tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526493697021403912024-02-19T11:44:08.779-05:00Mental MenagerieVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-28662717036798597322016-02-19T17:42:00.001-05:002016-02-19T17:42:11.993-05:00 Books of 2015<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Books of 2015</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I like to read. This past year, I read
more fiction than I normally do. Particularly fiction of the fantasy
genre. And these were my favorite picks in all genres:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fiction-</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Poisonwood Bible</i>,
by Barbara Kingsolver. - I read two of Barbara Kingsolver's books in
a row. <i>Flight Behavior </i>preceded
this pick. As much as I enjoyed <i>Flight Behavior, </i>I
had to include <i>The Poisonwood Bible </i>
in my top picks. Kingsolver will probably go down as a favorite
author in my life. Her descriptions are vivid, her characters are
complex, her storylines are compelling, and her messages are
relevant and poignant. <i>The Poisonwood Bible</i>
is the type of classic writing that I would instruct others to read.
If I were an English teacher, I would make my students read this
novel. Some of them would hate me for it. I would accept that. It
could make for interesting discussion on missionary life, the
history of the Congolese, issues of race and religion, the extent of
personal responsibility, and the role of government – American and
otherwise. And certainly, <i>The Poisonwood Bible</i>,
as a work of fiction, would only be a starting point to a complex
discourse on a variety of issues and historical events. Anyway, you
can read it and decide for yourself. The story is told from the
point of view of a mother and her four daughters who are brought to
the Congo by their evangelist husband and father, Nathan Price.
Political and social unrest occurs, corresponding with the
unprepared family's struggles with religion, race, and culture.
There were times I was outraged, times where I laughed, and other
times where I wept. Good job, Ms. Kingsolver!</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Honorable
mentions for general fiction: <i>The Red Tent</i>,
by Anita Diamant, and <i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan</i>,
by Lisa See.</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fantasy-</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Winner's Crime</i>,
by Marie Rutkoski – This is the sequel to <i>The Winner's
Curse</i>, which I also loved. The
third novel is due out in November of 2016, and this makes me want
to weep. I can't wait to find out how the whole story ends!!!
Kestrel is the daughter of a general in an empire. The empire
enslaves the citizens of conquered countries. In the first book,
Kestrel purchases Arin, a defiant man who promises not to make a
very good slave. I don't want to divulge too much for this second
book – EXCEPT THAT IT IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK. Of
course there's a romance between Kestrel and Arin, but the world
gets tossed upside down. Politics and relationships do not mix well,
and I can't wait to see what Rutkoski has in store for her readers
with the final book.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>An Ember in
the Ashes</i>, by Sabaa Tahir – This is the first installment to a
trilogy, and I am hooked. The second book is out in August of 2016.
I don't blame you if you hold off until summer to read this
page-turner. Laia is a scholar turned slave. Elias is a student at
the finest military academy, and is in line to potentially become
the next emperor. The book's POV switches between these two as they
undergo challenges – Laia's brother is arrested for treason, and
she tries to rescue him with the help of a rebel faction. Elias is
trying to leave the life his barbaric mother – the Commandant –
and his Empire-worshiping grandfather are forcing him to lead. Of
course, they cross paths, but, how will their lives intertwine in a
way that determines the fate of the empire? Truly, a thoroughly
enjoyable and absorbing read.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Invasion of the Tearling</i>,
by Erika Johansen. This follow-up to <i>The Queen of the
Tearling</i> left me yearning for
August 2016, when the final book comes out. I can't believe that I
managed to read three separate trilogies this year that are yet
unfinished. It's been painful, but the books are so excellent that
it's difficult to complain! In <i>The Invasion of the
Tearling</i>, protagonist Kelsea
Glynn goes up against the dreaded Red Queen and her invading army.
There's big magic afoot here: a dream-induced sort of time travel,
enchanted jewels, and a sinister being bent on release. There are
contemporary issues like rape, cutting, and theocratic intrigue and
violence. None of this is romanticized – it's disturbing. Kelsea
is a transformed character, and you have to wonder if she might fall
further from the precipice that is the moral high ground meeting the
moral grey area. I eagerly await the conclusion in the third
installment!
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Horror-
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Girl With All the Gifts,</i>
by M.R. Carey – This book has a great twist on a traditional
monster trope. It's dystopian, it's creepy, and it takes you on a
heart-pounding ride through a post-apocalyptic world where what it
means to be human is changing.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Road,</i>
by Cormac MacCarthy</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Through the Woods, </i>a
graphic novel by Emily Carroll.
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Graphic Novel-</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Saga: Volume 5</i>,
by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples – The epic tale
continues! Storylines converge as the twists keep coming. This
series is the story of star-crossed lovers from opposite warring
factions. There are bounty hunters and alien civilizations and
dragon-monsters with appetites. I've loved this whole series – the
storylines are heartbreaking, funny, smart, crude, and violent. The
illustrations are colorful and imaginative. This most recent volume
isn't as good as the first four, in my opinion, but it does resolve
the cliffhangers of volume 4, and I expect volume 6 will throw some
more exciting curveballs our way.</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Bitch Planet</i>,
by Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrated by Valentine De Landro</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did read some
nonfiction books like cooking and gardening, and I also read poetry
and memoirs. Nothing really grabbed me enough to recommend to others
except for the following:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Top-Bar
Beekeeping: Organic Practices for Honeybee Health</i>, by Les
Crowder and Heather Harrell</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Street Vegan: Recipes and
Dispatches from the Cinnamon Snail Food Truck</i>,
by Adam Sobel</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's
it for the best of my book adventures in 2015! I am so thrilled for
the books coming out this year, and books I have in a to-read pile by
my bed and racked up on my kindle. Literacy is awesome.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-23115256162555257222016-02-01T14:39:00.000-05:002016-02-19T14:39:51.730-05:00Music of 2015<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have spent a few years simply
listening to a variety of playlists. I indulged the impulse to find
new music ALL THE TIME. It was part of a collecting impulse – I could
easily collect songs and artists into titled and organized playlists.
Not to say I never listened to full albums of the artists I came
across, because I did for a select few. However, my obsession was
always with the novelty of a previously undiscovered song.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In remembering my youth, I recalled
that I used to obsessively listen to albums with the booklet in my
hand. I would reread lyrics and view the art. I wondered if my increasingly slim
attention span had been affecting my musical adventures, though
streaming services have provided this procedure of random playlists
with ease.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I began putting albums on and hearing
them in their entire context this past fall. It's been an immersive
journey into the framework of various musicians and groups, and it, I
think, has been ultimately more satisfying.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the first time in years, I have a
favorite albums list for a calendar year.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Alabama Shakes – <i>Sound &
Color </i>: This album is dynamic and sophisticated in arrangement
and in song composition. They have a masterful grasp of sound! My
favorite songs are “Gimme All Your Love” and “Miss You.” I
love the raw power behind both. If you like Southern rock, you'll
like this album.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Torres – <i>Sprinter </i>:
I feel ravished by this album every time I listen. Torres has raw
sound and poetic lyrics. If you enjoy indie rockers or
singer/songwriters with a steel edge, then you would definitely
enjoy this album. My favorite songs are the title track and “New
Skin,” though “Son, You Are No Island” amuses me to no end.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brandi
Carlile – <i>The Firewatcher's Daughter</i>
: I am in love with this woman. Her latest album is pensive, catchy,
and powerful. She's a folksy Americana-pop-rocker with a mature
sound and tell-it-like-it-is lyrics. I wish we were friends.
Seriously. Fave songs: “The Stranger at My Door”, “Mainstream
Kid,” “I Belong to You,” and “Murder in the City.”</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Halsey
– <i>Badlands</i> : If
you're a fan of CHVRCHES, you'd probably enjoy Halsey. They both
feature saccharine vocals layered over electro-pop beats, though
Halsey is decidedly grittier. I haven't decided which are my
favorite songs yet, though I'm pulled most by “New Americana”
and “Castle.”</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Waxahatchee
– <i>Ivy Tripp</i> : Five
stars for the band name. It's so fun to say. Waxahatchee. Love it.
Anyway, I'm all for indie albums that are spare, artful, and
intimate. Waxahatchee's latest album is all three. The vocals are
delicate even as they churn out exposing lyrics. Favorite song on
the album is “Bonfire”, a slow burn beneath a heavy haze of
confessional smoke.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ibeyi
– <i>Ibeyi</i> : These
sisters bring about Afro-Cuban beats with an electro-soul vibe, and
I love it. I saw them open for Angelique Kidjo in 2015, and it was a
real treat to see these musicians live. (Not to mention Angelique
Kidjo was AWESOME.) I would suggest checking out “River” and
“Ghosts.”</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Honorable Mentions:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Florence
+ The Machine – <i>How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jill
Scott – <i>Woman</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sleater-Kinney
– <i>No Cities to Love</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hop-Along –
<i>Painted Shut</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
CHVRCHES –
<i>Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lana Del Rey –
<i>Honeymoon</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wolf Alice –
<i>My Love is Cool</i></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meg Myers –
<i>Sorry</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And what's missing
from this list that may surprise some? Bjork, who released Vulnicura
earlier in 2015. Sorry, Bjork. We just didn't connect this time
around. :(</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Signed,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A Fan of Bjork's
Earlier Albums (who still appreciates that Bjork experiments and
pushes the envelope in music)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-63299915798810616662016-01-15T13:46:00.000-05:002016-02-19T13:47:23.985-05:00Starting 2016<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have to say, 2015 was an awesome
year. Even if I didn't blog about it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW3QVqzke9MBMEjDH4hRzK1MYlPVdxM28xvfwVLoGy3FOh2bHeQjpTASHHMZU_SGUrLBZhVA2JZJnshiuvgFasBFrzvYgE4wESioF8Sh21KZo-bl6F9Dlsx8jMWl2kflGfByXAEgMjOM5/s1600/16994538079_b0fe5462de_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPW3QVqzke9MBMEjDH4hRzK1MYlPVdxM28xvfwVLoGy3FOh2bHeQjpTASHHMZU_SGUrLBZhVA2JZJnshiuvgFasBFrzvYgE4wESioF8Sh21KZo-bl6F9Dlsx8jMWl2kflGfByXAEgMjOM5/s320/16994538079_b0fe5462de_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer in early spring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It was awesome for many reasons. I lead
a fulfilling life full of good things. This doesn't mean that I don't
have disappointments, losses, and frustrations. I do.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, I know I have it good :</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a body that walks, runs,
and bends. I get sick, and I have aches, but overall, I'm a healthy
person with health insurance and access to whole foods and time for
exercise.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am married to an amazing partner
– we don't always agree, but we resolve our differences with care
and thought. We make each other laugh, support one another, and
celebrate one another. We're a team.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a fulfilling job. Sometimes
I get frustrated by my job, or get stressed out or annoyed by
situations often out of my control. My livelihood is meaningful,
fun, and interesting. It encourages my passions, allows me to be
creative, provides variety, and lets me tap into my strengths.
Perhaps even more importantly, I get to learn new things all the
time in topics that I care about – ecology, science, education,
and animal care.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also have wonderful people in my
life – a support network. I don't always get to see who I'd like
to see, I don't always get along with family members (and I'm always
amazed by people who seem to), and sometimes I don't live up to
being the best kind of friend. Yet, I have made and cultivated
connections over the years that elevate me, and give me the
opportunity to elevate others. This is awesome.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not everyone in the world has such
abundance in their life. I am grateful.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think this mindset is born of the
fact that I learned to pay attention. I can have anxious, frenetic,
querulous, damaging thoughts and feelings. I can easily allow
negative situations become the context which within I live my life.
Since I have been learning how to command my attention, I have
allowed things to settle into a balance. Yes, I have frustrating and
upsetting things that happen in my life. Yet, I don't let these
things control me. I don't give it more attention than it actually
warrants. I try very hard to let things go, celebrate successes, and
know that all things come to pass.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is due in part to some more
consistent practices in my life. I meditate for six minutes a day,
almost every day. I practice gathas and mindfulness throughout the
rest of the day – and I am practicing, because I have certainly not
perfected it. I practice yoga, and this helps me to be more flexible
in mind, and more calm in body.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No one is perfect, and no life is
perfect. But, wouldn't it be boring if life was perfect? </div>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-73122827608559667202014-03-02T19:56:00.000-05:002014-03-02T19:58:29.956-05:00Soulful Sunday - Initiating Mindful ThinkingIt has been my inclination for these past couple years to be <i>full</i>. By full, I mean, to have a filled schedule, and to live a full and fulfilling life. I accomplished this by accepting a full-time job offer, and beginning a full-time masters program. I also began planning a wedding with my beloved, and attended to my usual suburban farm chores and more impulsive, short-term projects.<br />
<br />
Now, I work two wonderful part-time jobs (gladly leaving the full-time job behind), and my classes are done. I am near to graduating from my school of study, and I find myself with less structured time. This, of course, has been an adjustment. My dog and my cat are obviously thrilled with the amount of time I spend at home (as one of my jobs requires I use my home office for most of the time), but it took my easily distracted mind some time to adjust. I could sit down at my office desk and complete work tasks, or I could check out Facebook <i>just one more time</i>. (Or Twitter, or Ravelry, or Pinterest...) Social media is an easy dopamine dump in the brain. Sitting to focus on the task at hand is not so easy.<br />
<br />
I still manage to complete my work, but it was taking me longer to do so, than if I wasn't so taken with distractions.<br />
<br />
To battle this "monkey mind" of mine, I practice mindfulness. When I feel the impulse to pick up my phone or open a new tab (I opened a new tab three times while writing this), I remind myself of the task at hand. I put down the phone or close the tab, and I take note of the feeling. I bring my focus back to the object - the current object being this blog post. I continue the process, gently bringing my focus back to the object just as I accept the urge to connect to a social network. I have the urge, it is there, and now here is my focus coming back. It has been very helpful not only to my professional work, but to my creative work as well.<br />
<br />
I break it down into steps:<br />
<br />
1. Note the feeling. (I want to connect!)<br />
2. Accept the feeling. (Yes. That's right.)<br />
3. Bring the object back into focus. (Here is what I'm doing now.)<br />
<br />
It's working for me.<br />
<br />
Cheers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesPis0ylC0Cct3aCZEjKv-ZOAhp26MwO1v7dsReA38GDqY-T07t1oX8ML2L2ajFJcU7_LqQZsuKs5To2nlLNNBqLD5Lj1bnIs7-ihGHBwhXIFoF5-Uu4EIJB4YXjl9E63H_H5U7kMuyH1/s1600/252108_10150265912757228_6856143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesPis0ylC0Cct3aCZEjKv-ZOAhp26MwO1v7dsReA38GDqY-T07t1oX8ML2L2ajFJcU7_LqQZsuKs5To2nlLNNBqLD5Lj1bnIs7-ihGHBwhXIFoF5-Uu4EIJB4YXjl9E63H_H5U7kMuyH1/s1600/252108_10150265912757228_6856143_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-6570569123833596842014-02-25T19:57:00.000-05:002014-03-02T19:58:06.199-05:00Second Loom Scarf - Stripes<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5984059849778279842"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV79nju5P7KVQWWvADeRISMtQZzBr73jZInhzkMNwwMXmj1k1dQ7VyHY3u_y1LnEuO-N6cKN6EXusdAjAt_zNFIBcoyGaNxRjBDOYnfYvLsfyEXZVzgApVbyb3K-idCqGGHvkWjHTTOg4-/s288/1393272414.072738.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I finished the scarf on the loom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5984059899604836418"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOeIbrDDnIVtLKbXS8c7wqGLRrUogKzvc45vbnbxojc9QzgPGvPo-ZKVPLEXZqQzKiUexlI0ebxs64vIZxVs1mVUeT2LHToasLwBf2qdca7InOj5rJdJpNl5FFAGzdlh68EQC8u5l8-qN/s288/1393272118.490469.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I'm very happy with the way it turned out. It's comfortable to wear and light enough for spring weather.<br />
<br />
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Pretty soon, I'll have made enough clothing and jewelry items to be able to wear something handmade everyday. I'm excited about embarking on a long-term project to connect the art of handmade with daily life. Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-84878081447573583752014-02-21T17:15:00.002-05:002014-02-21T17:17:03.263-05:00Foodie Friday - Soups and Stews for the ColdHello all!<br />
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This has been one helluva winter here in New England. Each week for the past month and a half, we've had anywhere between 6 and 12 inches of snow dumped on our coastal CT neighborhood. Now, there's a melt happening, and flood warnings are happening all over the state.<br />
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Just as I'm writing this, I've spotted a robin on the fence outside the office window. She or he is chirping. Though snow is mounded everywhere and the day is grey and misty, the robin seems to be trying to convince me that spring is just around the corner.<br />
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I know it is. It's nice to have the little reminders, however.<br />
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Onward to the food. Over the fall and winter, I become a soup addict. It's warm, it's nourishing, most of them are easy to make, and some are made using the crockpot, which can be so wonderful to come home to after a full day and an evening meeting.<br />
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I made so much soup, that eventually D began protesting. He's a man who likes his stir-fries, noodle dishes, and tacos.<br />
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I still plan about two soup recipes on the menu a week. Because I can. ;)<br />
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Without further adieu, and in no particular order, here's a collection of my favorite interweb soup recipes I've made over the past few months:<br />
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<a href="http://greatist.com/health/recipe-mushroom-farro-soup" target="_blank">Mushroom and Farro Soup</a><br />
This mushroom-centric soup is brothy with a slight tang and a delicious flavor. It was a big hit with D, and I never got a chance to freeze any leftovers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11001/portuguese-kale-white-bean-soup.html" target="_blank">Portuguese Kale and White Bean Soup</a><br />
This soup was a surprise - as in, I wasn't sure how much I would like it. I'm not a big fan of fennel, though I do like the subtle flavor fennel seeds can give to a soup or stew. This soup turned out to be a winner. I had a lot of kale from the garden and from the winter CSA, so this was a great way to use it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/recipes/shiitake-ramen?cm_mmc=Pinterest-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Nutrition-_-ShiitakeRamen" target="_blank">Shiitake Ramen</a><br />
I love the simplicity and flexibility of ramen. D loves noodles. I can swap out ingredients and toppings very easily, depending on what I have on hand. This recipe is a scrumptious and fairly basic ramen.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fullmeasureofhappiness.com/2011/02/09/lentil-vegetable-barley-soup-crock-pot/" target="_blank">Lentil Vegetable Barley Soup</a><br />
This is an easy and filling crockpot recipe. It's also nutritious and yummy! It is vegetarian, but D complained that it didn't have any chunks of beef. Lentils provide enough protein, but you can always add beef.<br />
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<a href="http://recipesfrom4everykitchen.blogspot.nl/2009/10/slow-cooker-harira-soup.html" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Harira</a><br />
Harira is a tangy Moroccan soup with a focus on lemons, lentils, and tomatoes. This was delicious, and I made a big batch so that I could freeze some and eat it later.<br />
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<a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2013/vegetarian-tortilla-soup/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Tortilla Soup</a><br />
If you like tacos, tortillas, nachos, all those tasty things, this soup is for you. I added extra limes, because I love the limes.<br />
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I would add a chili recipe, but D and I make our chili from scratch using whatever vegetables, spices, and beans delight us in that instant. I promise you, this haphazard way of cooking chili always turns out for the best.<br />
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Of course, there are soup and stew recipes I have prepared that are found in books - most noted is the Vegetarian Pho recipe in the "Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook." You can find pho recipes online, of course, but this book has a number of fabulous and filling vegetarian recipes.<br />
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On the horizon, I will be trying out the <a href="http://chefinyou.com/recipe/roasted-jalapeno-soup" target="_blank">Roasted Jalapeno Soup</a>, the <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/11/hot-sour-dumpling-soup.html" target="_blank">Hot and Sour Dumpling Soup</a> (replacing the shrimp with tofu), and <a href="http://holycowvegan.net/2010/07/african-sweet-potato-peanut-stew.html" target="_blank">African Sweet Potato Peanut Stew</a>. I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!<br />
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I leave you with a photo of that scintillating harira soup.<br />
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<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-10687785965101302492014-02-19T23:38:00.000-05:002014-02-21T17:18:06.570-05:00WIP Wednesday - Loom Project 2I am loving the weaving.<br /><br />I decided to use Spunky Eclectic Panda Sock yarn in the color "Vampire Kisses." It's a self-striping yarn with short bursts of color going maroon to white to grey to charcoal to white and back to maroon. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5982707083151601010'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDwq_jPvMk-jQ7zb410G-E6jz7YCAYVzwelgSXC418Ojs2rsqBnH-ydNCyDu-o8ba0YsL_qT-5Et4h3QUkpGDSHIms8A7vTsZPd7gM-2-TpBT_u-2mk6FGo8WdNcQe3i9W2Zm8lblWXNr/s288/1392957156.853705.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This color way lead to a surprising effect in the pattern of my scarf once on the loom:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5982707108659223746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ETBt4Aq9qjuBu9JLHCaV7sLUfcsOrps54ZKCM7znlUu68GMRRHYylWM9yZl9FVVwtGn-WGHvf0yl_1R1YieE3Vh7gHwKdDChDN7OpLxE1jp5SOq9E_DEuUsXXGSqAdMmH58F8_Kd-WHV/s288/1392957205.159867.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The warp is simply 220 Superwash merino yarn in a worsted weight. I added white stripes between the charcoal strands. The weft, which is the self-striping sock yarn creating the horizontal weave, has created these unexpected stripes of maroon, white, and charcoal in an almost uniform pattern. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5982707135886220930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyw5NvmrOHZFk-xFp5QiYAGLrNNXCoGEljKFCFa7MvV8mdT3PD3-7xoSkHbXiANjXxvaGaDpT0AD0q39Swm1jVxWxBdwyZoCdOGcQiLqTDxWZK0OXVb1C2S2AxXF_huMTBI7TEazKZTtu/s288/1392957406.841081.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Weaving continues to be a delight. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5982707166639707170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nIGXpltZLqs5cNQbZX1tBWZcvc-XT-yZnh275RK1A76wKu12VVTMGoFV-0NOq0KzvOlVKwjS-Vi4p33yXKDLCulnz1BJyTeQd7pI_L8x5SMKinM4ULorjYi6Jj8FQB-ONwVS4uBUw5Ue/s288/1392957448.462361.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Happy Wednesday!<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-64934480592309930822014-02-17T19:26:00.000-05:002014-02-19T13:06:52.988-05:00Harvest Monday - Feb 2014It's February. All I can show you is the state of my garden beds:<br />
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Yeah, that's a whole lot of window screen. Sorry about that. But you can see my beds and trellis are just shrouded with show. It's beautiful. No good for planting and harvesting, though. We received one foot last week, 7 inches another week, 8 inches in the week before that, and 6.5 inches in the week before that. Tomorrow, we get three inches. </div>
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Instead, I try to harvest other things in winter. Ongoing creative projects, my relationships with others, and probably even more importantly with all the hours indoors, my relationship with myself. </div>
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Creative projects include crochet, knitting, jewelry making, embroidery, weaving, sketching, and writing.</div>
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I crocheted a set of fingerless gloves using soft, warm angora wool. </div>
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I have another project on the loom. </div>
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Let's not forget the bounty of food. This is a wheat berry and pinto bean soup made with the last of the potatoes from the garden, and a homemade peasant bread. Though I have started growing parsley indoors, this fresh bunch is purchased from my local Trader Joe's. </div>
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This week I will start some onion and cole crop seedlings, and I am looking forward to it. Pretty soon, my Harvest Mondays will have more green.</div>
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Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-26058642064244668822014-02-07T15:16:00.001-05:002014-02-07T17:11:41.234-05:00Foodie Friday - Superb Owl Edition<img src="http://www.audubonmagazine.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/node_full/photos/starting_lineup.jpg" height="256" width="400" /><br />
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It's Friday, and I've decided to claim it as a Foodie Friday. <br />
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This past Sunday was my least favorite secular/consumer holiday. I don't care for most sports, and I'm not all about the commercials. (Hooray for the culture of capitalism for creating a sensational, national celebration of a consumer activity - "oh, you don't like football? Watch it for the commercials. They're the best!")<br />
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But wait, there are things I like about this day. <br />
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I like community. I like talking with friends and acquaintances, and connecting over jokes, jests, and jeers. I like the party atmosphere, and the biggest element of that atmosphere: food. <br />
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As a vegetarian, I don't go in for the wings and the pigs in a blanket, obviously. I did discover some recipes I loved this year, and will use again in the future!<br />
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And here they are:<br />
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<a href="http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/avocado-egg-rolls-with-chipotle-ranch-dipping-sauce/" target="_blank">Avocado Egg Rolls with Chipotle Ranch Dip</a><br />
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These were delicious! To make these babies healthier, you can bake the egg rolls instead of frying. In lieu of sour cream and mayonnaise for the dip, I used greek yogurt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bullfrogsandbulldogs.com/pinned-it-did-it-spicy-buffalo-cauliflower/" target="_blank">Buffalo Roasted Cauliflower</a> <br />
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Scrumptious and spicy! I sliced the cauliflower in half, and did buffalo for one half and a home-canned BBQ sauce for the other half. Yum yum!<br />
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<a href="http://thehungrybelgian.com/2014/01/09/warm-blue-cheese-sriracha-corn-dip/" target="_blank">Warm Blue Cheese Sriracha Corn Dip</a><br />
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Of course, you have to have a special dip. I loved this dip. We ate it with a crusty, garlicky, artisan bread from a local bakery. Again, instead of using cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, I used equal amounts of Greek yogurt. I still mixed in the Monterey Jack and the bleu cheese, of course, plus the other ingredients. I try not to use heavily processed condiments in general. The substitution made no matter on taste, because I could have ate the whole bowl myself if I didn't have any impulse control. I used it in a sandwich the next day. Heaven!<br />
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There you have it, some wonderfully tasty, vegetarian-friendly appetizers fit for any party!<br />
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-89582075216324401912014-02-05T20:14:00.001-05:002014-02-07T17:10:09.360-05:00WIP Wednesday - Fingerless GlovesIn honor of WIP Wednesday, here's a sneak peek at my very simple, very warm, angora fingerless gloves:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5977088006641507106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXfUBIfN9uD98UoqU35lnDh5v_faz0aMP079pw13603jHM20P36Fg9yKQvGJn5FiRlucnb7z_74-s-kqlayO8GIE5zST-HE4i6OhvZwqeJciE8CTWa4VBjak-F2zbYxnbIVcplKKnjc7B/s288/1391647432.547201.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This, soft, beautiful yarn has a shining blue strand: <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5977088034196512194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgayarq5QdswuoDgRQ8s1VwAkpX7t-fSyxLM9JXoky4acoQsPkZN23UmBhQrHWaD4Ebl9J1RVbW0oVRs88Lz_TR3EyklAMoc-yAB9_hMNG1-zw9udWv8KKkUpHTrutnUWNlLUfbBMuSj-yn/s288/1391649091.026202.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It gives the gloves just a hint of sparkle within the halo of angora fur. I really think they're lovely, and I will soon finish the second glove!<br /><br />Feel free to share any works you may be crafting/arting in the comments!<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-89528725610634119012014-02-04T23:23:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:41:58.454-05:00The First Loom ProjectI have a number of creative projects going on. Jewelry, drawings, writings, embroidery, crochet... <br />
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But today, I want to show off my tabletop loom. My husband Dave gave it to me for Xmas. It's called a Cricket Loom, which apparently is just a rigid heddle loom. I know next to nothing about looms and weaving, but I have been educating myself!<br />
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Set up was pretty easy. I put the loom together quickly.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5976765626156134482"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5F00cOSPxBEQA_37dGYa5rSEnxdU3JRpFRGrIdnsbnZ0KuGcrI9oGBeqRH0rPRlQCkLuGXhNhX0w5qrO_gSH-Kxgrz7DLBdVCVm2ZEj3OREt6A1Emerrl_wOV2OF6Ma_0kFsbTzPfr2ZH/s320/1391573702.190695.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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Warping the loom (stringing the blue yarn) became a somewhat meditative practice. It took a while, but it wasn't at all boring.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5976765650760736178"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJj8B9rBquU_Dy5Kff1X3UFK8SKnbjYMBDSEMS1-bT_PJwp8vxr1PSS4mLFN2cQf6r2MerfZAsFq1oLqz9QS0TDIB2g7AkL63qrdO4tvBTVYIDqVQAbttHGAsBITCLNlNRhejcZsnj9ryF/s320/1391573703.033740.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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I used the self-striping yarn Dave gave me. It lends itself to a subtle effect in changing hues of the scarf. Creating the weft had its challenges. The edges are a little uneven, and there are gaps here and there from missing the warp on occasion. The thickness of the weft improved as I got into the swing of it.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5976765672093227714"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6u1WMJAg942anCQwsLvQB8Nb0gpu4wtS0MXLj34EmNWQn7A_RG6OLipm6IrSupbjD7LlTPzM6owQMlvtV1ZU_XMCnykonKIbGUP0qWaZV3nOt5ixL0f-MhZSNKNOKUXPiwKBX6BkRrks/s320/1391573707.152338.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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The finished product! It's by no means perfect, but what a fulfilling practice! I can't wait to start a new one!<br />
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Meanwhile, I've been collecting seeds and seed catalogs. I prefer heirloom varieties from organic suppliers, but I recently got a box of mixed heirlooms and hybrids:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5976765700132541506"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mgaGfQGWMa5gSFnSK6XmcK58nh3tpzKaD79cI9PTXl3lWMU42GNzr7RWRrSnj0c4FuEutr-onl-DcSR0DIFmm5YasmYcccBFvXlj6Tg1MALf6ggvoHpqonPmZVy8rHHTEid3_s7Old0f/s288/1391574135.930267.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Anyone else excited for the coming gardening season?!Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-40530038285724728452014-01-21T22:28:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:42:17.022-05:00Getting Eggy<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5971556310604480770"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcN2wYo4hrWgS2rMD7TpmfKpont0JPGwFC8tqSdVbHgLq2jcA10JAIPm1Shdrr9E2inll2cuLar2oFlz9IPMBvKvEw2f8T0PeXknliWpita8eLcES1wlJuIDY-mNhQjdg2jrAVr6qdcKq/s320/1390360439.386995.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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I love the colors we have in our kitchen. Olive, pastel blue, eggshell white (see what I did there?), caramel, chocolate, salmon...<br />
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One of our layers is a frizzle olive egger. She lays the green egg in the middle. <br />
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We call her Tina Turner.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5971556336732731426"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4aCicAw7SYzQuhpbCEZxJsyRmkthuxSnuo2IlTJ-t2fuT8lxO1BgXV8w0qWPMLsurlm0h8YXxugXYPlFSAl6HrLdi7NCSxymhlPVxtJIfelhqqsMfOc3-2J9dJcb4ZiQVqo1-ur41ziK/s288/1390360835.793909.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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The recent big snows have chased our hens inside, but the ducks stay out in the snow as if it were never happening. <br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5971556362656092898"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybJiCzaWiv16s0Yo6lGoHlAiQBG25PSiyikm145nhZ2LEYM_J7V8I4MsluDuTMxnPLeKrJewj-RCWa7lx7E7N2Aiq0rERt5JVgBMoitO3g9WnZN0ZAxck4B1R4-JMOOdnJOY8aHA3F4Sn/s288/1390361068.883439.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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That's a photo of our lovely Beignet out for a stroll.<br />
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We also have been getting our first duck eggs:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5971556401006283602"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YySYOzMhJ6Mf84LE_3-fyAnC8rjW-MfRVu5sz6lxekk0xLVRhUikXcpPS9Yp04ICxCdaILv4lpRXdAAmowtyuNIhLFjVWGp8judsEgOuBa-38nEdl6_4fxo5Hvtq6BaOqjHCOZKvCEBg/s288/1390361157.540204.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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We have a lot of eggs at the house now. I collect more than a half dozen per day. Friends and family are the ones benefitting from this!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5971556439569340674"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoud-uluRj4QekfEsQQgLKTlgUXRjuzWz6p1t0tCdeByOzc2cmVoGsQP7N4kWe1ljF0bIypgjrZxihrbwDELZ9ztL2ee4F-V6Zerjco2xt-DZkLA4Emncjw9a-3deA_coU2fjCVN1E-ns/s288/1390361270.730516.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-21373825349888398942014-01-04T17:29:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:44:17.473-05:00Addition and Subtraction2013 was a year for adding. I took on a near excessive amount of graduate classes to accompany my full time work. I loved it, even if at times I was stressed, tired, and disappointed. Academia, particularly the natural sciences, tickles me pink.<br />
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I also got married to my best friend and fabulous partner. <br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170278927279762"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTxRRuskQNpelIKDZ184ZIsjfzqQjHLYefVLvFXHIKmhp44NBkQfHBNvpRpiYd3uBjuVBIUDkv57T3ssrCr-2MtN9o1YEJM2Y-WXwp0yYAwFKyKb9YdKJNQFlzkm3i17tuZb2gN-0BhKrm/s320/1388872531.448715.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170311073759170"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg6k-kwyoLOOLuViTQNEVXlKPtDIx-g2-17UMVdSVnIwGj8Ca_wHp9jzljrAz1xytAMFw5oN1nbg44BX-FMKzJD04cB2bw7btqpKMpUf3xgko4P5prDcZPryzBrVVomaZC21tOEnw0HdJ/s288/1388872540.453853.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170343538294130"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPZ3IG-1EVoJ_qIZBznH4wwortemhmr62Q5rXYCbDtT5SupHdQTrwKAOn6XBNAFT_J4ot9Wqdh_NEj5-xJAEyZJs4TnzT4nFwQ4R0WB4_GaQPkQkUW5crRlhYN9hjTY8NxIjN5eOhE0HV/s288/1388872540.853538.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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I acquired a beautiful creature who likes to glut himself on crickets and romaine lettuce. <br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170369217775778"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzKub6wJQrt1Ip_RbrF1zphXV5Rof9PWBsPeWMfE1XzxwTAWMS5Y_QgDgs-P9tq9E19qRQvXvqJHbaK1QhT2T8p3cez2K-P4vKsLP1ZPXq84-5fvGgOxT6XIK-Cb31uhfCymfW3LFpvP5/s288/1388872312.645276.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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We've named him Apollo. Here he is taking his first bath!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170404617225602"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUx_d1izRRtaZPb4iave3SJfHSptdV8xyjFn6v204gjK8ZuEw5np_bH3iCZ627ocKij8CgGqbAFOyp744bi6spDfdWXRdBtdtHtkh0mJFE6fscG02HIFlz76O55I2bEm7Gx6al8zN2aD6/s288/1388872320.339333.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170433487395538"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UbBopvGGqkgP1VoCtXBXfaAkM1A5VxWNC9p0mHKBHJWRL73DuKnIo11xL1tO8y_xs1ZCUjNFroCrjIQ5EWH6VrqchWUryXx6WVGGZJjg9qrv4wHyk2H24QvUTPerYQYYMGNOxR-qY32K/s288/1388872320.937720.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Chillin' like a reptilian:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170471522441410"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ooz4eVPFQGidyP7-bFM0b4mWy_2msHlJiq-HUoaUdfv0_7WhjUFzuTwhTBT4Rfr7g2xFYsxfV6hvpdkIVClsjAFOcnD8D1PXn8UIY5cQuR7FkXEVIL6f9UjW21fi002kVSaM5uPUMfq6/s288/1388872332.029715.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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My lively little girl Malai takes a nap in our new chair in the library.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170509773047554"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qcqay613bfwRGqFlf3i7g6UfpoS97n1L3v4aOGsAEWaWsXdi8Bx7EBl60JA4rwTbRujTVQwCTIvnn_Fg4Z9OHj0DF0zizUvsbkroFoxUZ-ZTLW5NnFIlj22IZc2yxWc8sIRZ6HbgbTez/s288/1388872333.029121.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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She remains the apple of my eye, though some of the chickens are vying for that spot:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170543179540466"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNbNdyo1k4Gmv-NZT0RWxjduQWdwXSYHY_fePbFEH3rsyAgqFcHfSQdp7pZOk9yA5ZY2jxU7TAqrzn8cskb6f_7MZWzRY5mcSbwmFGlXccUMuzp6-9Z1CUd0bYwY-c_ZqUXQmi4VvZJ6S/s288/1388873596.235362.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170574763352258"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pScVrFx5M19P2TlFetJr_wkp1m-R_GbfC67fcZJ-72JpWs2kKzxB5Ref0CUnKC-AzWoruAlyrYkxmzJOJjQ0bzwhCSeZun-2ItZhyJViQeTqxQzOOppUg56IVjqj-wWUz_pCvt1ZT79K/s288/1388873602.278185.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170607095354434"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFJgDhnXjt5dstBWJyDcS-sT9vgRbnlKlmM36k4g2GIewIOfO9pyp88u0WHIxfiBc09hroztCXtqZv8VH43RaO9bsvEdrHFhuuTElC4s7k8aTJww6LC3LIinVm-wa-b-YAJpvPkXzAcXa/s288/1388873610.131345.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170638133174002"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnIxdpbAb-GXmzebFYtGJlVgV7omJkwYz_r_kwdfaQMLnwwrAs2HVCxOZxE2Q738FENIUfpNMo_Ci_dlnts3irTZqodqB9PdpkIyvslPpiLGz0GtI57w1UTkcoUkywJcTFhCvG4dqRJLD/s288/1388873640.945633.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170673635836434"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUHb2LRrHh1yR1Qek8PtHE9dgEgI2X1Tb2MN6F4rpBpldAqXnv_cD1BuK_kZ_qJBzAzxIH5Dts75wfBkWnpffjhO3nr3Oswg8XE6hd5vymtU5PZE_0RcjhntIkqDHBvzRFlwEm6UKJFC7/s288/1388873664.669795.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Let's not forget the ducks:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170705335341442"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjZoHpWw_NunoYe70w1iZIhVPTu54C7WReOTGXAUB0TDeoDeylG_3Brn7dnvCoc5S6Qb-wGbyK0ztUppNUDXFWnRhCgLRyLVLkIBouxaB2TZlK3YEjPt4LIZaDKehXicKRqAXnW4VRwKE/s288/1388873720.567257.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170738606156018"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nxTpZUeQT-08ywmorZoh_zClc5GqyWXK7TFF5fqeDPpN4XgEQ7cwgvcW-CiqHyRRamF32FeymZcAeFxnl5E0gmGicgf_CyyrX-QkMzoujTLFyedfVgbtNPj9WtvUrmz5taKLSuwWEQKi/s288/1388873721.016427.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170773166843650"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSmyvdWq0icWtXU80obXvLQ6Rxg6-26i5DIiEdPtOqCMSBqhpSavtrsDe0ToI_HObrik1dx2IcdgYFouOQ3sdAppW6FtkCHnWkjBVqj04RRbveNzgdhrSbSN2ifLyLz3YYDqJNnnshgHp/s288/1388873727.022204.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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My life is full to the brim. As a result of the wedding registry and our super generous friends and family, my house is full to the brim. <br />
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Now, I try to cut back. 2014 will be about subtraction. I have a single project to do for my masters degree, I have two wonderful jobs centered around ecology and agriculture, and I continue my creative pursuits. However, there is necessary weekly household organization going on, along with trips to secondhand shops and shelters. (Not giving away the registry items, but a lot of stuff that's gone unused in our house - old clothes, old bread machine, old games, etc.) In addition, I will do less of the stuff that doesn't build toward my personal goals.<br />
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So, life is good, still busy, but not nearly as tense as it once was. In 2014 I hope to focus on what's really important - friendships, family, my partnership with my husband, and the activities which fulfill my sense of meaning.<br />
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So, less Facebook, guys. ;)<br />
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And I leave you with my most recent WIP: <br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5965170806704997266"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcIP9KlYuuaEZpm90QyTrX1YZv15MYqRUuqpktbXzFoBeizXMyZHxE1HpF1Q-ngPLoxWWjzZVhyphenhyphen-FdGOv_lEUGkMur0hwzrmccDgSCMJ1wyM3RX9tbBZVJ1o8XhYZvqJufDWiHTecdEXN/s288/1388874251.697652.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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Nothing special yet, but fun to work on!Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-72784657785834863772013-12-17T23:14:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:42:40.870-05:00Flow<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie02?authkey=Gv1sRgCKyJw9rKwoKT9gE#5958580186025101858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv8tAKqNVknQNQWpLgLf2Izyl6yuMiAqO87mzqoqcs8NoAYfZYYKeRsGFpssPQJ2B9C05xQszAVeGNbZn9aq3uW7g_x3vU4-13M1up3EtrZCoUnb16zJVlFxtMFnUgL0T1SwrhcGi3jrd/s288/1387339627.875827.jpg' border='0' width='214' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Using the Vision Kit app, this is the other vision collage I created. Something simple, something just right. This is to remind myself to relax, to soothe myself with music, to take a pause, to act from a place of love, to connect with others, and to nourish myself. The statement is about accepting every moment as it comes, and to discover and work with my natural flow, my circadian rhythm. <br /><br />What do you do to nourish yourself?<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-56669787560140755332013-12-15T22:34:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:43:05.847-05:00Stir-Crazy SundayI was having one of those restless days. You know, the kind that sneak up on you - an unexpected day of no commitments, no one asking you to do anything, and there are no deadlines to meet. <br /><br />My husband's parents have staying with us for the past few days. We were supposed to spend today, their last day, with them. Instead, they left bright and early to beat tomorrow's weather. It was a visit full of fun, and now here I am, with no one to host, and no plan B. <br /><br />For someone like me, who gets busy busy busy, this can be dangerous. On top of it, I am getting over a bad cold that kept me wrapped in blankets on the couch for most of the day. It's a recipe for a melodramatic type of stir-crazy, and Husband sent me out the door by mid-afternoon. He couldn't take it! Lol, I can't say I blame him.<br /><br />I headed to a coffee shop, and using my reusable coffee mug, I got myself a soy mocha. I snuggled into a cushy chair and opened up the iPad that was my graduate school gift to myself. I discovered the app "Vision Kit", and I took a couple hours to think about the direction of my life, and what I really wanted to focus on for the future. Honestly, I have been thinking about these things for some time. And, it's been coming together, as I begin to really find my voice, and to live life as I want to live it.<br /><br />The Vision Kit app is simple. You create a statement, or affirmation, and then decide on a selection of images to surround the statement. You can use photos from your camera roll or the web. Despite my artistic inclinations, and my usual preference for tactile art, this simplicity was just what I needed. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie02?authkey=Gv1sRgCKyJw9rKwoKT9gE#5957827830766586210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOirxS5oW7sQxlQRog4DNPPklctMWdMK1vrF4t4P0Xtl4Ui6LoeZb6OxcFHMdBTlAfCw97o0QFJpZYvDJgchf6J1Rim5sLB_ozw-zCECXCqrRfw1L1_kLRzisgNZcX9UoRMbs3PCdYCd-r/s288/1387164277.205939.jpg' border='0' width='214' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Each image refers to an art form, creative doing, or subject matter that I love. Nothing more to explain, right? I may print this, and hang it above my desk. For inspiration. <br /><br />I created a second one, that I will share with you tomorrow - it requires more explanation. <br /><br />For now, I can say the exercise was helpful to overcome my cabin fever. I returned home and created a delicious dinner of tofu-shiitake ramen. I topped it with the kale I bought at the winter farmer's market. Then, I put out all the ingredients for tomorrow's bread baking, and for creating apple pie filling (which I plan to can for future use). I also thought about how I will create restorative downtime, and continue work on my manuscript. <br /><br />How do you overcome the stir-crazies?<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-72446031021681498002013-12-12T00:10:00.000-05:002013-12-12T00:10:35.283-05:00A Blog Set with IntentionBefore I begin this, let me tell you right now, that I live a wonderful life. I have a loving and fun husband, fabulous friends, a number of fulfilling interests, jobs that engage my creativity and expertise, and a supportive family. I didn't always have these things - I've had many painful experiences. They are nothing that I will divulge here in the interest of (a) further cultivating healthy relationships that have resolved old wounds, and (b) letting go of old frustrations and griefs.<br />
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The bottom line is, that though I have endured abuse, loss, and family tragedy, I am not experiencing any of those things <i>right now</i>. From time to time, I have tenacious anxiety issues, and my go-to coping mechanism is anger. I have hurt people close to me when I lash out or react in a passive aggressive manner. I feel that in my natural state that I am actually an open and loving person. I am quick to laugh, and I find joy in things both simple and elaborate. I would rather trust in the good of everyone. I imagine there are a lot of you out there, that are like me.<br />
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This blog began as a therapeutic tool to record the successes and celebrations in my life. It was a way for me to look back on all the vital, positive, and transformative experiences of my life. In time, I didn't need to do it so often. In time, it became a bit of a chore.<br />
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As I begin living a life steeped in values of my choosing, committing actions which fall in line with my values, and build an indomitable will against those things which would like to force me astray, I remind myself of how far I have come. As we live a life that is a result of both chance and choice, I can say that I have made some of the best choices in my life in these past few years.<br />
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This blog, henceforth, will be about living a joyful life with intention. I will plan my days, though I always allow for spontaneity. I will remind myself to experience each moment as life unfolds. I'll do my best to set goals and follow through on commitments. I'll record my experiences here.<br />
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So, what might this blog look like as I set this intention?<br />
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I might share a moment among friends, or a finished project (or...unfinished ones!), I will most likely share moments about my backyard poultry, and art, and love, and all things good. I might also share frustrations and sad moments. I don't need this blog to be a highlights reel, as much as I need it to be <i>real</i>. I don't expect to accomplish everything. I can't.<br />
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Though I would really like to. ;)<br />
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So, this is me, perfect in my imperfection, always a work-in-progress, and in each moment alone, a completed masterpiece. From my heart to yours.<br />
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<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-29032305826348074012013-11-29T23:18:00.001-05:002013-11-29T23:18:19.481-05:00I have been trying to decide the direction of this blog. A blog takes time and effort, as anyone who maintains such a thing knows. I try to remember photos to make it more interesting, but it's not always possible. I cook, craft, paint, keep small livestock, and garden. I write, too, but all these hobbies pepper my days and nights. On most days, I work, I do chores, and I socialize. <br /><br />Keeping a blog can become a chore, instead of the celebratory pastime it was for me when I began. It is not so much a mental menagerie as it is an affirmation of living, and the curation of a life. My life.<br /><br />So, maybe it's a menagerie of another scale. <br /><br />Stay tuned. Or not. We shall see.<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-68104614567176081802013-10-29T22:28:00.001-04:002014-02-05T14:43:23.090-05:00First EggI have been lamenting the fact that I have seventeen chickens, several at "point of lay," and not a single layer!<br /><br />Until now!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5940369764923063618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmvVn6FnEjrTv3LASvR0DektKDERc5MhZIdE24U1AupmxNdM-8S7YK7_ve9yl4SVJDC2i2QwwjY2oHErYwzLb1_X5ryGfRaslzQD8fyWL2UHvG2YzGlQ0I2Wz9jXEW6F9QxxOnoHm1RfX/s288/1383100086.588740.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Thank you, Henrietta Torpedo!<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-57294114175158432442013-10-15T00:00:00.001-04:002014-02-05T14:43:48.729-05:00Autumn has brought on a new kind of crazy obsession for me. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5934827239028404754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rP75TX1kmiV_2MYZ8KEohc4e7UC1bPMjSymnxDfrvRN2GRnp4XXQjHJ6u_nPzx2cEtD4EI2jsAVjADpWja2aC9i85wneTttphOwH4RJ7jPKYuulkIBOUAGr29i5O2s21LcrDNSC8BqJh/s288/1381808649.764525.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Not all of the product is seen here.<br /><br />I don't know if it's because of my summer blitz of planning a wedding and mourning the loss of pets (on top of earning a livelihood and attending grad school full time), but barely anything got done around the house or around the garden. Then, fueled by CSA, farmer's market, and 4-H garden tomato surpluses, the water bath canner and the accompanying supplies came out of the basement and into the kitchen. I have spent many, many hours canning crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, six types of salsa, two types of ketchup, BBQ sauce, tomato jam, green tomato relish and salsa verde, and hot sauce. <br /><br />Then there were peaches. More salsas, a mango peach habanero sauce, peaches in booze, and vanilla peach butter.<br /><br />And, with tomatoes the 4-H garden isn't using this week, I made pizza sauce and ready made spaghetti sauce. <br /><br />I took end of the season black plums and made Chinese plum sauce. Tomorrow I am making Harissa. I'm hoping to scrounge up more tomatoes soon, and make taco sauce.<br /><br />And I feel vindicated, absolutely vindicated in all this, after recently reading "Salt, Sugar, and Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us" by Michael Moss. I want significantly less processed foods in our house, particularly condiments (these and in our ice cream is where you'll find the majority of the commercially processed crap in our house). <br /><br />I even made massaman curry paste from scratch the other night and froze it to use in Thai Curry sauces. I'm a machine.<br /><br />It was Husband's (still weird calling him that) birthday this past weekend, and I made a tangy beer mustard and soft pretzels for the party. Because screw store bought crap!<br /><br />Admittedly, his cake was a box mix. (I am by no means perfect, people!) I'm sure by this time next year, I'll have created my own jars of ready-to-make mixes. <br /><br />Now, back to my homework. After... I put this photo up of our newest family member, Snow White.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5934827264733734130'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jNV9thfUT4Yp2y-LAQsvzDxI5qpXjTufVoTEZCZ_dMMXoU7Zx5VlDnHZ_JMUUqgGGakfhPzzS9xbnKQUnA_PMlTuHWjwANBG6g9RmrC0IOXURpHCMQcVsunZ0onR-oC8caaDjgVAaQsw/s288/1381809558.184383.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />She's a three month old German angora bunny! And she's ready for a shearing!<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-72215296658633217142013-08-27T10:37:00.000-04:002013-08-27T10:37:33.247-04:00The GrindI can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged. It's like I dropped off the face of the earth or something!<br />
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And honestly, it sort of felt like I did, for a while.<br />
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My new jobs are fabulous. I have a great team of people in CT 4-H, and we are putting together a really engaging, forward-thinking program on youth development and organic gardening. CT Audubon is awesome because it gives me opportunities to spend time in nature, to learn more about ecology, to identify flora and fauna, and have the opportunity to educate others.<br />
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School has been challenging and stressful, but at the same time, I have learned so much, made new friends, and found new inspiration in learning science and ecology. My last classes are this semester.<br />
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Meanwhile, Fiance and I have been planning a wedding. This can be anxiety-provoking, but it has had many fun moments. Come next Friday, it's all over!<br />
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We had a year in poultry to always remember. Raccoons killed 17 of our 18 chickens. Our five laying adult hens who were deeply loved, and 12 of our 13 five week old chicks. The remaining survivor, Marsala, wasn't quite the same after that. She eventually died, several weeks later, of unknown causes.<br />
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We were immediately gifted by friends and family with about 45 more chicks when the news was announced. It was such a blessing to know that we had so many people who cared and sympathized with us.<br />
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Then we had a coccidiosis outbreak, in which eight chicks succumbed to the disease.<br />
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We found homes for many, and kept our favorites. We also hatched 22 more chicks using an incubator. It was a magical experience to see them fight their way through the eggshell, and then flop around in wet, alien bodies until they finally dried out and fluffed up. These guys have homes to go to, too.<br />
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Ducks also joined our flock. Bourbon, Beignet, and Belle, have entertained us for hours, from playtime in the shower to antics in the backyard. Ducks have turned out to be a fantastic addition.<br />
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Then there's Scarlet, the satin angora rabbit. She's absolutely gorgeous, and she's kinder and tamer than the rascally Blackula and Wicket. Unfortunately, earlier this summer, Blackula died during the heat wave that hit. Wicket has received some special treatment since the loss of his brother.<br />
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As you can see, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster this summer. With new jobs, changing classes and papers, sick animals, raccoon raids, and wedding planning, I have not had the time nor energy to post.<br />
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I hope to post regularly again, soon.<br />
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I know you'll forgive me. ;)<br />
<br />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-10743459730084959872013-04-16T13:03:00.001-04:002013-04-18T13:20:51.941-04:00Big News!In 7th and in 8th grade, Coxsackie-Athens middle school in Coxsackie NY invited a man named Dean to come in and do a presentation for students. He is, by far, my favorite presenter of all time. He's the only presenter who's name I can recall. <br />
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Dean captured my attention because he brought us animals. He had reptiles of every size, the madagascar cockroach (which he let me touch), birds of prey, and a bobcat. I learned that Dean allowed certain volunteers and interns at his facility to help out. Before I had the chance to get on this track, I discovered we were eventually moving to Connecticut. <br />
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I always thought the person who stood at the front of a class or an assembly and held a hawk on their arm was the coolest person in the room. "Hi, I have a MOTHER F-IN HAWK on my ARM." I never figured out how to become that person. Until now.<br />
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Before I get into that, let me share some other news.<br />
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I have not been happy at my current job. Public health is important, but my passion lies in ecology and environmental health (which I know to also be public health). I sent some feelers out for jobs along those lines, and got offered a position to expand a youth development program centered around gardening. <br />
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COUNT ME IN.<br />
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While the position pays well, it is not full time. So I also accepted the job of being a naturalist for a local nature center. Which means I do outdoor education with school groups, AND bring critters into classrooms to introduce to kids.<br />
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I AM SO SUPER PSYCHED.<br />
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Color me all the shades of grateful. <br />
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The funny thing is, while I am coming up with hawk deterrents out in the backyard to protect my chickens, I am also looking forward to working with these big, beautiful birds in an educational setting. <br />
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Life can really come together if you keep planting good seeds, even as challenges approach.Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-36611993889400579452013-04-05T12:27:00.001-04:002013-04-05T12:29:14.331-04:00Sources for Heirloom SeedsHeirloom seeds do not contain GMOs and can be successfully grown with organic fertilizers and compost. Here are a few places to choose from:<br />
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<img height="640" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/524537_494284587293825_958335631_n.jpg" width="539" />Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-3966483776229628472013-04-02T14:11:00.000-04:002013-04-02T14:11:00.498-04:00The Wild - a poem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19YWuo39U2qJ5Op1h87ALysFlmX7sRWfZmW4qIl4Na-DzMtmTI9EgImnSGHkK2M7Qtej8HYaGNedyNRuEw94-ECLswNAlOZgT-72LE-95DtSL6KSDfhqYyP_lVJIKrBU8YEYAEwZjY0Qi/s1600/8589941517_38343f7acd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19YWuo39U2qJ5Op1h87ALysFlmX7sRWfZmW4qIl4Na-DzMtmTI9EgImnSGHkK2M7Qtej8HYaGNedyNRuEw94-ECLswNAlOZgT-72LE-95DtSL6KSDfhqYyP_lVJIKrBU8YEYAEwZjY0Qi/s320/8589941517_38343f7acd_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table style="background-color: white; width: 320px;"><tbody>
<tr><td>In the empty lot - a place</td></tr>
<tr><td>not natural, but wild - among</td></tr>
<tr><td>the trash of human absence,</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>the slough and shamble</td></tr>
<tr><td>of the city's seasons, a few</td></tr>
<tr><td>old locusts bloom.</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>A few wood birds</td></tr>
<tr><td>fly and sing</td></tr>
<tr><td>in the new foliage</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>--warblers and tanagers, birds</td></tr>
<tr><td>wild as leaves; in a million</td></tr>
<tr><td>each one would be rare,</td></tr>
<tr><td></td></tr>
<tr><td>new to the eyes. A man</td></tr>
<tr><td>couldn't make a habit</td></tr>
<tr><td>of such color,</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>such flight and singing.</td></tr>
<tr><td>But they're the habit of this</td></tr>
<tr><td>wasted place. In them</td></tr>
<tr><td> </td></tr>
<tr><td>the ground is wise. They are</td></tr>
<tr><td>its remembrance of what is.<br /><br />-Wendell Berry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-40444827521694807952013-04-01T13:46:00.001-04:002013-04-01T14:00:24.267-04:00Grow Write Guild: Your First Plant<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(This blog post is prompted by Gayla Trail's "Grow Write Guild", </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>a creative writing club for people who love to garden. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Check it out <a href="http://www.yougrowgirl.com/grow-write-guild/" target="_blank">here</a> if you'd like to know more.)</i></div>
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I can't recall what my very first plant was. My mother was a gardener, and in our small apartment on the US army base in Schweinfurt, Germany, she kept boxes of flowers on the balcony. I know that somewhere there is a photo of me on that balcony helping her plant. I can't be more than four or five. I'm wearing red corduroy overalls, my blond hair is in long pigtails, and a smile lights up my face as my little kid fingers poke into the soil. <br />
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Fast forward, and we're in the backyard of our little house in the suburbs of East Greenbush, NY. My mother has planted flowers with seed pods that explode when you squeeze them with your fingers. I'm nine, and my brother is three. The burst of yellow seeds from the green pod elicits giggles of surprise, much like when you wind a jack-in-the-box. You know it's coming, but you still jump when the box pops open, even if it's just your heart giving a little skip.<br />
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When I am eleven or twelve, my mother has given me a little partly shady spot to begin my own garden. We have moved to Coxsackie, NY, and our house is a light blue Victorian sitting atop ten acres of field and woodland. The garden sits on the north side of the house, and is already full of lush, green ferns. I add a bleeding heart, and a group of pansies. I loved pansies as a kid - their painted faces made me think of colorful cats. I also loved the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland. The pansies Alice meets among the flowers were my favorite with their feral faces and soft voices. (I still have dreams where I am dwarfed by plants, stalks of clover reaching the height of oaks.)<br />
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I weeded the pansy plot in the beginning, but as the summer stretched, I lost interest in the weeding and focused instead on our inhabitants on the farm. Our rabbits kindled and we raised the kits. The sheep and goats were moved from pasture to pasture. The chickens had to be fed. The dog needed attention. The cats needed love. I played Barbies with my cousins who had come to live with us. I caught garter snakes sunning themselves by the rusted water pump. I climbed the tallest pine tree to look over the field that had once been home to an orchard. I picked cherries from the cherry tree and grapes from the vines that had gone wild.<br />
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I entered one of my pretty little pansies into a 4-H fair, and got a red ribbon instead of a blue. The summer sun had hit that shady spot and warmed them up, and the weeds threatened to take over the pansy group. The pansy I entered was pale in the stem and limp in the leaves, but I thought the cornflower blue of the bloom was the most beautiful among them. I looked at the ribbon and decided the judges didn't see the world the way I did. <br />
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I have grown pansies only once since then. I prefer perennial blooms and vegetable patches. I planted the pansies last year to perk up the corner plot which faces the street. It was in an awkward stage where the green leaves of perennials were just beginning to unfurl from dead sticks and weathered mulch. My pansies were creamy yellow blooms among kelly green leaves. As the summer swelled, the blooms faded in the searing heat. The phlox, speedwell, and ornamental grasses stole the show. Still, I looked at the pansies and thought of flowers a hundred feet tall, blue ribbons waving in the wind.Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2052649369702140391.post-21371925434986326192013-03-30T15:26:00.001-04:002013-04-01T13:21:18.484-04:00Visiting KentuckyFiance's parents live in southeast rural Kentucky now. It's a big change from the metropolitan area they left, but it's on his mother's childhood homestead.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218602371466354"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_cZPV8RWtPr91jaocrrIxJYkgMc66ZXoxVbwzDpsiyt26oDVAenc_cmYGPjlB5rmnn20Mdo9NiJVQCSiyCO37UiAASHT9-_A5hHsFcZtk4jcM3pCDcfSY_P62_rXw9a7zwN6zdmKnlZb/s288/10.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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This is the view from their front window (sorry about the screen, I am writing in iPhone mode and am using iPhone pics for now). The snow blanketed everything on the first day - gorgeous and ephemeral. <br />
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We brought them three of our hens. We love these girls, but we know they'll have a good him here, and we need room for the new ones coming this year.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218630073515122"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5JiIRrRs86on-XHH11yXkV0431uXAWxDsXnBtr571T_1qXbFtXeIrz3B4sA7hZNgE41_pnR2BSGNmngMUyIvjp8DNys9gfMudnfi1d_hTJ7db3zwi5QWo69RDv1Dk2eZRZtdaaxcmahw/s288/11.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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They didn't seem to mind the fourteen hour car ride too much, but they did stage a breakout of their box from time to time.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218664015907298"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHeE0VCHtzaaPZJ3QpXuX4zL8Gxw4AD5kM-am0_f_tPT1DjLJDLI7REk3_X28VylTOb6d-6gBcil8M3qYeIHMdbYLuAG2ooQzxTuXKyJkexfdX4F7GcFyErKEdByQJtGAw9Mq-HzqRvRb/s288/12.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218777893537986"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5Fj0WyC8RPhRLmLuGDGS8SAU74FYhT72cicqNw9vxrAj4RzV1LAvWc9JZvexZujkkwVQ58HnOTN2kd8UbKNHkg-QUybJcK3pC7yApLavvt9wiAmHnFFPs88VGveI_lvDhFzK5PxuVwPq/s288/13.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218816786625442"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsVB1iXBwYSngrEs7fBlJGuvIVJc6uFe-2tt09yvHPkj6B1j0Qupy88wU-QhGTFSzl37R1X2JznVf163QQAdrfOmCqYawyHwxSvXGCMTI55nicmV53s2vZ3mdeRWh7e9ktjxm9HFtHwdi/s288/14.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218859108215874"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7_rkGAQXx8eE1g6A_UZU36Gl2Fulyg12KXi6XBTqiEkWIUOlgk2pKD3DOmiUAeKWR3OrZsZrNGDf4MbOU9DJhusQWyWVUzY8nvmjkBwO8fEpyN9Q0652DPeup6IGPD4fxKl2mNhVPhA6/s288/15.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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Malai loves car rides and laps, so this was heaven for her.<br />
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The hens laid two eggs in the box on the way down, and a third egg once we arrived. Productive girls!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218892577321202"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPiSb2f04uq9qckmdaxM64VaZuNkfRReAkctLeYCOTsjnI3HHmUDfc7V-zAe0FyGUkvIUoga9UuTCRyMwbvhnrYEaAle0WmvgU85NkHCrVFGS_kaQxu26htfwNa3zsycpxY2r85WJZG0F/s288/17.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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We checked out the local feed store to see if they had any prefabricated coops for sale, and I discovered seeds come in huge bags for cheap prices!!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218935900310146"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmpEmaxcqv2b4xYs1o6UyfRxuo2lV_lAkU3YWtS6j0cog9gQzvk5-4xurfVOFzQjarIx6uDY_Y0pEqHiW9kQq8vZZJktJfMOQzZE915U_Ltqok9qheZ9ZXhn_1KCAcDVZWgDPiq9vir3o/s288/18.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861218971693136370"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvLNxrZFrOLXiEq7wiLhzVVaaZu77cZglp-wtlHu8Q0TVa-16cYr9-aoVLvQzsZgpDeDfKzXzDMqEsmRohwPQe48I_itLNAqtLX9KIlnPs1cgDgT_ofszTXeE-hrgrfU4bhwhlDvVgl4B/s288/19.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219029113279874"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dxV7ADl9nlQEtjDSsAzOm1hRuYgpzaXmfx9WeHwRoNK82J7zfSM0hEpJvXaF-Bgln3gY0AP1h3G8QonNFJ_TLdrvn8XknwAid4Gyqb9BSut0dNkSOwsoQeXj8xPLfbd_d_FGRLJrobnK/s288/20.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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The only problem is that you have to be careful of which kind are genetically modified. But I did pick up a bunch of peas, peanuts, onions, and rapini. <br />
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We celebrated Passover with Fiance's parents, and his uncle and grandmother who live on the homestead. Malai took to Grandma Hazel immediately!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219245572754594"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJgkV-DkN16WCuWv9xVxD5pCEWSi-6r5ogrHb0FNRMw_6AqVYQrx0iHIijG9XoMWX-fSDQAqB3nIGYi-7_KNdk6xdrGld7y5g5z8VhQ_cNOFOZEefmwSOUQqgk5vQ2MUGtm6zDyxD8BTz/s288/21.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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There was matzoh brei the next morning for breakfast - egg made with matzoh and sugar. Next time, I'll take mine without the sugar!<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219297735391730"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQythlgk6sHTvvO0YPaFncr6nNYnbPThP0W5Tx67isd6cibn9Kj25AyLuPTRIx96bktZGfpg5B3ukb5YJEXipAFjwbTpBxGwkE6LMw-KhvERhWppeh9LT8shexMdKTBYFHVXY4CKygkyFM/s288/22.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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While there a thousand and one Walmarts and fast food places and dollar stores in these rural counties (bleh), we were starved for coffee shops. <br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219389994846882"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfBRUW_eZhyQZ8PDYeJtNr03qXBBPk9U6wncpFozUzOQK4TGczGYW1C7HmkG2h_y-gLrZhyphenhyphenPTOx5gQkyqlwS4GGKZ2aLpgW94_PL_CrwakqVYn04GS-xHIMl6GLDitU3Q-ms-1it-ybD6/s288/23.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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When we saw this in a town 45 minutes from his parents' house, much excitement ensued. We're happily/sadly addicted. <br />
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There's a lot of poverty and crime in the area of the homestead. Fiance's grandmother owns 400 acres of farm and woodland. Trailer parks border all around the edges, several decorated with confederate flags. It's a different sort of life, here. Very different from our coastal CT lifestyle. But I enjoyed driving around looking at everything and observing people. <br />
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I especially enjoyed the miles and miles of rolling hills.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219423440378114"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvkbe3nmzLYNYdgVPe37RyY9LFQhIPtJkS57xboK0KWFW4DpTdhSYbuAVP7I6CEM4Ukaw1rpvu_v8wjMEbZntW0tK0qXYxLjMkoJHA3PLNf_o9lPpXcqXu6G35CuCEQnTnPVhyphenhyphenf6rkbzi/s288/24.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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One day, we drove to Mammoth Cave National Park.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219457374856978"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KcyE6E1-nQjcSvyc_03mAFoIbs4outai7sCqS1SS08Se_dFWCNLV7bxBzbn_yohKsu4K-WT5DOUrTWrTmSsGjCS0sBzb5ph895JmoZhuxFvf6p48UyDCwg1HgiPXxbWSHHr_uxBL7Mjp/s288/25.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219491113410418"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsClZG4Nem4dPdtDp_5Bac8dqCl_p93OViqS1RqF2qqc7r0U27a2InpHbxcCcWNC6Y1ZBU0CH_KCqfpuj49aw3tpI_kIOMwS_F4qp0lWcrYe43a5VB4pSxHfZeiDKrqsJ2xKZGl9w5vLkj/s288/26.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219524862118434"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8p425a4hnDUPAoWq0ehDiQlIl72ecD1fhw4Ywy1FW58gNwB3-QdSXyx9JzUwCHflSPmDij-63WuQdvaArerMjh8wVUY3C63DsMo7w2-ZbpZGxwo0zOErkx0a6AHAUL-Luoow3Yw_-W4M/s288/27.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219561936472002"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgZhWmKlqs_HPcOqziTTUmj786CuyI4hAT-Tevc_Jgnr1efDg356vB1u3a_zn0h4lneRrCa6kYG7Tdo1n3WCayAlbQZmTH-9sAeJ78UO-oYS1LktdfZWXadJMnNUwuqBnxWIINFqeLTtr/s288/28.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219600450540994"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXUvUE8aFQxWzoOC9yCFTs2rcBT0nCRdqxQ35TOiRcbVypf8dbmCkBCAKOrVK77-ZbUbo4r7HneTTf6_sNCoHXb3oYIflU22ESD4NBTOIBnaDQrhfbhbZk6k9IHv2O6WaVKESRTrmNrzx/s288/29.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219656721600082"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BYdmi5GlF-UtPoOa0Ez803Nt3FfjY97_GivnN6Dop1zJ8d5jStRj8Nza4Ah4h2W45OVVHrQlm68GHLk_S1AQzI623z3l2TEQa1Rc8gasJ4tRPC-_wfFxT2l9BCl3REsU6-Nx_cyrxRnF/s288/30.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219697861988162"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzaJJ0D_HbF8ImL_HCkkelnnkycF4eu7PgNotkKUNE7PkcKxxD_DXE8Ip5FOyfsQ7trPn-XoZvskkhJ8rRdXC3E_6Mj8LVU9hV8wRjSd6A-m3UcPClD9_3MAu51II0VEwdRbOPFb5D_yp/s288/31.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center>
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That is a Kentucky cave cricket. We also saw a bat!<br />
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Overall, it was a scenic and southern experience, mixed with a Jewish holiday and a national park. <br />
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I have some wonderful friends watching over my plants and animals at home, and this morning one of them sent me this photo:<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/111458639787068478327/MentalMenagerie?authkey=Gv1sRgCMbSspjhtI-r3wE#5861219736587416258"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtj4DWfqXrhlsQHGshzV6LxKnD0G8OMI6nvO8ktbRNX_i2sH03B1VQjgSNY5RBiD3BlBtv1XKgrNOFaObnVfcblslCBMs2iMJkX7mOadiwE-lWG5vz4dwY3fWodhC5VVf1PzzEjYAmP7r9/s288/32.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center>
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These are my crocus babies I planted last fall. What a welcome sight! We'll be home to see them tomorrow. Can't wait!<br />
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Happy Spring!Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15788605386632888084noreply@blogger.com0