I saw this while surfing other blogs and liked it, so I posted it here:
24 TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,
'My purpose is to__________ today.'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a
college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. God heals almost everything.
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I
am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
Showing posts with label life patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life patterns. Show all posts
Sep 26, 2008
Jan 25, 2008
Tai
These are photos of my beautiful girl and her loves: Raven (her black lab) and Chris, in that order I think...
Oct 13, 2007
A Difference in Cultures
Thursday afternoon, Rosita's mother died. They brought her home from the hospital and dressed her in her funeral clothes. Then she laid in the living room of Rosita's home for a couple of days, until the funeral, which took place today, at about 1 pm. During that time, friends and relatives came to spend time with her - all night and all day - sharing drinks and telling jokes, reliving the times they had with her while Rosita feeds them all. They will continue this through the weekend, and then on Monday, everything will be back to normal.
It's a little different than what I've experienced. I'm not really sure that it's accepted to leave the body in the home for that amount of time, in the US. And I think usually the morticians prepare the body for burial, so they want it as soon as possible. Here in Peru, it seems like there is less done in the way of preparing the cadaver for burial, and the family does it all. Apparently there is no embalming done and most feel that when the body passes into the hands of someone outside of the family, there is a loss of respect for the dead person.
It took me a little time to sort through my thoughts about death and customs surrounding it. O and I went for a few hours to visit with Rosita and her husband, Pastor, but we didn't stay all night, and we didn't have any jokes to tell about dead bodies. And I felt no compunction to kiss the dead woman's cheeks or smooth her hair. In discussing the differences with a couple of friends here, one finds my experiences very cold and unfeeling and doesn't understand why anyone wouldn't want to spend as many days as possible with the body of a fallen loved one, while the other thinks it might be better if things were done a different way in Peru, though maybe not exactly as they are done in the US. I talked with O and told him that although I loved him, if he should die, I didn't think I could have him lingering in the living room for several days while the neighbors cracked jokes about him. That would hurt me much more than help.
I wonder if we in the culture of the United States really are that cold and unfeeling, or if we are viewed as such by the rest of the world. I felt that in my experience, everything was handled very gently and with the utmost respect for the dead and great courtesy toward the family, even though the body was removed from the house the same day of the death. I'm still thinking about that.
I know that there will be more differences in culture that take me by surprise or make me pause to think for a while as I spend more time here. I'm looking forward to finding out what those differences are.
It's a little different than what I've experienced. I'm not really sure that it's accepted to leave the body in the home for that amount of time, in the US. And I think usually the morticians prepare the body for burial, so they want it as soon as possible. Here in Peru, it seems like there is less done in the way of preparing the cadaver for burial, and the family does it all. Apparently there is no embalming done and most feel that when the body passes into the hands of someone outside of the family, there is a loss of respect for the dead person.
It took me a little time to sort through my thoughts about death and customs surrounding it. O and I went for a few hours to visit with Rosita and her husband, Pastor, but we didn't stay all night, and we didn't have any jokes to tell about dead bodies. And I felt no compunction to kiss the dead woman's cheeks or smooth her hair. In discussing the differences with a couple of friends here, one finds my experiences very cold and unfeeling and doesn't understand why anyone wouldn't want to spend as many days as possible with the body of a fallen loved one, while the other thinks it might be better if things were done a different way in Peru, though maybe not exactly as they are done in the US. I talked with O and told him that although I loved him, if he should die, I didn't think I could have him lingering in the living room for several days while the neighbors cracked jokes about him. That would hurt me much more than help.
I wonder if we in the culture of the United States really are that cold and unfeeling, or if we are viewed as such by the rest of the world. I felt that in my experience, everything was handled very gently and with the utmost respect for the dead and great courtesy toward the family, even though the body was removed from the house the same day of the death. I'm still thinking about that.
I know that there will be more differences in culture that take me by surprise or make me pause to think for a while as I spend more time here. I'm looking forward to finding out what those differences are.
Sep 25, 2007
Tuesday stuff
Not much going on here...I'm in the midst of the circular crocheted vest. It WAS on the way to being a sweater, but morphed while I was looking through other patterns, and now it's a vest. There's a lot of repetitive stitch work, and it's getting tedious, although I'm just about finished with it. Actually, that is why I'm writing now - I had to take a break from it. It's done in alpaca, the inside circle is a hand painted skein and the outside is the natural light fawn color of some alpacas. The whole piece is nice, but with the hand painted portion, it's beginning to look just a little too hippy, even for me.
Have you seen this? I can't remember how I came across her blog, but wow. It's done by Greenfingers. She does beautiful work! I really like the white doll.
I've been watching "The Last Mimsy". I love it. What a charming little story! I bought the cd. I only buy the movies that I'm sure I will watch more than once, since I tend to do that. I watch them several times, a habit I got into when my daughter was little, because inevitably I would be called away from the movie for something. So now I only buy the movies that I'm sure I will love. My next purchase will be "Stardust", if it ever comes to the theaters here. I've been waiting for it, but so far, only the posters have arrived here in Lima.
I finally got on Ravelry! Yey! But now I'm so busy surfing through it that I have not put up any of my own stuff - my stash, my FOs, my UFOs, etc. With time, I suppose. For now, I need to get a Flicker account, so I can add photos and, I guess, be seen.
And, lastly, I do try to be adventurous in food. But there is a limit to what I can handle. On Sunday afternoon, O and I went to eat at a place we'd never tried before. The food style was from northern Peru, specifically from Ferrañafe, which is quite close to Chiclayo. We tried tacu tacu. Everything I've read says it's made with beans, rice, bacon, and other basically harmless ingredients, so I was open to try it. And we ordered a cold dark malt beer to drink with it. When the food arrived, it was not as I was expecting, but hey, I'm not an expert here, so I ate.
Apparently, Ferrañafe style tacu tacu is different than the rest of the world's idea of what it should be. The meat was definitely NOT bacon. The flavor was quite good, and the sauce was wonderful. But the meat...well, let's say I suspected it was not something that I would be eating at any time. I thought it was the skin of a tongue, but later (O prudently refrained from telling me what it was while I was eating) I found out that it was the lining of a cow's stomach. But I had eaten it, and it was okay. Later that evening, though, the cow's stomach began to pitch a fit and fought with my own stomach, resulting in a HUGE case of heartburn. Luckily I do have quite a strong gut, and my stomach proved to be the stronger of the two. I hope I don't run into another cow stomach too soon.
TACU TACU
Ingredients :
3 cups canary beans
150 lb (300 g) pork fat or bacon, diced
2 cups of cooked rice
2 onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 fresh yellow aji/chili (aji amarillo fresco), seeded and deveined
Preparation:
Soak beans overnight. Drain and cook in unsalted water together with pork fat or bacon until soft.
Remove from heat and let cool. Beat with a wooden spoon to form a coarse purée. Set aside and let cool.
Heat oil in a large skillet and add onion, garlic and aji. Saute onion and aji until soft and tender and correct seasoning. Add the beans and the cooked rice, mix well and correct seasoning. Cook stirring, until golden and remove from heat.
To make the tacu tacu:
Take one part of the mixture into your hands and form a small oblong tamale.
Cover with bread crumbs or crackers to maintain shape.
Heat oil in skillet, place one part of the bean mixture, and fry turning constantly to avoid sticking. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Serve with breaded fried tenderloin, fried banana, fried egg and Creole sauce.
6 servings
Have you seen this? I can't remember how I came across her blog, but wow. It's done by Greenfingers. She does beautiful work! I really like the white doll.
I've been watching "The Last Mimsy". I love it. What a charming little story! I bought the cd. I only buy the movies that I'm sure I will watch more than once, since I tend to do that. I watch them several times, a habit I got into when my daughter was little, because inevitably I would be called away from the movie for something. So now I only buy the movies that I'm sure I will love. My next purchase will be "Stardust", if it ever comes to the theaters here. I've been waiting for it, but so far, only the posters have arrived here in Lima.
I finally got on Ravelry! Yey! But now I'm so busy surfing through it that I have not put up any of my own stuff - my stash, my FOs, my UFOs, etc. With time, I suppose. For now, I need to get a Flicker account, so I can add photos and, I guess, be seen.
And, lastly, I do try to be adventurous in food. But there is a limit to what I can handle. On Sunday afternoon, O and I went to eat at a place we'd never tried before. The food style was from northern Peru, specifically from Ferrañafe, which is quite close to Chiclayo. We tried tacu tacu. Everything I've read says it's made with beans, rice, bacon, and other basically harmless ingredients, so I was open to try it. And we ordered a cold dark malt beer to drink with it. When the food arrived, it was not as I was expecting, but hey, I'm not an expert here, so I ate.
Apparently, Ferrañafe style tacu tacu is different than the rest of the world's idea of what it should be. The meat was definitely NOT bacon. The flavor was quite good, and the sauce was wonderful. But the meat...well, let's say I suspected it was not something that I would be eating at any time. I thought it was the skin of a tongue, but later (O prudently refrained from telling me what it was while I was eating) I found out that it was the lining of a cow's stomach. But I had eaten it, and it was okay. Later that evening, though, the cow's stomach began to pitch a fit and fought with my own stomach, resulting in a HUGE case of heartburn. Luckily I do have quite a strong gut, and my stomach proved to be the stronger of the two. I hope I don't run into another cow stomach too soon.
TACU TACU
Ingredients :
3 cups canary beans
150 lb (300 g) pork fat or bacon, diced
2 cups of cooked rice
2 onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 fresh yellow aji/chili (aji amarillo fresco), seeded and deveined
Preparation:
Soak beans overnight. Drain and cook in unsalted water together with pork fat or bacon until soft.
Remove from heat and let cool. Beat with a wooden spoon to form a coarse purée. Set aside and let cool.
Heat oil in a large skillet and add onion, garlic and aji. Saute onion and aji until soft and tender and correct seasoning. Add the beans and the cooked rice, mix well and correct seasoning. Cook stirring, until golden and remove from heat.
To make the tacu tacu:
Take one part of the mixture into your hands and form a small oblong tamale.
Cover with bread crumbs or crackers to maintain shape.
Heat oil in skillet, place one part of the bean mixture, and fry turning constantly to avoid sticking. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Serve with breaded fried tenderloin, fried banana, fried egg and Creole sauce.
6 servings
Sep 21, 2007
Back to life
Whew! My computer went on the blink and then O had a couple of days worth of work to do on a presentation for work, so I gave up my spot on the computer desk, and I was isolated from the world. But in the meantime, I finished a couple of projects and started a new one. One of the things that my puter wouldn't do was to upload the photos that I took of the purple crocheted skirt. It's pretty late and I'm just home from work, so I'll see if I can post those photos and a few more.
We've been waiting for the sun to come out for about 4 months now, and maybe this month we'll see it. I hope.
Today on the bike path, Celeste spotted a leaf dancing on the breeze. It was suspended from a tree limb by a spider's invisible thread. Well, it was invisible until I got closer. Then I realized it must have been one honkin big spider. The leaf itself was quite large and still had a piece of the stem attached. Although it was dry and probably quite light, the wind was strong and the leaf whips around and swung wildly at times. It was irresistible to Celeste...she spent 10 minutes leaping up and down, barking at the swinging leaf, while the people on the street and passing by on the path watched her like she was some kind of crazy pooch - "Lobita Loca" is what they called her. Apparently fun for her; quite entertaining for the rest of the world to watch. Almost as entertaining as the time she passed a hair that she'd eaten - well, she couldn't QUITE pass it. The hair hung on and just would NOT leave her alone, in spite of the whirling dance she did, spinning in both directions and tumbling into the shallow irrigation channel cut into the median alongside the bike path. The city landscapers and gardeners were doubled over watching little Celeste trying to dance away from a single stubborn strand of hair that refused to leave her for a few mad moments.
Okay, so now that I'm back on line, I'm headed out to see what I've missed over the past week.
We've been waiting for the sun to come out for about 4 months now, and maybe this month we'll see it. I hope.
Today on the bike path, Celeste spotted a leaf dancing on the breeze. It was suspended from a tree limb by a spider's invisible thread. Well, it was invisible until I got closer. Then I realized it must have been one honkin big spider. The leaf itself was quite large and still had a piece of the stem attached. Although it was dry and probably quite light, the wind was strong and the leaf whips around and swung wildly at times. It was irresistible to Celeste...she spent 10 minutes leaping up and down, barking at the swinging leaf, while the people on the street and passing by on the path watched her like she was some kind of crazy pooch - "Lobita Loca" is what they called her. Apparently fun for her; quite entertaining for the rest of the world to watch. Almost as entertaining as the time she passed a hair that she'd eaten - well, she couldn't QUITE pass it. The hair hung on and just would NOT leave her alone, in spite of the whirling dance she did, spinning in both directions and tumbling into the shallow irrigation channel cut into the median alongside the bike path. The city landscapers and gardeners were doubled over watching little Celeste trying to dance away from a single stubborn strand of hair that refused to leave her for a few mad moments.
Okay, so now that I'm back on line, I'm headed out to see what I've missed over the past week.
Aug 16, 2007
The day after...
I was at work when we felt the tremor. It wasn't particularly strong in Lima, but it lasted a while. We felt it at around 7:15 pm, and it shook the institute for a good ten minutes. I thought it was me, maybe getting an inner ear infection and losing balance, then students began to scream and cry in the courtyard. People ran for the main entrance to get out, and people from the streets were trying to escape the swaying buses and cars by running inside. That was the most dangerous place, a bigger threat than what the tremor caused here in Lima. Panic all around. I was mostly just standing there enjoying the odd feeling of the ground moving under my feet, not really getting that this was actually a much bigger quake somewhere else. I haven't heard much of the news yet - just what was on the radio in the bus on my way home last evening. What I have heard is that the epicenter was in Pisco or Ica, and reached a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale. Four hundred-odd people dead or missing, around 350 confirmed dead. Edited at 10:40 pm - 510 confirmed dead. Wounded being airlifted to Lima hospitals. Military medical teams and civil engineers have been mobilized to extract and treat people as they are found in the rubble of their homes.
Here in Lima, there are some cracks in the walls of some buildings and things fell off the shelves on the higher floors, but no one was killed and no homes or buildings came down. A man came to inspect the apartment building and found a few minor cracks, which were repaired, but nothing else. Celeste weathered the tremor in her crate and in her magic camo jammies, safe, secure and happy. She bounced out of the crate and went out to play with us. Celeste's buddy, Galo the beagle, came outside upset and was still trembling an hour later. The cocker, upstairs, stays in the bathroom when his people go to work, and all the bathroom shelves emptied themselves on the floor, where he was. Happily, he made himself a bed of the towels that landed on the floor.
Thanks to all for leaving your comments of concern and good wishes. We appreciate them so much! We are all safe here. O.'s cousin, Fanny, lives in Pisco and she and her family are safe, although the rear portion of their bed & breakfast inn collapsed last night. Luckily, the portion that they live in and the restaurant are intact.
Here in Lima, there are some cracks in the walls of some buildings and things fell off the shelves on the higher floors, but no one was killed and no homes or buildings came down. A man came to inspect the apartment building and found a few minor cracks, which were repaired, but nothing else. Celeste weathered the tremor in her crate and in her magic camo jammies, safe, secure and happy. She bounced out of the crate and went out to play with us. Celeste's buddy, Galo the beagle, came outside upset and was still trembling an hour later. The cocker, upstairs, stays in the bathroom when his people go to work, and all the bathroom shelves emptied themselves on the floor, where he was. Happily, he made himself a bed of the towels that landed on the floor.
Thanks to all for leaving your comments of concern and good wishes. We appreciate them so much! We are all safe here. O.'s cousin, Fanny, lives in Pisco and she and her family are safe, although the rear portion of their bed & breakfast inn collapsed last night. Luckily, the portion that they live in and the restaurant are intact.
Jul 16, 2007
Magical Imagination
I remember when there was a big toot (and there probably still is) about how dangerous the Harry Potter stories were to children, that stories about magic were harmful and would take them away from God. I think those people might have forgotten the magic of their own childhood imagination that saw them through in their younger years. Magic wands and flying brooms are the stuff of wonderful imagination, movies are the stuff of someone's imagination, unless they have been taken from a real-life situation. The thing is to teach our children that all they see on the television is not real, and to be able to discern what is appropriate and what is not appropriate behavior.
I remember tying on a bath towel, with which I could fly; my "oxy-gum", that I got from the cartoon "Marine Boy", and could breathe underwater (we had no place to swim, at the time, heh), the Chinese Elm tree beside the house was where invisible imps lived. All of these imaginary things served to keep me entertained and playing happily for hours through the summer days of my childhood. And nothing was better than a kaleidoscope on dreary days.
Today, I have a kaleidoscope in my dresser drawer. I look at it regularly for fun and inspiration when I'm trying to come up with a new and unique knitting pattern. The colors and patterns that I see in the end of the tube are always amazing and beautiful. I watch Celeste dance on the bike path with fallen leaves that are caught up in the wind and I am inspired and uplifted. I join her and she is delighted as we dance together amid the swirling leaves and the breeze.
I remember tying on a bath towel, with which I could fly; my "oxy-gum", that I got from the cartoon "Marine Boy", and could breathe underwater (we had no place to swim, at the time, heh), the Chinese Elm tree beside the house was where invisible imps lived. All of these imaginary things served to keep me entertained and playing happily for hours through the summer days of my childhood. And nothing was better than a kaleidoscope on dreary days.
Today, I have a kaleidoscope in my dresser drawer. I look at it regularly for fun and inspiration when I'm trying to come up with a new and unique knitting pattern. The colors and patterns that I see in the end of the tube are always amazing and beautiful. I watch Celeste dance on the bike path with fallen leaves that are caught up in the wind and I am inspired and uplifted. I join her and she is delighted as we dance together amid the swirling leaves and the breeze.
Jul 15, 2007
A Parting of Ways
I normally try to keep the content of my blog light, but I feel the need to post something that has been bothering me for a little while.
Yesterday, the decision was made to part ways with someone that had been in my life for a few years. Our conversations had broken down to the point where there was non-communication and this had been happening for about a month. But it is over, at least for me, and it is a relief. Sadly, it is quite a relief, but now with the decision made, things will be better. Things just didn't work out very well with us. That's life, and life does go on, so I think I'll go on, too.
Yesterday, the decision was made to part ways with someone that had been in my life for a few years. Our conversations had broken down to the point where there was non-communication and this had been happening for about a month. But it is over, at least for me, and it is a relief. Sadly, it is quite a relief, but now with the decision made, things will be better. Things just didn't work out very well with us. That's life, and life does go on, so I think I'll go on, too.
Jul 14, 2007
A glowing day :o)
Yesterday was great! I had a good class - my students all seemed to be right on with the grammar lesson we were working on. I was asked to substitute for another teacher; I also got an inquiry from a different institute, asking if I would bring my resume by, AND an inquiry about additional students to teach outside of this institute. Interesting possibilities! It was raining and chilly all day, but with new prospects popping up, I'm feeling pretty happy. :o)
I also finished the rose colored shrug...I decided on a crocheted edging and antique silver-colored bottons, and that turned out very nicely. I think the whole effect is pretty! I plan to wear it with my navy blue skirt that has white and rose-colored flowers printed on it. Finally, a nice, warm sweater to wear with that skirt! I love it, but have very little that goes with it. Maybe I can work up something else for it, too. So, I plan to start on a circular crocheted garment next. I made one last year in a star pattern, and it sold at the Windsor craft show right away! So, off I go, to think and dream about my next project.
To top it all off, I got a birthday card in the mail from a lady from an artistic group that I belong to. That really made my day! So what might have been just another day turned out to have a beautiful glow to it!
P.S. - the only down side to the day was that my camera batteries conked out again, and I can't find the other set. I'll have to search or go to pick up another set of batteries.
I also finished the rose colored shrug...I decided on a crocheted edging and antique silver-colored bottons, and that turned out very nicely. I think the whole effect is pretty! I plan to wear it with my navy blue skirt that has white and rose-colored flowers printed on it. Finally, a nice, warm sweater to wear with that skirt! I love it, but have very little that goes with it. Maybe I can work up something else for it, too. So, I plan to start on a circular crocheted garment next. I made one last year in a star pattern, and it sold at the Windsor craft show right away! So, off I go, to think and dream about my next project.
To top it all off, I got a birthday card in the mail from a lady from an artistic group that I belong to. That really made my day! So what might have been just another day turned out to have a beautiful glow to it!
P.S. - the only down side to the day was that my camera batteries conked out again, and I can't find the other set. I'll have to search or go to pick up another set of batteries.
Jul 7, 2007
a glass of wine, a bag of chips...
(this is our apartment building) 
Well, the crate has been tested. We had some people over last evening, and unfortunately, Celeste went over the top in her behavior and had to go to bed at her regular bedtime and not stay up to harass the guests. She did have a temper tantrum, but decided not to take that opportunity to have a poop tantrum. I think she does understand that it's good not to do something nasty in her own nest. Aside from a bit of noise, she did very well, and went to sleep without much ado.
Last night went very well, after we got over the Celeste tantrum. Two other couples came over and we listened to music and talked. Just something very simple and relaxed with friends. We shared a bottle of wine and a bag of chips among the 6 of us, and basically had a very pleasant evening. I like evenings like that. I have never really had people over to my house very often and am a little uncomfortable with the usual big dinner and tons of people in other people's homes. I don't think I will ever want to put on a fancy dinner for a crowd, and luckily, our apartment is too small to accommodate such a thing. I haven't had the experience of having people over for a meal or an elaborate get-together since I was a kid in my parents' house, when the neighbors would drop in for dinner and stay to talk over coffee. Needless to say, I'm not the greatest hostess.
Urgh, the shrug has to be ripped out again. The back and one front side were knitted all in one day, and apparently, knitted much tighter than the second front. The second front is coming along well, and is in accordance with the swatch that I knitted, so I'm continuing with that, but everything I previously knitted has to come out and be re-done. Still, I think it will be worth the effort. It's beautiful yarn and the pattern is one that I like very much, so I'll just keep working with it till I get it right.
Well, the crate has been tested. We had some people over last evening, and unfortunately, Celeste went over the top in her behavior and had to go to bed at her regular bedtime and not stay up to harass the guests. She did have a temper tantrum, but decided not to take that opportunity to have a poop tantrum. I think she does understand that it's good not to do something nasty in her own nest. Aside from a bit of noise, she did very well, and went to sleep without much ado.
Last night went very well, after we got over the Celeste tantrum. Two other couples came over and we listened to music and talked. Just something very simple and relaxed with friends. We shared a bottle of wine and a bag of chips among the 6 of us, and basically had a very pleasant evening. I like evenings like that. I have never really had people over to my house very often and am a little uncomfortable with the usual big dinner and tons of people in other people's homes. I don't think I will ever want to put on a fancy dinner for a crowd, and luckily, our apartment is too small to accommodate such a thing. I haven't had the experience of having people over for a meal or an elaborate get-together since I was a kid in my parents' house, when the neighbors would drop in for dinner and stay to talk over coffee. Needless to say, I'm not the greatest hostess.
Urgh, the shrug has to be ripped out again. The back and one front side were knitted all in one day, and apparently, knitted much tighter than the second front. The second front is coming along well, and is in accordance with the swatch that I knitted, so I'm continuing with that, but everything I previously knitted has to come out and be re-done. Still, I think it will be worth the effort. It's beautiful yarn and the pattern is one that I like very much, so I'll just keep working with it till I get it right.
Jul 4, 2007
Soccer anyone?
Classes started yesterday at the institute. I got one class yesterday, and hopefully, I'll pick up another class today. There are still some Monday-Wednesday-Friday classes, and Monday-Wednesday-Saturday classes to open up, so I hope to get one of those. My class yesterday was fairly small, but apparently all the afternoon classes were small, since Peru was playing yesterday in the Americas Cup, and many of the students opted to watch that over coming to class. Hmmm. My classes are fairly demanding, so I hope the students that stayed out are up to catching up to where they need to be.
Soccer is the national pass time and favorite addiction in Peru, it seems. Every kid learns to play soccer early in life. Soccer is played on the field, on the school playground, and in the street. Peruvian soccer fans are like the Denver Bronco before the days of John Elway...always faithful and enthusiastic, even though their team hasn't won a major tournament in over 20 years. The fans are passionate about the game, opting to cancel important appointments, miss days of work and, yes, skip classes to watch a game on television. Right now, the Americas Cup is in progress. It includes teams from the countries of South America, Mexico, and the United States. I think the US was eliminated, losing to Argentina and I believe they also lost to Paraguay, although I didn't see that last game. Last night's game was Peru against Bolivia, and it turned out to be a draw, in spite of 4 additional minutes being added to the game. It was exciting enough to delay the assignment of instructors to the last round of classes till the game had finished.
On the knitting front, I'm still plugging away on the Spring Colors sweater. It's slowly, slowly becoming a sweater. I love the way the colors fade into each other, and this time, knitted on smaller needles, the stitches are tighter and everything will be warmer, and not having arms that mysteriously morph into something resembling tentacles, heh. I'm looking forward to getting it finished and being able to wear it! Those beautiful blue buttons are calling me...! I've finished Maggie's third chullo and am hunting for a small box to ship it in. I've started another sweater in a kind of dusty rose color, I think it will be beautiful! And it goes with a skirt that I have, if I should manage to get it finished before summer rolls around again. And, I promised a photo of the gray beaded poncho, but I ended up giving it as a birthday gift and forgot about taking the photo first. I guess I need to make another poncho, maybe this time to keep for myself.
Soccer is the national pass time and favorite addiction in Peru, it seems. Every kid learns to play soccer early in life. Soccer is played on the field, on the school playground, and in the street. Peruvian soccer fans are like the Denver Bronco before the days of John Elway...always faithful and enthusiastic, even though their team hasn't won a major tournament in over 20 years. The fans are passionate about the game, opting to cancel important appointments, miss days of work and, yes, skip classes to watch a game on television. Right now, the Americas Cup is in progress. It includes teams from the countries of South America, Mexico, and the United States. I think the US was eliminated, losing to Argentina and I believe they also lost to Paraguay, although I didn't see that last game. Last night's game was Peru against Bolivia, and it turned out to be a draw, in spite of 4 additional minutes being added to the game. It was exciting enough to delay the assignment of instructors to the last round of classes till the game had finished.
On the knitting front, I'm still plugging away on the Spring Colors sweater. It's slowly, slowly becoming a sweater. I love the way the colors fade into each other, and this time, knitted on smaller needles, the stitches are tighter and everything will be warmer, and not having arms that mysteriously morph into something resembling tentacles, heh. I'm looking forward to getting it finished and being able to wear it! Those beautiful blue buttons are calling me...! I've finished Maggie's third chullo and am hunting for a small box to ship it in. I've started another sweater in a kind of dusty rose color, I think it will be beautiful! And it goes with a skirt that I have, if I should manage to get it finished before summer rolls around again. And, I promised a photo of the gray beaded poncho, but I ended up giving it as a birthday gift and forgot about taking the photo first. I guess I need to make another poncho, maybe this time to keep for myself.
Jul 2, 2007
Sweaters, hats, and beads :o)
I walked down to Arequipa Avenue yesterday afternoon. There is a little shopping area there, with a grocery store, a movie theater, and a few restaurants. There's not really that much, not like a mall, but it's cute and the McDonald's is there. I treated myself to a Big Mac and walked around a bit, looking around and thinking. Omar and I went there to see the Fantastic Four on Thursday. I can't remember if it was the English or the Spanish version...and that strikes me as odd. I love going to movies, but usually, when the movie is in Spanish, I spend most of the time just trying to figure out what they are saying, and don't get to enjoy it that much. This time, I got to enjoy the movie. So that's something that makes me go hmmm.
The artisan fair closed up yesterday and I only went the one time. I'm pretty proud of myself for resisting! Here's a photo of one of the sweaters I got when I went:
Although the hood is a tiny little useless thing, and only there for the sake of the current style, I really like the pattern work, and it's alpaca, so it will be a warm one, I hope. So I'm good for sweaters for the moment. Here's another shot of the pattern work. I wish I was that good with intarsia and fair isle patterns. I have brought back stuff like this in the past, but oddly, what sells the very best is our own handknits. Most of these are handmade, but apparently too closely resemble machine-knit pieces for the taste of most folks. I imagine that most of them are looking for a one of a kind piece, or something that is very different-looking, which is where my work falls and that happy thought is comforting to me. Almost all of my knitted and crocheted items are unique pieces. I have only a few things that I do over and over, and even those change as my techniques change and improve. I know that things go in cycles, though, and that things could change. I have some very nicely made Peruvian knits tucked away for just that kind of situation.
On another knitting note, I have almost finished Maggie's 3rd chullo, and it's very different than the other two. I hope she likes it. I only have half an ear flap left to finish, then weave in the ends, and put tassels on. I'll do that this evening. Here's a quick shot of it, in it's unfinished state. It's longer than the others - long enough to put your lunch in on a cold day - and based on a pattern she suggested to me earlier.
I've also started a set of fingerless gloves for myself. It's chilly in the classrooms, but writing with gloves on is difficult and clumsy, so I decided that fingerless gloves are the way to go. I have one finished and the other one partially done. I'm getting better with the DPNs, so my next project will hopefully be socks! Anyway, these fingerless things are probably due to be ripped out and redone - they are turning out a little too big, and I want to bead them on the edges. Good practice, though, and I hope to be able to use them before winter's end.
The artisan fair closed up yesterday and I only went the one time. I'm pretty proud of myself for resisting! Here's a photo of one of the sweaters I got when I went:
Although the hood is a tiny little useless thing, and only there for the sake of the current style, I really like the pattern work, and it's alpaca, so it will be a warm one, I hope. So I'm good for sweaters for the moment. Here's another shot of the pattern work. I wish I was that good with intarsia and fair isle patterns. I have brought back stuff like this in the past, but oddly, what sells the very best is our own handknits. Most of these are handmade, but apparently too closely resemble machine-knit pieces for the taste of most folks. I imagine that most of them are looking for a one of a kind piece, or something that is very different-looking, which is where my work falls and that happy thought is comforting to me. Almost all of my knitted and crocheted items are unique pieces. I have only a few things that I do over and over, and even those change as my techniques change and improve. I know that things go in cycles, though, and that things could change. I have some very nicely made Peruvian knits tucked away for just that kind of situation.
On another knitting note, I have almost finished Maggie's 3rd chullo, and it's very different than the other two. I hope she likes it. I only have half an ear flap left to finish, then weave in the ends, and put tassels on. I'll do that this evening. Here's a quick shot of it, in it's unfinished state. It's longer than the others - long enough to put your lunch in on a cold day - and based on a pattern she suggested to me earlier.
I've also started a set of fingerless gloves for myself. It's chilly in the classrooms, but writing with gloves on is difficult and clumsy, so I decided that fingerless gloves are the way to go. I have one finished and the other one partially done. I'm getting better with the DPNs, so my next project will hopefully be socks! Anyway, these fingerless things are probably due to be ripped out and redone - they are turning out a little too big, and I want to bead them on the edges. Good practice, though, and I hope to be able to use them before winter's end.
Jun 30, 2007
Saturday
I want this to be a lazy Saturday. I WANT it to be a lazy Saturday, but I have laundry and house cleaning to do, knitting to work on, and a dog to exercise. It doesn't sound like much, but it stretches out into hours. My days get away from me. How does this happen? One minute, I'm sitting here in the morning with a cup of chamomile tea, and the next, I'm looking at the clock and it says 11:30! WHAT? Almost noon?!? I need to get a move on, so I'll just do that. But before I do, I'll put up a photo of Celeste:
Jun 29, 2007
magic all around
Celeste got new pajamas yesterday. Mmmm...more like a bathrobe, heh. It's really a fleece dog sweater, but it's about 2 sizes too big and fits her loosely. So it drapes on her like a robe. She seems to love it, though, and went to bed in it last night. Voluntarily. I couldn't believe it. Usually, getting her to go to her own bed is like pulling teeth, but last night, with her fleece sweater on, she went to her own bed and was out like a light. She slept till almost 9 this morning! Another miracle! She's usually awake and destroying things at 5:30, but this morning was a different story. I was actually expecting to find a shredded fleece collar hanging from her neck and the rest of the sweater scattered around the laundry room, but it was intact! When I went into see if Celeste was still breathing, she just looked up at me from her laundry basket and yawned. As soon as I took her PJs off, she sprang into action and leaped around the apartment like a horny toad, so I know she's normal outside of the sweater...maybe they're magic pajamas! Maybe they keep the monsters away, like Ms. Violet did.
I went to the artisan fair today in the big parking lot just a couple of blocks away. It's open through Sunday. Most of the vendors are from the mountain areas, and they sell knitwear, mostly, but a few also have herbs and herbal remedies, and some folk magic stuff. As I walked through the aisles, I noticed a few gallon jars of preserved snakes, monopoly money, copal incense, and various animal bones...all for casting spells to bring money, chase away the evil eye, protection against other spells and curses, and the like. I passed a booth that had piles of herbs and incense on it and heard bells and chanting coming from behind a curtain, heavy incense smoke filling the air. I wasn't allowed to peek behind to see what was happening, but I know that voodoo workings are still practiced in some areas of Peru, including parts of Lima. I can't tell how seriously people take it or how often they make this part of their lives, although I do know that Omar's cousin is currently employed by a company from Spain, to read tarot cards over the phone. This is the first place I have ever been where "eye of newt" would be an item that people would go shopping for, and you really might find it on the shelf.
I wonder why I didn't see magic wands. Is the wand a European creation, not included in voodoo magic? When I have gone to craft shows and eclectic stores in the United States, I always see those kinds of items, including wands.
Anyway, I came away from the fair with 2 beautiful sweaters, one all alpaca and the other probably an acrylic blend, a pair of hand-knit socks with matching mittens, a jar of very strong-tasting honey, a jar of carob syrup, and the first three Harry Potter movies for about dollar a piece - the extent of my magic for the day. I didn't buy any herbs or snake bits. I think the movies might see me through Saturday. Omar had a change of plans and has to return Saturday afternoon...he has classes on Sunday, so is cutting his visit in Trujillo short by a day. I'm glad. I know he enjoys visiting his family and friends there but I miss his presence here in the house.
I went to the artisan fair today in the big parking lot just a couple of blocks away. It's open through Sunday. Most of the vendors are from the mountain areas, and they sell knitwear, mostly, but a few also have herbs and herbal remedies, and some folk magic stuff. As I walked through the aisles, I noticed a few gallon jars of preserved snakes, monopoly money, copal incense, and various animal bones...all for casting spells to bring money, chase away the evil eye, protection against other spells and curses, and the like. I passed a booth that had piles of herbs and incense on it and heard bells and chanting coming from behind a curtain, heavy incense smoke filling the air. I wasn't allowed to peek behind to see what was happening, but I know that voodoo workings are still practiced in some areas of Peru, including parts of Lima. I can't tell how seriously people take it or how often they make this part of their lives, although I do know that Omar's cousin is currently employed by a company from Spain, to read tarot cards over the phone. This is the first place I have ever been where "eye of newt" would be an item that people would go shopping for, and you really might find it on the shelf.
I wonder why I didn't see magic wands. Is the wand a European creation, not included in voodoo magic? When I have gone to craft shows and eclectic stores in the United States, I always see those kinds of items, including wands.
Anyway, I came away from the fair with 2 beautiful sweaters, one all alpaca and the other probably an acrylic blend, a pair of hand-knit socks with matching mittens, a jar of very strong-tasting honey, a jar of carob syrup, and the first three Harry Potter movies for about dollar a piece - the extent of my magic for the day. I didn't buy any herbs or snake bits. I think the movies might see me through Saturday. Omar had a change of plans and has to return Saturday afternoon...he has classes on Sunday, so is cutting his visit in Trujillo short by a day. I'm glad. I know he enjoys visiting his family and friends there but I miss his presence here in the house.
Jun 26, 2007
A Life Worth Singing About
I have just read a recent post on Honestly Speaking about what she is grateful for. I also have a lot to be grateful for. I'm so grateful that I am able to speak my mind and, well, just speak - freely, truthfully, frankly. I am with the rest of South America, observing Venezuela in the loss of a television station that included programming the was critical of the current Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez. It seems like freedom of expression is on the way out in Venezuela.
I'm grateful that I have my husband, Omar. He loves me, and I love him passionately. We support one another in everything we do. He's gentle, tactful, funny, and talented. He's musical and rhythmic, singing and dancing with a beautiful Latino style. I'm grateful that I can sing and dance with him!
I'm grateful for the family that I have. I love them all, unconditionally. I have a beautiful, hot-tempered daughter, who I hope learns to manage her temper soon. I have sisters. They are also hot-tempered at times, but they are mine. I have a wonderful father who is compassionate and gentle, and just experiencing a complete independence and is beginning to re-create his life after the death of my mother. And I am grateful for having had a tremendous mother. She passed away last year, and I do miss her. She taught all of us so much, right up to the time that she died.
I have my health. I have a healthy body that seems to get me around quite well. I am able to walk to work and dance in the evenings, and get from place to place without pain or upset. Happily, I don't smoke, so I have quite a good set of pipes on me that enable me to project my voice throughout the classroom, to my students, and to sing with. So far, I haven't suffered from any recurring illness and hopefully, that will be the case for some years to come!
I have been thinking about all that I have in my life, and although I'm not rich by any monetary means, I am rich in spirit. I have been given health, love, family, and LIFE. And it's a life worth singing about!
I'm grateful that I have my husband, Omar. He loves me, and I love him passionately. We support one another in everything we do. He's gentle, tactful, funny, and talented. He's musical and rhythmic, singing and dancing with a beautiful Latino style. I'm grateful that I can sing and dance with him!
I'm grateful for the family that I have. I love them all, unconditionally. I have a beautiful, hot-tempered daughter, who I hope learns to manage her temper soon. I have sisters. They are also hot-tempered at times, but they are mine. I have a wonderful father who is compassionate and gentle, and just experiencing a complete independence and is beginning to re-create his life after the death of my mother. And I am grateful for having had a tremendous mother. She passed away last year, and I do miss her. She taught all of us so much, right up to the time that she died.
I have my health. I have a healthy body that seems to get me around quite well. I am able to walk to work and dance in the evenings, and get from place to place without pain or upset. Happily, I don't smoke, so I have quite a good set of pipes on me that enable me to project my voice throughout the classroom, to my students, and to sing with. So far, I haven't suffered from any recurring illness and hopefully, that will be the case for some years to come!
I have been thinking about all that I have in my life, and although I'm not rich by any monetary means, I am rich in spirit. I have been given health, love, family, and LIFE. And it's a life worth singing about!
I got the music in me, I got the music...
I did sing myself to work yesterday and it honestly did raise my spirits, in spite of the thick cloud cover and the slight drizzle. This morning, I awoke to a song in my head (Sunshine on My Shoulders) and hummed it all the way to the cleaners to pick up my blankets. I should have thought of singing much, much earlier. I have my favorite HEART music on right now and I think I'll just be listening to that till time to go to work.
Celeste went with me to the cleaners. She behaved (mostly) like a charm! Hmmm...that makes me wonder what she's up to. We had a few rough spots, but for the most part, she acted like a little lady. The pigeons bother her. When she spots a pigeon on the ground or flying low, her hair stands up and she has to pause to make sure she knows where they're going. I don't think she quite gets it that there are other ways of moving around besides on legs and on wheels. And there was the occasional person that also caused her hair to stand on end, and I'm not sure why. I'm glad she's looking and is aware but I wish I knew what she sees or feels. We generally avoid those hair-raising people.
I've tried twice this morning to get into a scarf and ripped it out both times. I gues I'm still in a knitting slump, so I'll just wait until I finish Maggie's third hat before I start something else new. I also need to get a project started in alpaca, but haven't come up with any good ideas yet. I only have 4 months to go before we go to Windsor to sell our stuff, and I haven't got much made at all. I gotta get inspired! I got the music in me, now I need to use it to get the inspiration in me.
What's that song?...I got the music in me, I got the music IN me, I got the MUSIC in MEEEEEEEE!!!!
Celeste went with me to the cleaners. She behaved (mostly) like a charm! Hmmm...that makes me wonder what she's up to. We had a few rough spots, but for the most part, she acted like a little lady. The pigeons bother her. When she spots a pigeon on the ground or flying low, her hair stands up and she has to pause to make sure she knows where they're going. I don't think she quite gets it that there are other ways of moving around besides on legs and on wheels. And there was the occasional person that also caused her hair to stand on end, and I'm not sure why. I'm glad she's looking and is aware but I wish I knew what she sees or feels. We generally avoid those hair-raising people.
I've tried twice this morning to get into a scarf and ripped it out both times. I gues I'm still in a knitting slump, so I'll just wait until I finish Maggie's third hat before I start something else new. I also need to get a project started in alpaca, but haven't come up with any good ideas yet. I only have 4 months to go before we go to Windsor to sell our stuff, and I haven't got much made at all. I gotta get inspired! I got the music in me, now I need to use it to get the inspiration in me.
What's that song?...I got the music in me, I got the music IN me, I got the MUSIC in MEEEEEEEE!!!!
Jun 25, 2007
The power of song
I was reading another blog, when I noticed a post about singing. I love singing. I realize that I haven't been singing much these days. I think it's time to get back to it. Singing for me is a lot like laughing and walking - it stimulates those endorphins and those brain chemicals that make me feel happy. I sang with my husband on Friday evening, and we loved it! What fun when we both know the same song and can harmonize together! We need to do it more often!
So from now on, I am making it my policy to sing every morning. Oh no, not loud enough to drive the neighbors out, but enough to start out my days happily! ahem...mi mi mi mi mi...lalalalala!! I think I'll sing myself to work this afternoon.
So from now on, I am making it my policy to sing every morning. Oh no, not loud enough to drive the neighbors out, but enough to start out my days happily! ahem...mi mi mi mi mi...lalalalala!! I think I'll sing myself to work this afternoon.
Morning musings
I love tea. I love watching the steam curl as it rises from the cup. I love the aroma, whether the tea contains herbs and spices or whether it is black or green tea. It fills my mind with memories and wakes me up in the morning. As I drink my tea, I am often inspired to write my thoughts down, and that has ultimately resulted in this blog.
I love to write, also. I always have. Since I was a child, I wrote my thoughts and feelings, stories and poems. Sometimes I found my writings being ridiculed by others and that put a damper on things, but it couldn't squelch the writer in me. Writing is a hard thing, though, because none of the facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language is able to be included without additional narrative.
I love knitting. When I knit, it's as if I am creating a story with the yarn and needles. Each row of stitches is created with intent, stories and feelings woven in between each stitch, thoughts and emotions follow the yarn around the needles, creating a lacy history for someone to love and wear. I think of my knitted creations as filled with magic and love, each one made with a special meaning, each one a work of my imagination. Each one with a happy ending when it is ready to be worn.
I love to write, also. I always have. Since I was a child, I wrote my thoughts and feelings, stories and poems. Sometimes I found my writings being ridiculed by others and that put a damper on things, but it couldn't squelch the writer in me. Writing is a hard thing, though, because none of the facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language is able to be included without additional narrative.
I love knitting. When I knit, it's as if I am creating a story with the yarn and needles. Each row of stitches is created with intent, stories and feelings woven in between each stitch, thoughts and emotions follow the yarn around the needles, creating a lacy history for someone to love and wear. I think of my knitted creations as filled with magic and love, each one made with a special meaning, each one a work of my imagination. Each one with a happy ending when it is ready to be worn.
when conversation breaks down
I have recently had the experience of someone becoming so angry with me that this person was unable to see anything, except what they had in their minds. Conversation broke down to the point where I was unable to share my thoughts with them. I'm not sure what kind of response was expected from me and was afraid to continue, for fear of an even larger misunderstanding, which happened in short order. I thought that a conversation was two or more people exchanging ideas and thoughts in a civil way, but she very shortly became less than civil. I could see that there was a misunderstanding and even though I tried, I couldn't repair it. When the conversation degraded to the point of me being told what I was thinking and what I was feeling (and most of that was completely off base), what I should be thinking and feeling, that I needed to stop thinking about what I needed, and swear words being thrown at me, I opted to step out of the conversation. I felt like there was just no constructive way for me to continue with this. There was no communication going on there, just the beginnings of verbal abuse. I wasn't aware that someone would address a friend in such a way.
Now there are hurt feelings on both sides. I'm told that I'm angry, although this is not the case. I don't feel angry, I feel hurt and disappointed and, right now, very leery of this person I consider to be a friend. I think I need to re-evaluate how much I share with people. I think I need to figure out just how much is safe to reveal and when to discontinue the involvement for my own safety. But there I am again, thinking of what I need, which is apparently a bad thing. I don't know how to repair this or if it is wise for me to try.
What do you all think out there? I know this is difficult, without knowing all the details and I am unwilling to divulge all the details on here on my blog. Do I have the wrong idea about how to communicate? Are my thoughts in a conversation not to be considered and are most conversations one-sided? I feel like each person is responsible for their own words, and I am taking full responsibility for mine.
Now there are hurt feelings on both sides. I'm told that I'm angry, although this is not the case. I don't feel angry, I feel hurt and disappointed and, right now, very leery of this person I consider to be a friend. I think I need to re-evaluate how much I share with people. I think I need to figure out just how much is safe to reveal and when to discontinue the involvement for my own safety. But there I am again, thinking of what I need, which is apparently a bad thing. I don't know how to repair this or if it is wise for me to try.
What do you all think out there? I know this is difficult, without knowing all the details and I am unwilling to divulge all the details on here on my blog. Do I have the wrong idea about how to communicate? Are my thoughts in a conversation not to be considered and are most conversations one-sided? I feel like each person is responsible for their own words, and I am taking full responsibility for mine.
Jun 23, 2007
Looking within and wondering what's there
I read a wonderful essay on the concept of beauty today. I understand that beauty is more than skin deep, and that personality counts as a large part of that beauty. I look at my Omar and see his sparkling personality, his quiet grace and tact, and his gentleness and understanding. It far outshines any physical beauty, although it certainly serves to enhance it.
I often have difficulty finding the beauty in myself. I seem to be plagued with misunderstandings lately, between family and friends, and these misunderstandings influence the way I view myself. I have, recently, learned that I am often too direct in stating my concerns. I'm not too sure why people do not react well to my direct, head-on approach, but I have not found another way of handling things that worry me, or that I feel need to be addressed. I have my thoughts about it, but those might be better off left out of this. I'm looking for a way to work my thoughts into a discussion or conversation with more tact and grace. I feel very lucky that I have Omar in my life, because he is able to discuss things with me, even though I have strong concerns about things and often butt into him head-on with these things and he hasn't run screaming from my life yet. For now, I think I'll just stop talking about misunderstandings and concerns before I put both of my feet even farther into my mouth than I already have. And then maybe I'll work my way back to finding the beauty in myself.
I often have difficulty finding the beauty in myself. I seem to be plagued with misunderstandings lately, between family and friends, and these misunderstandings influence the way I view myself. I have, recently, learned that I am often too direct in stating my concerns. I'm not too sure why people do not react well to my direct, head-on approach, but I have not found another way of handling things that worry me, or that I feel need to be addressed. I have my thoughts about it, but those might be better off left out of this. I'm looking for a way to work my thoughts into a discussion or conversation with more tact and grace. I feel very lucky that I have Omar in my life, because he is able to discuss things with me, even though I have strong concerns about things and often butt into him head-on with these things and he hasn't run screaming from my life yet. For now, I think I'll just stop talking about misunderstandings and concerns before I put both of my feet even farther into my mouth than I already have. And then maybe I'll work my way back to finding the beauty in myself.
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