Touch The Spindle

something new

2012-01-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

I have been writing this blog for a long, long time. It hurts my heart to think about abandoning it... it has filled so many purposes for me. I have kept in touch with friends and family, I have poured out my feelings (good and bad). I have used it as a touchstone for my creativity.

Where is it going? I don't know if I will ever have the guts to hit that "delete blog" button... unless perhaps I have it made into a book first (I hear you can do that and they turn out great).

Meanwhile you can catch up with me here. Time marches on and it was time for a change. Hope you will join me.

best teacher gifts

2011-12-16T20:12:00.000-08:00

If any of you have school aged children, please take note. Now while I can only vouch for myself, I'm pretty sure I speak for many other teachers when I reveal to you the following hints for choosing their holiday gifts.

Teachers really don't want or need any "teachery" things. I cringe when I see ideas across the blogosphere for "cute teacher gifts" like the teacher's name spelled out in crayons, mugs with catchy teacher sayings (especially the ones inferring that teachers don't do it for the money, blah blah blah) or (God forbid) something else with an apple on it. At a recent craft fair, I found myself cringing when I saw little signs saying "makes a great teacher gift" on a cake made out of school supplies, or even worse, a little bag of Kleenex, Airborne and hand sanitizer. Um, no please.

Teachers like the same things normal people do: Starbucks, Amazon, iTunes and of course candy. Just keep things useful, simple and sweet. And let us not underestimate the thoughtful gift of cash. My first year of teaching at my current school, one family was so thrilled with their son's progress they gave me four one hundred dollar bills. I've never gotten anything so thoughtful since, but you can bet I will never forget that kid!

Not everyone can afford gifts for teachers but please do SOMETHING even if it's just a handwritten note of thanks for a great year so far. I for one do notice when nothing is said or done during the holidays. It hurts my feelings. After all I am probably spending more hours of quality time with him than you are. So please remember me... thoughtfully.

Happy Holidays.

nine

2011-11-27T07:54:00.000-08:00

Little Princess' birthday always begins on Thanksgiving. Nine years ago today in a fit of labor induced enthusiasm I stood in the kitchen, cooking an entire vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner between contractions. I remember it well.

Later that night I paced the floor fitfully, knowing the worst was yet to come. At dusk, Nice Dad convinced me to take a walk. I had hardly made it to the gate when I got slammed. I retreated to the bathtub and didn't emerge until I had pushed out a sweet baby girl. Yes right there in my claw foot (still one of her favorite places)

To celebrate this year, we took a friend to downtown Santa Cruz for a movie, then to Marini's for an ice cream treat. Home for pizza and a couple of simple crafts. A noisy sleepover, then up by seven for French toast (Nice Dad's specialty) and a pile of presents.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl. You have become an amazing Math whiz, a comical clown, a loyal friend to many and a talented cowgirl to boot. I love you.

kiss the bride

2011-11-13T16:22:00.001-08:00

Did you ever see the movie Runaway Bride with Julia Roberts? I just love that first scene when she takes off on her horse. So when the yearly October costume show came around, I decided to be the Runaway Bride. I found a beautiful dress at the Goodwill (in perfect condition too - just a couple coffee stains) and then it was time to de - condition.

De - conditioning means trying out something that your horse might feel is scary before you actually do it. No way was I going to just jump on Jumbo's back without letting him check me out in this ensemble. It was just too big, white and puffy. I started by wearing it to feed the horses.

Noone gave me a second glance. Guess they didn't care what I was wearing as long as they got that hay. I took it a step farther and gave Mr. Big a little rubdown with the train.

*sigh* (shifts his weight) "Whatever, lady."

The show was amazing and I had such a good time playing out this fantasy. How often do you get to wear a wedding dress, anyway? And this one fit so well and was so pretty.

Good times.

horsey girl

2011-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

My sweet horsey girl is a senior this year. She has played water polo every year since she was a freshman. This year she is particularly strong and beautiful member of the team. She plays the whole time most games and even when the going gets tough she just keeps getting tougher.

Last week she played her last home game and it was bittersweet. The Wildcats won handily and then they had a special ceremony for the graduating girls. Tears and chlorine all mixed together on the deck.

This team is really bonded and the energy they bring to the pool is incredible. I will really miss sitting on the bleachers and cheering them on. They are all just as sweet and pretty as they are ruthless when faced with a tough opponent. Also very very funny, in a teenage sort of way...

But I am proudest of all of this beautiful girl. Can't believe she will be 18 in April. And she just found out the coach at Foothill College wants her to come play next year. A girl with a plan? More time in the pool?

Priceless.

pole bending

2011-10-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

My horse with a mane made of short rainbows.
My horse with ears of round corn
My horse with eyes made of big stars.
My horse with teeth made of white shell.
The long rainbow is in his mouth for a bridle
And with it I guide him...

Traditional Navajo song

princess number one

2011-10-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

My biggest girl is now officially away at college. She attends California State University at Los Angeles. Of course she is playing soccer. She got a scholarship!

She recently broke up with her boyfriend, but when we went to Disneyland she got a new one right away.

She is pretty and funny and smart. I got to see her play when her team traveled to San Francisco a few weekends ago. She plays forward but since she's a sophomore she waits for her turn a lot.

We bonded in Disneyland. She only lives 25 minutes from the resort, and we had the best time. I drove her home around 1:30 a.m. (no traffic!) and got to see her place. Six girls in a tiny three bedroom? Two blocks from school? Sounds like college heaven to me. She seems very happy with her life now, and I am glad.

I miss her, but I know she is learning to take good care of herself. And she has her team. She makes me feel proud... and a little jealous. Remember how twenty felt?

nice dad eats meat

2011-10-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

For about six months, my vegetarian cowboy husband, Nice Dad, has been requesting "more protein". Beans, tofu, cheese, and all manner of combinations have been cooked and eaten and frankly we were exhausting the possibilities. So when the CGA State Show BBQ happened, imagined my surprise when Nice Dad ate tri - tip.

This was quite an amazing thing. Here was this guy, vegetarian for twenty years, and he eats tri - tip! Well, why not? It was grass fed, local, and totally delicious.

Since then, I've been reeling with excitement at expanding our menus exponentially. I picked up some organic ground beef and made chili. He ate three bowls. Last weekend I made pot roast - and he gobbled it up while making mmmmmmmm sounds and smacking his lips.

Grass fed beef is not cheap; the pot roast alone cost me $23. But being able to cook something besides endless vegetables?

Priceless.

summit riders

2011-10-01T12:14:00.001-07:00

Last month we showed up at the Summit Riders Playday. Horsey Girl had a hankering to be Rodeo Queen at our local show and since Nice Dad had other plans she rode Sparky to a brilliant first place in the barrel race. Fat Boy and I came in 2nd of course.

It was a dusty day, and a pleasant haze settled across the sunny arena all day. Here Miss Nelly seems like an angel horse and Little P. looks so big and confident.

She didn't fair as well with the egg and spoon race, but made a good effort. I turned down the fun runs and just stuck with barrels and poles which we won handily. We are definitely improving in pole turning.

I love my red white and blue gear, but I have a new saddle now and have been riding with an old brown fleece coolback pad and brown nylon reins. I also have a new sparkly blue breast collar to match the headstall above. I like the blue and brown together and I want to make a new Western shirt to match!

Sometimes it's nice to be able to enjoy your horses and your friends right in your backyard. It was a pretty and relaxing day on the mountain.

disneyland half marathon

2011-09-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday I ran the Disneyland Half Marathon. Since I took a lot of pictures and tried to just have fun I went a teensy bit slower than my last one in April. But that's OK because I had an absolute blast. Something about Disneyland really takes the edge off of running thirteen miles.

This was a very very organized race. For example, they had more porta potties than I have ever seen in my life. I didn't have to wait AT ALL, amazing in itself. They were also very diligent about checking to make sure everyone was in the correct corral. The whole scene was choreographed in a remarkable way so it never seemed like there were 20,000 people all running at the same time. I guess herding people is a Disney expertise.

We started in front of the park, then funneled into the Magic Kingdom. Lots of characters came out to cheer us on. Some runners actually stopped to record the moment but I did not. This made for some pretty blurry pictures so I had to narrow it down to this princess shot. You're welcome.

My favorite part of the race? Passing the 2:30 rabbit at around mile six. She had quite an entourage and was loudly coaching her minions as I glided on by. I'm a runner, not a jogger! Buh - bye.

I also enjoyed getting off the endless asphalt and onto the dirt bank of the Santa Ana river. It was hot, people! So the teeny tiny breeze and a little cooler padding was welcome at around mile 8. Not a particularly pretty river but yeah.

How fun was it to run the warning track at Angels' Stadium? Too bad they suck just like the Giants.

All in all, a good race, a decent time, and my legs held up for two more days of stomping around Disneyland too. I would do this one again. Meanwhile I'll be sticking to 10k's for awhile.

jiffy dress

2011-08-13T10:30:00.001-07:00

When I was learning to sew (in 1972) we called this a Jiffy Dress. I was really surprised to see them again at the fabric store and pretty happy too. Now that LP is learning to sew (she just dives in and teaches herself stuff, it's awesome) this is a great way to practice. Basically it's a tube top with a dress - length piece of fabric hanging off. One seam and you're done.

You can attach your own strings if you cut off the selvages and sew above each shoulder. Be sure to cross your straps in the back so they don't slide off. One could use cord or ribbon here too.

Good for over the bathing suit, washing the dog, or just enjoying the last precious days of summer.

9 miles on highland road

2011-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

I start by driving down and planting my water along the halfway point of my run. At the turnaround I plant water with electrolytes. If you think it looks like I need new shoes, you are right. These are getting incredibly stinky and disgusting. I'm psyching myself up to hit the pavement.

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There's a lot of uphill on Highland Road, and it starts right away. Luckily there is a nice mix of shade and sun for most of the way. Oak trees grow along both sides on this ridge but the sunny stretches are HOT. I've got to practice running with my camera so I'll be ready for Disneyland.

The views are stunning and this helps to get my mind off the uphills. To the left, past the fog, is Santa Cruz and the ocean. Today the breeze doesn't make it all the way up these mountains. I'm dreaming of the beach as I approach the halfway point.

Another mile or so and I pass what I call The Big Slide. This whole mountain came down a few years back and the road was closed for some time. The mountain still crumbles and slides during the hard rains and it will forever more I think. Highland Road can be downright dangerous with gigantic boulders flying down on you when you least expect it!

The turnaround at 4.5 miles is marked by this giant pipe and a cool, clear pool that I'd love to jump into. However I must drink my 'lytes and go back the way I came. Seems like even more uphill going back but I push on.

Training can be a bitch.

billy himin

2011-08-05T16:54:00.001-07:00

While we were gone camping, a couple of sad things happened. Horsey Girl graciously offered to watch the farm during our absence. She came home to some disturbing situations. First off the orange cats decided to behave like teenagers having a kegger while their parents were out of town. They killed a couple of birds IN the house, leaving blood and feathers everywhere.

Secondly, our old wether goat, Billy, passed away.

You might remember Billy Himin as Holly Homin's brother. Billy had been losing weight for awhile; the vet checked him out but could find no explanation. He got a runny nose but seemed happy and was eating fine. But alas, the trouble must have been deeper. We will never know.

Billy was a sweet, funny guy, not as mean as his sister. He loved playing games like "tip the wheelbarrow full of manure" and "chew and slobber on whatever tools we are trying to use". He relished getting all up in your space and then burping audibly, followed by a distinctly green and grassy odor. And if you ever left the gate open a crack, you could bet your last dollar he'd make a run for it, but never going too far past the flower pots on the deck.

He fulfilled his destiny here on the ranch, first as a companion to our old horse Fanny, then as king of the brush eaters. We will miss his steady presence. Farewell sweet brother Bill.

What is remembered, lives.

bringing home the bling

2011-08-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

We just got back from the California Gymkhana Association State Show in Hollister. Nice Dad, Little P. and I all camped with our horses for eight days and rode all thirteen events. It was extremely exciting. Over 250 riders came from all over the state to compete. The array of horses was dazzling!

To sum: I rode hard, tried my best and came in second, missing High Point by one point. The end.

As usual we have a dearth of pictures since if any pictures get taken it is me taking them. Here's a good one of the back of me. (Insert eye roll here) Actually if any of you were here last August you might notice how good looking my horse's backside is looking these days. He's come a long way from the pale, skinny, undermuscled guy I got a year ago.

His personality is slowly being revealed... a baby without his friends. Humble to a fault, looks hurt when I correct him about personal space (forgets easily). Seems like he really enjoys the games, can turn like a tornado, but needs a little warmup before we take off or he can blow (like the time I fell off). Potential, potential... we are growing together and it feels great.

Princess Number 2 rode like a champ, but busted up into the higher spot on the matrix and really should be competing there. Little Blackie was her usual sweet self, cantering prettily and keeping both ears on her rider at all times. She even slows down when P. lost a stirrup and never takes advantage. She is worth every penny we paid for her and noone would guess she is 20. We were so proud when this team won a buckle on the last day.

Nice Dad and Sparky rode wonderfully too and also placed second in their age group. We came home with buckles and sparkly new headstalls and lots of inspiration to ride at all the shows we can this year!

Please pause to admire my handsome boy. Oh the majesty! Thank you.

my cat (a kindergarten book)

2011-07-14T12:29:00.001-07:00

My cat likes to go in a bag.

My cat likes to go in a rag.

My cat likes to go in a box.

I like my cat!

The End

art camp

2011-07-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

First week of summer vacation, I sent Little P. off to an Art Camp strategically located near the gym. Here you can see some of her creations. I do think she has some natural talent.

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Last week she started swim lesson, her fifth year. She is now officially a "shark" and is learning to flip turn.

On Sunday, I ran the Jungle Run 10k and redeemed my crummy Skyland Race time. The course was flat and fast, I felt terrific and I did it in 1:00:01, which I think is a pretty cool number. The end.

Don't you just love her self portrait!?

We shall now return to our regularly scheduled program of camps, gym, swim lessons, water polo and endless driving, punctuated by the occasional horseback ride. Thank you.

satchel

2011-07-07T16:04:00.001-07:00

Here is that stray cat I mentioned awhile back. Little P. and I found her a couple weeks before school was out. I saw her out of the corner of my eye on Ormbsy while driving home. She was crouched by the side of the road and looked terrible. When we picked her up she was skin and bones.

She was so weak but even so just soaked up all the love LP gave her and of course she begged me to bring her home. Oh well why not.

She took to my room and relaxed right in, with her own dishes of food and water. She seems pretty old but after eating and drinking regularly she perked up and her tummy got nice and round and she gained some heft. She said her name was Satchel but Nice Dad calls her Mama. She is very very loving and loves her pets.

After a couple weeks one day she just walked out the door into the forest and we didn't see her for awhile. I think the dogs kept her at bay for a time until she finally got hungry enough (after evading our attempts to catch her) and ventured onto the deck. Then I scooped her up and put her back on my bed where she keeps me very good company.

She wheezes a lot and seems to have congestion but otherwise she eats like my horse and sometimes I catch her slinking around and venturing into other rooms and onto the deck. This week she disappeared again for a couple days but last night she landed back on my bed with a thump in the middle of the night. I was glad to see her too.

"Wow that's a good story, Grandma."

will run for pancakes

2011-07-04T14:36:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the Skyland Mountain Run, sponsored by a local church. We start from an old historic ranch and run up Highland Road, the same one I do most of my long training runs on.

I love my Gap running skirt, so you can make fun of me all you want but I think it's pretty cute. Especially with those compression socks that I wish I never had to take off ever.

It was a hot day and I started out a little fast so I will not confess my time to you here. Let's just say I did some amazing comeback miles after walking partway due to shortness of breath and tightness in my chest and lungs. Not sure what was happening but I suspect the prolific Scotch broom that grows thickly on each side of the road may have had something to do with it.

Little P. ran the Kid's 1k and came in third, so proud! Then we had pancakes, eggs, sausage, bagels, fruit and way too much coffee (OK that was just me). Oh and lemonade. I love this event!

home grown

2011-07-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

My garden is confused. We got a late start with planting, popping things into the ground two weeks after Mother's Day. Then it rained. Then it was ninety degrees. Then forty. Then more rain... now it's in the eighties again and the tomatoes are shaking their heads in disbelief.

I have peas (on the curly stakes), collards, tomatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, crookneck and chard.
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This is my flower "bed" that re - seeds itself every year. Hidden under all the bachelor buttons are some cool flowers I got for free at the feed store last year. No ideal what they are.

I am actually a pretty terrible gardener because after planting everything, I'd rather just forget it until it's time to pick stuff. Consequently everything is smothered in weeds. Thankfully the rain solved the whole watering problem (the problem being I am too lazy to do it).

Therein lies the brilliance of the CSA. This week: baby turnips and beets, parsley and cilantro, cucumbers (so. good.), carrots, teeny tiny baby squash still wearing their flowers, napa cabbage, green onions, scallions, garlic, red chard, butter lettuce, romaine, arugula, dandelion greens AND let us not forget the most gorgeous and mouth watering strawberries that never lasted the car ride home.

Amen.

in which I win high point

2011-06-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

The District 9 CGA Show was both days last weekend, and Mr. Wonderful and I won High Point for FC. In case you are wondering that means Future Champion and is the "slowest" category. But please note that slow = control and that is what we are aiming for here. Senior Handsome outdid himself... really responsive yet not too jumpy, easy on the rating and just a little bit of turnin' it on for the big finishes... occasionally even with a nice loose rein. Yes those jeans make me look fat.

Nice Dad won Reserve in FC, and I was so proud. Sparky gave up wondering why those barrels didn't move around like cows and just accepted his lot. My husband kept his heels down and his enthusiasm up for a long weekend: ride, tie up and watch, ride, tie up and watch, water, ride, repeat. So fun!!!

This little cowgirl was the star of the show, securely mounted on her trusty little fireball. I just about burst my snaps watching her loping ever so sweetly and taking better care Little P. than I do after a long day of teaching. Together they came away with Reserve High Point in FC 11 and under.

The hats were our prizes and you better believe we've been wearing them for four days straight. Do we look like mountain people here or what?!

Now we have been convinced to attend the State Show at the end of July. Word of the week: practice.

school's out

2011-06-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

I do not miss this view. My desk looks great when it is covered with presents. I am reveling in Starbuck's cards, Amazon money, and a gift certificate to a nice restaurant (think Date Night). I am grateful for my job but as the saying goes, the three best things about teaching are June, July, and August.

I never cry on the last day of school. I know I will see them again in the hallways. It was a sweet year though, and even though I didn't eat those white chocolate chips I surely appreciated the sentiment.

creature features

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

The chicks have been transferred to the outside pen and are mixing and mingling with the hens nicely now. It's always touch and go when adding new additions to the flock. Chickens look cute but they are essentially cannibals and will eat up smaller fry if they sense them as intruders. We have six pretty teenagers now, a bunch of different breeds but as long as they lay eggs and make compost I don't care what kind they are.

Speaking of intruders, this turkey hen took to actually pecking on the window a few months ago. Not sure what she was trying to say, other than "man I am sick of this weather." I hear you mama, I really, really do.

And, like a Springtime miracle.... Wanda came back. Or should I say, emerged. I got this tortoise from a student about a year ago. She lived in a tank but I felt sorry for her so I released her into one of the raised beds and thought she would be thrilled. Well, she was... for about three weeks, after which she dug out and went on her merry way. I think she eventually dug herself a hole and hibernated the winter away, until I found her caught in some deer netting I had swathed around the roses.

Just in time for Open House!

Will I release her again? Oh probably. We all need to be free...

Next up: a stray cat and the duck that was probably a mistake.

farmer's market love

2011-05-22T12:20:00.001-07:00

Tuesday is my maiden voyage back to running. I am planning a slow three miler with the P. on her bike. Wish me luck!

I have done NOTHING during my six weeks off from running. Unless you count chasing 20 Kindergarteners around or trolling the Farmer's Market once a week. I have a feeling that starting off again is gonna be tough. Must stop and smell the flowers now.

Though I have not been exercising, I have been eating well. I make Nice Dad nervous with the amount of green vegetables I consume at any given sitting. Currently I go through seven zucchinis, two heads of broccoli and a ginormous box of spinach about every seven days. These 'chokes were tempting but pricey. Plus they take to long to eat.

Anyway I think the diet and the resting have finally paid off. My knee feels tricky, but no longer painful. With a carefully applied system of ice and a hot water bottle I believe I will get back in the game in no time. Just gotta work on the old cardiovascular endurance... again. Can't wait for those endorphins!!

And I am happy to say the weather is finally looking normal. Will we really have a Spring this year?! Starting to wonder.

halloween in may

2011-05-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

Since the October CGA show was cancelled, we had a costume parade last month. Here Nice Dad comes as my knight in shining armor. I think he wears it well don't you.

Little P. insisted on being the Headless Horseman and she made this costume all by herself. I am so proud when my kids get creative. This is what happens when you turn the TV off on weekdays.

This look was even more impressive during her events. This girl's confidence has grown 100% in the last year. See how nicely the black mare takes care of my child. So glad we didn't buy her a pony! Who needs that trouble!?

No, I didn't dress up, and I was glad since the only thing more humiliating than falling off your horse is doing it in a costume. And Mr. Big came as his handsome self as you can see. *sigh* true love.

santa cruz weirdness

2011-05-13T12:56:00.001-07:00

You never know what you're going to see in Santa Cruz. This guy has all kinds of outfits but I saw him here the day before Easter decked out like this. I was coming out of Marini's and I might have been carrying a bag of english toffee. I might have also eaten all of it as I strolled around town.

Later I went to coffee and I whipped out this bento for snacks as I updated the blahg. It was such a lovely day. I really like packing food when I am out and about; it saves me money, and it keeps me eating healthier, too.

Except for the toffee.

riding with my daughter

2011-05-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

We are attempting to ride every other day, in order to get our horses in shape (ahem) for competition. Since we have established that we are working on control (ahem ahem) now we do lots of legwork on the trails, a little jogging for endurance, a little cantering to practice rating and the all important STOP.

I love coming home from a long day at work. It's just.... homely.

Our trailer serves as tack room and hitching post. The horses learn to hang out comfortably this way also which is great when we are out somewhere else. I am riding the Western saddle even though I like the convenience of my (permanently) borrowed Haviland. Not so much forward.

Of course Princess number 2 can not quite put her own saddle on yet, so I saddle up for both of us and count it as an upper body workout.

Ah, back in the saddle feels good.

P2 likes to coax Nelly through all the big puddles, but I don't make Mr. Handsome step into anything I wouldn't.

Good times.

normal

2011-04-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

It is normal for me to buy a new bag once every two years or so. I always get it on consignment too. Here is my new (to me) Dooney and Burke. Me likee!! It is slouchy, luxe and fits everything snugly. And it has a green duck dangle.

Princess Number One is off at college now. She misses me more than normal and texts me most every day. LA is not too far away and I am planning a little girl getaway. Wish it was in conjunction to a cool race or something. It is normal to obsess about what you cannot have.

Horsey Girl turned seventeen last week. She has two jobs now and she loves my cooking even though I embarrass her on a regular basis. I took her to the Boardwalk but heaven forbid I am allowed to hang out or take too many pictures. Totally normal.

Also normal? Chickens in the house. These chicks are way too big to be in here now and Fred agrees. He's love to help me take them out too.

sidelined

2011-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

I saw the doctor today. She says it will be another four weeks or so before I can run again. Apparently I have torn the ligaments on the inside of my knee. Yes, this feels just like it sounds.

Meanwhile I plan on continuing to strength train, stretch, and wrangle that big old bomb of a horse of mine. God is saying "Cross train!" so I am listening. It's tough though. I miss my edorphins like crazy (and this makes me act a little, um, crazy.) After drowning my sorrows in chocolate all weekend I am pulling up my bootstraps and getting back on the raw. I'm also comforting myself in other ways, like wearing these great socks. I made these soooo long ago and nary a hole. Although I have abandoned knitting for more cardiovascular pursuits I still appreciate my past talents.

Of course I will have plenty of company in the easy chair. Don't let this picture fool you, these are the Deadly Brothers and they leave mouse heads and other gruesome delicacies on the back step regularly.

While I rest, elevate, compress and ice I continue the obsession by stalking my current favorite blogs. You can find them here, here and here.

Here my dog tries to pretend he's just another stuffy on the couch. Nice try, Whoopie.

mr. handsome

2011-04-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

My horse has a lot of nicknames. Mr. Big, King Kong (buh Donkey Dong), and my least favorite (via Nice Dad), Patrick. ("Hey SpongeBob, guess what I'm thinking!")

But to me he will always be King of Hearts. So I told the CGA President his best name and she was so thoughtful to include it on his new bronc halter for a year - end award. Check out those eyelashes! So manly.

King and I had an interesting time at the first CGA show this year. To make a long story short we will be working hard on control for the next six to twelve months. I need to get down in my seat and stay put. In other words, I need to NOT fall off and twist my knee up really bad like I did last Sunday. Enthusiasm will NOT equal heedlessness.

I will also NOT call this post "how I ended my running career." Two or three weeks off will NOT destroy my cardiovascular endurance. Rest, ice, and get back with the program. The end.

I love how the calfskin matches his pretty sorrel nose too. Don't you just want to kiss it! OK that's just me.

santa cruz half marathon

2011-04-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I ran the Santa Cruz Half. I had been training for this race for thirteen weeks. I have done four half marathons but I have never trained as hard before as I did for this one. My usual goal is to "get 'er done." My goal this time: do it faster.

You see, I've always been kind of a half hearted runner. Yeah, I like how it makes me feel, yeah it's a great way to lose weight, blah blah blah BUT I never just ran because I enjoyed it. With this training, I actually got to the point of looking forward to it. I relished the sweat, the soreness, the time and effort mainly because I was seeing results. I was getting faster.

The course was gorgeous, the weather was perfect. After I got over the disappointment of not getting a swag bag (what the heck?!), I got myself psyched for the race. I needed to make a 2:30 time in order to get placed in an actual corral for the Disney half, instead of at the back with the walkers and gawkers. I didn't feel nervous at all, I felt... prepared.

Pre - race rituals went well: I ate a banana with almond butter, and there were no lines at the porta potties. So far, so good. I got off to a great start and paced well. Other than some stomach issues that I will not expand upon here, I felt SO HAPPY. I felt like I was finally..... a runner.

Unfortunately despite the fact that five people were waiting for me at the finish, noone saw me cross the line..... in 2:19.

But here's a picture of what you really wanted to see anyway.... what I had for lunch the day before:

Spinach, cucumbers, Newman's Italian (I measure out one tablespoon, yeah call me obsessive), hummus and two kinds of fish: tuna and cracker. Let me tell you goldfish make the best croutons.

I am very, very happy and very, very proud. And you can bet your life I'm buying a Spibelt and taking the damn camera with me at Disneyland.

go green 10k

2011-03-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we ran the Go Green race in Los Gatos. It was the second year for this event. Last year I ran the 5k and I will never reveal my time so don't ask.

Yes that is Shamrock Mickey on my chest. Just gettin' a little bit psyched for the Disneyland Half on Labor Day. More about that later.

Nice Dad ran the half mary that day and set a PR, doing it in under 2 hours. I'm pretty sure I'll be kicking his butt by September though.

Little P. ran the last few yards with him just for fun (in her pink dress)

The race was not too organized this year and there were a lot of complaints. At one point I saw a sign go by me that read, "10k Turn Around Here". Then there was a sea of runners coming towards me with panicked looks on their faces because they had passed the sign. I guess the course was not too well marked and I even talked to one woman who had tried to run the 10k and ended up running the half. She didn't even notice until mile 9... oops.

All in all it was good times. I paced my friend John to his own PR. As for me... well how does 59:50 sound? I placed 24th out of 120 women in my age group (which shall remain numberless, he he) Let's just say not bad for an old Mom.

Gonna kick some serious Santa Cruz Half Mary trash on April 10th!

leprechaun trap

2011-03-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Best homework ever.

She spent three hours on this. Good times.

And it worked! They got away, but left her 57 cents in very shiny coins. Thoughtful, huh?

run away

2011-02-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

My sincere apologies to both my readers for what I believe has been the longest delay between posts to date.

I have been running.

More exactly, I have been training. I will run the Santa Cruz 1/2 Marathon on April 10, and more importantly, I will run faster than my previous halves, the fastest being 2:45 (cough cough). Therefore I have actually joined a gym and am currently running 29 miles a week. No that is not a typo.

As an aside, I feel terrific! It is so great to eat all I want and then run it off like a maniac. No, I mean it. I do believe I am reaching a new level of health, just in time for the second half of my life.

Ah, I have so many posts I crave to write... such as Weird Things To Crave After Running Hills or The Top Ten Reasons I Will Likely Push You Off The Treadmill If You Get On The One Next To Me. But alas, I have to run. And unfortunately I also spilled tea on my laptop back in December and now must manually insert every letter "e", which makes typing monotonous as well as laborious.

Don't despair.... I have my sights on a new iPad. Until then, don't hold your breath, but I'll try to squeeze in an update here and there.

Gotta run.

eight is beautiful

2010-11-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Little P. turned eight this weekend. It was a nonstop birthday bonanza, beginning at Thanksgiving with all her cousins, aunties and grandma spoiling her to bits. Then a gentle day of presents, treats and a trip to see Tangled in downtown Santa Cruz. We watched her birth video, and some others of her at ages one and two. Every year she just gets more beautiful.

We also have been trail riding...

Here is Buzzard Lagoon, the landmark for which our road is named. The recent rains have it brimming. I imagine this looks pretty cool at night. Getting here a lot of slippery downhill but the horses handle it just fine.

Little P. is confident on Nelly now, and I am so happy. She has become a solid and trustworthy horse (though still very energetic). Please take a moment to admire my horse's impeccable ground manners. Ahem. Thank you. The truth is I let them graze when we finally reach our destination. That way they look forward to coming here. Hence the relaxed appearance.

I just need a longer girth for my English saddle now to fit Mr. Big. Though I must say the Western saddle is feeling warm and comfortable on these moderately chilly rides.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Onward to Solstice!!!

f my life

2010-10-17T09:21:00.002-07:00

Horsey Girl loves that saying. Here she is taking a spill off the bull at the Fair. Notice she is smiling. This girl is TOUGH. She has rigorous workouts for Varsity water polo, hours of homework every night, an annoying little sister... and she handles it all pretty well for 16.

I have been going nonstop since school began. I have been driving..... a LOT. I have been Super Mom, attending pasta feeds with homemade cake, going to two Back to School Nights, organizing homework and library books and lunches pour toi. So many good times with my girls, and a few with my horse in there too.

I am exhausted.

A few weeks ago my horoscope warned that I would be accident prone; beware of fire, and knives, and bumping my head. Duly I have been wearing my sporty riding helmet. Yesterday my huge horse, who is apparently not afraid of any obstacles, took me through a gate and I scraped my leg really bad. This after almost slicing the end of my thumb off on the paper cutter last Thursday.

Maybe it's the change of seasons (my laundry outside getting soaked by the rain, following a week of 100 degrees) but I am feeling my mortality more than usual. The garden has swathes of dead stalks and areas of decay. My body feels like it is heading south. I want to rest.

In addition, I really miss my blahg. I try repeatedly to post and find the process too bothersome here at home. Blogger is tediously slow and unpredictable through my air card up here. Work takes up most of my available time to post anyway. But I will not give up! Maybe just download less pictures.

Meanwhile it's about Three Sisters Chili, rambunctious cats enjoying their first- ever rain, getting King (and myself!) ready for the Summit Riders Playday in one week, oatmeal with homemade applesauce, and keeping my spirits up when my body feels down.

GO GIANTS!!!!!

summer highlights

2010-09-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Playing Dress the Kitten. Good times.

Digging into the goodness of my CSA. Had to give it up this month due to finances; I'm getting plenty of green from my own garden now. But it was wonderful while it lasted.

The Summer of Horses. Little P. conquers her fears through the sweet nature of her camp horse, Bella.

And Horsey Girl kicks some cow butt. That's my girl!

How was your summer?

more gaga

2010-09-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the show floor, as seen from our "limited view" seats. The cool things was that although we didn't have a clear shot to the front of the stage, we could see backstage. We watched her ever time she entered or exited, and could see them setting up all the cool backdrops.

Another colorful concert goer. I think I want to be her for Halloween.

Another interesting presence in front of the arena was this group of conservatives that were yelling things over the bullhorn like "you're all going to hell" for loving Lady Gaga instead of Jesus. Now I ask you, does this sign make you want to go to church?

I didn't think so.

The thing that struck me was how truly UNhappy these people seemed to be. It was like they were suffering for all of us. I felt a little bad for them; everyone just pretended not to notice.

And here she is.... this is my absolute favorite song of hers, and I just love the part when she unfurls her wings. Gotta research who created that costume. Maybe THAT'S what I'll be for Halloween!

in which i win my first buckle

2010-08-30T17:15:00.001-07:00

When I was in High School, I was so envious of the kids who got the opportunity to compete for prizes. I coveted their shiny silver buckles and I wanted one too. I rode a neighbor's horse for fun after school and I dreamed of real competition. I never knew it would take so long.

Over the weekend, King and I rode in the District 9 Silver Award gymkhana. All the riders in District 9 (and indeed, the ones from other CGA districts that also attended) were so, so nice. Friendly and encouraging and helpful. I talked to all kinds of people and learned a lot about horses, gymkhanas, and life.

We rode every event, and on our second day, we won second place in all the events but one. This put us in the high point placement for the "slowest" category.

King and I became a team this weekend. There were good times (wonderful contact, awesome moves) and there were scary times (a long trailer on a narrow bridge, loose horse). But I feel he is getting to know me, and I am falling more and more in love with him. And coming to his first show, putting his heart out there on the line for me, was more than I could have ever asked. Winning the buckle was just the icing on the horse cookie.

I rode him FC because I did not know what to expect from him; I knew he had potential (speed) but wanted to show well (control). I wanted him to listen to me, pick up the patterns, and finish clean. He outdid himself, and I was so proud!

Believe me when I say I wish I had more (better) pictures of our performance. Note to self: do not ask the spectator holding the beer can to take pictures for you. You will undoubtably end up with pictures of his friends, his sandwich, and a few of you with either your or your horse's head cut off.

This is actually my favorite shot of the weekend, and it pretty much sums up how I felt at the end: dog tired.

But so happy.

lady gaga

2010-08-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I turned 46. Now of course I was a big fan of Madonna. I tried all her looks, sang the songs, danced my heart out. I miss those days. So naturally I was up for falling in love again... with this generation's Madonna.

There are quite a few differences between Madame M. and Lady G. however. One is, Gaga can SING. I mean really sing. She also plays an amazing keyboard. And unlike Madonna, she writes all her own songs.

I dragged my teenagers along for the fun. I didn't have to pull that hard!

We joined 10,000 fans at the HP Pavillion to catch a glimpse of this cutting edge phenom. The freaks were out in force. Many many people (men and women) dressed the part and it made for a very colorful show. The energy was totally positive, everyone was smiling and laughing and getting ready for an incredible performance.

There really are no words to describe Lady Gaga. In her article in Vanity Fair this month, she states that as a teenager she prayed to God to "make her crazy," to instill something within her that would stand out and be heard as the most creative, innovative energy that could perhaps change the way people feel about themselves. At the concert last night she said she wanted us to leave not loving her more, but loving ourselves more. She said we were the superstars.

The costumes, the dancing, the incredible props (better than Disneyland), and of course the pulsing beat of the music was completely transformational. It was an incredible show that I will never forget. Waking up this morning I kept reliving parts of it... especially when she sang "So Happy I Could Die" wearing this amazing costume, spiraling up from the floor on a plexiglass platform and looking like a futuristic angel.

I took many more pictures than this but I've been trying to download them all day so I'll take what I can get and try again tomorrow. Hopefully the video I took will work too! So beautiful.

lady gaga

2010-08-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

staycation IV

2010-08-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Downtown Santa Cruz, also known as the Pacific Garden Mall. Here are some tips for navigating the strip.

* DON'T put your quarters into the meters on the street.
* DO take advantage of the free parking lots on Center Street, and put your quarters into the street musician's violin case.

These guys were playing some rollicking pirate music.

*DON'T shop at Borders for your magazines.
*DO go to Bookshop Santa Cruz instead. They have a better selection, as well as hilarious cards and a highlighted local authors section.

*DON'T worry about spending money at a fancy restaurant (though there are many excellent ones).
*DO grab a delicious slice at Pizza My Heart, and enjoy the vintage surf memorabilia while you munch.

*DON'T you dare go to Starbuck's later when you get the coffee jones.
*DO score a soy latte at Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company instead. Dude, you will be so glad you did.

Then back out on the street to see the freaks, the tourists, and the hot surfer guys. Have fun.

the wittens

2010-08-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

We brought these kitties home at the beginning of the summer. It has been a lot of fun watching them grow, become more and more social, and generally tear up the house.

Yes I know they look innocent. Do not be fooled.

Of course they get lots of TLC here at the ranch. They really love getting dressed up. Here we are celebrating their two month birthday.

The darker one is Fred, named after a kitty Nice Dad had when he was a boy. The lighter one is Frank, because it goes with Fred. In our usual style these names keep evolving. The current favorites are Trouble and Double.

Looking at this picture now I see how much they have grown since June!

So. Much. Fun.

staycation III

2010-08-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Down in the valley, down in downtown San Jose (my favorite 'hood!) is the Children's Discovery Museum. It's a huge purple building, pretty hard to miss. Inside is a huge variety of fun stuff for kids, all hands - on and educational. Little P. was in her element, but we only had a handful of quarters so we did as much as parking meter would allow.

Highlighting our favorite spots: the water station (above) has tributaries that you can follow with plastic balls; there are tanks and waterfalls and currents and funnels; pressure - run stuff that is really fun to watch and yes you do get pretty wet (all part of the experience, right?)

The bubble center was also great, too bad all the pictures turned out blurry (hard to stand still around the bubbles ya know)

You can simulate surfing on a board in front of this huge screen. It's like really being there! There's a snowboard part too. Really cool, especially the wipe - outs!

Next to the surfing there's a climbing wall, again impossible to photograph due to constant movement (let's just say - she's good!)

The textured imprint wall is extremely popular. Kids love to push from both sides, and you can use anything but your face to create a design. Feels really cool too.

Of course anything crafty is right up our alley. One room had build - your - own gnome homes with slices of logs, driftwood, silk leaves and plastic frogs and turtles. We had a great time building a gnome condo with several stories and trap doors too.

Then it was on to the corn husk doll center to make a keepsake of our day. She sat for some time concentrating on this activity and I am proud to say I did not help her at all. Here we are making the hair into braids. So cute.

Wow, craft content peeps!!! Just like olden times.

A very cool day. Especially since there was air conditioning.

After this we hit the Asian Market in Japantown for salmon and tuna onigiris, cold milk tea, yan yan cookie dip, four kinds of Pocky, cheap nori and buckwheat noodles, a bag of pea shoots and oh yeah I scored a couple of new bento boxes for good measure!

They will come in handy when school starts. But let's not talk about that yet shall we. Thank you.

king

2010-08-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we brought home a new friend to the ranch. My very own horse!!!

Oh of course I don't mind riding the other two... Sparky is nothing if not reliable, and Nelly is a thrilling ride. But my heart was not committed. I needed my own. And I found him... on Dream Horse, no less.

King is a registered American Quarter Horse. He was born on a ranch in Idaho and grew up in Montana, rounding up cows and carrying REAL cowboys. He is responsive and well - mannered. His recent owner trained him in Western Pleasure and barrel racing. He's everything I've been looking for... and more.

More, because I think he's so handsome. Did I mention he was BIG? Sixteen point one hands! And speedy too (though I have yet to test this last redeeming quality)

We got him for a great deal because he is sooo out of shape. A few weeks in our hilly pasture and some mountain trail rides will muscle him up in no time. However we did learn something as somewhat novice horse owners: big horses eat more. *duh*

I feel like a teenager again, all lovey - dovey and mooning at him over the fence all the time. I even doodle our names together, with a heart.... *sigh*

Kat + King = True Love....

PS See him move here!

staycation II

2010-07-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yeah, you guessed it. I loves me some Boardwalk.

Don't forget your sweatshirt! The sweet summer sun gives away to fog pretty quickly around 4 pm. You don't want to get stuck buying one from the Gift Shop. You'll need to save your money for something really yummy at Marini's.

I love the organ that plays for the carousel. It is very old and so beautiful. I love that I can sit and relax while I watch the people go round and round. It's mesmerizing.

We said we wouldn't stay late, but found ourselves meandering back to the car way past 10. I ate garlic bread and a caramel apple; P. #2 did the corndog ritual. She is so big and so brave that now she rides everything. We watched the pro's on Dance Dance Revolution but were too shy to try. Perhaps we'll be back to give it another chance.... after all, we've go season passes this year.

A whirl of a night.

staycation I

2010-07-19T18:11:00.000-07:00

A few weeks before school was out the inevitable question always is, "What are you doing this summer? Are you going anywhere?" This year I cannot foresee a trip so my answer was that we would be enjoying a variety of "staycations."

The California Rodeo in Salinas is a yearly ritual. This is especially dear to my heart having grown up in Salinas. Here we say "ro - DAY - oh" not "RO - dee - oh." Do not get it wrong or the locals will correct you on the proper Spanish pronunciation.

The Grand Entry is the big kick - off to the show. Early Saturday morning, equestrians from all over the state gather for the Parade of 1,ooo Horses. Well there are probably not that many but it is impressive. Many, many beautiful horses are in attendance.

The Salinas Rodeo is especially exciting because there are two points of action: the main arena and the track. The rough stock events, as well as roping and steer wrestling, happen in the big arena. The track events are equally exciting though. Can you imagine standing up on your galloping horse like this!?

Could you rope a steer, then jump on him and wrestle him to the ground? This guy did.

As for the bucking events, um, no thank you. Though I do admire these cowboys and I am glad the smarter ones have started wearing helmets.

PETA was there this year and we waved and smiled because of course all real Rodeo fans know that a cowboy's life depends on the humane treatment of his animals, and the bulls and broncs only work for eight seconds at a time each weekend. No animals are ever purposefully hurt in this sport. It's just such an adrenaline rush!

We shopped the Expo too and outfitted the family with new belts; Little P. even scored her first set of real spurs. We'll make a cowgirl out of her yet.

hawaiian day spa

2010-07-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I got some new furniture for my room. The theme is Hawaiian Day Spa. Nice Dad got me the cute sign a few years back. I believe "aloha" means "hello," "goodbye" AND "I love you."

Orchids are the best investment as far as flowers go. They bloom for weeks and, it you take good care of them and are very very lucky, they will keep living and bloom again in another year or so. They are also perfect at creating an instant Hawaiian atmosphere.

I searched high and low to find the perfect set of drawers for this spot. I finally found them - on sale no less! - at KMart. The baskets, the bamboo handles, and the dark wood are all very vintage Hawaiian. This is actually two sets (three drawers each) put together to achieve the perfect height. Inside are all my refreshing spa treatments (with room at the bottom for some storage of odds and ends).

The smooth, dark top makes a nice altar spot for Green Tara, assorted crystals and my essential serums. I am very big fan of organic anti - aging products.

The bulletin board on my closet door is not very spa - like, but holds essentials like a map of Paris, running schedules (gearing up to do a half marathon in October!) and a picture of Lady Gaga, my new obsession. Got third row tickets to see her on my birthday! Can't wait.

I'm sure she'd love the spa.

summer food

2010-07-13T18:55:00.002-07:00

It's been awhile since I had a food post. And they are really my favorite kind.

Here's goat milk yogurt with apricots and raspberries (organic bien sur). How yummy is this. I eat goat milk yogurt with a variety of fruit: peaches, blueberries, bananas, and in the winter, homemade apple compote. There is just something so incredibly smooth and delicious about goat milk yogurt vs. the regular kind. A special treat that has become a regular habit.

You can get it pretty cheap at Trader Joe's, but my fantasy is to make my own some day. (Note to self: need better refrigeration situation.)

Lunch on any given day is cut up veg from the CSA (note #2: take pics tomorrow) and a raw dip. One old favorite is the raw nacho cheeze above: red pepper, hemp seeds, cashews and a slew of other great stuff. Comment if you want the recipe. It is amazing.

I'll generally throw in a couple of Ryevita crackers with this too. For a little crunch.

Those yellow things are actually carrots. Oh yeah! They were great.

And when life gives you CSA overwhelm, it's time to make juice. This was from last week: radiccio, cucumber, carrot, lemon, broccoli stalk, celery. Today: cucumber, fennel stalks, romaine, lemon, carrot and half a patty pan squash. I am learning to use sweeter vegetables instead of apples to sweeten my juice since I have such a hard time buying things out of season. The lemon is key here - it brightens everything up so nice.

And look Ma, no waste.

waving the flag

2010-07-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

We are not a particularly patriotic bunch here at the ranch, preferring to do our flag waving during the flag race at our local gymkhana! This event is really fun: two barrels topped with sand-filled buckets. Run up to the first one, holding a flag. Stab your flag into the sand and grab another flag.

Run to the next barrel, and repeat. No points for style, but flag waving is encouraged as long as your horse doesn't mind.

The payoff is scoring ribbons - this time we don't mind that they are red, white and blue! Way to go, cowgirl.

summer reading

2010-06-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had a tooth pulled; the perfect opportunity to curl up in the hammock with a stack of new books.

Are you seeing a theme here? Perhaps you notice the dearth of raw food books.... oh yes I finally have enough of those, and I've really been enjoying pulling them out lately and revisiting some old favorite recipes and trying some new ones. My CSA has begun (pictures soon!) and the bottom two cookbooks will use a lot of those yummy vegetables. Since quitting alcohol I've been trying to go low - to - no sugar, harder than it sounds let me tell you. And since this year I'm on the downside of 40, I thought I'd get prepared for the inevitable... I think knowledge is power.

And the sex secrets? Well.... why not?

What's on your summer reading list?

jack

2010-06-15T17:19:00.001-07:00

Today our dear cat Jack passed away. He was murdered in his own yard, killed by a neighbor's dog that we had been watching while her owner was away.

My heart is breaking, I will miss him SO MUCH. Nice Dad was lukewarm about Jack; he could be a nuisance. Little P. loved him, but not so much as I did past his kittenhood.

He had grown into a handsome, playful, funny, loving companion. He kept me company on some pretty dark nights over the past two years.

Of course he had various names.... as a newly rescued kitten from Animal Adoption, we knew he was not really Peanut. First Black Magic, then Jack Black Magic, then Black Jack. Followed closely by Crap Jack and my newest Jacket.

Oh my dear friend sail safely to the East. What is remembered, lives.

end of school

2010-06-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the last day of school. It has been an amazing journey, midwifing this little class into the world of formal schooling. They are as ready as they'll ever be. We laughed, cried, and I rolled my eyes more times than I care to count. Now the blessed summer stretches before me like a golden road.

Yesterday I dumped the contents of P.#2's backpack out on the table (see above). Seems every day has been quite an adventure for my little soon - to - be second grader! After extracting an open container of yogurt from the front pocket I relished the way she can really dig into life with both hands.

And tomorrow afternoon, I'm throwing that backpack in the trash.

joy

2010-05-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have been experiencing so much joy in my life lately. I attribute this to several factors, not the least of which is my eight months of sobriety. I am really feeling present, clear minded, focused. I am aware of all the wonderful things in my life that bring me joy, and I feel grateful. My thesis has been published in the Early Childhood Education Journal. I have a wonderful job that keeps me in a childlike space and fulfills my need for control and creativity at the same time. My relationship is growing and blooming like the wildflowers on the hillside. And for Mother's Day I made this beautiful tray of deviled eggs with garnishes from my garden... kale, borage, calendula and chive blossom.

Another focus of joy: this beautiful girl in my front yard. Unfortunately she is only on loan to us by a generous friend. After winning third place in sorting last weekend I have become unduly attached... she is golden, so sweet and willing, and smooth as glass. And what a lawn ornament!

Of course, dreams do come true, so stay tuned.

busy as a....

2010-05-11T07:55:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday I came home from running errands and saw Nice Dad standing on the deck staring at something..... as I came closer, I saw it was a swarm.

The air was FILLED with bees.... it was like nothing I had ever seen, a virtual tornado of them. Upon closer examination we could see that they were congregating on a nearby branch, following the queen and staying close to protect her.

Millions of bees formed a living glob of dripping, humming insects. The mass dripped and undulated and was truly fascinating to watch. Nice Dad got his gear on.... ready to capture them.

It was an awesome job. He climbed a ladder and cut the branch, then dropped it into a box and sealed it up. Then he got the new chamber ready.... I requested he place it in my garden! Way to pollinated those veggies all summer....

With a little help, the deed was done. It is so wonderful to have the bees where we can watch and enjoy their gentle but persistent energy. They are so, so busy from sunup to sundown, and their sound is meditative. It's going to be a wonderful summer.

district 9 gymkhana

2010-04-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday we hauled the ponies down the winding road to Boulder Creek for the District 9 contest. It was our first official gymkhana (the kind with rules about what you can wear and how you can only prompt your horse behind the cinch). It was a hot and sunny day in the forest and there were ice cold Cokes in real glass bottles in the Snack Shack.

Here Nice Dad shows off Sparky's moves on the Speed Barrels.

The horses were in fine form. Miss Nelly was hot without being hyper; Horsey Girl did a handy job around the poles.

Littlest Princess shows some potential as a real cowgirl, but we're not sure here who's doing the real work. Nice Dad showed his true Nice colors by leading her through every event, and subsequently she won first place in all seven (being the only lead line participant!)

And now, my first online video!

Yeah that's me. And yes Sparky can go a lot faster than that... but please keep in mind, I am old.

And I still placed first in both my events. Giddy yup!

spring

2010-03-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

Springtime has come to the farm. Even the littlest livestock are enjoying the sun, green grass, and a small break from rain.

Little P. built her beloved rat a little grass hut. After wacking down the weeds we almost have a lawn. Nice Dad has been working hard at pruning the fruit trees; they are works of art standing in the museum of our yard.

The plums and cherries are popping open now and filling the air with the fresh scent of Spring. How I am looking forward to that fruit!

We have a picnic dinner outside by the fire made from prunings and enjoy the balmy evening. Horsey Girl is with us 100% now, no more back and forth. She is quiet and content, still the helpful and hopeful girl I love. She feels rejected by her Dad and it is hard for her to open up. I am practicing listening and loving and listening some more.

Soon I will plant peas.

Disneyland

2010-02-26T16:22:00.001-08:00

So. Much. Fun.

I did some focused Princess studying during our visit. Noticing styles of gesture, mannerisms, vocal tone. Supreme feminine essence, the Princesses (I saw six all together). So beautifully feminine. All little girls love this; somehow, in the search for my authentic self, I am being drawn to this energy once again. Here is Cinderella. So soft and pretty. We saw two different girls "do" Cinderella, and both were wonderful.

I lost my voice on this roller coaster. In the spirit of great fun, ND went on the Screamer too - twice! The center of the circle you see above is the upside - down part. Saturday morning we got in an hour early and rode this several times in a row with no crowds. (I apologize for the gorgeous Southern California weather I am so shamefully flaunting here, for those of you enjoying otherwise.)

We rode all the rides, ate all the food, laughed a bunch. Good family fun.

Home once again, I am anxiously awaiting Spring. There is broccoli ready to pick in the garden. Nice Dad turned 51. I am learning how to be lovely.

inside my head

2010-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my two bigger girls. This is a moment of rare happiness. The truth is they fight like cats. They are merciless with each other, turning physical at times, and they completely ignore my pleas that they not fight in front of me (it's so rare I have them together, I hate for them to ruin it). When they were little, Nice Dad always wanted to buy them those big inflatable boxing gloves so they could just go at it; I never let him, fearing the worst. Now I just stay out of their way, hoping it will get better some day.

There are many many mushrooms in the forest lately. It has rained off and on for a couple of weeks now (drowning some small lettuces trapped under row cover) and the fungi seem to love this. We found a trickle of chanterelles following a drainage pipe last week. ND picked and cleaned them, and we cooked them up with lots of butter and garlic, and slurped them down. Even little p. loved them and ate up a big bowl. It felt like eating the forest.

The mushrooms in these pictures are NOT chanterelles; I am too lazy to search around for proper i.d. I just think they are good colors and neat looking, and will assume they are deadly for good luck.

Meanwhile I could be taking pictures of: the scarlet merino top I'm spinning (trying to keep it chunky); the hot pink corriedale I got from the December gift exchange that I can't stop petting; the looong lacy pink scarf I knit out of sock yarn; the black spiral rib fingerless gloves I made for Big Princess for Solstice but ended up keeping; the "purl" scarf that I started but haven't worked on in weeks. Instead I'm kind of hibernating, filling up my hot water bottle by 8 pm and curling up in the quilts with some chocolate and Sex in the City in the laptop.

spinning around

2010-01-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

At the December meeting for Anne's Web, my spinning guild, we had a special guest - Carolina Homespun. Morgaine is an amazing witchy owner of a self-proclaimed "stealth shop"- run from the garage of her home in San Francisco. I recall googling a map once and getting completely lost, never really convinced that I had found it at all though the address matched up. I loved looking at the drop spindles (one of my favorite majickal tools) but resisted temptation. Instead, I purchased 12 ounces of scarlet merino top. Much to my delight, I later received the same fiber - in shocking pink - during the gift exchange. I now have woolly Valentine projects jumping over fences in my brain. I'm trying to spin the scarlet kind of big - a real challenge after years of fine tuning the fineness of my yarn, but fun and certainly fast.

My absence is due to several factors: a reappearance of Error 404 (how I hate it!), an iffy internet connection with the air card (takes about an hour and a half to download a picture at home, if I'm lucky), and my immersion into New Year's routines. I am doing yoga every morning (with this book), meditating, using affirmations, walking most afternoons and trying to make better food choices. I am also immersing myself in all things French: yes people I have a new obsession. In the next several years I will be saving up and preparing myself for a trip to Paris with my two older girls. (This feels exciting - since everything I "proclaim" on this blog tends to come true!) Meanwhile I am reading books, watching films, surfing blogs and considering Rosetta Stone for French. I want to eat, dress, decorate in French. I want to be bien dans sa peau.

Restez a l'ecoute.

retoxing

2010-01-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

My 10 Day Master Cleanse was a great success on many levels. I felt truly free from food and obsessive thoughts about eating and cooking (though I did have eating dreams many nights). I felt alert, light, clean and happy. I did, however, get pretty hungry.

After it was over I segued back into normal eating, but since it was Christmas and all, I kinda forgot when to stop. Before I knew it, I was eating all the things I said I wouldn't, and not in reasonable portions, either. And though I am proud of my accomplishment in quitting alcohol and caffeine, there is much work to do cleaning up the mess of the holidays. Too many wrong foods.

It's been pretty much eat, drink, and be merry for two weeks now. Our party was a success; ND even fixed the tile and made the woodstove area so pretty. I cooked my first turkey and everyone enjoyed. We stayed up until 2 am, eating and telling stories and singing the songs we'd been practicing. A glorious Solstice, followed by a fortnight of partying with the family (fudge involved), truffle parties (thanks to my BFF), a little token cooking and a lot of lounging around with tea and a stack of magazines.

Time to take stock. The Master Cleanse taught me discipline; it also showed (like abstaining from the alcohol did) that once I set my mind to it, I am fixed on the goal. My Leo friends understand.

Now to set the goal, and go for it! No more crap.

What are your New Year's Goals?

solstice tree

2009-12-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

The yearly hunt for the tree. We waited for it to stop raining.... and waited.... and waited.... and then said, "Guess we better just go!" Hoods and umbrellas up, we wandered off the edge of the driveway into the woods.

We always try to top something young and fresh, to make sure it grows back. Oh, the thrill!

And back home again. Our pretty Solstice tree stood watch as we sang and partied on the longest night of the year.

Welcome to the light!

milestones

2009-12-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

Horsey Girl got her braces off. She is even more beautiful now. What a blessing it is to have her in our family.

She is so helpful with the horses. In the dark, the cold, the rain.... she is always willing to go feed. I'm glad she loves them more than boys (for now).

And she loves the life we have here; she is always glad to be back in nature. And she is so good at showing her affection. I am glad she feels this way.

We sometimes enjoy some quiet times together, but she is also good for rowdy fun as well. And of course Nice Dad appreciates teenage humor much more than I.

Love you, middle girl. Your smile is gorgeous.

again with the cleanse

2009-12-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

My BFF left this angel at my house awhile back. She is right at home in the garden, keeping watch over me as I do the Master Cleanse again. Today is Day 8 and I am feeling fine. Hungry, but fine. I wasn't sure I could do 10 days but now I feel confident: I can, and I will.

Little P. likes to dress the angel up in flowers. This picture was taken before it started raining for two weeks straight...

Here's breakfast from a few weeks ago: luscious fruit, including some pineapple guavas from my neighbor. I helped his girlfriend cure her poison oak (Highland's homeopathic pills are the bomb!) and he brought me figs and guavas. A wonderful trade.

Man that picture looks good. Last night the family was having pizza. I amazed myself by being totally satisfied by the smell alone. Just sat there, inhaling..... and drooling.

Homemade potpourri from the garden, or as P. #2 calls it, "potion." Yeah she's a witch all right.

My gorgeous sunny garden is a thing of the past now, the flowers have all been drowned. But the kale still looks pretty good..... I can't wait to eat this whole bed full!

The point of this cleanse goes beyond the physical aspects. The last time I did the MC for three days with the intention of really turning my diet around afterwards. This didn't happen. Now I find I am craving the good stuff..... smoothies, salads, vegetables and quinoa, sweet potatoes. I will incorporate raw goat cheese and our own good eggs occasionally. I don't want the sugar, the white stuff, the crap. I deserve better.

Two more days....

my dorm

2009-12-09T07:36:00.001-08:00

Princess #1 was here for Thanksgiving. I asked her how she liked my room.... she said "You made yourself a nice little dorm in there, Mom."

Considering my recurring dream is about returning to my college sorority (and trying desperately to figure out how I can go back to live there) I think she's right. On some subconscious level I created a space that is youthful yet unique. Warm blankets, a bulletin board with favorite looks torn out of magazines, baskets of personal care products, a scale hidden under the cabinet, piles of books and the occasional gossip magazine. (And a little chocolate and yarn, of course.)

I love my dorm.

I even have a pair of "goal jeans" hanging by the closet. Size 9 slims. Wish me luck.

brooms

2009-12-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

I like the image of kale being like an "intestinal broom." That's why I put so much in my green smoothies every morning. That and of course the fact that it is a super food, plain and simple. And also the fact that I have got so friggin' much growing in my garden right now.

The bunch above is dinosaur kale; it looks prehistoric, too.

And my new broom is making me very very happy also. Sweeps the bamboo floors like a dream and spreads a little majick as well... sometimes I toss a little salt down before a good sweep. Sweeping to me is like therapy, a meditation, and church all rolled into one.

Same old witch with a brand new broom

And a new broom sweeps clean, sweeps clean...

seven

2009-12-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Little P. turned seven. My big, funny, smart, creative girl.

She is a precious gift to our whole family. So well loved by all.

We had a simple party, just family and a few well chosen gifts. A special hat, and funny bobble head from my mom. Flowers from the garden.

A new dress. I call this her Saloon Girl outfit.

Homemade chocolate cake from Apples for Jam, with powdered sugar icing and blue details (currently the favorite color of choice).

What a happy day! I love her so. Happy Birthday, sweetheart.

comforts

2009-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Random things that give me comfort right now:

**A fire in the woodstove on a chilly evening, and some spinning - purply blue merino that feels like a cloud.

**Slogging through parent teacher conferences with the knowledge that the light at the end of this loooong tunnel is seeing my family and enjoying a nice long five day weekend.

**Scented candles in my bedroom that make it feel warmer in there even though it's far from it.

**Putting two down comforters on my bed and snuggling up with a couple of holiday magazines.

**Filling pretty bowls with seasonal fruit and occasionally things found in Little P.'s pockets (like the eucalyptus pods above)

**Autumn light. I love the colors of the madrone trees as the golden liquid sun hits just the tops and looks like honey and persimmons.

**The predictability of the road home, each winding curve banked by wise old trees and drifts of leaves, and the welcome of my animals as I arrive home.

What is bringing you comfort these days?

the sally dress

2009-11-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

Horsey Girl wanted to be Sally from the Nightmare Before Christmas for Halloween. Unfortunately we got kind of a late start on it, and I was too exhausted to do much research. Reluctantly I gave up an assortment of unwanted articles for her to slash and stitch.

I always underestimate this girls' creative drive. In less than an hour, she had whipped out this little Breakfast at Tiffany's meets the Haunted House dress. A little bit sexy, a little bit spooky. I was impressed.

All the details were hand stitched, and I love it hanging here on our spooky front door. Too bad it was a teensy bit too small (and a smite too revealing for the trick-or-treat crowd.

Tres chic though.

creativity

2009-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

A friend came by with some craft kits her kids never used before they out grew them. The shiny sticker project was an instant hit and became several hours of amusement last weekend.

The final projects were less intriguing than the process, like many good crafts. Let's just say my house is now decorated with quite a few holographic stickers in the most unlikely places.

I'm glad my kids like to make stuff.

autumn hat

2009-11-05T13:55:00.001-08:00

I made this pumpkin in honor of Fanny May. It lit up so nice, and when it flickered it looked like she was running.

This one fits much better. I used size 8 circs to start and then bought 8 dpns, that I only used for the last four or five rows. Knitting is expensive!

The fiber is cotswald (very soft) in a colorway called Gold Leaf. It's very, very autumn and I enjoyed wearing it with my skeleton sweater on Halloween night. I think I may have enough yarn for fingerless gloves or possibly another hat for gifting.

Now to spin up the purply blue merino I scored last month. Very excited!

i heart

2009-11-04T15:47:00.000-08:00

Still getting a couple of tomatoes, the last ones being a little bit weathered.

Someone gave out their old Valentine's candy last week.

Roasted squash for butternut soup. Sweet seeds in a heartish cavity.

The first pumpkin spice soy latte of the season.

My sweet Halloween pumpkin got to stay on the porch, glowing in anticipation of Thanksgiving. Big ol' swollen orange heart.

What do you *heart* today?

the headless horse man

2009-10-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

Little P. brought home a book at the library: "The Headless Horseman." She was fascinated, reading it over and over in the car. "Mom, I think it's a true story." She specifically calls him the headless horse man (two distinct words).

I told her that when I was a child, there was a mysterious rider who would dress up as a headless horseman and tear down the street on his big horse, scaring us to death (true!) Noone really knew who it was, year after year.

After endless readings and repeated discussions of the story, she finally decided to write her own version.

My favorite part: he wos scire. he has no heed.

Love it!

That horse looks a little like our Nelly. See how she started out drawing his head, but then erased it?

The excitement has worn off of the story, but I will keep this book forever.

horsey girl

2009-10-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

Horsey Girl had her last home game last night. She is a sophomore playing JV. She makes lots of points.

She is a fast swimmer. But last Spring she quit the swim team (encouraged for WP players) because the coach was very cruel.

I can't help feeling proud when I see these pictures. I was so glad ND came to the game to watch too. Then I ate pizza.

When I first saw this one, I couldn't detect the second girl. Horsey Girl said, "That's 'cause I'm drowning her, Mom."

That's my girl.

And you should see her ride a horse!

pick a punk

2009-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long ago I took these pictures. The annual Pumpkin Patch saga. It happens every year. I like these Baby Boo's.

It's always hard to pick just the right one. Which of you cuties wants to come home with me? Little P. always coddles her punkies up until their fatal end.

Happiness is a wall o' squash. I love this girl. She is so enthusiastic! She made even this little understated roadside farm stand feel better than Disneyland.

Note the homespun, hand knit hat. This was the Witch Hair hat from long ago. I'm currently on my second hat and will be done upon the purchase of size 8 dpn's (any excuse to shop!)

She rode this big pumpkin all the way home.

The fire was close, but we were not evacuated this time. Thank the Goddess for looking out for our farm, and prayers for those who lost so much.

purging

2009-10-21T12:57:00.001-07:00

Well, I have completed three days of the Master Cleanse. It was really quite an experience! This picture may be some indication. Let's just say, a lot of stuff came out!

Overall, I think it was pretty successful. I lost 3 1/2 pounds; my jeans are not tight at the waist any more. I know I lost a ton of water weight; that felt good. The experience was not terrible, but at times not pleasant, especially during the nightly salt flush. Let's just say I needed to sleep upstairs because it was closer to the bathroom!

I also noticed that I felt calmer, clearer, and more focused overall, especially the last day. I had quite a bit of energy, and stayed up later than usual the last night. I was able to function well during daily activities and it became quite obvious when I tend to eat the most (after school) and how often I just felt like eating, even though I wasn't really hungry. I only had a little headache the evening of the second night.

Could I do it for ten days? I'm not sure. I did get pretty sick of the lemonade by the end. Today I am just drinking green smoothies, and tomorrow I am back on my all raw until (vegan) dinner regime.

And yeah, a salad sounds AWESOME right now. I can't wait.

goodbye fannie mae

2009-10-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

We put our dear old horse down yesterday. She had the best life a horse could ever have. Her last months were spent comfortably in our carport, full of Equine Senior and petted often. Dear sweet Fannie. We buried her on the property between an oak and a madrone.

Carver's Fan has flown gently towards the east. Her spirit can be seen through the slanting light, calmly grazing in green pastures beyond this world.

What is remembered, lives.

what's that?

2009-10-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

What's that? Something's in the air... it feels chillier, the wind is picking up, clouds are rolling in.

We started getting ready for a BIG winter this past weekend. We can feel it in the air. Leaves are crisp and I am looking forward to fires, baking, knitting and the like.

Everybody pitches in. I actually enjoy stacking wood, it is a great meditation. I think we may have enough for now... but we shall see what Mother Nature brings.

Makes me warmer just looking at it.

une autre objet

2009-10-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

This hat is knit in the round with the last of my homespun. Honestly I bought this fiber so long ago (probably over three years) that I can't remember what it is. Got it at Stitches West from Carolina Homespun. Here is the finished product on my home grown pumpkin.

Can't quite seem to get the color right in the pics. It's a really nice heathery bluey greenish. Didn't name this particular skein though I usually love doing that. I knit it up on dpns though the pattern (from last minute knitted gifts) called for circs at the beginning (didn't have the right size). What a fuss. The next one I'll start with the circs - and I'll go down a size.

I have since felted this down because it was spinning around my head a little. I remember one reason why I quit knitting last - I just can't quite get the fit right. I recently gave my last homemade socks to the Goodwill pile. Anyway it's kinda fun felted down but I don't love it.

the me I see

2009-10-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have a Magic Mirror. ND bought it for me at a recent fundraiser for my school. This picture is crappy. Magic Mirror is a rainbow of light, handmade from glass tiles with ceramic seashell inlays. Looking into it, I see my potential, my truth, my authentic self. Things are looking clearer these days.

Also a fundraiser purchase: this gorgeous watercolor of the sunflowers. I saw it and immediately was drawn to the clear colors, the dance and rhythm of the composition. It looks like music, reminds me of happiness, and totally transforms me. It wasn't until I got these pieces home and into my room when, deciding where they would hang, I discovered how gorgeous they are together - matching enchantments!

Yeah I know. This one is crappy too. But you get the picture.

Thank you ND, for spoiling me. All love given returns.

a room of my own

2009-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

The move towards my own room has been gradual. Over two years ago I felt the need to find my own space, a step towards finding my authentic self. At that point, I began by moving all my stuff upstairs and taking over a section of the girls' domain.

This past Spring, when Princess #1 moved back in for a time, it started to feel cramped when everyone was home. In fact I didn't really even have a place to sleep if I felt like sleeping alone. At this point our counsellor took my side and encouraged me to claim some space.

So over Labor Day weekend, with the help of my big strong Horsey Girl, I moved all of P. #2's stuff upstairs and all my own stuff down to my new room. Also taking up an awkward corner is my grandmother's corner cabinet, which has been in the garage since we moved here eight years ago. (I think I'll line the glass with some pretty wrapping paper to cover the boxes of craft, sewing, spinning and knitting stuff all stuffed in there.)

In the opposite corner I have an antique full of books; my jewelry is on top. The closet (more organized than the cabinet!) has a bulletin board on it to pin up inspirations. There is artwork to the right there that I will show you later...

And I love having a place to sleep when I just feel like being alone. A stack of books and my laptop, a good light and lots of firm pillows, clean sheets and a knitting stash... heaven. (Don't worry, I sleep with Nice Dad too sometimes. But if you don't have your own bed, you should.)

I even like the view from the door. The house looks cozy from here. Having my own room gives me a whole new outlook.

Love that.

dark leafy greens

2009-10-04T14:54:00.001-07:00

Little P. models my latest creations. I call them the Dark Leafy Greens Gloves. They are my own design, based loosely on several different patterns. There is something satisfying about knitting a 3 x 3 ribbing pattern.

The yarn is from Ireland; my Kindergarten partner, L., asked me what I wanted when she went for New Year's last year. The story goes that the yarn shop was closed, but when the little old owner saw my friend peering in the window, he let her in and gave her a personal tour. Then he picked this out for her as an example of the perfect Irish yarn. It is a chard colored, scratchy, kinda sheepy, and VERY warm.

These were done mostly during horsey girl's water polo games. They are a little snug, and one is longer than the other, but I don't care. It's just so good to be knitting again.

I still got it.

random thoughts

2009-10-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

*** My job is making me very, very tired. I have 24 Kindergarteners this year.... more than I have ever had in 13 years. This information meets with some eye rolling from some people, who remember their own classes of 30 or more. But let me tell you, 40 - something people: your Kindergarten teacher was not required to teach you to read.

*** Thus when I get home I make a beeline to my quiet room and my beloved laptop. It doesn't help that I decided to quit drinking recently (24 days ago to be exact). Now I can only escape into Juice Squeeze and carbs, and let me tell you this is taking a toll on the old midsection.

*** Little P. is watching The Shaggy Dog and it is bringing back many fond memories. What is better than Fred McMurray and Annette Funicello?

*** My oldest sister calls Annette Funicello Annette Puddin'-'n'-Jello.

*** Despite my best intentions I cannot get back into exercise or raw food. I want to run in the morning, but it's just too darn dark! And even though I have plenty of veggies in the garden, I've strayed to tea and toast, and the famous three ch's (some of you remember: chips, cheese and chocolate).

*** Mercury has finally gone direct, and on the 15th all this will get straightened out, I hope.

*** I'm contemplating the Master Cleanse.

*** I believe the secret to keeping the fish alive is the air fern I stuck in the water. Though that didn't help the one we got two weeks ago at the Santa Cruz County Fair, that only lasted one day. I guess it's just luck.

more in the garden

2009-09-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an average afternoon harvest.... I have finally pulled out the squash plants, they were dry and sprawling, leaves as big across as my arm. Now the bed is ready for more chard, kale, lettuce and hopefully broccoli. These are currently sprouting on my deck.

I still love the marigolds, glowing like real gold and growing strong.

This sunflower was the sentry of the garden this year. From here it looks as tall as the house! I believe it was easily 15 feet... drooping now, dripping seeds to the delight of the birds.

Here's my favorite pic. It's currently my laptop's desktop (try it!) Can you see the bees?

Little P. got her Halloween costume at Goodwill today. She will be a little witch (snagged a black and glittery dress and hat for only $10). At her request I will be the mama witch.

Did you notice three pictures in a row this time? Prayers work, people!

So many pictures, thoughts, impressions.... I love my little blog. Updating every day has become something to look forward to. Love to all!

garden 2009

2009-09-29T18:41:00.001-07:00

Kale, chard, peppers, marigolds. The flowers in the next bed got tall, then flopped over to make an enchanting tunnel for Black Jack.

The pumpkin vine in the background started out strong, but got mildew halfway through and I lost fruit after fruit. One orange, one still green, but no butternut to speak of.

Maybe next year.

combinations

2009-09-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like putting things together that you normally wouldn't think of. Like these apples and brussel sprouts. Aren't they beautiful? The brussel sprout woman at the Felton Farmer's Market is so cool she doesn't give you any bags. Bring your own, or double up with another selection... like I did here.

Other interesting combinations: honey and almond milk in my coffee. Or a new favorite smoothie: cucumber, mango, and mint. So refreshing!

I saw a cool scarf on a woman yesterday. She had cut a long rectangle of a pretty cotton print and backed it with polar fleece. So simple, yet a great combination. I want to try that.... maybe for Christmas presents.... I want to try some with wool too. Maybe repurpose some old thrift store pieces? I'm all about making stuff for Christmas this year.

I finished a pair of fingerless gloves and have moved on to a hat that I'm working up in my own handspun. Yes Christine I know you can't wait to see them ; )

fish ritual

2009-09-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

You know what happens when we go to the fair..... every year. Believe it or not, this one is still alive (it's been a month and a half!)

Blogger is still being weird. Seems like one picture is OK but more gives me the error alert again. So I will do something I enjoy anyway: simplify.

My house is very VERY clean right now because my in-laws are here. I love it when it's so clean. I have simplified so much that it might seem sparse to some people. Just a few comfortable spots to sit, a favorite picture or two, and my knitting on the coffee table. Ah.

Oooh, did I just say knitting?! Yes, I'm back to knitting and spinning. With University being over I now have the time. I'll show you pictures soon. But just one at a time, apparently.

Today is clean up the garden day. I hope your weekend is delicious.

the sunny side

2009-09-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Oh my Goddess. I had almost given up. For weeks now I only got "Error 400" whenever I tried to post pictures here. I went through the stages of grief... denial (trying to post, over and over and over), anger (many many expletives shouted at the laptop), sadness (I grieved heavily over my little corner of the net that held so many memories; thought seriously about getting it made into a book), and acceptance (maybe it should just be a blog with no pictures?...even attempted to start a Typepad account - but cancelled it quickly due to the perceived learning curve). And now, I'm back!!!!

Not to jinx it or anything..... I may post every day for awhile!!

Thanks for waiting. Hopefully I didn't lose both my readers ; )

frustration

2009-09-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to post for over two weeks. I have wonderful Fair pictures as well as some neat stuff around the house to show you. However, Blogger refuses to publish my pictures, and all blogging seems to have come to an abrupt halt...

I fear an updated service is in order, and indeed, my wireless has been down ever since February, so I hope I don't lose both my readers as I take the time to figure out what's wrong.

miss you *sniff*

meet your meat

2009-09-02T15:52:00.000-07:00

We went to the Monterey County Fair. I love it because it is my childhood. So many fond memories here. I even got my first kiss somewhere out in the livestock barns. ( I was thirteen and had braces.)

Little P. was chagrined to see me eat beef today. "Mom, you are on a RAW diet." She is right. But sometimes we stray. I love to see the 4-Hers with their animals. They take a lot of pride in their work ( and they work hard.) They keep exhaustive records. As a result, they strive to make a profit from ranching (albeit small scale). I wonder if you could eat this way and maintain your good karma?

For instance, if you bought an animal at the 4-H auction, you would pay two to three times the regular wholesale price; yet you would rest assured that these animals had a quality of life far greater than some people!

Well groomed, well cared for, and positively well loved. Though 4-Hers are aware of their charges' fate, they still instill a sense of unconditional love within the hearts of their animals. Could this be because they are children?

Of course, noone is going to eat something this adorable.

Anyway, if you had the freezer space, and felt the need to eat animal flesh, I think this would be the best way to go. Probably economical in the long run, as well.

I am off the raw path somewhat, but feeling OK with my choices for the most part. I get a CSA tomorrow. And yesterday I shared vegetables from the garden with my friends at school.

Life is good.

more horseplay

2009-08-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago we met up at the Santa Cruz Horseman Association Horse Show and Gymkhana. We all got new outfits, spruced up the horses with lots of Show Shine, and trailered out to meet the eighty degree heat.

Looks like Sparky is having a good laugh here, doesn't it? And don't you love ND's new hat?

Little P. did well in showmanship and lead line equitation, but when she wasn't participating in her classes she much preferred playing in the club house. Seems she just doesn't have the horse bug like the rest of us.

But she sure looks cute in the part!

Horsey Girl, on the other hand, (true to her name) rode like a champ the entire day, and pretty much cleaned up in the gymkhana... she won three out of four classes on our fast black horse. I think the members were actually a little shocked! Where did this dynamic duo come from?

Here I am, bringin' it home.... God it felt like I was going a million miles an hour but that 15 year old still beat me.

I guess I'm just not as fearless as I used to be.

goodbye summer

2009-08-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

We celebrated summer's end with a trip to Hidden Beach. It's a locals place that welcomes dogs and always feels right. I had my second (and last) ocean swim for purification, and to help heal the horrific case of poison oak that covered my face. I also took a moment to clean my feet (always terrifyingly black in the summertime) and contemplate my toenails. I realized, after taking off the polish and seeing the whitish, peeling nailbeds, that I hadn't had bare toenails in probably years. So I've decided to go non-toxic for awhile and it feels great.

My swim did me a world of good, not to mention healed my poison oak in 2 days. I emerged feeling refreshed and recharged (but not, unfortunately, quite ready to let the summer go...)

What an amazing summer for Little P.! She can now swim like a fish, ride a bike on her own, and within the last week she has lost BOTH front teeth. (Pictures soon of her First Grade Smile.)

Now we enter the hottest part of our year. The first week of school (starting Monday!) is inevitably hot, sticky and uncomfortable. I wish for my spirit to fly like this kite... staying above it all, cool and collected, bending to the whims of the wind as I take on 23 little Kindergarteners and try to stay sane for the next nine months.

Holding the peace of the ocean in my heart, the strength of the mountains in my being, and the joy of summer memories for the rest of the year....

... until summer returns.

45

2009-08-16T18:31:00.001-07:00

On Friday, I turned forty-five. Yesterday I had a wonderful party to celebrate. First thing in the morning, I got my hair cut. Goodbye, Hippy Mama. I am now sporting adult hair. Interestingly, Nice Dad said it reminded him of pictures he had once seen of me in high school. Anyway, it's an improvement. That, along with a $7 dollar Gap dress and some new/old cowgirl boots, completed the party ensemble.

My biggest girls were in attendance, enjoying the food that I had spent two whole days preparing: deviled eggs, roasted red potatoes, salsa fresca, crudites with dill dip, kalamata tapenade, flax crackers, fresh raw local chevre, and piles and piles of plum jam bars for my birthday "cake".

Good old friends were there, and the music went on and on! Drums came out, along with many candles dispersed among the herbs and flowers.

Many willing children provided delicious entertainment. Sweeter than cake.

And here we have my favorite present. I call her Honey Bunny... she will come along with me to school next week...

But we won't talk about that now, OK? I'm still savoring my dear memories from turning 45.

swimmingly

2009-08-02T12:09:00.001-07:00

Little P. had a spectacular swim lesson experience this summer, advancing from "Starfish" to "Seahorse" to "Dolphin in just a matter of weeks. She has a terrific diving form and a speedy front crawl. We are so proud of her!

After swim lessons we often advance to the local pool for practice.

Redwood Estates Pool is a very unique spot. Set in the beautiful redwoods, it's a "locals only" place to cool down, relax, and catch up with friends. We've been going here for about fifteen years now.

Of course the Snack Shack is one of the popular features. They sell frozen candy bars and microwave popcorn, and Otter Pops are just a quarter each. Nothing says "summer" like three or four hours at the pool, alternating baking in the sun with a few laps (dodging the Marco Polo players) and reading endless library fodder.

And now she only needs the noodle in the deep end.

today was a great day because...

2009-07-30T20:09:00.001-07:00

...I ran (!) two miles without stopping. I've still got it!

...I picked up my CSA box this morning. The ritual of unpacking this treasure chest each week is beyond compare. I relish lifting each fresh, crisp item out and "processing" it into storage. Five heads of lettuce are carefully wrapped in paper napkins to absorb moisture and popped into plastic bags. The tomatoes are mounded onto a favorite plate to add color to the kitchen counter. Tops of carrots and radishes are snipped and fed to the chickens (beet tops are processed like lettuce and savored for smoothies!) Root veggies go into recycled mesh bags and, along with squash and cucumbers, placed into the cooler drawer to stay nice and crisp. Heaven!!!

...this gorgeous bouquet was included in the box, along with a basket of melt in your mouth strawberries.

...I found this runner at my favorite thrift store today (see how perfectly it matches the flowers!), along with this book~a classic for raw foodists. Each item: $1.00.

...I did another yoga class with Jane this evening. She is, I believe, a true midwife for me. She is powerful, confident, warm, funny, and has arms to die for. I want what she's got! What a blessing.

What made your day great?

road trip

2009-07-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

Little P. and I have just arrived home from the Raw Health Expo in Santa Rosa. She was a real trouper, sitting through seven hours of talks and demonstrations, trying some raw specialties at the Exhibit Hall, even munching some kale at the Farmer's Market that someone gave her.

Here I am with Cecilia Benjumea.

Cecilia talked about transitioning to raw foods in a sensible way. She just exudes love and enthusiasm for her subject. My favorite tip was to create four lists (I LOVE lists) of foods, entitled "always", "sometimes", "rarely", "never" according to how often you plan on eating them. I found this tremendously helpful. I personally plan on never eating meat or dairy again. I'm supposed to try this for 30 days and let her know how it went. Doesn't she just glow? I look so red and tense compared to her.

I just bought Cherie Soria's newest book last week. She did a great demonstration using a couple of the recipes. She looks so fantastic, and she has great energy. I would love to check out her school some day; for some reason I can't get the link to work, but it's called the Living Light Institute.

Cherie is very spiritual as well; her second talk was about making your life delicious. She had some great things to say about self-esteem, treating yourself well, and creating the a life of abundance and joy. Can you believe she is 62?! I look older than she does here!

Victoria Boutenko was there, the Green Smoothie Queen herself. I told her how she had changed my life with her formula. She was pretty reserved in person, but quite animated during her demonstration of making green smoothies. I like her scientific approach, and the way she carefully researches all of the information she presents. She even studied chimpanzees for a while. I have to say that the smoothies she made were a little too chunky for my taste. I'm pretty sure I will always peel my mangos. Here I am looking a little puffy.

Overall, it was a great experience. I didn't learn anything new really, not surprising since I have read so very, very many books on the subject. But it was great to meet these inspiring women and rub elbows with people sharing a common goal: eating as clean and fresh as possible, sustaining the planet through our choices, and overall just feeling great.

What did YOU do this weekend?

your dose of cute

2009-07-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

OK, that's all you need.

We got this chick at the feed store. The girl said she was a bantam Silkie (sp?). I call her adorable. Her little feathers stick out all which way and look like angel wings. Here we are teaching her to perch.

It's like having a living powder puff. But she's kind of warm and damp too... like everyone else right now.

Long afternoons have made my tomatoes double their height this last week. It's kind of a crazy explosion down there... time to pick like mad before the new moon.

angels and fairies

2009-07-18T07:39:00.001-07:00

Herm is the guardian of our house. We discovered Herm at our favorite little shop in Noe Valley. Herm watches over everything, sees all and tells nothing. I forgot to light Herm's candle for this picture.

There are fairies in the house too. I caught these two cavorting in the sunbeams. Tricksters!

Fairy dogs are so very special.

mmmmmmm

2009-07-16T17:31:00.001-07:00

Things are heating up this week. We have a little break until swim lessons. The obvious answer? Sprinkler time.

A couple of yoga mats make a cushy landing on the deck. And yes this counts as a bath.

Batik fish flag made at Art Camp.

How are you keeping cool?

and then her head exploded

2009-07-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing my CSA box load from last week. It was so fantastic that I ordered another one yesterday. Yes, I ate (and juiced) it ALL. There was squash, carrots, beets, beans, radishes, six heads of lettuce, fennel, kale, spinach, potatoes, onions, chervil, basil, and huge bunch of sunflowers and (eaten on the way home) two baskets of the most delicious strawberries EVER.

Guess how much? (wait for it) $25.00!

Now you see why I'm getting another one. I feel as if I've found the end of a rainbow...

Some things, like the delicious buttercrunch lettuce, were torn up and devoured. Other pieces went into the juice. I've had 16 oz if fresh juice every day this week (sometimes more).

It tasted as beautiful as it looks.... a rainbow cocktail of minerals and enzymes!

I used the huge bunch of basil and some of the spinach to make pesto. I have so much basil! It's great to use it like this.... simple and fresh on flax crackers or (squash) pasta, or tossed with roasted root vegetables! Mmmmm summer...

The kitchen goddesses smile.

fun yum

2009-07-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Flowers from my garden.

Have you tried blackboard paint?

You should.

This stuff is fun

And fun is good.

Fun and yum come together in my latest cobbler creation. People I have made two of these and both times I ate 90% of it.

For starters, this fits in a pie pan 1/2 the regular size. That way, if it's just you eating it, there's no waste. This recipe is a fusion of recipes from Alissa Cohen, Ani Phyo, and myself.

For the crust:

1 cup dry almonds

1/4 c dates (about 4 - 5)

1/2 t salt

Process until it looks like the picture above. Press 1/2 the mixture flat into the bottom of your pan.

The syrup:

5 -7 dates

1 1/2 T cocnut oil

splash vanilla (purists use beans)

1/3 c water

Blend until smooth. Fold into 3 cups of your fruit of choice: I have tried all apricots (heavenly) and a mixture of apricots, strawberries and plums (also excellent). Next I want to try peaches.

Pour the syrupy fruit into the pan. Pour the other 1/2 of the crust over it and press lightly.

If you are lucky like me, you might have one of these plastic takeout containers - it is exactly the right size, and has a nice lid to keep your treasure safe. Like a little raw cobbler bento.

Please enjoy eating the whole thing. I know I did.

Touch The Spindle

something new

best teacher gifts

nine

kiss the bride

horsey girl

pole bending

princess number one

nice dad eats meat

summit riders

disneyland half marathon

jiffy dress

9 miles on highland road

billy himin

bringing home the bling

my cat (a kindergarten book)

art camp

satchel

will run for pancakes

home grown

in which I win high point

school's out

creature features

farmer's market love

halloween in may

santa cruz weirdness

riding with my daughter

normal

sidelined

mr. handsome

santa cruz half marathon

go green 10k

leprechaun trap

run away

eight is beautiful

f my life

summer highlights

more gaga

in which i win my first buckle

lady gaga

lady gaga

staycation IV

the wittens

staycation III

king

staycation II

staycation I

hawaiian day spa

summer food

waving the flag

summer reading

jack

end of school

joy

busy as a....

district 9 gymkhana

spring

Disneyland

inside my head

spinning around

retoxing

solstice tree

milestones

again with the cleanse

my dorm

brooms

seven

comforts

the sally dress

creativity

autumn hat

i *heart*

the headless horse man

horsey girl

pick a punk

purging

goodbye fannie mae

what's that?

une autre objet

the me I see

i heart