Snow...

Since it isn't likely that we'll have enough snow here to actually contemplate, I thought this poem by Wallace Stevens might take me there. Pretty good imagery...I'm freezing.

The Snow Man

One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;

And have been cold a long time
To behold the junipers shagged with ice,
The spruces rough in the distant glitter

Of the January sun; and not to think
Of any misery in the sound of the wind,
In the sound of a few leaves,

Which is the sound of the land
Full of the same wind
That is blowing in the same bare place

For the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.

A little Winter humor...



Projects!

Normally I love them...and I love making lists of them. But I must admit that right now, I'm feeling a little Holiday stress. I have 16 projects to finish before Christmas. I guess the good news is that they are all in various states of completion. I mean, it isn't like I haven't even started. That's good, right?

I'm slowly getting some things accomplished. My Christmas cards are almost ready to go and I finished a project for sweet Amy...see? Isn't she adorable?



Nevermind that my decorations aren't up yet, much less my tree. Maybe tonight. I'm really excited to pull out all my ornaments. I have some really cute new ones to add this year. There are three neat ones from Disney World. They have ears...so fun!

Last night's list had seven items on it. Unfortunately, I have to carry four of them over to tonight's list. Oh well, better luck tonight!

Lists!

Most of the time I love them. Occassionally they make me feel stressed. And every once in a while, I hate them and want to throw them into a blender on high speed until they're nothing more than pulp. (not to worry, the little bits make excellent spitballs which can be very good ammunition for keeping wayward co-workers in check.)

The blog entry on cubicle warfare will have to come later though, because today I'm loving my lists! Right now, I feel a little like Santa...you know making a list and checking it twice. Though in my case, it's more like making my lists and re-writing and re-arranging them. And it's more than twice. I never seem to mind. They get a little neater and a little more organized each time. And I'm a fan of neat and organized.

Currently I have, let me count them, seven lists:

Shopping list, To-do list, Jam list (you want to be on this one), Packing list, Christmas card list, Project list and my 110 in 2010 list.

This is how I keep my sanity in a time when my life seems to be measured in a series of trips. I actually can't remember the last weekend where I just stayed at home and did nothing. You know the kind of weekend I mean right? The one where you stay in your pj's, and you lay around and watch t.v.? The one where you have nothing at all that must be accomplished? Actually wait, that type of weekend may be a myth. Even on the weekends that I'm at home, there is much to do. The holiday season is coming and I'm in full on project mode. I was thinking that if my recent travels were plotted into a Family Circle cartoon, little Billy would be exhausted.

In the last few months, I've been to Kansas City not once but twice. I've been to Arkansas to see my new nephew - he's super cute. I also got to visit with my Uncle Mike (whom I hadn't seen since I was about five I think). I've been home to Fayette a couple of time. Of course, I've been to Atlanta several times. Most recently, I visited my Dad in Hamilton. Whew! I'm getting winded just writing this. LOL! The coming weeks are no different... Fayette and Arkansas for Christmas, Atlanta for New Year's. Heck, Next year won't be different either...I'm already planning an awesome biking trip with my #1 nephew. You been training Jake?

So, all this brings me back to my orignial point. Which I'm not sure required this lengthy post. Without my lists I'd be lost. So, if you're not a list-maker, maybe you should try it. And go ahead, write in ink. You can always re-write it later if it gets messy. In fact, get yourself a set of colored pens and add some color-coding for extra fun!

Under Construction

I'm still here. It's been awhile, but the blog is getting a revamp. Look for new posts soon!

A poem...

Call of the Trees

I follow the dirt path that slopes gently upward toward the top of a high mountain.
My feet seem to know this place is sublime and they leave only the faintest trace.
Around me tall trees reach up through clouds, I think perhaps they go on forever.
I look more closely. Moss grows on soft bark, cracked with age and weathered.
I breathe in the heady smell of rich, damp earth. My heart quickens it's pace.
A sigh escapes unbidden and I stop. Standing still and light on feet rooted to the ground.
I reach upward, outward, to strong branches opening their arms in a silent, welcoming embrace.
I hear the whisper, so softly. It floats on the breeze and tickles my ear.

My eyelids flutter and close, a soft smile forms.
A slow organic hum begins in my chest and radiates through me.
Slowly, gently, I sway to music heard only by me, only for me.
I have heard the call of the trees and now I must dance.

Florida!

Ok, so it's been a while but yes I'm still breathing. I'm off to Florida this morning to take my Grandmother and Aunt to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle in Jupiter. A moment of silence please to mourn the fact that B couldn't go with us...

A total bummer, but it probably means I won't be arrested in Miami. Well ok, it actually probably means there won't be anybody handy to bail me out of jail in Miami. ;p

I swear there will be postings upon my return, but for now just a quick update:

In the last few weeks I've begun studying for the MAT so that I can hopefully get admitted to graduate school for real. ( I'm really beginning to hate analogies) I made a couple of really cute Mother's Day gifts. I started crocheting a really soft afghan for my new nephew. He's scheduled to arrive in September and given my crafting ADD, it'll take me that long to complete it! I also made a super cute gift for B's half birthday and I'm really excited to give it to her! In fact, I'm stoked that I'll be seeing her (and the fabulous Dee Dee) in just a week! Woohoo!

I spent some delightful moments with the boys. It was a lovely day out and they are so curious about the world around them. They had the best time picking some berries and I even got some pretty good pictures. They are growing so fast!

The new Green Day album dropped AND Drew secured tickets to the August 1st show (yeah, he rocks!) If you have to ask if it's playing right now, then you don't know me well enough. I'm trying to see how much I can take before I simply explode! I'm addicted...wonder if my Grandmother will like Green Day?

I worked through another successful graduation ceremony. Actually, thanks to a suggestion from Heather (which she herself skipped) my feet didn't even hurt that badly. She said we should change shoes halfway through and it really helped...should have taken your own advice girl!

Other than that, I've just been enjoying time with friends and prepping for this trip. Let's hope I survive! Have a great week everyone! See you soon!

Some random pics from the last few weeks:

It's just a lazy Saturday

Mmm...sunlight streaming in through the bedroom window. Blue skies, warm weather. And absolutely no schedule. I love lazy days! Do something fun, or nothing at all days. Get dressed or don't days. Haven't a care, take it easy days. And this day is definitely one of those! So far this lovely Spring day I've lingered in bed, had a delightful conversation with a friend, opened all the windows, enjoyed the smell of fresh cut grass, shopped online for beads, placed my stamp club order, had some juice, and made plans to see the two cutest boys ever! All without getting out of my jammies. What's next? Who knows? But it'll be whatever I want it to be. Ah, the sheer joy and anticipation of an unwritten story! Maybe I'll go rock out to my iPod playlist in the shower, get some breakfast and crop with a friend...yeah, that sounds nice. Wonder if I can stretch this lazy day into the next one? Don't know, but I think the Sunday NY Times, a bagel, juice and some fresh air would be a good start. Enjoy your weekend!

California Dreamin'

Okay, so it's a cheesy title. But the last few days I've been longing to be there. I hate planes, but I might have to get on one. After all, I have some pretty fabulous memories of a perfect day at the beach and trees that take my breath away. And I still smile so wide it hurts when I think about ZinZanni. Then again, Georgia is great too. Scrapbook stores and small town main street shops. Maybe I don't have to get on a plane, I could just get into a car. Or, come to think of it, Alabama is nice place. Especially Tuscaloosa. College town with really good salad rolls and a serious addiction to Football. Maybe I don't even have to get into a car? Maybe, just maybe - somebody else could get on a plane and then into a car? You hear me B? I miss my BFF! Come home and listen to Green Day with me!

a poem...

It has been a day of sadness and reflection. I've been thinking about relationships today...some you're born with, some you marry into. Some are simply the result of fortunate circumstances, some you openly choose. Some are casual, some as necessary as air. Some are constant, while others not so. All though, are a part of your circle. They are the links that hold you steady when the earth moves tumultuously beneath you. They are the people that share and expand your joy and divide and diminish your sorrows.

So to all who are a part of my circle; no matter how we are separated by time or distance, as always, I am holding you in my heart.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart) i am never without it(anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world(for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart) ee cummings

ARE YOU READY?

Some days...

A good laugh really hits the spot! This may be especially true on Mondays when you are exceptionally irritated by a fascist software program. Hmm, I might have been a little frustrated today when I sent a message to a friend in the north to ask for assistance with said software program. I guess he could tell, because he sent me a message back saying he’d check into the problem and while I wait, here’s something funny to read:

http://xkcd.com/99/

This webcomic is great! I don’t pretend to get them all (especially the math ones – funny, I think I like them best) This one cracks me up:

I love, love, LOVE the geekiness! But then, that isn’t really surprising is it? Be sure to read the warning at the bottom of the page!

Happy Day Everyone!

It's Friday!

Time to do the happy dance....



Come on, you know you want to! Hope everyone has a great weekend! Get outside and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather! I know I will...

Did you ever just know...

It was going to be one of those days? I knew it the minute I opened my eyes and had my first thought of the morning. I just knew it would be better if I just stayed under the covers. I put my feet on the floor anyway. I trudge off to the bathroom to get on with the morning routine. Dressed, shrug into a coat, grab the keys and pick up a tote on the way out the door. All the while, one pressing question is rolling around in my brain: Why? Well, because it’s only Thursday…just another Thursday. Good news though, tomorrow’s Friday.

Fun with Wordle...

So here's a really fun time waster... www.wordle.net

This site allows you to create a visual representation of a block of text. Try a list of your favorite things or the words/lyrics of a favorite poem or song.

Since today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Seuss, check out this blog post:

http://cartoonoveranalyzations.com/2009/02/13/fun-with-dr-seuss-and-wordle/

Here's a few I created today:

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/605171/YGM

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/605032/Basketcase

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/605106/I_take_Master_Card

Snow?

In Alabama? In March? Of course...I totally expected that. I wasn't skeptical at all. When the weatherman predicted snow for today, I didn't say "I'll believe it when I see it". I never once thought that this was a ploy to boost sales of milk and bread. Ok, well, so I did think and say all of these things, but who can blame me really? It's not very often we see actual snow accumulation on the ground here, even if it is only on the grassy areas. Normally, we just get a few flurries that melt before contact. Or, more often - freezing rain. But today...now those are some pretty flakes. My friend Ash woke me early this morning on her way to work to alert me to the rare occurrence. I looked out the window and noticed that a white blanket had been laid across the lawn. The top of my car was covered too. I marveled. I smiled. I took it in. Then I got back in my nice warm bed. After an hour or so of snuggling in the covers and watching the television, I decided it was time for juice. On went the slippers and sweater and off to the kitchen I went. I snuck a peak out the kitchen window while getting down a juice glass and I could not believe it...the snow was STILL on the ground. It hadn't melted as I fully expected it to do. In fact the white blanket had become a fluffy down comforter! Now I was overcome with the need to go OUTSIDE! So I did, in my jammies and slippers. (I put on a coat Mamaw - don't worry I knew you didn't want me to "catch my death of cold") Anyway, I stepped out onto my little porch just as my neighbor stepped out onto to his. We looked at each other for second, each in our pajamas, and laughed. You'd think we'd never seen snow before. I snapped several shots before my freezing fingers and nose forced me inside. I opened all the blinds though, so I could watch the show. Every now and then I'd glance out and note something else new. You can barely see any color on the cars in the parking lot and snow has piled up in mini drifts on leaves and branches. Everywhere it touches the snow creates a brilliant contrast. Light and shadow. Depth. Occasionally a branch gets heavy and I see it spill its contents onto the ground. At last check I noticed that the sun is peaking out, making the world especially bright. Someone has taken a trek across the lawn leaving footprints. The snow has all but stopped and soon the dripping will start. Ah well, it was nice while it lasted...really beautiful actually. Maybe I'll actually go have that juice now.

J-E-L-L-O

If you read the title letter by letter, then I'm sure you already have the jingle stuck in your head. Sorry about that! I was watching an episode of Unwrapped the other night. Big surprise, I know, all I ever watch anymore is FOOD network, sometimes HGTV and frequently You've Got Mail. I think I'm happier for it...my dreams are nicer anyway. But I digress. I was watching Marc Summers (of Double Dare fame - shut-up you know you watched it too.) narrate a journey through how some old school snacks and treats are made. Among them Funyuns, Macaroons and Marshmallow Fluff...if you haven't had a pb&f sandwich, you should - it's yummy! Did you know that Fluff has been around for over 90 years and there was a whole festival to celebrate? What the Fluff? That's the slogan on the posters and t-shirts. But, I digress again. The thing in this episode that really pushed my nostalgia button was the segment on JELL-O. Now, I've consumed a lot of this jiggly treat in my lifetime, but most of it was before I became a teenager.

There was a slight re-kindling in college (I'm sure you know how I liked JELL-O then).

Now, I can admit that I still enjoy this treat from time to time (black cherry is my favorite flavor) but usually it's when I want a "comfort food" and I prefer it have some fruit in it. When I was younger though, I enjoyed all things JELL-O. In fact, the fun started when my grandmother pulled out the shallow milk glass bowl she always made the stuff in. I was allowed to help which meant I could put in the cold water after she put in the hot. Incidently, after the cold water goes in, it's just the right temp for drinking. I could take my small coffee cup {side note: Yes, I was allowed to drink coffee and I grew up just fine despite all warnings that it would "stunt my growth". Besides, if you know me at all, then you know it was really sweetened milk flavored with coffee.} Sheesh, I really can't stay on track today, what was I saying? Oh right, I could take my cup and dip it once into the bowl and drink the liquid confection. Liquid gelatin has an interesting texture. Smooth and sort of velvety. Once Mamaw discovered I was going to insist on having some of the JELL-O before it made it to the fridge, she started making double batches. Now, a little JELL-O history lesson. It got it's start in 1845, but didn't really become the JELL-O we know and love until it was sold to Orator Woodward in 1899 for $450. Come with me if you will...Behind the Wiggle! And just in case I don't bore you to tears and you want to know more, click here: http://brands.kraftfoods.com/jello/explore/history/ There were originally four flavors: strawberry, rasberry, lemon and orange...hmm, no cherry. The first ad was placed in Ladies Home Journal in 1902 and it boasted that JELL-O was "America's Most Famous Dessert". In 1904 the JELL-O girl first appeared and in 1908 came the Kewpie doll ads. There were some really great print ads through the years by some pretty famous artists including Norman Rockwell.



Did you know that JELL-O was served to immigrants entering Ellis Island in NYC as a "Welcome to America"? JELL-O has enjoyed a wealth of success with new products over the years. There have been many flavors, some more successful than others. Cola, for example was short-lived, but strawberry has pretty much been always been America's favorite flavor. And of course, there's pudding...and here my nostalgia button gets tweaked again. Bill Cosby. Pudding Pops. Picture Pages. I mean, come on, who could resist frozen pudding on a stick!? Ah, those were the days. Wow, makes me want to buy some...you can still get them, but they're not flat like you remember. They're sold under the Popsicle label and they're round and not quite the same, but they taste like 1983 to me! If you're really into retro authentic, and if you love pudding pops and being in the kitchen the way I do, you could just make some! http://culinarilyobsessed.blogspot.com/2006/07/j-e-l-l-o.html

P.S. Apparently there isn't much you can't do with JELL-O as evidenced by the ingenuity of one Liz Hickok. Click here, really! http://www.lizhickok.com/portfolio_jello.html

Hmm...is it bad that I'm always waxing nostalgic over food?

DO NOT call me Auntie Rae Rae...

Just Aunt Rachel will do. It's official! My brave and unquestionably crazy sister is having a baby! All those diapers and bottles, whew! Congratulations Jenn! Don't forget that you told me I could name the baby...well ok, maybe I dreamed that (or begged relentlessly) - but I still think it's a good idea! I can't believe you're starting over, but I know you'll do great and I expect that mom will nag you enough for both of us (sorry mom!) so I'm going ahead and assuming the role of "fun Aunt Rachel" I'm fun, right Jake? And I'm cool too, don't you think so Nikki? Betcha baby Wray will think I'm awesome! Jenn is journaling her pregnancy on a blog, so if you want to see what's up, click here:

http://babywray.blogspot.com/

Greetings from Kansas City...

Well, Overland Park anyway.

So I know it’s been a while but in my defense things have been C-R-A-Z-Y in a hectic sort of way. In the last few weeks, I’ve been working on finishing up some craft projects. Still have a couple that aren’t done…oh well, I’ve already been forgiven. I’ve visited my grandmother and B. I packed and moved my office to swing space due to renovations at Student Services. (I have a door now! Maybe they’ll let me stay?) The big stuff has happened at home though. With a lot of help and hard work it’s actually feeling like a home. The dining room furniture got moved in and loaded (mostly). It’s all antiques from home. I bought a couch. And a chair. Yes, that’s right I did. And now I can mark off #6! It looks great and I just love it. I organized my scrap room and purged all the things I didn’t think I’d be using in the next 3 months (#66). That was my yardstick for what to get rid of. Don’t worry, it’s all gone to the stash of one soon to be very awesome scrapper! More household improvements are yet to come. Soon there will be bookshelves full of books and knick knacks. And because I have the most awesome BFF in the world, there will be window coverings! Coming home after this trip will be a joy. I’ve never liked coming home to a mess and for the first time in a long while, I won’t be. As soon as I get home, I’ll post the before and after pics as promised.

This past weekend was wonderful and relaxing. B and Dee Dee came for a visit and we had a grand time. We had dinner at mine and B’s favorite T-town restaurant with some other friends and then went to the gym meet (#33). Roll Tide! We took a driving tour of campus and had good sushi on Saturday. Sunday we tried out Kobe for the first time (#59). Then Dee Dee and I got a puzzle at Barnes and Noble. Boy, that’s a lot of eating out…we really ARE all about the food! I really enjoyed the visit and can’t wait for more fun!

I’m spending this week in Kansas for Ad Astra training. That’s right folks, I got on a plane in BHM, flew to ATL and then on to Kansas City International. We all know how much I love to fly…ugh, so unnatural. But, I’m here and today the weather as just beautiful! After training, I went to Town Center Plaza for a little shopping. Tomorrow, I’ll be headed downtown for some Blues and BBQ! People here are really friendly and helpful…I haven’t opened a door myself yet. Hmmm, they’re just as friendly as Southerners, they just don’t have twangy accents. We drove past a Walmart today on the way from the hotel to Ad Astra and I noticed that it looked a little different…less like a mega store and more like a shop. Then I noticed that the underneath WALMART on the side of the building, it said Neighborhood Market. I almost wanted to go inside to see what else might be different. I know I’ve never thought of Walmart as a neighborhood market.

For those of you who are wondering, Astra Schedule is the software UA uses to schedule academic and event spaces. I work with it on a daily basis which makes this training very valuable to me. I’ve learned a lot already and I fully expect to be an expert by the end of the week! If you’re like me, you might also be curious about why the company is called Ad Astra. And even if you aren’t, I’m about to tell you. This is a Kansas based company and the name is taken from the state motto which is “Ad Astra per Aspera” which means “to the stars through difficulties”. Other fun facts about Kansas: it’s the Sunflower State, that’s the state flower of course. The western meadowlark is the state bird (SG, think you could spot that bird on a wire at 100 yards?) and the buffalo is the state animal. No surprises there, but did you know that they also have a state reptile (the barred tiger salamander) and a state insect (the honeybee)?

Hope you all have a good week and until Friday, I’ll be:

Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all day.

Sweet! #38 is done...

Okay, in case you haven’t noticed I’ve posted my 109 in 2009 list.  The link is under About Me on the right if you’d like to see the whole list.  So, I’m feeling pretty proud of myself because I’ve managed to complete something before the list was even completely done.  And no, I didn’t do it and then put it on the list.  Sheesh, sometimes I do feel like I need a headstart, and I have been known to put completed things on a list just so I can cross them off (you should try it, it’s VERY satisfying) but this list is different and I’m not that desperate! LOL!

My friend Irasema has been teaching me to crochet with some amount of success.  I started back in October with the basics and I’ve made several scarves.  Iras makes the cutest little things.  Crochet is something that has just clicked for her and she’s really great at it.  If you’d like to see some of the things she’s made, check out this post on her blog: http://iamirasema.blogspot.com/2008/11/crafty-update.html

Now, #38 Make an Amigurumi

An amigurumi is a small Japanese stuffed toy with a high cuteness factor.  For more info consult the all-knowing wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amigurumi

I’ve wanted to make one for a while and I decided that it was time to graduate from scarves.  So, I made an Octopus.  Isn’t he cute!?  Yay me!  And Irasema!  It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be and I think that’s because I have an excellent teacher!  Can’t wait to make something else…oh no, is this another addiction forming?!  I hope so!

I'm just a crafty girl

So, before Christmas I posted a list of all the projects I was trying to complete for the holidays. I would say that I did fairly well, there are still a few incomplete items but my friends are so patient. I wanted to share with you a few of the projects I did complete, cause they're so stinkin' cute!

All in all, I made five calendars. I used a Basic Grey calendar kit for three of them and they were so neat. Here's an example of some of the pages in GG's calendar:



I made a couple of cute picture frames for Granny:



I also finished a quilted ornament ball, maybe I shouldn't say I have three others in various stages of completion? Oh well, maybe next Christmas!



I made several notebooks like this one:



But my favorite thing I've made recently is this super fun game for B. I'll make her Southern eventually, just give me time! I had a great time making this mostly because I knew it would make her smile and laugh out loud!



Hope you are all enjoying the New Year! Don't forget to make time to get your craft on!

Happy New Year!

I decided this year that that the traditional New Year's Resolutions I usually make just won't do. So I'm trying something a little different. This year, instead of resolving TO DO something, I'm making a short list of things NOT TO DO. So here they are, three simple things that will make 2009 a grand year... if I can just NOT DO THEM.

1. This year I am not going to be so critical of myself. I think it's time that I give myself the same kindness, support and acceptance that I give to others.

2. I will not push myself to the brink of exhaustion just because I feel there are things I must do right now. I won't skip sleeping in order to obsessively clean my apartment before company arrives. I will remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and my apartment is already my home. It doesn't need to be perfect right this moment.

3. I will not allow my need for goals and lists to rule my life. Goals and lists are just ideas on paper to assist me with day to day life. They are not written in stone and I will change and alter them as necessary in order to maintain balance.

Okay, so I did also make a list of things TO DO - of course I did, I do love lists! It's a fun list though. Here's a snippet:

Travel! DC, back to Blue Ridge, wherever!

Tuesday night yarn group - learn to crochet something besides a scarf

Take a pottery class

Write

Do something silly every day

Project 365 - http://www.photoblog.com/rachgivens