 year old who had stayed while Mark and I drove the 1/2 mile to the video store. The boys were just fine and there was no damage. Amazing! The electricity was out and it was getting dark so we gathered up all our candles and got ready for a quiet night.

The rest of the county did not fare as well, however. Moderate to severe damage in nearby Eureka estimated at $14.3 million. Damaged buildings, broken water and gas mains, business closures. In spite of the destruction, only one major injury was reported. So, needless to say, it was bad, but it sure could have been worse.

I have always been one of those people who is actually intrigued by natural disasters. I find weather and geological phenomena exciting.....in a scary kind of way.....but, exciting, nonetheless.

Now that's not to say that I would actually want to experience these occurrences myself, but I am always on the look-out for a good "how I survived a natural disaster" story. Whether it is in movie/docu-drama or book form is of little consequence, as long as it has lots of 'disaster action'. Why is it that so many of us enjoy reading about or watching the misfortune of others. For me, personally, I think, it's a way to build up my psyche----a way to tell myself, if these folks can make it through this particular event, then so can I.

One of the most endearing qualities of disaster epochs is the fact that everyone seems to pull together in a time of great need. Just when we think the world is full of nothing but heartless, uncaring individuals, disaster strikes and reminds us, once again, that there is an abundance of lovely people out there who would literally give us the shirt off their back if we needed it and who understand that working together for the good of others requires no special skills and knows no barriers caused by the color of one's skin, a person's last name, or the particular religion one might adhere to.

I think it's safe to say that, in disaster, although we cannot control the outcome, we can limit the extent of the aftermath, at least in part, by the way in which we respond to it. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good 'disaster flick', but let's always strive to rise to the occassion when disaster strikes closer to home.

"Today, as never before, the fates of men are so intimately linked to one another that a disaster for one is a disaster for everybody." ~~~Natalia Ginzburg

Please visit the following site so you can learn how to be prepared for the next earthquake.

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/seven_steps.html

**earthquake photos from the Times-Standard

I Love Books!

2010-01-06T14:40:00.001-08:00

Today is the kind of North Coast winter day I love best......chilly, a little foggy and lots of RAIN!!! This is the kind of day made for staying home, curling up on the sofa with a steaming mug of tea and getting lost in the pages of a favorite book. A quiet day. A dreamy day. A restful day. A day that's good for the soul.

Lately, I've been enjoying several books by Anne Lamott. I love her humor and insight into life's really difficult questions. She so transparently, and sometimes irreverently, discusses the nature of the human spirit and how it finds and ultimately connects with God in such imperfect, stumbling ways and how beautiful and honorable God finds those attempts. Mostly, I appreciate her honesty, because my own attempts to connect with God are often clumsy and always less-than-perfect.

Reading is such an important part of my life. Whether it's historical fiction, a book of poems, a biography, a favorite, dog-eared classic, I simply and unashamedly LOVE BOOKS ! There is something so very satifying about holding a good story in my hands. The feel, the smell, the sound of turning pages. Although I think it's wonderful that technology has made books more available to the masses with the advent of the internet and e-books, I am also a little sad that fewer people are taking the opportunity to fall in love with a "real" book. In my humble opinion, reading a book on a computer screen is just not conducive to a love affair with the written word. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of and advocate for the local public library. What an amazing opportunity to read and explore what we might not be willing to or cannot afford to purchase.

Aside from the many hours I have read for my own pleasure, I have always read to my children----from the time they were infants and they simply enjoyed the rhythmic sound of my voice, until they were old enough to choose their own favorite books and read for themselves. I still read to my 11 year old son, Alex, and I will occassionally "catch" my 17 year old, Matthew, putting his own book aside to listen. Where else can we sail the seven seas and climb to the top of a mountain all in the same day, but in a book!

I have read and loved so many books in my 42 years. The very first book I truly fell in love with was Little Women. I was 12 years old the first time I met the March family. For the next 20 years I read it every single year. The beauty and gentleness of hearth and home was so real, so inviting. Each of the girls had so distinct a personality that I felt as though they belonged to me, beloved sisters to this only child.

As an adult, I became aware of the works of Jane Austen. I had found a kindred spirit. Her heroines encouraged me to love beauty and simplicity, to be quietly amused by the ridiculous, and to skillfully challenge the expectations of society. Who could not love the feisty Elizabeth Bennet or the wholehearted passion of Marianne Dashwood?!

And now, at this time in my life, with one son out of the house, another graduating this year, and my youngest soon to be in his teens, I find that I am reading books of a more spiritual nature----books that testify to the rewards and heartaches of motherhood, of being a woman, of simply having the privilege of traveling on this journey called life. I find that my heart needs the affirmation and encouragement of those who have walked before me or who are walking with me, even if only through the gentle power of their written words.

Books are so many things, and are capable of so many things. As Helen Exley said, "Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled, "This could change your life."

A house without books is like a room without windows. ~Heinrich Mann