mydigitalclutter

Pity Party

2011-09-07T19:59:00.002-06:00

I'm throwing myself a pity party right now. I guess it is due to the overwhelming feelings burying me under. I have a pan of brownies baking, the ones with peanut butter cups baked in. Perhaps a whole pan will help me feel a little better. Or give me a stomach-ache. We'll see which happens first. I'm betting on the stomach-ache. Life has been very chaotic summer, and back to school time

Let the Games Begin!

2011-06-14T08:56:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we spent time at the Highland Games, where Ab competed for the very first time in Highland Dance. I am so very proud of her, because she did spectacularly well for her very first time! All of the tears and gnashing of teeth finally paid off with her dancing to three of the four dances in her category. She hasn't learned the fourth yet, but hopefully soon! She was beaming with

Yesterday was a bad day....

2011-05-19T10:16:00.000-06:00

I’m putting this out there. I really don’t care that it can be chalked up to an embarrassing moment, but really, one is having a bad day, when around 6:00 pm, I finally realize, I’ve worn my underwear inside out all day. Yes, all day. *Image from Google*

A Bit of an Obsession

2011-05-17T12:05:00.002-06:00

I have a new obsession....Pinterest. Just take a look: My dream library..in my home. Yes a dream. I want to make these. Right. Now. Umm, Duh. Of course it is. Much better than my yellow ones in Uruguay I've spent far too much time pinning and pining over pictures of darling things. Things to make. Things to dream on. This that are beautiful. Things that are disturbing (although I

Commitments

2011-05-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, as we drove home from dance, Abbie and I had a long talk about commitments and the decisions she is making now, that will affect the rest of her life. Dance has been a spot of contention among us. I want her to dance, something I always dreamed about doing, but either never felt coordinated enough to pursue, or confident enough to attempt. Abbie on the other hand, talks

Some Photos I Love

2011-05-16T20:15:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago, the Young Women's group decided to head out to the bird refuge that is just a couple of miles down the road from my house. The weather was perfectly sunny, the evening cool, and it was just nice enough to avoid the rabid mosquitos that frequent the wetlands. I was attempting to take some cool pictures, and tried to focus on some depth of field shots. It was a blast as I

Climbing Aboard My Soapbox

2011-02-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Photo from Google Images I normally do not get involved with these types of issues…you know, the ones that make headlines. I figure there are enough people willing to sling the mud back and forth, that I keep my opinions to myself, and share only with those when asked. Don’t get me wrong, I cast my ballot with the best of you, and will even speak out when necessary when morality and human

I can only hope Phill is right....

2011-02-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

I love this movie. It cracks me up, every time I see it. Living the day, over and over again is hilarious. Of course this is a testament to my age and what I loved during my earlier years. Speaking of Groundhog Day, I am thrilled to note that Punxsutawney Phill didn't see his terrifying shadow, and spring should be just around the corner. Can you guess why? The weather here has been

Just Plow Through

2011-01-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

The weather has been pretty nice the past few days with the sun shining and skies clear. That is, until this morning. After getting to work, it dumped about three to four inches. I've been watching the grounds crew try to keep up with onslaught, plowing the sidewalks again and again. I think the walk that passes my by my office window had plows at least seven times this morning. They are

A Bee in my Bonnet

2011-01-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

This past week I've had several "bee in my bonnet" episodes. It started with painting both of the bedrooms my children use. First, they had to be shoveled out and fumigated. I don't know how two young children can create so much garbage! Of course the majority of it was paper. I think our elementary school has single-handedly killed off a forest with the number of notes that come home. But,

In which I've been a horrible blogger...

2010-12-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas! I haven't been much of a blogger of late. I wish it were due to the fact I'm scribbling away at an amazing manuscript, but I can't say that in the slightest. It has truly been a lack of motivation on my part, and for that I must apologize. Perhaps a new resolution in the coming weeks will help? I doubt it, but one can hope! We had an amazing and quiet Holiday this year.

It's Snowing

2010-11-08T11:33:00.000-07:00

It is snowing today, although it did start out as rain. I think that fall is turning into winter quickly, and I'm not sure I'm ready. We did get Nige a new coat over the weekend, as he is growing by leaps and bounds. Just in the nick of time, I'd say. I've been watching the flakes fall outside my office window, with my space heater cranked up to dry my tootsies. While we are embarking on the

It's Unlawful to Feed Alligators

2010-11-04T12:06:00.000-06:00

The best sign of the trip! There are days when something will spur a memory. It could be a smell, a sight, an address, a song. The list goes on and on. Perhaps it is the sight of a burnished autumn leaf, gently falling to the ground against the brilliant blue of the sky that takes you back to time when piles of leaves beckoned to be jumped in. It hit me today as I opened a fax at work. It

Change and the Bathroom Stall

2010-10-12T15:53:00.000-06:00

We are creatures of habit and comfort. It all began so long ago when your favorite blanket was in the wash and your mother handed you a substitute. It didnít go over very well. It wasn't the same, and so you weren't satisfied. Thus began the path of abhorrence to change. When I was in college, I had an English instructor that had us do an exercise to purposely change up something in our

A Bit of Spewage (Yes, I do know that really isn't a word!)

2010-09-23T21:04:00.002-06:00

spew/spyo͞o/Verb1. Expel large quantities of (something) rapidly and forcibly.2. Be poured or forced out in large quantities: "oil spewed out of the damaged tanker". (Courtesy of Dictionary.com) Tonight I am going to spew. Oh, I'm not sure how large the quantity of words will be, but I'm furiously and rapidly typing on my keyboard. My poor keys are suffering from the force, and I take a quite

Finding the Right Size

2010-09-20T13:22:00.000-06:00

Last year I bought a very cute pair of running/walking shoes so I could be better shod in my attempts at physical fitness. The gray and pink complimented each other and I felt like I was ready for my successful endeavors. Sad to say, my good intentions did not translate into actual walking and running. You see, every time I wore the darn shoes, my right foot would go numb. I tried loosening

My Journey to 20/20

2010-08-23T21:08:00.000-06:00

I finally made it!!! I have been wishing, hoping, and dreaming of the day when I could have LASIK done and would come out with perfect vision. That day was last Thursday, and as of today, I am still thrilled beyond measure at how things have turned out. Here is a brief pictorial of my day...Caution, I'm throwing one of the gross eye pics. Avert your eyes now if you have a queasy stomach! A

Country Roots and Urban Dreams

2010-08-09T20:27:00.000-06:00

Below you will find my essay, entered into Segullah's essay contest last December. While I haven't pulled it out to work on since my rejection letter (something I'm still quite proud of by the way), I can see where improvements should have been made. I left it as is though, because in just a few short weeks, we will begin our pilgrimage again and I wanted to share. It seemed like the perfect

Umm, Where's Mom?

2010-07-31T15:13:00.000-06:00

Me hanging onto Abbie and Nigel-Valley of Fire 2008 The other day I saw a post on Facebook, with a link to a blog, that got me thinking, and almost has put me into a stupor. It has been on my mind, and I’m almost obsessed with the idea, so much so, that it has caused sleepless nights, and worry. Do I have any proof that I was here? I’ve been obsessed with writing, or the idea of writing for

Viewing Old Glory

2010-07-08T12:29:00.001-06:00

I’ve had a number of blog posts running through my head, and just haven’t taken the time to put them down on paper. Because of our observance of Independence Day, I thought I would share some thought I have regarding this almost spiritual holiday. While serving a mission for my church back in the mid ‘90s, I spent a time in an area where a number of foreign embassies had offices. During one of

Yeah, like that is going to work!

2010-07-01T15:27:00.000-06:00

So, the picture says it all. After visiting with my doctor last week, I have been instructed to cut almost all carbohydrates out of my diet. She wants me focusing on lean meats and veggies. Of course this is a great way to eat, if I weren't so darn addicted to bread and potatoes. I've talked to friends and family, had wonderful advice, and it just comes down to will power. Something I don't

Patience, My Lacking Virtue

2010-06-18T16:57:00.000-06:00

So, I thought I would do a quick post to update on my mom. Her surgery is almost four weeks out and she is still struggling quite a bit. She went to the doctor today and they did all sorts of tests, and we hope they will have some answers soon. She was doing remarkably well as she left the hospital, but she has progressively trodden the path to ill health again. They think she may have an

Feeling the Funk

2010-06-11T16:09:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I remind myself I have the most wonderful husband on earth. Don't ask me why, but I get a little clouded by life, as I'm sure many of us do. Last night as we were lying in bed, waiting for the sweet bliss of slumber, he asked me what he could do for me. Now, this is a question he asks multiple times a day, because he sees my funk and wants to help me. I thought about it, and really

Heart Health and Me

2010-05-25T10:29:00.000-06:00

It's been quite a while since I last posted, and to be honest, I haven't missed it. My life has been a deluge of sorts, with heart health issues. Luckily, there are doctors and nurses with amazing healing skills for those in my family who have been struck by different heart issues. First off, on May 11, 2010, my father-in-law went in for bypass surgery, and ended up with a quadruple bypass.

Filled the Bucket of Writerly Ways

2010-04-28T20:57:00.000-06:00

A quick little post, to let you know that I've not completely disappeared, but am immersed in a variety of things that are making my dream a little bit more of a reality, although it could still be years away. I spent last weekend, filling my bucket at my first writer's conference, LDS Storymakers. It was a boon my heart and soul needed to recharge and revisit my dream. I met wonderful people,

I'm Baaaaack!!!

2010-04-09T10:55:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, Daniel asked me why I hadn't updated my blog in so long. Apparently, he reads it! I said at the time, I didn't have anything to write about, which was only partly true. I was in a writing slump, and didn't realize that I needed to write to get out of it. Suffice it to say, I am now feeling my writing mojo once again, and I think I may need to credit it to this fantastic

03-03-03

2010-03-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago, at this very moment, I was giving birth to my little guy. Daniel tried to talk me into holding out for a 3:00 pm birth to go along with my 03-03-03 motif. I was not amused. Of course, like he's come to show, Nemmett's birth was an indication of how he was going to be. It started out, us starting labor via the pit-drip, like I have always had to do, forcing the kid along. Of

Under the Weather

2010-02-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder where our delightful colloquialisms come from. Really, under the weather? Just an odd expression. My kids have been sick. I thought they could venture to school yesterday, as my little man was chomping at the bit to go back. As it turned out, it wasn't the best idea, and Abbie left dance early because she felt nauseous and Nigel was coughing. Luckily today they are at

The Domestic Goddess and Murphy Brown

2010-02-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

The intermittent hum and clicking of the sewing machine is the white noise that comforts me today. As I try to guide the fabric through, my mind wanders as it is want to do, and I see scenes of action, love, and chaos, all waiting for a bit of a voice. My mind speaks in prose, almost as if my thoughts are from the pages of a novel, describing what I see, feel, and dream. It is during those

What I Can't Say

2010-02-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Writing has always been an outlet for me. I can spew my thoughts and feelings onto a sheet of paper, and feel as though I have some sort of resolution for any problem or concern. This has not been the case for me as of late. Because of the confidential nature of my issues (i.e. work) I haven't had time to write down my feelings of frustration. That isn't to say that I am not experiencing

Digital Delights

2010-02-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Technology is amazing. Just think of all the things we can do today, that just even a mere ten years ago we couldn’t do. Digital music players, cell phones with internet capability and e-mail capability, GPS devices built into cars, electronic book readers. The list can go on and on. It amazes me on a daily basis how dependent we have become on technology and what seemed like a luxury

Submission Quandries

2010-01-31T09:14:00.000-07:00

I have an essay, sitting on my flash drive, just waiting for something. That something could be a blog post, or a submission, I haven't quite decided. The anxiety of what to do with it is eating away at me, and I question the reasons of why I haven't just submitted it yet. A friend from work introduced me to a project his sister in law is working on. Every time we talk, he tells me I need to

Lessons Learned

2010-01-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, I would like to pass on a tidbit of information I've learned over the past couple of weeks: Don't write a disciplinary action against an employee while one is writing an essay. HR will not appreciate the imagery, nor will any emotional tirades be tolerated. This I have learned from experience, and have decided I shall from herewith, refrain from disciplinary actions and concentrate on

We All Need A Little Zeke in Our Lives

2010-01-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

I believe we all need a little Zeke in our lives. You see, my son, has a stuffed monkey affectionately known as Zeke, who has made the rounds of life with him for the past few years. He sits patiently in a backpack as he is lugged to and from Grandma’s house, or is used as a missile to decimate the mounds of Lego blocks on the floor. His fur is matted and worn but he still holds a place of

A short hiatus of sorts....

2010-01-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for my long absence from the blog world, both in writing, reading, and commenting. My Google Reader has an astounding number of unread posts, a number I'm loathe to share, and I feel like I need to explain my current state of turmoil. I hope to catch up on all my favorite blogs, and comment to let you know that I still care and am around!!! First off, my life has been chaotic

The Chaos That Is My Life

2010-01-06T17:51:00.001-07:00

My life is chaos, utter, unadulterated chaos. Yesterday I had a bad day. Feelings of helplessness and anger seemed to be the only things that entered into my consciousness. There was a point where I closed my office door, laid my head on my desk, strewn with various papers, and cried. My tears were for the time that seemed wasted, that could have been spent with my children. The waterworks

A New Year Has Begun

2010-01-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

I really should update on all things familial, professional, and social. With the new month, comes a new blog design, and a few holiday pictures. Here is what I scrapped when I wasn't writing! We had a fabulous Christmas spent with family, taking time to remember the most important part of the Season. We had our traditional Christmas brunch with Grandpa and Grandma Clawson, spent time playing

A Candle in the Window

2009-12-23T12:04:00.002-07:00

Many years ago, as a youth, one of my church leaders gave me a candle with a story attached to it as a Christmas gift. It was a small tealight, not very large, and cost a few pennies to give. The story however has lasted long since the flame of the candle died out and gave way to a tradition that I have honored every Christmas eve since that time, except for the time I spent in Uruguay, when my

My Holiday Plans

2009-12-22T14:46:00.002-07:00

It’s snowing today. Right now, tiny droplets, frozen into crystal facets, are falling gently to the ground. The walks are barren, an eerie silence encompassing the ground. It seems quite appropriate for the season. I’m feeling that anticipation and excitement that comes every year about this time, when I start to count the hours to Christmas. I’m very glad I found my spirit, because I’m sure

Standing at the Precipice

2009-12-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Pardon me, as I mix metaphors today. I feel as though I am standing at the precipice of something, a crossroads in my life. The other day, I read a blog by CK Bryant, where she talked about loosing her publisher for a novel. I felt impressed to leave a comment about an article I had read years ago in a church magazine about the answer to a prayer when a father and son had been faced with a

I love the sound of bagpipes!

2009-12-10T21:56:00.003-07:00

If you've been around my blog for a while, or just know me for that matter, you know that I have a thing for Scotland. To be honest, I always have. As a young girl I remember getting a couple of "international" doll for christmas one year. Three, one Irish, one Swedish, and yes, one Scottish. You can't imagine my favorite one. To fulfill my love of all things Scottish, I am enjoying living

I'm Starting to Feel It! I'm Talking Presents!

2009-12-08T06:22:00.001-07:00

It's amazing what happens when I sit down and start working on gifts. I started working on some gifts for friends and neighbors when the spirit of Christmas slammed into my heart. With the white lights on my tree casting a warm glow in the front room, and the red and white poinsettias gracing the kitchen counter, the ambiance was just right to feel the true reason for the season. Every year I

Soundtrack to the Season

2009-12-06T19:55:00.001-07:00

I really should get out of my funk....and I think, bit by bit, I am crawling out of that self-destructive hole of pitifullness. Today, let's talk about my idealistic Christmas, and what role music plays in it. No pun intended.... Growing up, I listened to Christmas carols played on a number of different record players. The first that I remember was a huge console that took up half of the

I Totally Blame My Cold...for the Christmas Lights

2009-12-05T21:45:00.002-07:00

I am now infused with Christmas cheer....not. I've been out sick for a few days, and am just starting to feel on the mend. I have made terrific strides though, in capturing that wondrous feeling from my childhood, and find it elusive, but closer than my last post. I loved the suggestions, commiserations, and honesty from those who commented. I was surprised to see that there were many who felt

Where are You, Christmas?

2009-11-30T20:40:00.001-07:00

Truth be told, I'm not sure how I feel about the Christmas holiday anymore. The older I get, the less enchanted it becomes, although I do have the opportunity to view it through the eyes of my children. My house is never the way I envision it, although some may say I have too high a standard...I may never make it to magazine worthy decor. I wouldn't say that my standards are high, but it never

Grateful for Analytics

2009-11-29T14:05:00.001-07:00

This morning while perusing the analytics on my blog, I found that I have had visits from all over the world. I had visits from Sweden, Brazil, a few from Ireland and Germany. It amazed me to see the different colors and numbers each country presented. Of course, Utah was the highest number, being that the majority of my family lives here. Of course, I'm not sure that they read my blog....

Grateful for Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T18:01:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day, full of gratitude, thanksgiving, and pumpkin pie. My own little family spent the day with my extended family, where we were all together, every child and spouse accounted for. We met my youngest brother's girlfriend and welcomed her into our crazy family and she fit right in. Preparations were chaotic as the hour to dine drew closer, but we reveled in the fact

Grateful for Family...Need I Say More?

2009-11-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Today I have to share my gratitude for my very own little family. We are small, just four of us, but we are strong. I just want to share with you a couple of things today, that have made me all the more thankful to be lucky enough to have a husband like mine, and children who are ever surprising me with their honest and heartfelt personalities. This morning as we were getting ready to leave

Gratitude for Tights

2009-11-24T12:33:00.002-07:00

I began my love affair with tights the Summer of 1994. Well, summer in the northern hemisphere. I however was in the southern, and smack dab in the middle of a very frigid Uruguayan winter. Before my epiphany of the benefits to wearing tights, I was strictly a nylons type of girl. (Remember, early '90s. We didn't go with bare legs.) But that all changed, one very cold, very humid, day when

Grateful and Trying to Catch Up

2009-11-23T14:41:00.002-07:00

I'm throwing in the towel. For days I haven't felt like blogging and continuing my month of gratitude. That doesn't mean I have nothing to be grateful for, because I do, and recognize it emmensily. I've just been off my game, in all aspects of life. Here is a quick list to catch up on my gratitude sharing: Abbie has braces. I'm glad we can take care of the orthodontic issues, and I'm

Give Away on MMB!

2009-11-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

Today Butterfly Blankets is one of the give-aways on Mormon Mommy Blogs! To enter just click HERE! My sister in law Becky and I have set up an Etsy shop that is being featured. We are letting you choose from anything in our store! If you want to take a look at our store, I have a widget on my sidebar, so scroll down. We will be uploading more items this weekend. By the way, the doll sets

Grateful for Internet Shopping

2009-11-19T21:16:00.001-07:00

I started Christmas shopping today. That may seem a little strange to some of those who have been done for three months now, and are completely organized, but I'm far from that type of person. I'm generally doing my shopping the week before the holiday, frantically trying to find everything on my list, and making a mad dash to the mall. That isn't happening this year. I'm shopping online. A

Grateful for Quality Time

2009-11-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

My life is hectic, but no more so than the next person. I can whine, complain, and feel picked on when I look at how my time is spent, and how little I feel like I have to spend with those I love, but I won't. Today I'm grateful for the quality time that I get to spend with both my children and husband. This morning, Daniel rode to work with me. It doesn't happen often, because we literally

Grateful for Training

2009-11-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday I wasn't near the computer much at all. I generally am online all day, for work and pleasure, but it didn't work out that way. I attended a fantastic class developed by Steven R Covey, "Leading Across Generations". I normally don't get as much as I should out of these types of classes. I pick at what seems to be the flaw in the theory, and will get hung up on that one little

Grateful for the Next Generation

2009-11-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

How can you say no to this darling, sassy girl? We have been very lax in our family home evening activities and I had the wake-up call from my dear little daughter who planned the entire lesson for tonight. She decided that we had not been doing okay and needed to make sure that we were holding FHE, even though her dad has been going to class on Monday nights for quite some time. Do your

Grateful for Silence

2009-11-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

You know the quiet that seems to permeate a home when there is a new baby sleeping? Where everyone talks in a hushed whisper and tip toes around, avoiding any unnecessary sound? It's been almost 10 years since I had that luxury. With my first child, I was so concerned about making a noise, the house was in silence. Today there has been silence in my house. Not that bad kind, where everyone

Gratitude for the Award

2009-11-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to posting yesterday. It could be that every time I stopped moving, I fell asleep. I think my body is doing a full blown mutiny. It just won't cooperate. I'd like to thank the lovely Diane, from That's What I'm Here For... for this lovely award. I suppose I'm supposed to answer a few questions, in one word, so here it goes: Where is your cell phone? Purse Your hair? Straight

Grateful for Family Support

2009-11-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today started specatularly. It's Friday, so that means I have some time to spend with my family this weekend. The weather hasn't been overcast, so my mood is bright, like the sun that is until the third phone call I received from my daughter before she and my son were to head to school. Apparently Nigel has two wiggly teeth, and he's freaking out about it. I have to share my gratitude for

Grateful for Groceries

2009-11-12T20:41:00.001-07:00

I'm a little late tonight to share my day of gratitude. Tonight was piano lesson night, which meant I had a little time to run to the grocery store. After dropping off my two darlings off with the teacher, I headed to the dreaded big W to pick up a few things for dinner. Don't judge me because Wal-Mart is so close, closer in fact than any other grocery store, but that was where I headed.

Gratitude for Service

2009-11-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Today is Veteran’s Day. Is your flag flying in your yard? I put mine out this morning as I left for work. I saw a boy scout and his mother putting flags out in my neighbors’ yards, and I smiled. Today is especially bittersweet in remembering those who have served our country, but my heart is filled with gratitude none the less. My father served in the air force. He doesn’t talk much about

Gratitude for the Machine

2009-11-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to be flip in my post today, but to be honest, I would be ungrateful if I didn't mention the modern marvel of the washing machine in my month of gratitude. Have you ever lived without one? Or a trip to the laundromat? I have, so I speak from experience when I say I'm grateful for it. While living in Uruguay, I spent time with the benefits of a washing machine for a few months,

Grateful for Monday

2009-11-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

To most, Monday is almost a four letter word. To be honest, I enjoy the weekend as much as the next person, but I've never understood the abhorrence of Monday. Monday means a new beginning, a new week in which to make my mark. The days are fresh and full of opportunity. I'm grateful for Monday. It means I have the opportunity to live another week, to work, to play, to love, and to be who I

Grateful for my Spiritual Reservoir

2009-11-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

As each of us navigate the twists and turns of this mortal existence, we may find ourselves lost in a spiritual wasteland where no matter how much we want, it is difficult to leave. I heard an analogy once, about building a spiritual reservoir, to pull upon its resources when difficult times test our resolve to be faithful. I am so very grateful for the vast array of experiences that have

Grateful for Music

2009-11-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who sent me well wishes after being sick yesterday. I am feeling better, so they are working marvelously! Today I have to share my thought and feelings on music. I love music and have it constantly playing in the background. From the simple strains of a hymn to the complicated renditions of the masters, I enjoy it all. We have a rule in our home, that each child learn

Grateful for Sick Time

2009-11-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today I'm sick and tired. I'm not being facetious, because I stayed home from work because I'm sick. Because of this, I'm not going to spend any more time on this post, and will try to sleep some tonight. At least I have sick leave to utilize and still get paid. Thank goodness for small blessings like this.

Another day of Gratitude

2009-11-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, the picture says it all. Oh, I could be all pensive and deep, but today, I really have to say that I am grateful for Diet Dr. Pepper. You see, for some it is chocolate, their comfort food or "drug" of choice, but for me, it is fizzy, sweet delight called Diet DP. When I'm having a rough day, I like to run to the Union Building and fill up my cup for a whopping 53 cents, and the first sip

Grateful for Books

2009-11-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful for books. Of course, many of you already know of my love affair with the written word, and for that, I sincerely apologize for my gushing in regards to this blessing in my life. I don't know what I would do without the ability to read wide and various tomes. Going into the bookstore or library is near ecstasy for me. One of my favorite quotes, one I put on my Facebook

The Gratitude to Vote

2009-11-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning invigorated with the idea of finding something to share that inspires gratitude in my life. The list was long, and as I mentally ticked off each one on my drive to work, I began to see all of the campaign signs that were lining the streets and the added "Vote Today" reminders in bold letters. Whatever your political leanings might be, or the platform you endorse, the

A Month of Gratitude

2009-11-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

While in church yesterday, someone mentioned doing a month of gratitude, by daily sharing what inspired them to be most thankful. I loved this idea, and thought to modify it a bit for my own use. I love this picture I found while searching Google today. A woman, in a position of supplication and gratitude, surrounded by things that really are the staff of life, food, drink, and the word of

I don't {heart} the end of Daylight Savings

2009-11-01T21:51:00.001-07:00

This is what I feel like. Most of my clocks are still an hour ahead, and truth be told, I'm not keen on moving the hands to the correct and current time. I really don't like the change, the end of daylight savings. I suppose the biggest change is the adjustment of my internal body clock must make to the earlier darkness and thinking that it isn't really 5:00, but 6:00 and so on and so forth.

Home

2009-10-27T14:43:00.000-06:00

I am sitting at the PDX, or Portland International Airport awaiting the time of my boarding call to go home. Home to these spectacular individuals on the left, the joys of my life, and my sanctuary. I don't do well when I am apart from them. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with my little brother and loved the weather here, but I'm ready to be back into the bosom of those I love and adore.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

2009-10-26T11:11:00.000-06:00

It's been raining since late last night. When I woke up this morning, the trees were covered by a blanket of fog, and the ever green pines were dark inky green against the gray wispy blanket. The world is wet, and cold. I love it, and want to sit at the window and watch the wind bend the trees. We can see the river, and across it lays another state. The humidity is thick and pressing on me.

Technology Love

2009-10-25T09:41:00.000-06:00

Well, as I type up this post, I am at some sort of high altitude over 10,000 feet, on my way to Portland. Luckily my flight had a free trial of the wi-fi on board, so I'm taking advantage of it to some degree. I've been cramped and haven't moved more than about three inches the whole flight. I'm a bit squished. Other than that, it has been fairly uneventful as I bade goodbye to my little

Editing

2009-10-21T15:58:00.000-06:00

I spent a little time today working on my essay that I may submit to Segullah, and spent much more time editing it than I did when I wrote it. This is my first pass and will do a couple of more before I feel that I am ready for someone to read it with a critical eye. I don't know why I am so nervous. I write unedited here, so why am I so worried about the reaction to an edited, finely

I'm Counting Down

2009-10-20T12:19:00.001-06:00

Guess where I'll be in less than a week! Portland!!!! I am so excited for the chance to see my little brother....ahem, I mean training for work! For some unknown reason, this opportunity fell into my lap at the most opportune time. In the back of my mind, I do know that the Lord's hand always plays an important role in the events of my life, so I should let him guide me on this quest. My

Burning Bush

2009-10-19T14:58:00.001-06:00

Earth's crammed with Heaven, And every common bush, Afire with God: But only he who sees, Takes off his shoes. --Elizabeth Barret Browning

A Little Experimenting

2009-10-17T21:06:00.002-06:00

I have been having a little too much fun with Photoshop stuff. There are so many pre-sets and actions out there that I haven't ever been able to use! Check out some of the stuff I've been working on: Selective color--Something I did before, but this is tons easier! Here is the portrait action...I went a little wild on the white teeth! Another portrait action. Color Pop action..not that

Table Dancing, Bungee Jumping Characteristics

2009-10-15T16:09:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I surprise myself. Yes, even though I think I know myself pretty well, and recognize most of my quirks and idiosyncrasies, there are still times when I do something that takes me aback. It usually isn’t something huge, like a sudden urge to bungee jump off a high building or something as uncharacteristic as dancing on the table, although I have threatened to do it a time or two. On

Should I.....or Shouldn't I? That is the Question

2009-10-12T10:38:00.000-06:00

So, I am debating. That can be very dangerous, truth be told. I missed NaNo last year, partly because I stumbled across it mid-November last year. Yes, I live under a rock in the writing world. I've been very hesitant about signing up, because of the huge time commitment involved. I have a lot outlined, scenes scripted in my head, but I just don't know. Help! Can I still be a good mom,

Back in the Saddle

2009-10-11T15:03:00.000-06:00

It was kind of scary to be honest. After losing so much important data on my external hard drive, I was nervous to scrap a photo, write an essay, or even try to come to terms with what I had lost. On Friday, I purchased Photoshop Elements for my Mac. Now, for years now, I have been very happy with the not very user friendly program, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) and have pretty much

Enough Love

2009-10-08T12:41:00.000-06:00

"When we lose one we love, our bitterest tears are called forth by the memory of hours when we loved not enough." Maurice Maeterlinck~~~~~~~~~~ I subscribe to a Daily Literary Quote on my iGoogle page, which has a plethora of wonderful tidbits from famous, and not so famous artists. When I saw this quote today, I was taken aback, and thought about the recent loss in our family and how we all

Why Write?

2009-10-07T12:08:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was sitting in a room, waiting for the doctor to come in give me a “shot in the arm”, and I was a little nervous. While needles don’t scare me like they used to, I still don’t ENJOY having my skin pierced with sharp metallic probes; I ENDURE them. So, while in this state, I did what I always do when I’m nervous, I grabbed a pen and my notebook and started to write. Now, when I’m

A Stitch in Time

2009-10-05T13:42:00.000-06:00

Accomplishment. That is exactly what I saw on the face of my daughter as I watched her struggle and then master and perfect a skill that she had wanted to learn for some time. As her eyes looked into mine and I could see her joy, I was humbled to know that a hobby I enjoyed was bringing some joy to her as well; she wanted to be like me. My maternal grandmother was a master. Her stitches

Period, Not Just Punctuation

2009-10-03T19:14:00.000-06:00

Hormones suck. There, I've said it. There are days when being a girl isn't all that it's cracked up to be. I am sure that there are women out there who have never had a hormone swing, cramps, water weight gain, much less headaches to rival migraines, but I am not one of them. The past few days have been a mass of mascara running, psychotic yelling, fits of spastic crying, and I'm not even

Cloudy with a Chance of Reading

2009-09-30T12:24:00.000-06:00

There is snow dusting the mountains outside my window today. Because of the stark contrast of white against the vibrantly colored leaves, I am reminded how quickly the seasons come and go. The clouds are hanging low and dense, maneuvering the milky substance over the canyons and hills. The rain pelting the glass reminds me exactly what I want to do today….curl up in a blanket, on the couch

Hard Headed Catastrophes

2009-09-29T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I received a call from a number that makes a mother’s blood run cold and sweat bead on the forehead, just by looking at the number. It was the dreaded Elementary School. Nothing good comes from a phone call in the middle of the day from an elementary school. I’ve determined that it either means your child is misbehaving, to the point that they are uncontrollable, or they are dying.

Flying Fists

2009-09-25T15:58:00.001-06:00

The sobs I heard from the receiver on my phone portrayed the desperation of my daughter as well as her frustration with her younger brother. I could feel the anxiety in her voice wash over me and suddenly I was transported to that older sister situation again, with younger brothers who were not acting the way they ought. Shoes. They are the bane of my existence when it comes to my second born.

Today's Post...Total Failure

2009-09-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

We’ve all had that feeling, where our breath catches and then, spiraling downward, our stomach drops to our ankles and we know the truth. It’s gone. Photos, words, hard work, all encompassed into micro pieces of data, suddenly thrust into realm of unknown. Something that was there, just mere moments ago, suddenly disappears right before our eyes. I lost the data on my external hard drive.

Crescendo of Life

2009-09-21T15:04:00.001-06:00

I love music. To be honest, I usually can’t function unless there is something playing in the background. Television noise does not work for me in the least, so don’t even suggest it. Music on the other hand, is soothing, and will usually garner the results I’m looking for if I pair it up appropriately for the task in front of me. When I’m cleaning, I better have something upbeat, and

Tick Tock

2009-09-18T14:20:00.001-06:00

Tonight we are attending the “Life’s Too Damn Short” party, put together by a couple of friends of Daniel’s. Truth be told, they were more friends of Daniel’s brother who passed away, but nevertheless, we are attending, kids too, because life is short. I like the premise that “Life is too short” for missing out on the important things of family, friends, and love. We don’t know how long our

Mommy Meltdowns

2009-09-17T16:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had a “mommy meltdown” where I questioned my ability to mother my children with any sense of accomplishment or skill. I totally sucked as a mom. How do I know this? I sent my children to school, not knowing it was picture day. (In my defense, I did think picture day was next week, but that didn’t cut their hair or put cute outfits on my children!) Abbie called me from school in

And there is hope....

2009-09-16T13:12:00.000-06:00

Usually I like my words to paint the picture, but today I'm feeling pretty low. I thought this picture I took the other day kind of shows what I hope will be at the end of my day...

Autumnal Musings

2009-09-14T15:04:00.001-06:00

This morning, autumn started her foray into the world where I live. The air was crisp, the sky overcast, and a breeze flirted with my summer skirt. I have mixed emotions with the changing of the seasons. I look forward to the days where rain and fallen leaves mix in the gutter, causing enormous puddles of water, calling to my children and the nights where chili and homemade bread are on the

People Watching...a Voyeuristic Pleasure

2009-09-12T11:07:00.001-06:00

Have you ever seen this person? You know the one I’m talking about. She is standing across the room from you. You’ve never met her, but you just know……Everything about them screams. From the big hair, loud clothes, tacky jewelry, and super long fingernails, it’s clearly apparent. She is LOUD. No, she hasn’t started talking yet, but the feeling doesn’t escape you as her aura or essence

Where were you???

2009-09-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

Where were you? I remember that I was sitting in the rocking chair of my parent's basement, watching the morning news with my daughter on my lap. I had no idea that the world as we all knew it would change in just a matter of moments. A previous bishop of mine lost his mother and sister on the second plane. I was amazed at how close it was to someone I knew. Are the flags flying in your

Old as Dirt

2009-09-09T10:58:00.001-06:00

I think I’m getting old. In fact, I know I am. Today I’ve watched the many students file past my office window, making their way from one building to another, bags slung across their shoulders and skinny jeans paired with flip flops and tunic shirts that look very reminiscent to the ones I wore in high school. What I find so interesting is that almost every single person walking along is

Coming out of the Dark

2009-09-05T10:11:00.003-06:00

It’s a story I haven’t really told, one that not many people know about. It isn’t like I wear a badge on my chest or a ribbon to show support for a cause close to my heart. Those like me suffer in silence, our faces shielding the pain that has run deep in our hearts.In ways, I like the term ‘miscarriage’. It evokes the image of a wrongful action, the life cut short, before it even has a chance

Life is Sweet

2009-09-03T14:47:00.003-06:00