Reasons I Love...

I want to live an art life

2011-09-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Of the many things going on in my life right now my favorite things revolve around... for lack of a better word... art.

There is a certain quality that speaks to my soul. And I love it. I don't yet know exactly what it is, but I see it in many documentaries, contemporary art, specific music, graphic design and occasionally I see its potential in the world. I call it art, because I don't have a better word.

I don't have the skills to take that potential for art that I see in the world and express it properly, but I appreciate when others can. Hence, the hours spent on Pinterest.

I want the elements of these things in my life. Things that are stirring and thoughtful. Deep roots. Resonating. Unscripted. Visceral. Things that are genuine. Things that last. Connections.

I am tired of shallow. Tired of mean coarseness and vulgarity.

I love reading the blogs of people who are eloquent or clever or just plan good writers. I am frustrated that I cannot explain myself well.

Confession: I really loved the first season of the Work of Art- the Next Great Artist from Bravo (and I am excited for the second season beginning soon). I liked to see the different ways the artists interpreted the tasks. There are a few pieces I loved, and I remember loving them not because I completely understood them, but because of how they made me feel.
You know how all the reality contest shows have a slogan for when they give the eliminated contestant the boot? For this one it was something like... Great art makes you feel something, and your work didn't make us feel anything... or something like that. That has become my definition for art- something that makes you feel something.

So that's what I want. I want to invite that great art feeling into my life.

Here are a few places I have found it recently. Enjoy!

The short film Flawed

Any of the StoryCorps films.

This one made me laugh.

Miss Divine

The work of Shea Hembrey

Check out his TED talk

The music of the White Lies is the sound of my heart right now.

This is the video from the song Bigger Than Us

The Commission Project by Paul Ferney is fantastic

The paintings of Pixie Campbell

Let me introduce you...

2011-09-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

This is my dad.

This photo is from when he was employee of the month at the Flamingo. He worked in the security department for over 20 years.

This is one of my favorite pictures of dad. It is from when he lived in Kinderhook in upstate New York. I have had this picture sitting on my desk for years.

This was actually a recent find. I just love it, because often baby pictures don't look much like the adult person, but for me I see my dad in this little person. Mostly in his eyes, the little bags under them. Plus, the smile.

This is from a camping trip... I think at Big Bear.

Here is a school picture. I like that it is dated and tells his school.

This one is from Disneyland. Dad took us there lots. Despite his back and neck pain he was a good sport and loved the rides as much as we did. We also always made sure to eat at the Blue Bayou, another of his favorites.

Found these old photos.

2011-09-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Doing a little file retrieving and found these old photos.

This one is my favorite. It is my grandma and grandpa in Everett, WA right after they got married and grandpa was deployed to Hawaii.

This one is years latter (plus two kids latter) in Hawaii. Grandma took up hula. She loved it so much she taught hula lessons. I still remember her showing me some moves when I would visit her in Provo.

worst Summer of my life

2011-08-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

This has been the worst summer of my life. Without question.

The first day after school was out (Saturday, June 11). My dad killed himself.

It was terribly hard. It is terribly hard.

That was June.

In July, I had to take some on-line classes for my Master's. I would have put them off, but I had put them off for too long. I must renew my teaching license. I have to keep my job.

These classes have kicked my butt. I don't know if my mental state has me thinking stupid, or if these classes are just getting harder. They certainly don't just give these Master's degrees away.

It has been so hard.

Plus, there has been Ben. He graduated 10 days after dad died. He spend most of his time at his girlfriends and is going to go to the University of Arkansas. Getting ready for that has been a whole new kind of stress.

I did take a few "run away" trips to La Jolla, plus a 3 day trip with mom, Ben, and Annalise to Arkansas for the new student orientation.

Here are a few pictures from these last few months.

Why yes, yes I have gained weigh this summer.

SEACAMP 2011

2011-05-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time. I could dive into it all... dad in (then out of) hospital, subsequent lifestyle changes, various major stresses at work (yea, most of them are self- inflicted. Why can I not do things half-way?), the pollen count sucking my motivation to do anything but lay in bed... but I won't.
Mainly I have been so busy and haven't taken a lot of pictures, and I feel photos are essential in blogs, especially for those of us who are not skilled in writing.

So I have some pictures to share...

Some crazy creature from the reptile house at the San Diego Zoo.

Usually I don't post photos of the kiddos, but this one was my VERY favorite. I cracked up COMPLETELY once I saw the payback. HILARIOUS. If you are interested, this was her reaction to hearing that we were going to lunch next.

We got to the hippo right as he finished his nap and he had a MIGHTY yawn.

Okay, this one starts with a story. One of the SEACAMP staff is also a part time photographer. We got to chatting photog stuff and he let me try out one of his lenses. It was a Canon 300 mm. I fell in LOVE with that lens. It was fabulous on the landscape shots and on the portraits. It would be perfect for me because my candid portraits are so much better than the other ones. I was taking some great shots of the kiddos from about 25 feet away. Total paparazzi. And it was great.

This is the photog staffer holding some giant kelp.

The waves were amazing.

The kids wanted me to take pictures of all the animals they got to interact with...

or disect.

walking to the tide pools.

The desert kids get to hang out at the ocean.

Tide pools at La Jolla.

Green anemones.

Riding the curl at La Jolla Shores on Mother's Day.

Undecided

2011-03-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

Oh, the mixed emotions when they turn a beloved book into a movie. This time it is my very-most*above-the-rest*tattooed-on-my-heart favorite book Atlas Shrugged.
I saw the preview tonight. Undecided. It is such a massive, remarkable book and they are clearly focusing on one aspect. I like that it isn't a cast of huge stars. The actress portraying Dagny seems alright (much better than the rumor I heard for YEARS that Angelina Jolie would play her). Oh, but it is so weird to see the people and places from your imagination in actual pictures. The book was published in the 50's so I picture everything in a 1940-50 look. Almost like an old film reel. I wanna see the iconic fashion, cars, hairstyles, etc. It's weird to see a modern take on it.

Take a look for yourself.

How I spent President's day

2011-02-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Plan A: Go on a hike a Mt Charleston. As I drove higher and higher the temperature became lower and lower. Funny, it didn't look so snowy from in town.

itouch photos:

So, over a foot of fresh powder and LOTS of people...

Plan B: Hike at Red Rock.

Still chilly, and LOTS of people, but no snow.

ice box canyon

Lichen: a sure sign of clean air.

There was major snow runoff coming off the top of that mountain top.

The sun hit it just right and it shone like silver.

You never see moss in Vegas, but here it is!

Water hazard

Begin the Second-Hand Revolution!

2011-02-19T23:53:00.000-08:00

I am sick of retail.

I don't wanna buy new things.

I want to buy used things.

Part good-for-earth, part get-rid-of-50-things, part fill-your-life-with-things-with-character, part I-wanna-support-second-hand

I am trying to keep this in mind as I engage in retail therapy. Sure, it is impractical to buy everything second-hand, but I am trying for at least the things that are meant to last.

Today I wanted to get a big glass canister to keep the generic cereals (you know, the ones in the bags). Sure, I could go to an ordinary store and buy it, but that just perpetuates the making-machines to make more things. Instead, I went to the antique shop and after a bit of hunting, and nearly buying, like, three stoneware crocks (boy, I'm a sucker for those!) I found one that will work. $25

Later I was in a retail store (for waxed paper and, turns out, a magazine) and found almost the same thing for $10. Dang!

reasons I love 02.13.11

2011-02-13T16:34:00.000-08:00

Image by: Georgianna Lane

Half Camping

2011-02-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

Half Camping is a great thing. It is spending the afternoon and evening at the camp site, but then, when it is time for bed... I drive home and sleep in my own bed. It's great!

Best part(s): Teasing the children, watching the cutest kangaroo rats (the most daring being Hollister), hot rocks, and s'mores with coconut marshmallows.

Worst part(s): not having my guitar to play (or have played by those more highly skilled), the campfire smell that got into everything, the cold.

The joke that just got better all night long:

"This is the best idea EVER... camping in JANUARY"

Please pardon the massive amount of photos...note to self: The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Ben. Playing Monopoly on his itouch.

The group site "E" at Red Rock.

Rosie cookin' her dinner.

Rosie with crazy eyes

Mi papa.

Ben. Lookin' like a StarWars creature.

Rosie and the not so creepy doll.

Unpictured: the very creepy doll.

Nathan. Probably listening to Ben in awe, again.

L to R. Rosie, Nathan, Frank, Stephen, Craig, Jory, Ben

Ben's friends joined us

Marlene and Maris came too. That's Marlene, under all the blankets... even with that she was still cold. Like I said: camping in January, GREEAATTT idea.

A group shot with me. Taken in "auto" and not very great. Just goes to show you the best camera is not the key to the best photo.

The plucky Ben

The sophisticated Stephen

The charming Craig

The never-catch-me-smiling Nathan

Fireside chess

Space heater

Hollister, the kangaroo rat.

Did you know kangaroo rats can live their whole lives without drinking water? I learned that in 3rd grade.

The illusive Marlene emerges from her chrysalis driven by a desire for s'more.

Reasons I love 02. 06. 11

2011-02-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

In the fields of stars by InmostLight

CAMP: a delight

2011-02-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Camp is an aesthetic sensibility wherein something is appealing because of its bad taste and ironic value.
Celebrities that are associated with camp personas include drag queens and performers such as Dame Edna, Divine (Glen Milstead), RuPaul, and Liberace.
Mentos television commercials during the 1990s developed a cult following due to their camp "Eurotrash" humour.

reasons I love 01. 30. 11

2011-01-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

Float By Alicia Bock

Shopping Spree for Me

2011-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

I love Roots. Ever since the Canadian company outfitted the US and Canadian Olympic teams in Salt Lake I have been a fan. I love the athletic wear. This weekend I checked out their SALE page and found some good deals. I can't wait till they arrive!

Reasons I love 01. 23. 11

2011-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Pine seeding by frankphotos

Oh joy!

2011-01-17T22:44:00.001-08:00

I fit into Levi's!

I've never fit into Levi's

Better yet, I got them at DI for $7.00!

Reasons I love 01. 16. 11

2011-01-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Jump by Thomas Prior available at 20x200

I love Masterpiece Classics

2011-01-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

We have a new series...

Yippee!

I liked the first episode Sunday. Great cast. Awkward moment: the dude-on-dude action by my beloved Charlie Cox.
Despite this I am anxious to see the next episode.

Reasons I love 01. 09. 11

2011-01-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Snow by ~Leesa at Flickr

Ideas for girls' camp

2011-01-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

There will be lots of things that are going to be different this year at girls' camp. We haven't had a meeting yet, so I don't know the theme or anything, but I have started brainstorming.
I was thinking of doing some DIY reusable lunch bags for secret sister mailboxes. Sew a loop on the back, hang them from a clothes line and voila.

Link here

I also thought to have the girls make felted scarves. This one will depend on the temperature. If it's nice and warm, I'm for it, but if it's cold... we won't want to be up to our elbows in soapy water.

link here and Link here

ALternative...knitting a scarf. I have considered this in the past, but put it off for a few reasons. Mostly I didn't like the idea of all that yarn and all that DIRT. Not the best combo. But maybe the little bits of dirt and twigs that will surely be woven in will be happy little momentoes of a wonderful year at camp. Stranger things have happened.

Link here and Link here

Next, friendship bracelets were pretty popular last year, and since they are so totally inexpensive I think I got to bring up a box full of embroidery thread.

Well, that's what I got for now.

Friday I'm in love

2011-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Friends!

2011-01-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Made this page last night as I watched the House of 3 live webshow.

"re" words are very good for the new year.

I was looking though some magazines and such and found them everywhere. Some are apt and some are weird, but I included them anyway. I wanted to include a bit of dictionary page, but I couldn't find my trusty rib-me-up dictionary. I settled for an old almanac, flipped to the famous folks section and found such "re's" as Redford, Robert; Redgrave, Vanessa; and Reed, Oliver.

My favorite part...

Printed on the cover of my World Almanac were the words:

Annually revised and updated.

So perfect for the new year!

snapshot 01. 03. 11

2011-01-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Snapshot 01. 01. 11

2011-01-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

watching: BBC's North and South. Team Thornton!
listening to: Kings of Leon, Come Around Sundown
eating: my favorite restaurant Craftsteak... this time with Mar and Maris. I recommend the short ribs.

Reasons I love 01. 02. 11

2011-01-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Inspired by my current favorite blog.

#17 my xmas tradition is a long long photo-op walk 12-10) found via Flickr at nolehace's photostream

Really hoped to post these before the new year

2011-01-02T01:26:00.001-08:00

This holiday season found me with a strong urge to make things. I spend the weeks leading up to Christmas "elfing", as they say. Here are a few of the things I made for gifts and to make merry.

This banner was inspired by the fabulous decorations from Spark no.2.

Loved these little beauties I saw on Etsy, so I went to the store, bought a chain and a tool. Add some crazy glue and we're golden.

Made this one after I watched my Martha Stewart Holiday DVD. Find out more here.

I hung my favorite... paper snowflakes... everywhere.

I liked the look of votives in canning jars partly filled with salt, as seen in the gifted magazine

Mine didn't look quite the same, but fun anyhow.

This was another fabulous way to use my newest delight for this holiday season. I bought a whole spool of Baker's twine at Crate and Barrel and loved using it for any and everything this year. Then I happened upon this blog post and couldn't resist. Although I substituted the fancy clay for ordinary Play-dough.

These cake pops were a huge holiday hit. I made them for my coworkers, my book buddies, and the ladies I visit teach. I had fun making 3 batches at once at Marlene's while watching Eclipse. My friend Stephanie has a great how-to on her blog here, although I would add that after you mix the cake crumbs and icing you should chill the dough... to sticky otherwise. If you add the sticks, I recommend dipping candy coating them then adding the stick. Mine just fell right off when I stuck them then tried to coat them.

I made lots of scarves for my friends. Some were junky and buttery, some were light and airy. I used BIG knitting needles (US 50) and some of the yard I have been collecting (collecting, but never using... yes, I have a yarn problem). Tempted as I was to buy new yarn, I forced myself to use what I have. The one you see above was made for Maris.

These button necklaces took a bit of trial and error, but in the end I think they turned out rather nice. Another gift idea from the Martha Stewart Holiday DVD. Check them out here.

2011-01-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Turns out...3. In between texting and hilarious bickering they were able to pull it off. Note to self, this was very entertaining... I need to ask the boys to do something like this again. Maybe dying Easter eggs or arranging flowers.

Looks good to me.

Merry Christmas with mom

2010-12-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

We went to Costco and bought all sorts of tasty treats (no real theme, just an eclectic group of yum).

2010-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is here.

Mom's Tree.

Meet Ben the elf.

He is goofy.

He has a sense of adventure.

Joy to the world!

2010-12-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

The Redrock Stake Nativity Pageant

O Holy Night

no room in the inn

angels we have heard on high

oh, come let us adore him!

let earth receive her king

wise men still seek him.

Tall, skinny Santas

2010-12-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

All is calm, all is bright.

2010-12-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

The first night with my new camera found me watching a movie at Mom's. She was going through some of my grandpa's hand written, loose leaf journal pages. Things talking about where he was on certain dates. He was in Hawaii on the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. Mom was quite touched by these pages.

We have their passports too. There is my mom... on my grandma's lap.

Grandpa.

Brego.

Shadow.

Deckin' dem halls

2010-11-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the master tree-setter-upper Ben, and a couple of his friends, we had the tree up in no time. When his friends complimented Ben on how skilled he was at putting up the tree he proudly told them it has been his job since he was about 7.

The master, showing the others how it is done.

Some were better "fluffers" than others.

You may see a Christmas tree, but I see an exciting opportunity for low light experimenting.

2010-11-27T16:40:00.001-08:00

It is so weird that i could be totally not hungry, then after i place my order... Starved. What's up with that?

Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Thanksgiving. I love doing the cooking. I love having the parade on. I loved having company over this year. It gave me an excuse to get cloth napkins and new glasses and to boss the boys into cleaning up. Plus, Marlene brought over PIES. Yum. I especially loved the homemade apple pie. Thanks for requesting it Maris!

A glimpse behind the scenes.

Me in the mix.

Watching the parade.

While the bird is in the oven, a little chess break. Ben kicked my sorry tail.

YUM!

YUM 2.0!

Thanks.

It's offical

2010-11-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

My Canon Rebel TXI is for sale. $400. Let me know if you are interested.

What is your BIG, CRAZY DREAM?

2010-11-15T18:59:00.000-08:00

I didn't know I had one... well, I had an old one from my high school days, but I am not passionate about that anymore.

If I could do anything (besides superpowers... 'cause you KNOW I would be all over teleportation) I would want to be a landscape photographer.

Someone who travels and takes beautiful pictures of beautiful places.

I would love to take great pictures and have them HUGE like the murals on allposters.com

I don't know where this dream fits into my life right now, but there it is.

Things I have learned about meditation... so far

2010-11-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Let me begin with a few quotes:
"In prayer you communicate with God, in meditation God communicates with you." - unknown

"Sleep is the best meditation."

Dalai Lama

"Meditation is painful in the beginning but it bestows immortal Bliss and supreme joy in the end." Swami Sivananda

I know the first part of the wise Swami's words are true. In the beginning of my practice of meditation I was focused much on the physical. Actually just sitting up straight is painful after 10 minutes.

I have noticed my back and other core muscles are much stronger from just sitting there. Plus, I can sit longer and longer as I practice. Yesterday I made the jump from 25 minutes to 30, but boy, that last 5 minutes was KILLER.

I know you cannot get deep into the mental part of meditation when you are in pain, so I accept that in the beginning most of it is physical conditioning. Maybe 75% physical 25% mental.

As far as the mental parts go, I try to be real zen and centered. Try to quiet my monkey mind, and be real open. But the thoughts always come. I try to acknowledge them, but let them pass like a butterfly, and not pursue them like a monkey might.

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Bruce Lee

This is real hard. All sorts of to-do lists come up. I remind myself that "If it is truly important it the idea will return to me later."

I have had some awesome, sort of heart opening moments.

I've experimented with different mudras and mantras. I like some more than others.

Lots of what I read is not specific, like "this is the RIGHT way to meditate." And many things I read encourage experimenting.

I like to start with a few minutes and a notepad. Not really meditating, but just to write down all those thoughts that come to me as I begin to settle my mind. This really helps reduce the to-dos that come up. It is also kinda nice to really pray before I start.

There is a helpful app for meditation.

This is nice, because I keeps me from stressing about how much time I have left.

My legs ALWAYS fall asleep. I set my timer to chime at 5 minute intervals, so I can switch my legs. It helps some, but they always fall asleep anyway.

Plus, I always need a few minutes after to let the blood run back into my legs. Sitting there with my legs stretched out all pins-and-needley. I have been known to sudoku during this time.

So, that is probably way more than you cared to know, and you probably stopped reading a long time ago, but hey, that's what I have been up to. Plus, trying not to eat all the Halloween candy and holiday treats that are sneaking into my house.

DAnG

2010-10-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

I think I will try again...
with a completely different, and more practical, goal.

To see what I am talking about check here:
rhonnadesigns.blogspot.com

Considering:
reverse plank and other challenging yoga positions
journaling
15 minutes of AMAZING (15 minute tasks that make a difference)
scripture reading
share the love (calls, letters, nice notes)
shine your sink
meditate
go vegetarian
workout/ physical activity
six item clothing diet

Also wondering if people make good money with an etsy store.

Here are some unrelated pictures... Mom and Ben won the costume contest at Mom's work party. $500... YES!!! They looked GREAT!

a reincarnation of Eddie Izzard, no?

More days of making things

2010-10-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 11

I liked this one... a 2X3 inch canvas... a dictionary page that included such luscious words as "field of honor", "field pumpkin" and "field rush"... a bit of blue and green paint mixed in with some matte medium... a bird stamp stamped upon some tissue, then matte medium-ed to the piece... some layered star cut outs fastened with a brad... a charm... some adhesive fabric on the sides... and a bit more paint

Tuesday, October 12

This was a hurried "better not go to bed without making something" thing. I thought it might be a good idea to make an "everyday valentine" to give to someone the next day.

Wednesday, October 13

What did I make today? I made a fool of myself! I must be exhausted or hormonal or both or crazy. I broke down and cried in a professional meeting. This is so embarrassing and frustrating. With the new principal. Sheesh. Why can't I just control it and cry later. "NOW IS NOT THE TIME" I tell myself. I feel weak SO weak. Like they will see me as the girl who just can't handle it.
I don't know anyone who cries like me, except my mom. So after school went to visit her and tell her about it. She completely understands. About how once the water starts it is like breaking the surface tension and it just doesn't stop... even if you've stopped feel that thing that originally started it. About how I can't look people in the eye because it will all start again. About how you're like that all day after a thing like that. The meeting was at 10 o'clock in the morning and I welled up again at 3:30! It's not like I was bawling all day, but after that surface tension is broken any little thing will start the water running again.
Oh, and I made a bruise on my upper arm. Just at that place that I will pinch and squeeze in order to stop my crying. It doesn't really work, but it helps.
I went to bed early and slept for 12 hours.

Thursday, October 14

I made a decision. This is a silly project and I won't do it any more. Don't get me wrong, I get the 21 days to create or break a habit. I have done other 21 day things to build positive habits and routines, but 21 days of making "things"... I have enough things. I am trying to get rid of things.
It started as an exercise in creativity, but now it is just a burden and I am not really making things that I am putting heart into. I also appreciate that maybe it is a exercise and that not every thing is going to be brilliant, but it is in the doing that you grow, much like how all the photography books say "just keep taking pictures." But, after a rough day like yesterday I say "no mas!" Call me a quitter.

P.S. I don't think I will ever get tired of hearing the song "Mad World." I have been known to sing it in the shower and when I am blow drying my hair. Do you sing while blowing drying your hair too?

I love the Johnny Cash cover of "Hurt".

I think M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" pretty much sucks, cause the best part of it is a total rip off of the Clash's "Straight to Hell", which is a fine, fine song. Long Live the Clash!

more creations

2010-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten about my challenge to create something everyday.

Monday I made a 2 inch canvas to remind myself to meditate.

Tuesday I made a card for one of my fellow teachers.

Wednesday and Thursday I was prep-ing for my presentation for Staff Development Day. I made a Can-o-Bloom's and 40 packets, complete with color card stock copies... all hand collated.

Friday Ben and I went to the Ren Fair and I worked on putting together the 72-hour kits that I will be giving as Christmas Gifts...

shhh.... don't tell.

Saturday I made these...

Sunday I used my Spark Brushes and made this...

One of my favorite weekends in Vegas

2010-10-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival!

Or maybe I should do 21 days of before and after

2010-10-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

Here is today's creation... one clean space.

21 days of creation

2010-10-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

What am I making?...

October 1

I painted a corner of my room and build a bookshelf.

October 2

I cooked a yummy stroganoff.

This photo was taken with my favorite app on my itouch "shakeitphoto"

I painted a one inch canvas with my latest favorite word "resolve"

This photo was taken with the "toy camera" app on my itouch.

So was this one...

New traditions

2010-09-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

It has become a tradition in my house to have pasta after church on Sunday afternoon. It has also become tradition for me to experiment a bit with Photoshop on Sunday evenings. Here is a "painting" I made tonight.

My brother is 18

2010-09-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

How did this happen? Now I see how a whole life can fly right by.

Oh, how I love my brother.

Here are a few from how we spent his big day.

2010-09-24T14:02:00.001-07:00

Okay i am loving this. We are doing PREZI and my students keep shouting out "this is so cool!"

The 21 challenge

2010-09-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have been SPARKED once again... this time by the fabulous Rhonna
I watched the live web show on House of 3 and she spoke about making art a habit. So starting in October I am going to try to create art daily for 21 days.

It may be that I am adding another thing to my plate that may fall off, but maybe not.
First I must prepare my space.

Stay tuned for updates on that front. For now, a snack and Survivor.

Being Positively Ridiculous

2010-09-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

My work in progress bedroom

2010-09-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

A painted wall
A platform bed
A print I bought in Florence
Original artwork
Some curtains from Cost Plus
But...
Most especially...
The lamp from my grandmother's house.
How cool? How funky?
As Margie would say, "Stop it, right now!"

A little love note made from SPARK swag

And my completed bracelets made from genuine wool from genuine sheep all the way from Australia.

p.s. I am playing with a "watermark"-esque brush. Any feed back is appreciated.

Learning more from the Pioneer Woman

2010-09-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

This time I was playing with her photography tutorials... especially the Photoshop Elements ones.

Before

After

I know I made the colors a tad unrealistic... but hey, I'm playing here.

What is playing without a bit of fantasy and whimsy?

Here is a fun one with photoshop "painting." It's all brush stroke-y.

2010-09-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Pioneer Woman I tried making a collage in photoshop. I picked pictures from my latest trip to Utah. On my way home I stopped in the little town of Meadow, where my grandmother lived from about 1975 till she died.
I spent time there every summer and Christmas break. The house, which looks so small to me now, seemed huge to my little girl self. My favorite part of the house was the creepy attic. It was exciting to build up the courage, climb the creepy stairs, and look around the attic "bedroom". It was all spider web-y and dusty, but there were still beds, a window, and a flag hanging on one wall. If I used my imagination I could see a really cool room that I would have loved to live in.
Someone else lives there now, so I only walked around. Lots has changed, but lots has stayed the same. Same wheat-y grass growing, same stickers in my socks, same broken down chicken coop. The old barn is now gone. It used to seem like such an adventure to hike from the house to the barn (it must have been only 90 yards). There would always be mouse bones in there from all the owls that roosted up in the rafters. They used some of that 100 year old wood when they build the Hinckley House at Cove Fort.
Well, no more talk for now... on the the photo(s).

Sundance

2010-09-18T01:07:00.000-07:00

Provo Canyon... just like old times.

I love visiting Sundance... mostly I love the art shack. I went this time to buy another of Tim's wonderful mugs. So one of a kind and original. Art you can drink from... or hold colored pencils in, as the case may be.

I am determined to take the jewelry making class the next time I go.

Mostly I like a quick shutter speed, but every now and then I like to open it right up and let the river blur.

Grandma's house

2010-09-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

Nelson Mandela

Something I really love

2010-09-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

   I just love it when you meet amazingly talented people (photographers, teachers, artists, etc) who are not uncomfortable sharing the tools of their success. They are not threatened by your improvement, they celebrate it and want you to be your best. So many people might want to keep you from being, say, the best photographer you can be, because then you would be competition. I love people who are not like that. People who share, and teach, realize that even if our skills are comparable our style and personality will make us different.
   One person like that is Wendy Whitacer. She makes her living traveling the world and taking pictures (tough, huh?). What I really appreciate is that she is an amazing teacher too. She teaches workshops for beginners and the wanta-be professionals. She is out there training her competition, and loving it. I think it is because in the end she knows that even if she teaches me to take amazing pictures I will never be able to capture her exact style... I will develop my own. So she will still have a unique "product" to offer.
   I wish more people were like that.

Clearly she has no competition from me as this is a lousy photo... but I liked her expression best of all my shots of her.

Strange reality

2010-09-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Blogs have created this strange reality.

There is this woman I see at church. I never talk to her, because we aren't really friends. We aren't really NOT friends, it's just that she doesn't know me. The weird thing is that I know her. I know her kids names, I have cooked recipes she cooks, and I even know some of her heart... at least the parts she shares on-line. What a strange reality this is, indeed. Our ancestors did not experience this. They got to know each other face to face, or at least they knew who they were sharing themselves with.

It is taking me a bit of getting used to, but Emily taught me somethings this week. She understands... and so do other bloggers. We all know, because we all read one another's work. Also, I need to share every positive thought that occurs to me. Bloggers are uplifted by sharing and even more when others relate and give them feedback.

Thanks Em.

Final day at Spark

2010-09-12T01:02:00.000-07:00

This day FLEW by... before I knew it it was dinner... then it was over.

There was a whole room devoted to snacks. Incredible!

They pulled out all the stops for dinner.

I had to look twice to see if they were, in fact, not really roses.

Good Bye Spark. You were wonderful. Meet fun people. Made cool things. Learned new tricks. Felt...uplifted.

Noah's is a cool place... all concrete-y and industrial. Great wood floors. Nice rooms. Springy chairs.

This is most (most, but not all) of the loot I scored at spark. Some things I made. Some things are ingredients to things I did not finish there. Lots of it is paper. Note the striped bag of candy from the super snack room, and the Emily Falconbridge camera strap, with ribbon from Thailand. It was a gift from her. I will treasure it.

2010-09-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

LOOK what I MADE.

In Photoshop... a real first for me.

SPARK

2010-09-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of the *SPARK* event in Lindon Utah. Here are a few shots.

The ATTENTION to DETAIL. People. PLEASE.

I met the AMAZING emily falconbridge. (I'm a big fan)

Things got a bit messy... but still FABULOUS!

A great photography tutorial by the UBER talented Wendy Whitacer of Blue Lily Photo

2010-08-24T21:34:00.001-07:00

Reasons I love technology. I can post from my phone!

reasons I love painting my bedroom

2010-08-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

1. I am forced to clear my area before I work. This gives me a wonderful opportunity when I have to bring things back into my space. You do not want to just put the same old crap in, so you clean up, you edit.

2. I get to seek inspiration... what do I want my space to be... what to I want to be?
3. The change can be as permanent as you want, 10 years or 10 hours.
4. The act of painting is therapeutic. I once read somewhere that creating with your hands is good for your mind. I find that my mind pleasantly wanders as listen to some music and stroke the wall.
5. The sense of accomplishment is real good too.

Here is where I go for inspiration:

http://redhousedesign.blogspot.com/

http://www.poppytalk.blogspot.com/

http://www.slibaba.com

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

http://www.bloesem.blogs.com/

http://www.20x200.com

Catch a Falling Star

2010-08-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

The meteor shower was last night and I tried my hand at capturing one of these falling stars in my camera. Not so easy. Catching lightning was easier. I went to Red Rock and spent over an hour playing with long shutter speeds, and nearly getting hit by a car. Then I went out near Mt Charleston and tried some more. I came home feeling a little disappointed because I hadn't caught any. Well, I only saw about 10 in more than 2 hours, so I guess my chances were not great anyway. I bet you could see a lot more in Utah or WAY out of the city.

As I processed my photos this morning, to my great pleasure, I found that I caught two. Can you find them?

Did you see them?

Here they are in black and white.

Day 5... Coming Home

2010-08-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Day 4... the lazy day

2010-08-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Day 3... Dogtown, Moqui Caves, Chuck Wagon Dinner

2010-08-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

Chuck wagon

So. Much. Batman.

Day 2... our adventure into the frontier

2010-08-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

First of our family time in St George

2010-08-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

2010-08-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

A few from my new 50 by 50 project.

Reasons I love this family...

2010-07-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

They are strong.

They are funny.

They are creative.

They do hard things.

They are sweet friends of mine.

I am so glad to know them.

My only wish? That they were whole again.

Daniel, you are missed everyday.

More of the young ones:

I have a problem... well maybe more than one.

2010-07-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

I have a messy room... I have a messy house. I am not skilled at the art of house keeping. That is one of my problems, but not the one that spurred this confession. For months, well years really, I have felt the need to purge. To get rid of the clutter in my life. To simplify. I want Zen. Sanctuary. Tranquility in my home. I want to be the woman that keeps a clean on orderly home.

I have too much stuff... another problem of mine. So I try to get rid of things. It is hard. I have things I love. I love my blankets. I love my CDs. I have too much stuff I love. I have too many books I love. And that leads to the problem of the day.

I love to go to book stores.

Today's episode of retail therapy was thinly veiled as an attempt to buy the new book my Book Buddies are reading for August.

Store one... does not have the book, but I bought a different book AND a magazine. Both of which I am sure I didn't really need. Then I try store two, determined that I will not get anything but the book club book. They didn't have it. At this point I should have just turned and left. But I thought I would enjoy myself just reading in the store... no buying required and no book that I will have to store and debate about keeping in my constant urge to purge.

In the end, as I am sure you predicted, I succumbed. I bought another book. The irony is that the book I bought is:

(This is the large space through which you will scroll to reach the big reveal)

I had such a sick, punched-in-the-gut-feeling as I checked out.

Reasons I love technology...

2010-07-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the number one way technology is used is for communication? People want to be connected.

I learned lots of cool technology tips this last week at the National Differentiate Instruction Conference. I am testing a few out today. This is Yodio. It is free. You upload a picture then you call in using your ordinary phone and record the audio. Put together and Wall-a you have a Yodio. Very like a podcast, but without special software are anything fancy.

Here is my first one:

You will be missed FAO Schwarz

2010-07-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Went to the Forum Shops last night and saw that FAO is no more. I felt like crying right there.

Back in the golden age:

Ten things I will miss about the world's greatest toy store:
1. We would make a family outing of visiting FAO and we usually left with a souvenir or two (Ben still has his Patrick pup)
2. The amazing stuffed animal section.
3. the Madame Alexander doll section (I bought more than one from that little section)
4. the life-sized StarWars characters on the top floor complete with the cantina
5. the candy shop and snack bar area (great smoothies)
6. the best variety and selection. Ben was always a fan of the lego section. He could find the rarest Legos there.
7. the RC car racing area
8. the Jurassic Park door that scared the pants of Ben that one time
9. How you got to play with just about everything
10. It was a three-story toy store! Need I say more? It was amazing! It was so fun.

My grandparents house

2010-07-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

I love visiting my cousins at least once a year. They live in the house our grandparents lived in. I came here shortly after I was born. I have come here countless times between then and now. There are a few times that stand out. The year I walked out into the back yard and everyone was looking so intensely at a completely different area of the tile in the pool (they were tapping the lime crust off the tiles with tools from the garage)... It was a weird, and now classic, hilarious moment. Eating home grown tomatoes in the pool. The times my uncle Terry would BBQ cheese burgers with grilled buns. The year he had chickens for pets, running around his backyard and garage. The times in the pool were my uncle and cousins would play with latex gloves. So crazy, they put the gloves over their heads. Yikes. The times we rafted down the river. Especially the year we came across the wild fig trees. We wanted to take them home, but had no containers, so we all took off our socks and filled then with figs. The year we watched the Princess Diaries in the spa. The year we celebrated Alfred Hitchcock's 100th birthday by watching the birds and going to Bodega Bay. The year my uncle died. The year after when it was just us kids, but then I realized that we ARE the adults. We don't need to be quiet after midnight, because there is no one asleep in the back of the house.
This time I am overcome with thoughts about my grandmother. She lived here. She raised her teenage kids here. She drove these streets and saw these trees, maybe went to church in this building. My mom lived here. My cousin Diane lives has the bedroom that was once my mother's.
I love sitting out in the back yard at night. This year I am here for the June full moon. There is so much light out there at night. I spend lots of time chilling in the hammock, enjoying the light, the dark, the air, the unique scent, the six oak trees. Every time I come I wonder what will be different next time.

Recent sources of Inspiration

2010-07-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have really loved watching the sprinters this year. Go Tyler! Go Mark!

This is a really good album. Here is one of my favorites.

I am inspired to improve and beautify my world thanks to this book.

I re-read "Catching Fire". I so love it, and I am anxiously awaiting the third in the series ("Mockingjay") due in August.

P.S. I love to connect music to the books I am reading and one song that is forever linked to Catching Fire in my mind is Whale Song by Modest Mouse. Feel my DEEP LOVE of this song.

Also, been looking for some inspiration for how to landscape the yard. Here are a few of my dreams...

Great food

2010-07-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Ben, Diane, and I went to Napa and ate at Michael Chiarello's Bottega.

It was great.

We had...

Pesce Crudo Market fresh raw selection from the Sea

Organic Prosciutto “house cured”, pasta fritta, zuppa di melone

Diane had...

Wild Alaskan Sokeye Salmon zucchini “spaghettini” with tomato & basil, balsamic-pine nut vinaigrette

Ben had...

Spaghetti alla Chitarra, imported chitarra cut spaghetti, white head-on prawns, tomato-fennel broth, basil & tarragon

I had...

Crispy Potato Gnocchi, english pea & tallegio fonduta, spring vegetables, prosciutto crisp

For dessert we shared...

A chocolate molten souffle

Marcona Almond Sbrisilona “Affogato” vanilla bean gelato, espresso granite honey-almond milk espuma

Chocolate Bourbon Tortino banana brulee, roasted banana gelato milk chocolate peanut butter bar

When I was back in Vegas mom took Ben and I out for another special birthday dinner. This time we went to RM Seafood upstairs. It was INCREDIBLE.

I MET RICK MOONEN!

I was totally star struck and realized I should never meet anyone famous, because I just can't handle it. I was all whoopsy for about 20 minutes. He shook my hand and I got his autograph!

Then we ate his AMAZING food.

We had 5 incredible courses and I fully intended to take pictures of each one. I cracked mom up because the moment I finished the last bite of each course I would get all mad at myself for forgetting. As the courses went on it just got more and more ridiculous.

We had the tasting menu and between the three of us we tried all but 2 of the restaurant's dishes.

My favorites were...

California Octopus

Hot and Cold Foie Gras

Baked Alaskan King Salmon

Morgan Valley Lamb Loin

Rabbit Trio with Morel Risotto

Some may say it is too indulgent to eat at fancy, expensive restaurants. Ben put it best when he said that he would rather

spend money on experiences rather than possessions.

I agree completely.

a baker's dozen moments from San Francisco

2010-06-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

1. The Japanese Tea Gardens was something on Janeen's list. Turns out Ben and I liked it more than she did. Another case of high expectations and disappointment. Better to have low or no expectations and be pleasantly surprised.

2. Janeen kept talking about how she thought the leaves of the maiden hair tree was so beautiful. When she finally showed them to me I said "oh, that looks just like ginkgo biloba." She checked it out on her iphone and guess what? We were both right! It's the same thing!

3. I dipped my feet into the chilly Pacific at Ocean Beach.

4. Yes I did! We were driving around near Levi Plaza and saw a sign that read "stairs to Coit Tower". My crazy companions say "let's do it" WHAT? WHY? WHAT! I didn't complain... I knew I could do it. I knew I didn't have to hurry and that I would feel a great sense of accomplishment when I made it. Apparently there are 500 steps. It is real steep. We climbed a mountain! It was my Everest.

5. Janeen, Ben, and I went to a little ice cream shop I read about in a magazine. I had Balsamic Strawberry, Coconut Chocolate, and Roasted Banana. But Janeen got the best flavor... Salted Carmel.

6. After sleeping in gloriously late Ben and I went to the very same restaurant that Tara Whitney and her family went to last Thanksgiving. Ben and I both had the banana pancakes. "Would you like pecans on it?" Umm, yes please.

7. Ben and I walked over 5 miles! We walked from breakfast to Chinatown then through Union Square, where we stopped to buy Ben a shirt from American Apparel then we went down Folsom St from 4th to 24th! It may not sound like a lot but them were some big 'ol blocks. We went from through some fancy areas, some scary areas, and ended up in a neighborhood that had some latin flare and the best ice cream shop... yes, even better than the delights we had yesterday. You know it was good when a little cup made the whole walk worth it. I tried almost all the flavors they had that day. I ended up selecting the unexpectedly fantastic "olive oil" and Ben had the equally delightful "peanut butter curry"

8. While walking I spotted a Banksy. Ben estimates it is less than a year old. Gotta love it!

9. After a room service breakfast in bed Ben and I began the trek to the Exploritorium. We tackled some MAJOR hills and walked many, many blocks. At one point we were at the top of the curvy spot of Lombard street.

10. We wakled down Baker street and had a serious WOW moment. Right out of nowhere BAM. We came across this beauty! Incredible.

11. We spent so much time in the exploritorium. I love when Ben acts like a curious kid again. It happens every time we go to an aquarium with a touch tank and it happened big time here. He was all into it an playing with all the sciencey things. I had fun watching, taking pictures, and playing around too.

12. We walked all the way back. At one point Ben was so tired he used a stick he found on the street as a cane. No one can make me laugh as much as Ben can. We stopped at Humphry's one more time and got some ice cream for the road as we made our way back to Citrus Heights and our cousins' home.

13. I could live in San Francisco for the rest of my life and I think I would never get tired of the costal breeze. It may be cold, but I soak it up. P.S. if I did live there I would want to live in a place like this...

Meet Lily

2010-06-23T17:43:00.000-07:00

I meet the newest Benevent this week. She was born November 25, 2009. Her daddy loves her SO much and her momma thinks she is the cutest thing EVER. She loves her parents and is very unhappy when they are not around. I was able to take her for a walk when she was cranky (her parents were at the store), and she fell asleep in my arms. I guess she never falls asleep for any one but her mom and dad, so they were real surprised to see her asleep in my arms. Precious.

A few from Girls' Camp

2010-06-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

A Saturday morning out and about

2010-06-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

a few from Sea Camp May 2010

2010-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

...another thing i love...

2010-06-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

I love magnolia trees!

The Amazing Aquarium Museum

2010-05-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

I really blew everyone's mind and expectations with my amazing aquarium museum. We planned and researched from before Christmas. My classroom was officially "under construction" since Spring Break. A week before we had classes in we rehearsed. Last week we had classes come through. The kids were the tour guides and EVERY teacher said it was amazing. I was most flattered when I saw teachers take out their phones and start taking pictures of our work.

We had a parents' night on Friday and had a great turn out. We ate algae-based snacks and I picked up an awesome squid at the Asian food market.

All and all it was a huge success!

So many things to do, so naturally I am bloging

2010-05-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

With camp around the corner,
Report cards to write (due Monday by the way),
A classroom to move... my Reed room will next year be my Reed portable,
Workouts to work out (I only did it one day this week),
A delicious book to read,
And so many of those "aught-to's"
So,
What do I choose to do?

Create a book on snapfish.
Well, work on it for an hour at least... then I must do something more productive.

Iritated

2010-05-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

The little things are getting to me just now. How folks copy and paste "soap-boxy" things in their Facebook status. How there are no clean spoons in the drawer. How other people ARE! Ugh. I need a nap.

Something to Celebrate

2010-05-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have a long way to go, but I am on the right track... 30 pounds lost. I began my serious "I'm losing it" mission in January. I have a long term goal to reach my goal weight by my 30th birthday. I don't think I am losing enough each week to make it, but hey!
Today I went to the gym and had my biggest, best work out yet. I did 20 minutes on a bike (4 miles), then did a 5K on the treadmill in 57 minutes and cooled down for 8. I followed all this up with a water aerobics class... good for workin' the arms.

And just because I love me some photos... this is a photo of the largest sea hare I have ever seen... a black sea hare, held by my favorite Sea Camp counselor this year... Andres (doesn't hurt that he has one of Francisco d'Anconia's names)

April in Paris

2010-05-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

We had two days in Paris. The first one was tiring due to a poor night's sleep on the night train from Florence. Nothing like a train ride through the Swiss Alps in the middle of the night, in a closet with five other people in a car with a window that doesn't stay closed and no heat. SWEET!
We had a bus tour around the city. I really liked it. Many people slept through it. We stopped for photos and spent lunch time at Point Zero and the Latin Quarter. That evening we spent time in a great little village and had tasty crepes.
That night I bent my wire.
The second day we spent a ridiculous hour and a half at the Louvre. It was ridiculous because it was so short. I would LOVE to spend days there. For the afternoon we went to the palace of Versailles and I played a great April Fools day joke on Ben... It was great... I'll have to tell you some time.
We took a great river tour at sunset and then got in line to go to the top of the Eiffel Tour. There was such a delay that we could only make it to the middle. Then we got it back to the hotel wall after midnight to get a few hours of sleep then make it to the Chunnel station at O'dark-thirty.

Reasons I love getting my camera back!

2010-05-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

In Paris I bent a wire in my cannon. I cried. I borrowed my brother's camera and Mike's camera. When I came home I took it to the shop... It was so damaged they had to send it to the manufacturer. Yesterday I picked it up. I finally got to put my Florence and Paris photos onto my computer. I was up after midnight adjusting the RAW images. Here are just a few for you.

What's been up you ask?

2010-05-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

In no particular order...
Sea Camp.... photos to come (i think)
Girls' camp prep
Working out
Messy bedroom
Preparing for the Aquarium Museum at Tobler
Lost 25 pounds
Feeling Summer creep up upon me
Listening to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series for the fourth summer
Ben helped me cut my hair in an asymmetrical pattern
Read Uglies
Tried to help my new plants survive
Drove to St. George and back in one evening after school, 'cause I love my cousin
Cried lots for my friend Jan

This is a photo from the decorations for the formal last month.