Procrastination Project

After over a year of putting off "must-do" items on my to-do list in favor of playing with oil pastels, I now have a wall hanging that in our house we are calling art:)  It was so much fun, and once again proved that I am my most productive (and perhaps creative) self when procrastinating!

Dragon Pasta

The mild chill allowed us to see our breath.    The sidewalk was wide enough for all three to walk comfortably, and we pretended to be happy dragons with tiny puffs of smoke.  Cozily bundled up and hanging with good friends, my life felt pleasant with only an occasional mild annoyance, like being too full from dinner to enjoy my dragon pounces (I knew we should have chosen sushi). 

“All dragons are a bit pudgy – probably from pasta,” Krista teased.

“I don’t think dragons are Italian.  Anyway, the pudge creeps gradually rather than ballooning after one dinner,” I countered. 

“Well, I’ve heard that cold-climate dragons love cheesy tortellini.  Something about amazing dreams during their long winter naps,” added Julia.

We waited at the crosswalk and my glance fell on the only other pedestrian in sight.  The man was behind us, and I had a sudden sense that his presence was not random.  It was my impression he was intently following our steps.  As soon as I realized this, I instantly recognized him.  I had no idea where we had met, but I knew he was not good news and his name was SCAR. 

Even though my first instinct was to run like mad, I was sure it would give him permission to chase, and we would be caught.  The neighborhood was mostly residential, but I saw a small convenience store.  “Julia,” I whispered, “Go to that store and leave the door open for us.  Don’t dial 911 until you get inside.”  She looked confused so I gave a side eye to SCAR, and that was enough to send her scurrying.

Krista and I continued at a slower pace.  I tried to walk quickly while appearing casual to keep SCAR unaware that I recognized him. “BRRRR!” I exclaimed and did my best to re-create my earlier dragon leap.  Julia had safely made it to the store, and the door was open wide.  Still two houses away, Krista gave into fear and started sprinting.  I was right on her tail, despite the congealed lump of pasta in the pit of my stomach.  The pounding footsteps behind me proved that it had indeed been a mistake to run.

As I clambered to the top of the stairs, I could hear SCAR approaching the first step.  I made it inside passing an end-cap of Doritos before turning around.  SCAR was just entering the store.  My eyes locked with his, and my worst fears were realized.  I had never before looked into such an abyss of pure evil.  He pointed all ten of fingers at me with his scalpel shaped nails in full view.

Time ticked in slow motion.  Looking directly into the face of an enemy always at work, though rarely seen, was terrifying.  Screaming would not help, should I do it anyway? I debated.  Readying my lungs to let loose, I inhaled deeply.  Instead of an ear piercing shriek out, a calmness seeped in.  The power to confront and defeat such malicious creatures had been given to me, I remembered with a surge of hope. 

A police car drove up with lights flashing.  The cops had arrived and we would be safe for now, although they could only give us temporary security.  The situation would be diffused in a superficial way without an understanding of SCAR’s true character, and he would be free to terrorize again.  Or, I could obey that Voice telling me to fight and rebuke such evil using His name.  Knowing this was the only way to truly vanquish the enemy, my gaze locked with SCAR’s. 

I hesitated and let my thoughts wander to the comfortable life I led which until now largely ignored the ever-present evil fighting to devour each of us.  This life lacked authenticity and meaning, but was I ok with that?  A weighted feeling of tiredness overcame me.  Eye-contact with SCAR was dropped, and I looked beyond SCAR to the approaching police officer.

St. Mary’s Peak

As we debate the merits of city parks with wood chips versus sand, I remember my childhood playground.  This “park” did not have swings, slides, or a splash pad, but climbing up rocks (with or without ropes) and jumping off waterfalls more than compensated.  My current encounters with wildlife consist of spiders, bugs and one neighborhood possum.  Back then no thought was given to such small critters; we were on the lookout for deer, bears, and the occasional moose.  It seems like an ideal way to grow up, scampering up trees and swimming in icy glacial lakes where numbness set in the second a toe hit the water.  However, looking back I can see the true value was in encounters with God’s grace and creation while forming strong friendships on those hiking trails (or more often through the underbrush as we forged our own way).  Today the experiences may be different, but the fostering of lasting relationships can hopefully be replicated.  

Tea Season

Tea Season has begun in earnest, which is San Diego’s version of Fall.  Temperatures are not quite cold enough to warrant scarves and sweaters, but a warm beverage is no longer out of place.  Even in this temperate climate, there are signs that summer is no longer.  The leaves have been talking excitedly as they turn brilliant colors, and their whispers fill the air with a creative energy.  It is hard to remain aloof to artistic suggestions, and taking a hint from the leaves, it might be time to buckle down and create.

2 Years Later...

The shy little caterpillar grew and grew.
And then one day she turned two...

The productivity over the last two years cannot be underestimated. Creating invitations (which is always pure joy) inevitably led to actual parties.  And so the years were tangibly celebrated, though a continuation of such calendar accuracy should not be expected.

Now the coffee shop lifestyle is back bringing hope of forthcoming projects.  Cobbling together sentences with words that are scattered every which way seems daunting, but those words are as beautiful as ever and calling for someone to tidy them up.

When a month is a lifetime…

The cartoon caterpillar joined us the first week of August - surprising everyone with her early arrival. I love that her birth date (8-7-15) is a balanced equation -  although to remember her birthday I do have to make sure August is converted to the numerical month in my mind before knowing with certainty the day is correct.

We have all survived the first month.  People keep telling us to hang in there and it gets better, and I can see the cute caterpillar nodding wisely and determining to be patient with us for a little bit longer.  I find myself thanking her before wondering, “Wait, weren’t they talking to me?”  However, along with almost all of our other emotions, she has successfully stolen our sympathy – Life can be hard work!  

The rocking, walking, shushing, and singing has made one of us permanently sleepy, but it has had minimal effect for the one it was intended.  However, the caterpillar enjoyed a refreshing nap on the beach lulled by the ocean waves without the well-meaning but useless parental provided sleep aides.

Everything is a first – her first chuckle/snort happened when Phin and I first tried to sing a lullaby – we now just lip sync to youtube videos at bedtime.

August Confessions

-        I am still wearing my regular clothes one week from my due date – this is not an indication of how little I am, because people are now moving to the grass when they see me walking down the sidewalk.  Instead it is making me re-think my fashion sense, and wondering if I need a wardrobe makeover.

-        Speaking of maternity wear – why is all the emphasis on clothes?  Shoes were/are a much bigger problem.  I now know the image of “barefoot and pregnant” is iconic not just to illustrate social economics, but because shoes become unwearable.  (Crocs in 3 sizes too big = perfect maternity shoe)

-        My sister left a TUB of spanish candy in the cupboard and sadly I ate it all (I won’t divulge how many hours/days it took me).  I would like to blame this on my side-kicker, but alas, my weakness for sweets and capacity to consume in bulk has been well established.  (I wish I could forget the incident of the 2004 orange/chocolate cake, but it is too delicious)

-        9 months is a long time to wait (pretending to be a kangaroo made it a little more tolerable until I lost the hop in my step)

Artistic Differences

Collaboration – a word with varied connotations, yet usually a positive experience in the art world.  At the very least, my last few encounters have opened my eyes to new directions and possibilities for expression.

1.  Recently, we were at the beach with some friends.  One of the younger friends was helping me make a sand sculpture, and it was only when I added eyes to the top of the head that we realized a difference in our vision.  I was making a sand dragon, while he was making a battle rampart filled with munitions.  Adjustments were made to how the tail was designed, and by the end of the day we were both happy with the results.  (Explanations on the physical features of the sculpture were vastly different depending on who was giving the tour of our creature/engineered wall.)

2.  The second encounter also included a sculpting medium, though this time using play-dough.  I was asked to create a Minnie Mouse.  My sculpting skills are not great, but using the patented three circle design (and no – I did not obtain a license for this use), I elaborated a little with the bowtie and high heeled shoes.  My 3-D character was greeted with ecstatic shouts of glee before being flattened by tiny fists.  We called the finalized piece “Minnie in Distress”, and I think it says much about the fall of Disney before its own collaboration with Pixar. 

3.  I am not much for using the oven, but I do love to decorate with candy so sometimes baking is a necessary evil.  This time I had a small helper (complete with her own apron) who seems to thrive on baking cakes.  Little did I realize our differences in baking philosophies.  While I was merely creating a blank canvas for candy embellishments, she was creating a tasty snack that should be eaten the minute it had partially cooled down.  I’m now wondering, if the intent is to eat the actual cake, should I have used a cake mix that had not expired a year ago?  

Happy Bump Day

There has been a clamor for baby bump pictures, and not everyone is convinced that my 3yr old niece can re-create the look with her crayon drawings.  In an attempt to be more realistic, I recently did a photo shoot.  Like all good photo shoots, I photo-shopped the results (using an archaic paint program).  Though my lipstick came out looking ridiculous, I think the rest turned out pretty well.  (And yes, I did down-size my feet for this look because I did not want to alarm anyone with the elephant toes I have going on.)

However, let me first show you my assistant.  I found this creature online, and he is an expert at styling bumps and humps of all sizes...

I copied his fashionable yellow jump suit, skipped the tail, and used my almost natural shaggy mane:)  Here is what 37 weeks looks like...

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!

Definition of Pathetic

When making a bowl of cereal (aka pouring milk on frosted mini wheats) sounds like too much work.

Preparing for the Night Owl

The first purchase to get ready for our August arrival (if you don't count the vintage toys that brought back fond memories from my own childhood and will be more appropriate for her when she turns 4).

Neighborhood Mosquitoes

My ears were assaulted one mid morning by a neighborhood weed-whacker; one of those high pitched mosquitoes on steroids.  I endured for an hour and then sent Phin to investigate how much longer the job was looking.  If they still had half a lawn to do, we would have to vacate the neighborhood.  He ran into the bathroom to get his hat and came out with the true culprit.  It was not a neighborhood weed-whacker disturbing my peace and threatening my sanity, but my own toothbrush run amok.  This battery operated device had spontaneously turned on and was giving the insides of my cupboard a good scrub.  I guess the battery was not as dead as I thought – though it was now definitely time to get a new toothbrush.  

What’s in a Name?

We no longer lose sleep debating the finer points of names such as Mincayani, Forest, Eliazar, Keppler, Tonystark, Moshe, Zander, and Qasim.  It is clear from this sampling why no consensus was reached in a list that has dropped to a slim 3% chance of utility.

Spoiler Alert

Like most children growing up, I heard about Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the Stork.  My mom never really encouraged Santa Claus illusions; who can blame her for not wanting to share gift-giving credit with a portly old man, even one reported to be jolly.  The Easter Bunny always seemed ridiculous, although coloring eggs is still an activity I enjoy.  And the reliability of the Tooth Fairy called her existence into question early on in my tooth losing years.  But the Stork…  I’ve always been intrigued by the Stork, and some part of me wished this character was real.

Perhaps the reason I have never fully visualized myself as a mother is because the Stork story is so appealing, and yet I couldn’t fail to recognize the high improbability of this tale.  Though I couldn’t make sense out of the details, I was not willing to imagine any other process.  In the mean-time, I embraced my role as an Aunt with huge enjoyment and every so often scanned the skies for a large bird carrying a kerchief-wrapped baby. 

Alas… The last few months have shattered the small spark of hope I was holding out for the Stork.  My baby will not arrive via midnight airdrop; however, late this summer the Fisher Price toys may not be the only Little People in our house.

Calendar Time

This is my last year doing calendar pages, and sadly, it was also my latest year for getting them turned in.  My apologies to January for encroaching into your month:(  Because it was the last year, I did two months, so now my collection is a hand-crafted calendar page for each month of the year.  It has taken 11 years to create!  I present to you the latest - March and November:)  Let 2015 Begin!!!

 

 

November Musings

Somehow October got away from me.  Last year, I went on a healthy eating month to slow time down, and I think it might have to become a tradition.  It always seems at this time the year begins its sprint towards the end.  For once I would like him to be a little tired, perhaps take a nap like the Hare, and give me a chance to catch up.  I realize I am the tortoise in this analogy, which falls apart quickly because I don't have the patience, and I never do really win.  The crisp fall air has found me, and I am hoping soon to be inspired to create.  In the meantime, I love looking at these amazing creations:)

Flora Forager

Monday - Need I say More?

Just the tip of the iceberg.

Beautiful Hydration

Rumor has it that an average person is supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Although I question if this exact number is based on scientific evidence, there is no doubt that my water intake is deplorable.  Although my love of beverages is well-known, water is definitely excluded even when using a fun curvy straw.  On a good week I get about 2 glasses and that is counting the water that slips in while bushing my teeth.

 

This summer while living the rough life at my favorite spa, I strangely could not stop drinking the water.  When I returned home, I was unsure if I had downed 4 glasses in one sitting due to the muddled cucumbers or the fact that I had just emerged from a eucalyptus steam.  It was time to conduct my own test.  Although no actual cooking was involved, this was by far my best kitchen experiment.  Seriously, the water is so tasty, and as an added bonus the jars look amazing in the refrigerator. Currently on the shelves there is strawberry (super yummy), cucumber (so refreshing), and lemon (greatly energizing).  I am drinking water and loving it!

"Free Wood"

I'm usually not one to sort through other people's stuff to find treasures in places like thrift stores, garage sales, or discards on the side of the road.  (It's not that I don't want to be economical, but the time it takes to find gems is more than my shopping-averse attention span can handle.)  However, I could not resist the “Free Wood” sign on the construction project a few houses down from mine.  Was it the plea to release something natural back into the wild that got my attention?  Perhaps it was the chance to use my Radio Flyer Wagon.  In any event, three full wagons later, my garage now has a pile of scrap wood.  The possibilities contained in this pile are as of yet unknown.  Sadly I don’t think anything will be rehabilitated into the forest, but it is nice to get something for my pains of listening to the torturous carpentry racket all summer.  Anyone want to build a tree-house? 

Oops!

While having an ice-cream dessert last night, I remembered that August is my usual month of sugar detox.  Conveniently I totally forgot about this "month of no sugar" until August 26th around 8:30pm.  An honest mistake, and I will just have to try to get on board next year:)