Mom's Purse

The Count Down - 6 months

2012-01-28T15:39:00.048-07:00

January 2, 2012

"WHAT!?! MEREDITHS ENGAGED?!?!

I`m in shock at this moment, staring at a computer screen, not sure what to say or do. This has never happened before and there was no class or mission experience that could have prepared me for an engaged sister! Congratulations Meredith! I will support you in this if its truly what you want and feel that its the right thing to do. When I saw the email titles I am not gonna lie I got a pit in my stomach, nervousness built up. Me being the 20 yr old missionary brother on the other side of the world and not having literal contact with you guys made it a little bit of a surprise and i still find my self in shock.... Congrats Mer, thank you for putting the date for august and I just want to make sure that you`ll be alright until than? that is a long engagement so make sure to be careful, be wise, so that your both prepared for a that temple marriage.

...HAPPY NEW YEARS!

2012, the world is ending! either that or the mayans just got tired of writing or their printer ran out of ink as their calender came out. With a new year, comes a new you, new expectations, we leave behind the old, and pick up the new. New goals with high expectations, positive outlooks on everything, and the impossible is possible. We have 365 days to achieve new things and 24 hours each one of those days.... there is also this great thing we have called agency, so we get to choose how we are going to use every second, minute, and hour of each and everyone of those 365 days. There are two types of people in this world and two things that make all that is created around us,

14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and ^alearning; for there is a God, and he hath ^bcreated all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be ^cacted upon.

The question is which one of those two things do we want to be, someone who acts or is acted upon. I hope the first. If we are those who act, we take initiative, work hard, have new ideas, have a vision or dream of what we want, are creative, excited, positive, and ready to go. Our agency will have a key role in the difference of our character and who we are, it can lead to amazing new things that bless our lives but if abused or wrongly used leads to consequences of pain, regret, and problems."

January 9, 2012

"I am now in El Mirador Achupallas with Elder Obregon from Las Vegas Nevada/Mexico/Chile. He has 3 nationalities. We live in a pretty nice modern apartment with 2 other missionaries, one of which is a newbie in the mission(fresh from the mtc). We are enjoying our new area. The ward is amazing. There are actually return missionaries here! We are working with several families and trying to set high goals to break our limits. We live within view of the coast but its about 15 min. in a bus to get to Viña Centro. We have tons of apartment buildings so there are tons of people here all compacted into a small space. The only problem is there are fences and guards that don´t let you in unless you know someone there.... so we talk with just about everyone in the street"

January 16, 2012

"So this week was a little different, my companion got an operation on a hernia so we had to take some down time, it was a relatively slow week. He is on a good recovery schedule so he`s doing pretty good now. On monday we ate papa johns pizza (its new in chiles) it was the first american style pizza I had eaten in a year and a half. Tuesday, operation day, my comp had to watch me eat lunch with the members because he was fasting (he couldn´t eat before the operation.)

...I had the wonderful experience of staying overnight in the hospital(we planned on going home that night). I had a sketchy fold out couch/chair and slept in full missionary clothes and the air conditioning had broken in the room so it was boiling hot. When my comp rolled into the room at about 10pm his eyes were wide open and he had a big goofy grin on because he had moved his legs he got to go back to his room. Apparently the anasthesia was given to him in the back and from his stomach down he couldn´t feel a thing, so in order to come back to his hospital room he had to move his legs.(I guess he tried cheating the test by putting his hand underneath the blanket and lifting up his leg, and during the surgery they had to strap his arms down because he wanted to see the surgery) Anyways he was goofing off, still half drugged, and talked very excitedly about his surgery and how excited he was to try and walk.... luckily with time he mellowed out and got to sleep and the next morning we checked out."

January 23, 2012

"All is good here in Chile, Maria Paz got baptized, Elder Obregon baptized and she asked me to confirm her, it was a good baptismal service. My companion is fully recovered and running around like normal he just has to take it easy with the sit ups, he says thanks for the prayers. My companion (i thought I already told you about him) is from Las vegas nevada, mexico, and chile.... he was born in the usa and lived there 18 years but every summer lived in mexico and he now lives in santiago chile.... his mom is mexican and his father is chilean. He used to be a thug on the streets of vegas but the missionaries helped him out there and he´s now a missionary. He`s really funny, we both have very different ways of thinking because of our different backgrounds, but we get along really well. He`s funny and we work good together and teach good together which is the most important.

...sorry for a short letter, lots of running around, but very much loving the mission and enjoying every moment.

Love you all

Elder Matesen."

Below: For Christmas cards this year we sent a photo of the 4 of us at home with a separate photo of Max at the Santiago, Chile temple (a 7 hour bus ride from where he is serving). When Max got his Christmas card, he cut and pasted himself into our family photo, using scissors and glue. Sweet!!

Motivation to Post

2012-01-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I did a screen grab of this picture, so I could pin it.
Perfect chairs for the dining room. Perfect.
$850 per chair.
850 x 8 = $6800. Oh. Whoa.
The Ellipse Dining Chair from Thos. Moser.

Birthday Girl

2012-01-24T17:45:00.001-07:00

Today my Meredith is 23 years old. One pivotal moment in our relationship was just after she was born. She wasn't even one day old yet. The nurse wheeled her into my hospital room in a baby cart. I leaned over her....staring. She was bundled tightly in a soft cotton blankie, she had tons of black fluffy hair that stood straight up, and she had the most perfect heart-shaped lips. I said aloud to myself, "I can't believe this is my baby. Mine!" And, as sure as if she were speaking the words, I received my first clear message from Meredith. "I am NOT yours. I belong to myself. I am my OWN person." Twenty-three years later, I could say that this clear message still rings true. I have learned to stand back and let her blossom....mostly on her own. Parenting was more than a little tricky. "What is my role here? Am I not her mother? Shouldn't I be allowed this privilege to nurture, influence, discipline, teach, LOVE this child?"

When Meredith was 3 years old she told a friend of mine that she should be the mother and I should be the child. I truly believe that Meredith never really was a child. Or a baby, for that matter. She has always been a woman. And for many years, it has been a great frustration for her to be stuck in such a youthful body, having to dodge the mothering attempts of a puzzled girl in a mother's body. Truly, Meredith has been more advanced and mature than me, from the start.

However, I have been and always will be her MOTHER. I take this role very seriously! Often, I feel like she is my guide, but I have learned through my own efforts of trial and error that I must be tricky. "Parent Meredith through the back door," I would tell myself. As I have done so, my front door approach has been one from the best seat on the "observation deck" of Meredith's life. She is amazing! She is so unique!! I have never known another human being that is remotely like her. Facets reflect the light in ways I never knew existed. She IS her OWN person. A treasure, to be sure!

Twenty-three years ago, I was so willing and ready to dive into motherhood. What I didn't realize, back then, is that signing on to be a mother means you sign on to be a mother in-law and even....a grandmother. On New Years Eve, George Simons proposed to Meredith, presenting himself on one knee, and offering a ring that he had made himself....from a tree - a Madrona tree; symbolic of Meredith Lee.

My child has grown into herself. Finally. She can live and breathe and be the woman she was born to be. "Fly, Meredith! Spread those incredibly wonderful wings and fly high!! I can let go, having no regrets and knowing....I never really had you in the first place. We grew up together. You have trained me well. I am a different and better person, having raised you up by standing back and observing the artist, musician, fashion designer, potter, seamstress, alterations specialist, bookworm, facilitator of imaginary worlds, beauty queen, chef, fairy, collector, butterfly, bowling master, mermaid, athlete, dancer, fearless ghost lover, playwright, scientist, tea lover, yogi, hiker, biker, camper, fantasy fan, mystic, early morning riser, vegetable consumer, tease, coastal girl, cheerful family member, boss, peacemaker, mess-maker, magician, teacher, friend, master of patience, intuitive, dreamer, independent...."

This past week, as I have watched Meredith try on bridal gowns, I have been moved to tears. What a beauty!! She looks great in every gown she tries on. Her face lights up, as she stands on the bridal pedestal and she is at home, in her element - a true princess; comfortable in her ball gown and so happy to be exactly who she is. I LOVE you "my" Mer!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

The Count Down - 7 months for real this time

2011-12-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

I was wrong on the last missionary post. Last time, it was 8 months. This time, it is 7 months.
More tidbits from Elder Matesen's letters:

December 5, 2011
"...The temple trip was very disorganized, we left an hour late but when we got there it was a huge relief to go inside the temple. I didn´t want to leave. It's been a year since my last temple trip. Long story short the bus driver who was going to pick us up at 6 pm got there at midnight to pick us up because he got lost, and then he got lost again taking us back. So instead of getting home at 1 or 2 am we got home at 7 am (which is when we are supposed to wake up). We got permission to sleep till 11 so basically we made it 2 days with 4 hours of sleep..."

December 12, 2011
"This week was a full week, with travel up to la serena for 2 training meetings, followed by a stake leadership meeting we had with the mission president and the stake, and then we had zone council in viña (7 hours in the bus). Elder S. and I are pretty tired but excited... The family of 4 we have been teaching have their baptismal interview this week and they should get baptized this upcoming sunday!"

December 19, 2011
"Thanks for all the letters, Christmas is just around the corner and its coming up fast. Time is slipping by and we are working very hard here in Coquimbo. The family got baptized on Sunday! It was a good baptismal service....its truly a miracle when one is willing to change their life and enter into the waters of baptism with the willingness to leave their old life behind..."

December 26, 2011
"Thanks for a great Skype call. I loved it! I don´t have too much to say considering most of it was said. Thank you so much for the package and all the support that you showed me. We had a zone activity today and played soccer, and ate breakfast together. We have a big week ahead, there is a lot of stress based on getting people to church considering no one went on christmas and next sunday is new years... I don´t want to use them as excuses but its gotten harder.

... Quick questions...

what is the possibility of mom and dad renewing my drivers license before I get home?

what are our chances of living in santa cruz?

what else is planned for the new year?

what was all your favorite new years experiences?

I Love you all a lot

Elder Matesen"

Good Listen

2011-12-05T12:32:00.001-07:00

My latest listening interest:
Radio West with Doug Fabrizio. Mr. B. got me started on Doug's stories.
They are awesome! Listen to this one: Hamlet's Blackberry. I highly recommend!!
Mr. B. and I often wonder about Doug. He must be a VERY fast and prolific reader,
or he hires slaves to read it for him. You will know what I'm talking about when you
listen to his interview with William Powers (author of Hamlet's Blackberry). ENJOY!

The Count Down - 7 months

2011-12-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

November 1, 2011
"...I also learned that the eyes are the doors into someone's soul, ... I have been paying more attention to the eyes of the people we talk to and teach and the other missionaries and you can discern and see lots of things in the eyes of others, whether its a light in their eye or dark, a sadness, happiness, childlike, humble, prideful, rebellious, obedient, its amazing. President Holland told us "their eyes will tell you everything." I invite you guys to try and pay more attention this week, or maybe you already do, but it's very interesting what you see and discern."

November 7, 2011
"...Thanks for all the letters and support. This week was full like all the others that I have had over the last year or so. The zone council was amazing. We did service, had a BBQ, and had the council in a beautiful outdoor area. The bus ride was 6 hours and we left at 1 in the morning friday and got to Viña Del Mar at 7 just in time to take the bus to zone council which was another hour and a half and then after we took the hour and a half bus back to Viña and took the 6 hour bus at 6 or 7 to the north again and got to our zone at 2 in the morning and woke up saturday bright and early to go to work. I felt like I was going to fall asleep during a lesson watching the video of the restoration but we are back and awake now so its all good."

November 14, 2011
"...11/11/11 was a pretty good day.... we had a mission conference with all 200 missionaries in the mission, with 4 general authorities, Elder Quentin L Cook, Bishop Mcmullen, Elder Kent Richards, and Elder Ceballos all accompanied by their wives. It was amazing! we all got to shake their hands and I can truly say the gaze of an apostle is like an interview, its very deep and piercing. As I watched Elder Cook shake the hand of every elder he took a very deep stare into every one of the 200 missionaries eyes. ... It was hours and sooo good, after we sang zone songs about our zones using hymns.... it was pretty creative and so great to see everyone."

"... Today we had a big zone activity in a fort castle thing on the coast, being right by the ocean reminded me even more that i know that I have to somehow be able to live on the coast, i miss santa cruz still haha ...

We are now preparing everything for the next change as the time flies by...."

November 21, 2011

"... Elder Silva, left last night at midnight. We had a run getting to the bus station to get him on his way home. We got in the taxi and asked him if he could get to the bus station in 2 minutes he sort of grinned and said yes. Let me just say, red lights were optional, there was no speed limit, and I don`t know if stopped praying until we got out at the bus station. It was crazy but we made it and now my new comp will be heading up, a new zone leader, that I will be training, Elder Pilcher from California."

"... This weekend is changes and my comp left me so I am in charge of 14 missionaries traveling all over to different parts of chile and they all have to be with a comp and I am just overly stressed but loving it. I`m really excited for this next change..."

November 28, 2011

"... I was a little jealous of the Thanksgiving feast you guys had... We forgot it was Thanksgiving... but we had a really good zone class and got everyone really excited to romper los limites (break the limits.) We spent the first part of the week without sleep, running up and down picking up Elders at the bus stop who arrived at about 1 in the morning. Its been sort of hectic running around so much. I actually ran out of money because we had to take so many taxis up and down, so I took some money out of my account which is already gone now. Today I tried taking money out on the emergency card and I put in what I thought was the normal pin but it didnt work so I took more off my card.... any help? We are going to the Santiago temple this week with the ward (7hours in a mini bus), its going to be a long trip..."

Art Market Today, Tomorrow, and Saturday

2011-12-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Christmas shopping!
Lots to see at Art Market.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2011

2011-11-27T20:54:00.002-07:00

1. We hosted 21 family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner.
I rented 15 chairs, cooked my turkey (3 breasts) in a slow-cooker, tried a new
stuffing recipe, and decided that I DO like pumpkin pie IF the crust is made
by Meredith and the filling is made by Grandma Val.

2. Grandma Val whirls around the kitchen like a graceful ballerina, with a dish
towel in hand. She is great moral support for the traditional puzzlers.

3. Grampie suggested a rendition of an old family favorite - a song: Five Fat Turkeys Are We.
The turkeys: Grampie, Ruby, George, Meredith, and Charlotte.

4. The table decorations rained all around us! Like leaves falling from the sky.

5. Desserts: Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan cake, oreo cream pie, and razzleberry pie...
with plenty of whip cream and ice cream to go around...and around again!

6. Randy performed 3 numbers; one of which was Chickens Wearing Socks - a favorite
stand-by song that always pleases the crowd.

7. The day slipped by in an instant. Many helpers made light work. I snatched opportunities
to visit with my loved ones before they trickled out the door leaving warm hugs and thank-yous.

8. Black Friday held an afternoon at the movies, the hanging of Christmas lights, and a new iphone.
Big shopping deal of the day: free iphone cover, oh ya.

And Sings the Tune Without the Words

2011-11-15T10:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Ruby,
Next time you are annoyed with me for not knowing the words...
Please read this poetic arrangement by my bestest bestie Emily Dickinson.
It's HOPE. The little bird.

I Spy...

2011-11-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

my famous friends in the Down East catalog today! Yea!!

The fashion queens of mail-order catalogs: from left -
Becky
Annie
Ella's friend (does eyebrows)
Jan-Jan
Ella Ba-Doodle
Elizabeth
Jillian

Dear TW

2011-11-07T17:11:00.000-07:00

p.s. I think you will really like this movie:

11/1/11

2011-11-01T23:43:00.045-06:00

Good-bye to October 2011

October Colors

October Getaway

October Performance

October Meredith

October Birthday

Halloween!

On to November and Thanksgiving...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:30:00.000-06:00

The Count Down - 8 months

2011-10-28T12:56:00.073-06:00

October 3, 2011
"...Great experience during the week is that we found another family of 5! ...We taught the restoration simply and talked about baptism and the benefits of following Christ. The mom and older daughter were in tears as they all 4 accepted to be baptized on the 29 of October. It was a miracle! Sadly it is likely I will not be there, but I am so grateful for being allowed to experience a moment like that. They were going through hard times and it felt great telling them with a sureness that there was someone that understands and is compassionate to their pains and problems, we talked about the Atonement and we ended the lesson with everyone better off."

October 10, 2011
"...So I`m heading up north to Coquimbo! with Elder Silva a Chilean! I have been called as a Zone Leader there and I´m way excited for this upcoming change and a little sad that I have to leave this area. We had 7 people in church this week and we have 6 people committed to baptism. The family came to church and things could not be better in Belloto and in the Ward of Estero Viejo.
...I learned a lot from Elder Gasik and we had a lot of laughs as a companionship. I learned that the positivity that we maintain can change everything. I loved all the time I have had in the mission and I´m stoked for what is coming up.

...We are running short on time but I promise to send a better letter next week."

October 17, 2011

"...This has been one of the most hectic but successful weeks of my mission. So on change day I got on a bus for 6 hours to arrive at Coquimbo, its a port, lots of boats, amazing view, and there is a giant cross where we work that's called La Cruz del III Milenio, it supposedly will last till the next Millenium. So after arriving from 6 hours in a bus we went out to work, and at 1 in the morning 2 new missionaries got here and we had to be there to welcome them. It was pretty funny watching two scared American missionaries stepping of a 6 hour bus ride they had to arrive in their first area in the mission.

During the week we have literally been running everywhere, between meetings and proselyting. This week we found 27 new investigators and found a few families. Elder Silva is amazing, from Concepcion, Chile and has so much faith. It's crazy how many miracles we have already seen. We just have a new way of going about things, having the vision that everyone will say yes and if they don't then the Lord is just trying our patience so we run to the next. ... All I know is Coquimbo is amazing! It's beautiful here, and I cant wait to get some photos out to you guys so you can see the views we have of the ocean coast here."

October 24, 2011

"....This P- day we walked up to the giant cross of the great apostasy that is right above our house on top of the hill.

I have been learning a lot about the power of faith in the last couple of weeks and how we can transform faith into the principle of power that it truly is. When we have a desire to achieve a goal and we apply and put that desire not only in our mind but in our heart as well, the success and results of our works double or even more. Faith is a mental effort and requires the desire and concentration, we have to cast out all fear and doubt.

When we approach a door, we do so knowing they will let us in, if we do so there isn´t room for fear or doubt and countless miraculous times in these last 2 weeks we have seen the blessings of this type of faith.

We should go into the action of faith knowing we will succeed, there cannot be doubt or fear or it weakens our ability to do. Just like faith without works is dead, works without faith are dead. If we act not expecting to succeed why should we expect good results?

I read a talk so that when we have a righteous desire and work with that type of faith that we receive celestial and divine help to complete our labors. For example yesterday we knocked 3 doors and got into 2 houses, in every other part of my mission we had days when people wouldn´t open up and we just taught the other investigators. But something we should always remember is that the faith isn´t in oneself or in their companion but it has to be focused in Christ.

....Dad wrote me something interesting - living on shared light. Growing up, I lived on borrowed light and the only spark of light that kept me connected was attending church, and many times I didn´t recognize the light. Since being on a mission I have seen a spark become a huge light that is fueled daily and even though there are many people and situations that try to throw water on the light, it keeps burning."

17 Years of Ruby

2011-10-22T20:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Ruby!!

This is What I Did for Fun Today

2011-10-19T23:56:00.000-06:00

#1. Class: Photoshop. Textures. FUN.
I like the pink one the best. I was so proud of all my textures, I had to post 4 of them.

The Marvelous Wonderettes and Other Adventures in UT Valley

2011-10-18T22:56:00.004-06:00

What a day - Last Thursday. It is amazing what you can pack into a day!
One fabulous fall day with friends and family!!

I spent the morning with Lester. She has all kinds of exciting design projects going on! So exciting to
exclaim and share while speed-talking and then driving and walking and shopping. Lester is assisting
a catering company as a design consultant. She is supervising the painting of a historical building in
downtown Provo. She is teaching an Interior Design class at BYU. She just finished the interior design
of a yoga studio. Oh my! I LOVED it! We stopped at a toy store near the yoga studio, which transformed
us into our former childlike selves, and then we stopped at Happy Sumo for a very happy sushi lunch.

Lester dropped me off at Randy's. Randy and I picked up Mom in the wheelchair van (always FUN to
drive). We waited 2 hours to see a heart specialist for 2 minutes. My mom had 2 EKGs. Poor Mom -
not feeling well at all. She and Randy waited in the car while I ran into a store for grocery items and
dog food.

After dropping off Mom & the food, Randy and I explored an old favorite trail - a path he used to follow
when he could walk. He wanted to know...Was it wheelchair friendly?

Randy and I drove to Le Dolce Vita for my mom's favorite Italian food. But Mom was too sick to come.
We met Ellen and Mr. B. at the restaurant. Then we picked up my 2 nieces, and we all packed into the
wheelchair van (FUN). The wheelchair van is very low to the ground. We scrapped bottom a lot, and
when we did, we laughed and laughed... in a worried sort of way.

We drove to The Marvelous Wonderettes, showing at The Hale Center Theatre. Dad and
Rosa met us there; straight from the Farmers Market as the "top produce sellers on BYU campus."
I wish I had had time to stop by and patronize the top sellers. It would have been fun to see them
in action.

And speaking of action, Mr. B. and I were asked if we would be the "audience participation" in
The Marvelous Wonderettes production. We were easy access on the front row. Mr. B. was "Mr.
Lee, the music teacher. I was "Mrs. McPherson, the French teacher." I had a small role compared
to Mr. B. With a cast of 4 members, Brett was easily the 5th cast member. He came dressed for the
part. It was so perfect!! The whole thing was hilarious!! I couldn't resist a few iphone shots! What
a good sport. He really hammed it up for the audience, and we loved it! Thanks to the Marvelous
Wonderettes and Mr. B. for a GOOD laugh.

For What Shall it Profit a Man [Woman]?

2011-10-17T17:09:00.005-06:00

Lately, as I have been trying to keep up with technology, which I have discovered is impossible, I have
been taking online classes, pinning on pinterest, posting on instagram, updating my Creative Suite,
reading about the latest, greatest, newest iphone, itouch, ipad, and then apps for the phone/touch/pad,
learning how to calendar and sync for time management, and trying to keep up with updates, updates,
updates....AND then I enjoy reading Graphic Design articles & DIY posts....AND there are so many
great blogs out there....AND what about Twitter? Should I join Linked IN? I have also been researching
Wacom Tablets. Which one is the best for me? Meanwhile, how do I change the ink in my new printer?
Why is ink so expensive? I wish I knew more about scanning. More info. and know-how needed!!

It is never ending! I could spend all my time learning how to manage time, pin on pinterest, edit
in Photoshop, use my camera, update apps, manage my fonts, purchase the latest & greatest & most
modern technology and gadgets, gadgets, gadgets....programs, applications, tools, blogging tricks,
photo tricks, etc. AND on and on and on....

I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all of this when I opened my scriptures to:
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?"
Mark 8:36

And I said to myself, "I know! Exactly."

Note to self:
Don't let time pass you by, while your nose is connected to the computer screen or a gadget.
The weather is so beautiful. LOOK outside. GO outside. ENJOY your family. BE present.
LIVE life. Exercise! Get out the sketchbook. Talk to your neighbor. Finish the beaded bracelet.
Start knitting that vest. Cook. Smile. Collect fall leaves. BREATHE. At the very least, change
out of your pajamas and go get the mail.

Homecoming Dance

2011-10-16T14:26:00.007-06:00

Last weekend, Ruby went to the homecoming dance. I've been too busy to blog about it. In fact, I was
not at home when her date came to pick her up. Ugh. So I set the camera on self-timer and told her to
take a picture of herself. Lame. I know. Most of the self-portraits turned out blurry, except this one.
Doesn't she look lovely?! We had a good time finding the perfect dress at a 2nd hand store for $19 and
shopping at Macy's for jewelry and shoes. Our time together was extremely limited because of rehearsals
for ANNIE - Ruby's high school play. Lucky for me, I was around to share my make-up bag and make
a few last-minute repairs on her dress - minor alterations.

I volunteered to sew 5 servant dresses for the ANNIE play, which made the alterations easier because
I had all the sewing equipment out and at the ready. I wish I had a photo of me sewing servant dresses.
What a project for someone who hasn't sewn in ages. But that was the plan. I knew if I had to get the
dresses done it would force me to revisit my desire to sew more. It worked. I feel comfortable with my
new sewing machine and I know how to thread it without having to refer to the manual.

Give Blood

2011-10-15T14:23:00.004-06:00

....or a poster that motivates others to give blood. This is my donation: Happy People Give Blood!
Does this poster motivate you to give blood? Be honest.

The Count Down - 9 months

2011-09-28T13:21:00.000-06:00

August 29, 2011
"...This week was pretty good, we have been getting literally soaked from walking around in the rain but todays a good clear day so we are hoping it stays that way. A new zone leader is coming to live with us, the old assistant for the president, he`s from France, so I`ll be working on other languages while I`m here."

"...Charity never faileth. just like faith it requires actions, but it is a booster against pessimism. Its the opposite of selfishness many times and is closely related and intertwined with service for others. Without it we are nothing. Charity and love are the motives that make us act with real intent. A funny example is: I love skateboarding, love it. That love or passion I felt for it gave me motive to progress and push my self to the limit to be able to expand my potential. When we love what we are doing we push ourselves to new limits to be able to grow and fulfill our eternal potential. As we love investigators, they notice instead of being robotic teachers we become concerned about their personal needs and how we can apply these things directly and personally to them. When we love what we do we enjoy it and we`re are happy. I love the mission and I feel like I`m truly enjoying it. I feel like if we could all just maintain that kinda life we could all be happy... come what may and love it! the positive ambient that we have around us can be contagious and where theres love the problems will always have answers and resolutions."

"...God works in mysterious ways, even if it means making 2 teenage missionaries a little uncomfortable and awkward. I think as missionaries we have kinda been called to be awkward."

September 5, 2011
"...We had a pretty mellow week but we taught a lot and somehow found new investigators miraculously. A lot of testimony builders of the importance of being a missionary and being in the right place in the right time sort of thing and just having the passion to go and find new people.

So living with a french elder is cool, I spent a whole morning trying to learn how to pronounce the word prayer in french and it was pretty hopeless so we stick to english in the house. today we cleaned up the pension a ton, we organized everything and just deep cleaned and threw out a bunch of garbage.

I am already learning a lot with my new comp, he is just super positive and its cool cuz he keeps me in a good mood so we are just both always laughing and getting along well even if I have just met him 5 days ago... its weird how the mission does that to people."

September 12, 2011

"...Another week flew by... again

This week started with a fun filled p day of... Dunkin donuts(very rare here), tie searching, and Jumbo runs (a big grocery store here). We played soccer today and I think we are a little sun burnt, its like a heat wave came in I don`t know but it went from cold to way hot all of a sudden so we are running around in short sleeves again. "

"...We search every day, talking to people, asking for references, knocking doors, talking in fruit markets, and running just above everywhere.... its like these people are drowning and we throw them a life line but instead of grabbing on they push it away, its a little painful when someone says something that the gospel answers and you invite and testify and they just say no...."

"...We find the Lord tests us in all things before we get the reward, physical fatigue, hunger, thirst, ego(getting yelled at), he tests us and stretches us to what seems to be an unreachable potential and its crazy once we realized that we have made it to that point. My comp is really showing me a perfect example of positive attitude, he is way funny so we keep the attitude up while walking and talking all day."

September 20, 2011

"...we had the 18 of september which is the equivelant to the 4th of july in the states but here they celebrate it for about 3 days so it was a crazy weekend, packed with lots of chilean bbq`s, empanadas, and activities (stake and ward)."

"...IT SHOULDN`T BE THAT HARD, YOU CAN`T BE AFRAID TO INVITE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BLESSINGS OF THE ATONEMENT! for those who don`t live this restored gospel the atoning sacrifice of Christ was in vain. We must live what we believe and be ever aware of those around us who need these blessings, everyone....there was never a selfish act in Christ's sacrifice, but in our daily lives I feel its always us thinking about ourselves." Isaiah 53

September 26, 2011

"...We are basically working on filling up the teaching pool, we are teaching a lot and finding and we have some potential families so I can´t really complain about anything. Last p day was full of running around, taking old fashioned pictures, and eating chorillana (french fries, fried egg, fried meat, and fried onion all mixed up) it was a good day needless to say. We are working hard this week on really focusing on the attendance to General Conference and looking for inspiration in the talks that will be given. As missionaries we become like little kids on Christmas morning when General Conference comes around."

Favorite New-to-Me Photography

2011-09-27T15:45:00.000-06:00

Oh, Rodney Smith is a genius!

My Favorite Season

2011-09-23T23:13:00.004-06:00

Today is the first day of Fall. I spent time outside - enjoying the beautiful weather, and I

practiced photography 101 - shooting manually. Fun!

5000 Days

2011-09-22T17:20:00.011-06:00

Last night, Ruby and I went to the 5000 Days movie premiere. I blogged about it here - back

when there was only a short clip. The full-length feature film is 80 minutes and will be shown

on BYUtv following Conference on Sunday, October 2nd, at 4:00 p.m. mtn.

Rick Stevenson has been referred to as a "teen whisperer," but he whispers to all ages by teaching

us something about ourselves. A film that took over a decade to make, tracks 2 brothers from ages

8 yrs. & 10 yrs. through 19 yrs. & 21 yrs. - A beautiful story that inspires self-reflection! I loved it, and I think
Ruby loved it even more.

After the film, Rick was there to answer questions. Sam was there too (one of the two brothers).

Rick talked about the power of self-reflection, which was discovered during the making of the film

and in the filming of other kids. Self-reflection offers healing, insight, and courage. Sam acknowledged

that he is a private person, but is willing to share his story to help others.

I had the awesome and rather daunting opportunity to design the logo for the 5000 Days project.

Rick set expectations early on. "I am very picky," he said. I was up to the challenge. As a donation

to the cause, I did the logo pro-bono. I reasoned, "This way you are not out anything in giving me a

chance." He agreed, and the pressure was on.

Before designing a logo, there is a lot of "laying the groundwork." I needed to understand my client

and the nitty-gritty details of the 5000 Days project. Rick was coming across with the mindset, "Let's

just see what she comes up with," while I was asking a lot of questions. Lucky for me, Rick's chief

advisor gave me a 5000 Days Overview which provided many of the details I needed in the way of

adjectives.

Making a list of adjectives is the magic ticket for me. It's what gets the ball rolling on any design project.

Describing words are the key to good ideas. From there, a visual mapping project can take place - lots

of word bubbles connected to other word bubbles, along with a few sketchy scribbles.

As far as logo images, fonts, shapes, and taglines go, I was on my own. Except one little thing. Rick

envisioned childlike handwriting as part of the logo. This should have been a very useful hint, but I

must confess....I think childlike handwriting is typically too cliche - appealing to a limited audience.

So on one hand, I explored my client's request - childlike handwriting, and on the other hand I worked

my list of magic which moved me to the final word choice of (drum-roll please)....."Self-Reflection!"

Childlike handwriting was going nowhere until I found inspiration form Juan Miro. "A-ha!" I

exclaimed. A childlike, yet sophisticated & artistic approach. "This just might work!" Meanwhile,

I sketched ideas that had to do with Self-Reflection.

Here's what I eventually came up with:
All thumbnails, except for final.

(Rick chose the last one)

Juan Miro influence -

Self-reflection with Juan Miro influence -

Reflection face in mirror or magnifying glass -

A face that expresses self-reflection -

Lazy and Distracted

2011-09-14T21:11:00.003-06:00

Summer is O-V-E-R.

Upon returning from yet another road trip, I found myself deeply immersed in projects
and internet distractions - a post for another time.
T-I-M-E.

September has been rather transitional. Meredith moved back to her college life in Idaho.
Mr. B. has been away on business. I moved back home - for longer than 2 weeks. Ruby
is entrenched in school, concert choir, play practice, and homework, which means we
rarely see her.

It is good to be back in my office reacquainting myself with Photoshop, Illustrator, and
Lynda.com. Also, my sketchbook. It's like visiting long lost friends. We are happy to see
each other again. Oh, the togetherness!

Noteworthy photos:
1. Meredith moving day
2. Ruby got asked to the Homecoming Dance. Utah teens ask in creative ways. It is "kind-a fun."
So, there was a giant pile of hay on our doorstep. The asking note was hidden in the hay. And
the boy's name was hidden in the hay. And now we have hay EVERYWHERE. Recently, we
have contained the majority of it in double extra-large trash bags. "Hay! Does anyone have a
great idea on what we can do with all this hay?"
3. Lately, I like to walk barefoot in the grass, in our backyard. This September weather has been
lovely. My bare toes have been connecting with the earth. I have read that bare feet on Mother
Earth is good for the thyroid. Ridiculous? Perhaps. Do you believe that touching your God-made
food with your bare hands helps you feel more connected to God...or the food? Maybe there's
more love in it. In Alice Water's newest book, she says that working the food with your hands
is a basic cooking technique, and she is a restaurateur and chef extraordinaire - a true professional
in her own right. So, there you go. Interesting or ridiculous information. Take your pick.

Colorado

2011-09-04T22:23:00.004-06:00

This week Meredith and I have been visiting Maggie and Caroline
...and their parents.

The Count Down - 10 months

2011-08-28T13:01:00.001-06:00

August 1, 2011
"...Being district leader isn´t too different. It's just instead of only worrying about our area, I have to worry about everyone's areas in my district. We do interchanges and I`m supposed to help get people excited about the work and keep progressing. We did interchanges with an Elder who actually came in my group to Chile, so it was a little awkward knowing that we have the same time here in Chile and I was supposed to be leading and giving suggestions. But they had been struggling, and on our interchange we found 2 news and I tried to just keep being hyped about the work. Its cool seeing the positive impact I can have when I strive to be an example."

August 8, 2011
"...we are seeing lots of jumps up and down in the number of new people we find every week. One week 7, other week 3, next week 5, next week 2, next week 10..... I`m trying to work on consistency haha - diligence in not stopping for a minute. I feel during the day we often have options to visit different people and I stress out because I feel like there isn´t enough time to visit all the people, or there isn´t enough time to help all the people that need helping."

August 15, 2011
"...So I thought I would just start out by saying I am way too trunky right now after watching the Mormon.org skate video, I know who that kid is( k fed) and I have skateboarded in all the places where he was skateboarding.... I didn´t realize how much I really do miss a plank of wood with wheels haha. It was rough. A lot of time it was a way to get personal time, to get excited, and to avoid thinking about something that was bothering me. If there was ever a problem, I picked up the skateboard and went to the skatepark or jumped on my bike and went on a ride. I think the mission really forced me to look for other ways, and to look for that help in scriptures and prayer now... personal time doesn´t really exist out here, so the emotional side of the mission is stressing, but knowing that there is a God that worries about us is a great comfort, and the fact of knowing He`s left us the ways to find comfort in difficult times.

...when I reflect - thinking that I haven´t seen anyone in my family in a year its also painful, but if I remember my purpose and why I`m out here everything seems to calm down, remembering that there's a bigger picture and that this is just part of it.

This week was pretty good, Rogelio passed his baptismal interview! and he asked me to baptize him. we are way excited for him.

...Every prayer is heard and every sincere prayer is answered.

It's just up to us to have patience and trust. We don`t know when the answers will come, but we know if we do our part that they will come.

...Our doubts erase the blessings we could receive. We must be anxiously engaged and just work; having faith that everything will work out.

...I`m going into 11 months in Chile, and I`m worried about the time. It's passing by too fast. I feel like I need more time..."

August 22, 2011

"...In the mission since day one its been filled with undeniable experiences that this is so true, and that the restored gospel can resolve any problem and the atonement can heal us. I just get stoked thinking about it all, its been a roller coaster ride but its been amazing and I`ve learned and changed so much, every time I feel like i`ve got it figured out, God reminds me that I still have a work to do, so there isn´t really time to get comfortable and relax... its like a constant progression for 2 years.

...HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!!

hope you had a great restaurant dancing birthday!

Mom. I really miss having one. The word and title [Mom] means millions of things, and the importance of one has multiplied upon being in another country for a year. I miss you Mom, and love you, and its been tough not having someone to talk to in really difficult moments. I miss doing design with you and your motherly uniform of queen bee pajama pants (or red velvety pants)and a fleece sweater or big black jacket for going out. I miss funny comments and having a dinner with my family, speaking English. Thank you mom for all you have done. I definitely could not have made it here without you. I kinda get choked up everytime I read about the 2000 Stripling Warriors. They did not doubt because they knew that their mothers knew it. Your constant scripture studies and lengthy prayers in the mornings were examples to me that I`ll remember forever. I know, and I know my Mom knows, so I can`t doubt. I hope you have a great year Mom! I`ll be there for the next birthday and I hope you had an amazing b-day!"

LOVE

Elder Matesen

I love this photo of Max - a celebration of reaching a year out on his mission (Hump Day).

My favorite part of this photo is Max's arm, resting on the head of a little boy. That is just...

so Max. He is comfortable around kids, and kids love him.

My Fair Share of Lifting

2011-08-24T16:45:00.013-06:00

Dumpster Day!!
The highlight of my life!! I love clearing out the house, throwing things away, and organizing.
Meredith and I worked hard to gather and purge! My back was twinging. Then after loading
the dumpster and becoming involved in the keen observation of dumpster scavengers, I noticed
my back...ouch. Sitting, walking, reclining, moving....ouch. My back. It's out.

Meredith was very brave and decided to throw away her sinking surf board. "Good job, Mer!
Good job." She asked me to photograph the cricket that tried to save the sentimental surf board.

Summer's End, New School Year

2011-08-22T21:52:00.011-06:00

1. The 15th annual backpacking trip has come to an end, on the last day of summer.
These 4 are the foundational members of the backpacking team. It began as a
Daddy Daughter trip, when the girls were 8 years old. This year, one of the foundational
girl members brought her new husband. This year, there were 14 in the hiking group.
This year, as in all the years previous, every person in the group descended from the
High Sierras without harm or injury. 15 years! As the Dads would say, "Epic."

2. First day of school. Running late, skipping breakfast, asking for money, annoyed at the
idea of posing for a photo, driving herself this year, rushing off, "Good-bye, Mom. I
love you!"

Summer Day 72

2011-08-21T23:38:00.001-06:00

Don't you hate it when gas station attendants hand you a key and say, "The bathroom is around back."
It's a sure sign that the bathroom is going to be gross.

Summer Day 71

2011-08-20T23:32:00.002-06:00

Summer Day 70

2011-08-19T23:12:00.000-06:00

Summer Day 69

2011-08-18T00:39:00.000-06:00

I went to the beach
I talked to a pelican
I talked to a flock of sandpipers
I talked to the sand,
the seaweed, shells, and driftwood
I talked to myself
No one answered

A sea lion poked his head out of the water
I walked along the water's edge
He swam along beside me
A green crab scuttled onto my path
No one talked
No one answered
Yet there was conversation.

Good Company!

Summer Day 68

2011-08-17T00:12:00.000-06:00

Carmel:

Summer Day 67

2011-08-16T20:50:00.000-06:00

Summer Day 66

2011-08-15T00:41:00.000-06:00

Summer Day 65

2011-08-14T00:57:00.001-06:00

Full Moon Walk.

Summer Day 63

2011-08-12T09:05:00.012-06:00

1. Breakfast!
2. I was on Jury Duty all this week, and I safely made it through without being needed. Yea!
3. Meredith helps Ruby prepare and pack for the big 15th annual Daddy/Daughter Plus back-
packing adventure.
4. Meredith sleeps outside, in her hammock, to test out her new sleeping bag.
5. Ruby, "Take a picture of me."

Summer Days 57, 60, 61

2011-08-10T23:10:00.000-06:00

1. Went to the Jordan River Temple with Meredith. Seeking peace.
2. Physical therapy for Ruby. Strengthening a small frame to carry a large backpack.
3. Meredith's world: audio book, green smoothie, and creativity - art & sewing projects.
Pictured here making stamps for patterning her own fabric.
4. A wonderful visit with my sister, Ellen, and her angel, Forester - the shyest person I know.
Forester opened up, in a quiet and safe setting. His words are precious and valuable.
5. Another trip to the hairdresser. She gave me a few curls.

Summer Day 56

2011-08-05T22:36:00.002-06:00

Shopping at Target with my girls.
It feels good to have food in the house again!
Target had some great deals on organic produce.

Summer Day 55

2011-08-04T23:17:00.000-06:00

Mom is home from the hospital. All is well.
Mr. B. sent this article to me via e-mail. Go Tiny Buddha!

Summer Day 52

2011-08-01T23:05:00.001-06:00

My mind has been on my mom today. She has spent the day in the ER and was checked into the
hospital for an overnight stay. I happened to click through a couple of blogs, before turning in,
and found this magnificent mother/daughter photo from NieNie Dialogues. Beautiful!

Half Way - Today is Hump Day

2011-07-28T23:06:00.001-06:00

One year ago today, we dropped him off at the Missionary Training Center.
Today...he is speaking Spanish, he loves tomatoes & avocados, he is a district leader, and he has
changed. Changed for the better, in so many ways. I am one happy mama!

July 4, 2011
"...I have a testimony that light and dark exist but that light and darkness can`t occupy the same space at the same time. So its up to us to fill our lives with light or the dark comes. Its interesting that light is energy and darkness is the lack of that energy, if we are doing all we can, its not easy, it requires "energy", but we can achieve light... when we don`t work, when we are lazy, the energy isn`t used and we find ourselves in the dark. We are the light of the world and we maintain the light so all can see when we are examples for those around us and have truly been converted disciples of Christ. Light is our best defense because it always conquers the dark..."

July 11, 2011
"...These principles might all seem very missionary to everyone but i have learned that almost everysingle thing i have learned in the mission is applicable to life after the mission.

i am so thankful for the time i have to learn and serve in this work and see the changes in my life happen like I never could have imagined. God is still a God of miracles and apart from seeing them in others lives I`ve seen them in my own."

July 18, 2011
"...the next 6 weeks I`m working on humility...

being humble is being willing to submit your will to the Lords and give him the honor for what you achieve.

to gain humility we must...

work hard

be obedient

and serve others

humility is the recognition of the constant need of divine help...

the opposite is pride- when we put our trust in ourselves instead of God.

We must allow God to make us how he wants us to be... we must be moldable..."

July 24, 2011
"...This week was crazy good like all the other weeks, but I`m just trying to figure out what to do with this whole district leader thing. Mostly I`m just trying to be an example and work even harder to keep our teaching and finding numbers up. Its weird having people call me asking me for permission to go do things haha I feel inadequate but I keep reflecting back that the Lord qualifies those who he calls...
I love and miss you guys tons!

Elder Matesen"

Photos: 1. Entering the MTC 2. Happy in Chile, after 1 year.

Summer Day 44

2011-07-24T23:06:00.000-06:00

Pioneer Day. Meredith set up a hammock in the back yard.

Summer Day 43

2011-07-23T19:12:00.001-06:00

Another funeral. This time, in Salt Lake. Virgil - 93 years old! He was born and died in the same
house - around the corner and down the street. It was a beautiful celebration of a life well lived!

Summer Day 42

2011-07-22T19:09:00.003-06:00

1. Lunch at Rawtopia with Mom & sisters - Ellen and Charlotte. Fabulous food and good conversation!
2. Meredith's homecoming. 7 weeks between semesters! Sweetness!!

Summer Day 41

2011-07-21T19:04:00.000-06:00

Our last child to get a driver's license!

Summer Day 36

2011-07-16T13:30:00.021-06:00

1. Driving into Salt Lake, there was water on both sides of the road. Utah has obviously
received an overabundance of water this year! I squinted my eyes and tried to pretend
it was ocean water.
2. Good to be home! I missed my bed, my space, my home life. Ruby and Mr. B.
puttered around the yard, using some overabundance on the dry parts.
3. I appreciate a dramatic sky. This view awaited me from my bedroom balcony....
"Welcome Home Julie!"

Summer Day 35

2011-07-15T19:21:00.000-06:00

1. Hobbled around the Pleasure Point House, with my very sore foot (more than just a blister?),
packing up to go home.
2. Photographed the magnificent entrance to the water....across the street from the Pleasure Point
House. Emmett had left a message for me: "There is a peace sign on the beach." I went to check
it out. WOW. Big, perfectly round, very few foot prints, strange...
And then I said to the ocean and beach.... to the birds, fog, and sea breeze, "Good-bye for now...and
thanks for everything."
3. The missionaries came to say good-bye. We met at Gayle's for a photo. Elder Jamias said, "I wish
you guys could live here. We'd have a baptism every week." And then he presented us with a very
sweet, and heartfelt thank-you card.
4. For all the complaining and boo-hooing of Jr. Guards, Ruby was sad to leave. Good-bye Capitola!
5. As we drove over Hwy. 17, the tears started to roll. I was wearing my sunglasses and didn't think
Ruby would notice. She said, "Don't be sad mom." I asked her how she knew I was crying, and she
said, "You always start to cry right about here." Oh?

Summer Day 34

2011-07-14T23:44:00.000-06:00

1. Big long walk along the water and in the water. The sand was easy on my feet.
The water was cold enough to numb some pain from a blister on the bottom of my foot.
I thoroughly enjoyed my lovely walk. More magic! I left a message for Mr. B. in the
sand. He is flying out to drive home with us. More valuable family time in the car!
2. Walk to the corner market. Met a Pleasure Point family member along the way. "Hi Henry!"
Evelyn, at the market, needs a mural painted on the front of her store. Evelyn has a house for
sale in Capitola. We talked murals and real estate.
3. A promised pedicure, since our tradition was waylaid 2 years in a row. Ruby has flowers
on her toes! Beautiful, pampered feet. [Somehow I lost the photo of our beautiful feet.]
4. Art project continued. We painted our canvases! This project lasted for hours. We painted
while book club was going on in the background. We painted through dinner. We painted with
new arrivals. And some of us even painted faces. The faces of the new arrivals.

Summer Day 33

2011-07-13T23:24:00.000-06:00

1. Cement boat beach....again. This time; hot, sticky, dead things, bad smell. Still delightful though!
2. Errands. Preparing the car for the long drive back to Utah.
3. Hannah's baptism.

Summer Day 32

2011-07-12T00:18:00.004-06:00

1. I wanted to run on the beach. It had been years since I ran on the beach.....or ran anywhere else, for that matter. But, I was determined to run, so I drove to the cement boat beach - long and wide. Late morning fog rested on the water. The air was soft and balmy. As my feet pushed through the sand, I was wrapped in magic. Carried away in salty mist, I entered another world. Energized, at peace, and flying high! It was awesome!! I ran for a while, walked for a bit, and then I danced. Yes. Danced. Oh, gorgeous and glorious morning! I thought a woman was pointing at me, because I was singing too. Yes. Dancing and singing. I turned away from her pointing finger and saw what she was really pointing at. Dolphins!!
2. I was in the Pleasure Point House kitchen when I heard music. Two girls pulled up; singing to the top of their lungs. So cute!! Ella and Ruby, coming home from a YW field trip to an art museum in SF.
3. TW loaned me her awesome bike! I sailed along East Cliff, soaking in the view and dreaming I was

young again. Twenty something. My cell phone vibrated me into reality. I stopped to peak over at the

beach, and there was Ruby. I called to her, "RUBY!" She couldn't hear me. I road on to Captiola

Village. Again, I stopped to take in the view. Dolphins!! More dolphins. What a day!

4. Potluck dinner and collage inspiration with Donna, Patty, and Mary. So much fun!! Fabulous food,
fun conversation (someone has a new boyfriend), lots of laughing, and pasting and cutting and....then
the new boyfriend joined us. Woot-woot, Donna!
Check out my collage! I was so proud to have finished this time.

Summer Day 31

2011-07-11T15:05:00.007-06:00

1. Morning watch - Jr. Guard warm-up and surfers
2. Met some friends for lunch. We talked about the ol' homeschooling days, rental prices, and
the high school scene in Santa Cruz.
3. Evening walk with TW. I made her pose for lots of photos. The weather was fabulous,
and the waves were crashing BIG.
Cute yellow house that I pass most every day and think, "How cute!"
4. A baby came to visit The Pleasure Point House.

Summer Day 30

2011-07-10T14:52:00.000-06:00

1. Church
2. Wendy-Girl walk (our tradition). Walking and talking, talking, talking....on Opal Cliff Drive
(traditionally admiring all the beautiful houses - dreaming).
3. Big crashing waves. High tide. Emergency rescue. More people caught on the rocks. Too
steep to scramble up. They had to be belayed up and over the cliff. Sorry no photos of the
dramatic rescue. I decided to leave the crowd of gawkers.
4. The missionaries came over for a visit.

Summer Day 29

2011-07-09T17:49:00.001-06:00

1. Bead Show in San Mateo. WOW. BEADS!
2. Funeral...and funeral food. The daughter of my dear friend. It was a beautiful service.
3. Thanksgiving Dinner. A celebration of many birthdays and accomplishments. And Hobie's
memorial - the passing of a dear pet. Everyone told their memories of Hobie and we laughed
and laughed. As you can see, the iphone camera was not nearly adequate enough in capturing
the celebratory crowd. Thus....I post only a few representatives.

Summer Day 28

2011-07-08T13:57:00.000-06:00

1. Met Charlene at the Walnut Cafe for breakfast. I had forgotten how perfectly divine their
French toast is. It beats the "world famous" French toast in Carmel by a mile.
2. Spent the day walking about downtown Santa Cruz, and then met Donna for a short walk.
How about that reflection picture...of me with surf boards?
3. In the evening, I made every effort to get back to Capitola Beach for the Jr. Guard BBQ, but
never made it. I did, however, watch the giant waves crashing on the Pleasure Point cliffs and
rocks. And I watched a surfer scramble to safety just in the nick of time. First I saw her making
a run for it, to get around the rocks. She didn't make it. Then I saw her throw her board on the
rocks. The board was scooped up by a wave, yanking her down to the sand. Then she quickly
climbed the rocks again. I could see a big wave coming. Would she make it? I held my breath.
Then I shouted, "Do you need help?!" Like I had some type of rescue ability. Luckily, she said,
"No! I think I've got it." And she did. Phew!

Summer Day 27

2011-07-07T23:58:00.000-06:00

1. Jr. Guard Competition. Ruby competed in the distance swim, the shuttle, run-swim-run,
and flags. I had the privilege of working in the tent, selling t-shirts, raffle tickets, hats...
2. I fixed a dinner for Pleasure Point Family and a few friends. 16 people. We were scraping
the bottom of the rice bowl! Notice Phyllis & Gordon. They were the most gracious and mannerly
guests. Gordon wore a tie for the occasion. Phyllis was gracious and complimentary. These two
found each other late in life, but how wonderful they are together. They are obviously in love, and
they were impeccable examples of proper etiquette.
3. Craft night. All the ladies gathered around for a lesson on how to make beaded bracelets.
I never even started mine. I was too busy socializing.

Summer Day 26

2011-07-06T23:34:00.001-06:00

1. Long walk: Capitola.

Summer Day 25

2011-07-05T00:31:00.000-06:00

1. Participated in another missionary discussion.
2. Took the Jr. Guards to lunch at Gayle's - spontaneously.
3. Prepared funeral food.
4. Attended funeral.

Summer Day 24

2011-07-04T23:53:00.004-06:00

1. Traditional 4th of July pancake breakfast with no pancakes. Crepes were served this year!
Activities: flag ceremony, patriotic song, horse shoes, balloon toss, tug of war, relay races, etc.
2. Pleasure Point Parade. We were, as it appeared to me, the only audience. Everyone else
was IN the parade. We clapped and cheered over each costume, decorated bike, and patriotic
car that passed by. The world's smallest parade? Perhaps.
3. Ruby and I went to the beach. I begged her to play Smash Ball with me. She finally relented.
Then we lounged on the deck of the Pleasure Point House. Someone passed by and called out
all kinds of compliments. "What a beautiful home!! Is it a single residence dwelling? So nicely
designed! I LOVE it!" Ruby and I said, "Thank-you." Then I begged Ruby to go on a bike
ride with me. She finally relented, but only lasted a short while. I continued on...for another
hour. The weather was so fantastic!! I wanted to ride up and down the coast for forever.
4. Ruby was invited by her friends to go on another bike ride to "see the fireworks in the neighbor-

hood." No one had to beg her, or talk her into it. She went. The teenage gang gathered by the fire

eventually. I feel asleep to their chattery voices.

Summer Day 23

2011-07-03T11:17:00.000-06:00

1. Church
2. Delicious pasta dinner with all things Farmers Market
3. Made cookies
4. Visited my friend who lost her daughter to bone cancer
5. No photos were taken today

Summer Day 22

2011-07-02T22:05:00.070-06:00

1. Farmers Market. I was giddy over the gorgeous produce!!
2. Let's do some math: Pleasure Point Family = 6, me & mine = 2, cousins from Danville = 6.
4 Danville cousins leave, Ella's friends = 3, one more cousin + 6 of her friends (arriving at
midnight = 7. How many people slept overnight in the Pleasure Point House Friday night?
There was a giant French toast breakfast, a nail polishing party, then eye-brow shaping. The
boys were not interested in the "girl" stuff.
3. Beach. It was one of those rare beach days in SC - perfectly warm, glassy green water, and
a slight breeze. Holiday crowds flocked in. I watched the two "old" men bat a volleyball around.
A young bikini girl asked if she could play. Who could refuse?
And, as they were playing...
her top came undone. She quickly ducked down, grabbed a towel, and tried to refasten.
I, heroically, came to her aid.

Summer Day 21

2011-07-01T00:42:00.032-06:00

1. Morning walk. I love the fog. It lends a soft focus, blankets beauty, and suspensefully reveals light and color. It was fun to see peeks of detail as the curtain melted away. By the time I got to the tiki, we had full sun. It has been unusually warm around here. Last year, on the 4th of July, everyone was wearing coats. We had to drive over to San Jose to warm up.
2. I got to participate in a missionary discussion. It was great to be a part of what my son is doing in Chile!
3. Irina and I walked and talked all over Capitola. We tried to take photos of seagulls with our iphones. It turned into a game. The seagulls against us.

Summer Day 20

2011-06-30T00:51:00.000-06:00

1. Morning fog. I watched the Jr. Guards paddle in the open ocean. Ruby was one of the group!
2. Fog burned off.
3. Obnoxious camper with stuffed animals parked next to me and blasted music. No more peace
and quiet.
4. I finally did some laundry, and now I have clean clothes.
5. Ruby helped with Little Guards in the afternoon. She is really good at dragging children through
the sand. Today she worked with the 7 year olds.
6. After Little Guards, the shoulder-surgery-patient accompanied me to pick up her little guard. The
lady in the BIG hat should be in bed! We stopped at Souza's for reward candy.
7. Emmett demonstrated a new dance move - The Fish Flop. This move, in particular, caused him to
lose half his toe nail.
8. Ella has been making feather earrings.
9. Ruby bought a pair of feather earrings.
10. The Pleasure Point family teams up to help the youngest learn how to surf.
11. Ella and Ruby laze on the beach.
12. Ella and Ruby join in body-surfing.
13. Emmett is the only surfer without a wetsuit.
14. The teenagers hot tub while I set the table for dinner.

Summer Day 19

2011-06-29T14:40:00.045-06:00

1. Shoulder surgery for The Pleasure Point House Mom. I stayed in the house for most of the day,
and tried to be a helper and care-taker. My charge rested, but clearly was not comfortable being
waited upon. She is such an INDEPENDENT. She had to be scolded a few times for just popping
out of bed without assistance. The girl cannot sit still....even after surgery.
2. Gorgeous evening walk. The sky was pink, fading to a very pale blue. The water was navy with
crisp white caps. The sun cast a soft orange hue on everything - a God-made photo filter. I sat in
the grass, next to the swinging bench and let the salty air carry me into complete color saturation.

Summer Day 18

2011-06-28T23:03:00.001-06:00

1. Morning walk. I love to watch the surfers.
2. This is where I sleep in the Pleasure Point House.
3. Rain. Pouring rain in the afternoon. Cold.
4. Received word, that while the rain poured...a friend's daughter passed away.

11 Months Out

2011-06-28T00:09:00.000-06:00

May 30

“…we were teaching this guy who´s about 22 and he didn´t really seem too interested. We talked about the plan God has for us, and that He requires us to change and repent. We explained to him how he could find out for himself if what we’re teaching was true and that seemed to catch his attention. He had a lot of doubts and our answer was always, “read and pray to ask God if it’s true and the spirit will answer.” Then he wanted to know how the spirit would answer him and in the process we testified of what we had felt. He then looked up at us with a small grin and asked, pointing to his chest, if we felt it inside like something warm, we answered yes and his smile got even bigger. He didn´t say anything but it was so obvious, in that very moment, that he had felt something that maybe he´d never felt before. There was a change in him completely after that point in the lesson, and he really showed that he was paying attention. It just made me so happy that I get to be involved in the process of the spirit changing someone’s life. The happiness of watching someone change is unexplainable.”

June 6

“I`m going to Belloto. My new area is more inland, more cold, and will be with Elder ___ from Peru. I need a little bit more excitement for this change because when they told me my change no one was very excited, and that definitely didn`t help. It sounds like I will need to help my companion a lot so we`ll see. I think I have to pray more.”

June 13

“I have never worked so hard in my life than in these last few days.... starting from 0. So we literally talked with everyone, knocked doors, and went way out of the comfort zone to find people. We now have investigators and lots of future investigators but we have to continue like that for this whole change if we expect to see results. The pension is small, a 2 story condo, it was very dirty when we got there. I`ll send some photos but it wont do it justice. The stove looked like someone had missed the frying pan when cracking an egg.... several times. It’s a lot more clean now so its not so bad.”

June 20

“Yesterday President called me and told me to go help my companion pack because he was flying home the next day. We slept in the mission president’s assistant’s apt, and he had his final interview with President in the mission house. We were both sad. It all happened so fast, but it turned out he was sicker than we knew. After president’s interview with my companion, he talked with his assistants and later invited me into his office. He explained a little better the situation, and that I was going to be training now a new Elder from Guatemala. I was completely caught off guard, I have only been in the sector for 2 weeks... its gonna be crazy... its sounds like my newbie is missing home and I`m just going to need to love him, a lot, and just teach him to love the mission.”

June 27

“This week we had some wonderful interchanges where we get spit at twice and had a bad Bible bash with a man in the street. I kept on trying to explain that the gospel isn´t fought and the spirit leaves in situations like that but he didn´t want to listen and in the end started yelling at us in English that we were liars and we crossed paths and he spit at us behind our backs.... what fun...

This week it feels like a flood of blessings have come. All the talking with people in my first 2 weeks is starting to show results and new investigators are coming from all over. I like a quote that I saw another Elder had that said....

IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME

Please pray for my comp he´s a little home sick, i´m just trying to help him enjoy the mission and learn to love what I´ve learned to love so much. its tough for him because he comes from a tougher background and his family suffered a lot before he came out so it was a struggle.

Love you all and miss you guys

Elder Matesen”
*these are small excerpts of Max's letters. Below: Soccer. Max is in white shirt.

Summer Day 17

2011-06-27T23:46:00.102-06:00

1. Morning: Watching Jr. Guards from metered parking spot.
Burrr...cold outside.
2. A treat for a frozen Jr. Guard. Parfait. From Gayle's, of course.
3. There is a beading frenzy going on at the Pleasure Point House. It is the lasted craze around here!
See Ruby's blog for a small sample of what the beading looks like. There is much discussion about
leather, string, bee's wax, beads, shanked buttons, and how much these bracelets are worth. Should
they be sold? There are differing opinions. The time invested creates emotional attachment.
4. Worked on wedding photos - Photoshop: sizing, cropping, adjusting, etc. It took a long time!
Here are the reception photos, as promised.
a. teacups with candles inside - all around the yard
b. cool display areas on labeled stations, tables, serving area, etc. cake display w/ black chairs...
c. picture perfect flowers and beautiful garden area (near entrance)
d. happy couple area is without "the" happy couple - they went to cut "the" cake while
another couple tries the swing
e. the bride's brother is serving as a Mormon missionary; unable to attend the wedding, so
they placed his face all around the reception area. Some people posed as him - Emmett.
f. Meredith & Ruby modeled the entrance, ribbons, newspaper flowers, gift area, etc.
Everything was so beautifully done and so creative!
g. slideshow near entry, and next to slideshow was a photo area - you write a message to the
bride and groom on a little white board and then pose for a picture. Cute idea! Our message:
"When you fight, fight naked."
h. first dance as a married couple - so romantic! Chair dance - darling! Friends and bridesmaids
of the bride joined in the chair dance and then presented another comedy act - fun!
i. the happy couple left the reception through a path of happy guests with sparklers

Summer Day 16

2011-06-26T00:15:00.003-06:00

1. What took us almost five hours to drive on Friday (Oakland Airport to Sacramento), took us
1 hour and 45 minutes on Sunday. We took a different route and there was no traffic. We
reluctantly said good-bye to Meredith. Ruby wouldn't even get out of the car. She just poked
her head around for a picture.
2. We told our wedding stories to anyone who would listen, at the Pleasure Point House, and
then we went to a fireside. Bishop Berhan told about his escape from Ethiopia during communist
rule, and how he came to be a member of the Mormon church. I took some quick photos on my
iphone for Meredith. She used to babysit for Bishop Berhan and his wife, Kirsten. Beautiful
family! Lily, the 3rd Berhan child sat next to her father at the front of the chapel. She was
making her eyes cross while he was speaking. It was hilarious.
The man between Bishop Berhan and his wife is part of the Pleasure Point House family -
Bishop Madsen.

Summer Day 15

2011-06-25T15:10:00.057-06:00

1. Aurora Georgia wedding day. We missed the temple ceremony because I typed the wrong
address into my phone. Huge bummer. But, we made it in time to see the grand exit. I snapped
a few photos while we waited for the grandeur. Truman, brother of the bride, reminded Ruby
that this was not his parent's first wedding. When Truman and Ruby were toddlers, the older
kids dressed them up and had a wedding ceremony. We often tease Truman & Ruby that they
are husband and wife. They played along characteristically, and posed for a wedding photo of
their own.
The real bride and groom really hammed it up for their audience. They both have plenty
of experience on stage (Aurora - soon to star in a Broadway play), so they were comfortable in
front of the gawkers and photographers.
2. Wedding picnic lunch, after temple ceremony. LOVED this idea. Kudos to the wedding
planners. Beautiful picnic quilts were placed on the lawn. Each quilt had it's own basket with
pre-made picnic lunch. A jar of lemonade, corn on the cob, croissant sandwiches, hand made fans,
bottled salad & dressing, homemade oreo cookies, etc. Cute, cute, cute!
It was awesome to lay on your back and look at the trees against the sky.
3. Truman and Ruby biked the special basket of lunch to the newlyweds.
4. Newlyweds lunch.
5. Newlyweds are being interviewed - a video for their future children. Another great idea!
6. Newlyweds bike away....followed by photographers.
7. The reception is another blog post altogether. I will post on Summer Day 17, which is
today...and the wedding photos are taking up a large portion of my day...and the sun is
shining...and the beach is calling...later.

Summer Day 14

2011-06-24T16:54:00.016-06:00

1. Picked up our Meredith at the airport. HAPPY reunion!!
Then we grabbed some lunch and crawled in traffic for 5 hours.
It should have taken 3 hours....or less. But, we made the most of it.
We talked and talked and talked. Meredith told about her social life at BYUi.
Ruby told about Girl's Camp.
Meredith is a social butterfly - flitting from thing to thing...dating, school, work,
parties, long boarding, Zumba, firesides, dinners, climbing, running, paint fights,
and on and on.
Ruby slept through a mountain lion sighting, swam with a tarantula, lost her voice
singing camp songs, and made tons of great friends.
2. We met Mr.B. at the hotel. Family photo! Feet. Lookin' good! HAPPY reunion!
3. Then we went shopping. Looking for last minute items to wear to the wedding.
Endurance shopping session. We were tired and hungry. While waiting for the tailor
to mark Mr. B.'s suit, we went over the top with goofy photos.

Summer Day 13

2011-06-23T23:45:00.000-06:00

1. Said good-bye to Judy and Judy's cute house.
2. Pedicure. Ahhhh...
3. Busy day getting ready to leave town for the weekend - a wedding in Sacramento.
Sat on a bench, watched the waves & surfers, and listened to this guy play the guitar.
Peaceful.

Summer Day 12

2011-06-22T00:48:00.000-06:00

1. Said good-bye to San Francisco.
2. Beach. Watched these two skim-boarders nearly break their necks.
3. And more beach. Wednesday evenings - Band on the Beach night.
Thim made fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce. Delicious!
4. Judy walked back along the beach with me to where we parked
our cars. She invited me for a sleepover. How nice...and spontaneous.

Summer Day 11

2011-06-21T00:36:00.094-06:00

1. We went on a bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. It was perfect weather, and I loved every minute of it. When it came time to return the bikes, I wanted to hold onto mine. I wanted to ride it for the rest of the day!
2. From Sausalito, we took the Ferry back to Pier 39 and had a clam chowder bread bowl and crab
cakes. I loved the ferry so much, I could have stayed on for a long while- cruising the bay. There
were a lot of bikers on the ferry. So many bikes!
3. Since we were doing the touristy thing, we stood in line to ride the cable car, but the cable car
broke down. This man (seen turning the cable car), recognized that it was stuck, so he walked to
the edge of the sidewalk to have a smoke.....so we took a taxi.
4. Then we did another touristy thing. We shopped. Usually Mr. B. and I go our separate ways as
each of us gravitates toward our own interests, but this time I hung out with Mr. B. in the Men's Macy's and the Nordstrom Men's Department. Each place had lovely helpers and I was seated in the "approval chair."
Norstrom offered the Men's Half Yearly Sale and Mr. B. scored some new hip clothes. He has lost
some weight and wanted to modernize some key pieces in his Sunday Best Collection. As you can see,
I kept myself entertained in front of the mirrors. The Nordstrom mirror was by far my favorite. It was so
thinning!
5. Dinner was had in the mega-food court of the Nordstrom mall. Fancy food court! And so....Mega. Mega food choices. Mega amazing. They even had a vegan choice.

Summer Day 10

2011-06-20T23:16:00.000-06:00

1. Happy Birthday to Mr. B! We woke up to sunny, clear Carmel!! Wow, I love this place!!
I wish I had collected photos of doors, gates, and house names. The houses are darling! Many appear
to be Hobbit houses with rolling rooftops and arched doorways. There must be some competition
going, among neighbors, as to which house has the cutest door and/or gate. And house names?! How
clever. How sweet. How endearing and creative! I couldn't decide between gazing at the beautiful
beach or staring at the houses and reading all their names.
2. Birthday Breakfast: "World Famous French Toast!" Shocking. Truly. Mr. B. rated it "a good
solid 7.5" on a scale of 1 to 10. Finding out it was deep fried killed it.
3. Walk along the beach. The sand was like walking in powdered sugar.
4. Among the Carmel shops and art galleries, we found a "Secret Garden" path, which led to a bookstore
that was mostly in an outdoor Yurt. Super cool.
5. Then we drove to San Francisco, walked and shopped, and had a superb birthday feast at E & O.
6. We walked some more, after dinner. It was amazingly warm for San Francisco!! I made Brett pose
for a SF b-day shot in front of the heart. He doesn't like posing for pictures. I told him that I could take
a photo where he appeared to be a ghost, and he went for that - an "action shot." Then a passer-by offered to take a photo of both of us, and he didn't refuse.

Summer Day 9

2011-06-19T00:47:00.001-06:00

1. Happy Father's Day! We went to church. Our old church. But it didn't look like our
old church. There was a new steeple, and it was painted a different color. There was a
Father's Day ice-cream social in the courtyard, after church.
2. Ruby and I presented our Father's Day/birthday cards, gifts, and wishes. Mr. B.
will be....one year older on the day after Father's Day. Ruby also bid farewell to us.
She gets to spend the week at Girl's Camp and Mr. B. and I departed for Carmel-by-
the-Sea.
3. We walked along the coast and admired the Cypress trees and the turquoise water. My
camera died, so our Carmel getaway had to be captured by iphone - Ugh.
4. Our "quick, light, late dinner" turned out to be a true dining experience. Live music with
clapping, dancing, and singing. The food was divine. This restaurant was tiny, but full of
charming, welcoming people. I would LOVE to go back there some day. Perhaps on my
birthday, so they will sing to me...and bring me a fabulous dessert with a candle in it. And
they would ask me, "Is this your husband?" And I would say, "yes." And then they
would invite Mr. B. to wear the belly-dancing sash with jingles, and he would dance for me.
5. Wow. The Cypress trees were beautiful, with a setting sun over the ocean, behind them.
6. Our hotel offered a comfy bed and a cozy fire. We opened our window and fell asleep
to the sound of the ocean. Sweet!

Summer Day 8

2011-06-18T23:21:00.005-06:00

1. Another walk. A LONG walk. Oh, the memories of walking on "the flower path."
It was a daily solace in challenging times. We love our little path.
2. We ran into some friends. Thim & David.
These two are faithful attendees at every Wednesday night beach concert. They really
know how to live it up with their picnic and dancing. They invited us to join in the fun
this coming Wednesday!
3. Shopping at Ross with Ruby. We found an $8 dress for an upcoming wedding.
Score! Maybe you will see this dress in wedding photos to come...
4. Mobo's Sushi and Pacific Ave. mall meandering. Bookshop Santa Cruz is rocking
the house. No more competition. Borders went out of business. And...just because
Bookshop Santa Cruz re-opened their bathrooms to the public, I made a purchase.

Summer Day 7

2011-06-17T01:27:00.000-06:00

1. East Cliff walk.
2. I met a dog on my walk. His owner called to him from a surfboard, every so often, which
kept the dog anxiously waiting on the beach.
3. Love the red and orange poppies on East Cliff Drive.
4. This Buddha has an awesome coastal view, and he lives next to a darling yellow house.
5. The fog stayed all day. It was too cold for standing still, so I walked some more. I met
my friend, Irina, in Capitola Village. We tried to take some photos of ourselves...with the
beach in the background. Irina is famous on Instagram. If you have it, check out her
marvelous collection of photos: "2Kiev."
6. Instagram photo opportunity! Capitola Village - a peek between buildings.
7. Abstract Art Project - found here. 2 people out of 7 were "allergic" to the canvas paste,
so if you try this...wear gloves. We had the most fun selecting things with texture, but many
of our items did not prove to be 'texturey' enough. Best to use large abstract shapes with firm
edges. The paint will be applied next week, and then I will photograph the finished masterpieces.

Summer Day 6

2011-06-16T11:45:00.000-06:00

1. Preparing for Girl's Camp: "Princess Academy." I got to assist with the drawing of a castle and putting together the Once Upon a Time...books. Then there was the Comedy of Errors, otherwise known as The Restoration & Repair of a Broken Tent. Notice Ruby's contribution; and mine, as
the photographer.
2. Green Smoothies all around. The Pleasure Point people LOVE green smoothies!
3. Kramer BBQ. Fancy!!

Summer Day 5

2011-06-15T17:49:00.002-06:00

1. I took a photo of our Jr. Guards, getting ready to ride their bikes down to the beach.
They rode into a wall of fog and pedaled home in the sunshine.
2. Depot Hill walk. I like to shop for houses up here. There was one affordable one.
It was about as big as a box. I wondered if it came with a bathroom. Maybe we would
have to purchase a chamber pot to go with the house. Still, it would be in a prime
neighborhood!
I dodged two construction zones & a street sweeper, observed the restoration of a tiny
church, and met a dog named Arthur (silky ears). Then I took the stairs (twice for exercise), and
met this landscape artist and his friend. They were talking about high sodium food products.
My favorite thing about my walk this morning: Everyone was so friendly..."Good Morning!"
3. Late morning lounge by the beach. I happened upon a certain person...running. Someone
I know. She doesn't like it when I'm snapping pictures ("embarrassing"), but I couldn't resist.
Reading, sunning, people watching...And then back to work. My hour of exercise turned into
a few hours. It was such a glorious morning. So I procrastinated work to the afternoon.
4. I'm excited about my latest logo projects and learning how to design a favicon. It's just that
the perfect weather is waiting outside.
5. I visited a crazy, crooked house on top of the world! Oh how I wish I had photos!! I left
my camera and cell phone at the Pleasure Point House.

Summer Day 4

2011-06-14T16:10:00.002-06:00

1. Gayles for lunch. Favorite, favorite, fave!
2. Missionary dinner. Apricot chicken, rosemary potatoes, tomato salad.
3. Full moon photo shoot.

Summer Day 3

2011-06-13T13:16:00.001-06:00

1. The Ugly Mug - my view, while I worked. Well...I was supposed to be working,
but I spent more time blogging and people watching.
2. First day of Jr. Guards. The sun came out! Beautiful.
3. Tried to work, but gave it up for the beach. Ruby and Emmett entertained me with
their usual antics. I read a letter from my missionary in Chile and got a sunburn.

Summer Day 2

2011-06-12T12:52:00.003-06:00

Tradition: Beach bonfire on the night before Jr. Guards. This year, held at the Pleasure Point House.
Each person told about "Most Memorable Jr. Guard Memories." So many memories!! It was
a reminder to all of our die-hard Jr. Guards - worth it! But, also.....very challenging and hard...
cold, wet, sandy, foggy, painful, etc. Ruby told about the first time she ranked. She got a popsicle
stick with a number on it! Mr. B. told about meeting with work friends in So.Cal. He told them that
his daughter did Capitola Jr. Guards and there was a hush of respect on awe in the room. Capitola
rocks the water!

Summer Day 1

2011-06-11T12:40:00.000-06:00

In my mind, summer begins when we cross the state line. California.
This is our 5th summer drive to Capitola Jr. Guards from Salt Lake City.
We have our usual haunts - one of which is Ikedas, which pops up, next
to the freeway, as we come down from the mountain pass. Best pies,
produce, burgers, and fresh fruit shakes. They even have my favorite
burger - Garden, on a 5-grain bun. Heavenly!

Ten Months Out

2011-05-28T19:42:00.001-06:00

The photos from our missionary, this month, have included several close-ups of a dog-bite and a toe-nail about to fall off. The above photo is an appropriate one to share, but without people. I liked this photo because I could tell which desk belongs to my son. I also thought it was rather amusing that the desks are round. On July 28, he will hit his halfway mark.

May 2, 2011

"...I just need to find a way to keep myself excited about the work because I feel like I lost the spark I had when I started and it's becoming routine. I'm still happy to be here and the work is progressing but I feel I've thought about myself a little much and I need to start to focus on others more."

May 9, 2011

"There is power in the atonement that we, as people here on earth, can't understand, but there is a love that we can feel and changes we can make in our lives if we apply the atonement through repentance, or changing our lives. Our life is a series of changes...Life is a series of problems. Either you are in one right now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. As we live on through problems and trials and apply daily the atonement, we can be happy"

May 16, 2011

"I got bitten by a dog this week. I already don't like dogs, but now every time I see one it's worse. My black suit pants are ripped. It bit me behind my knee...We went to a [church] member's house where we got some alcohol and the member thoroughly scrubbed the bite (a little aggressively) and we put some gauze on it and wrapped some 100 peso scotch tape around to hold it on. To repair the pants til the end of the day we stapled the seam and left the holes made by the teeth..."

May 23, 2011

"We had a crazy lady come running up to us in the street and said thank goodness I found you. Then she proceeded to ask us about the world ending that day at six...she was shaking she was so scared, so we proceeded to explain to her with a few scriptures that everything was going to be fine..."

Birthday, Bunnies, Bike

2011-05-15T22:40:00.001-06:00

This weekend we celebrated my mom's birthday,

visited my dad's garden and bunny patch, and

Mr. B. worked with Ruby on fixing up her vintage bike.

My mom does not like to be the center of singing, clapping

people at a restaurant, but she bore it well. Happy Birthday

Mom! I love you!!

Dad does not know how many bunnies he has, but he thinks

it's somewhere near 30. He will be at the farmer's market this

year with bunnies and produce.

We also saw the play Seussical. It was marvelous.

Happy Birthday Max

2011-05-11T10:54:00.000-06:00

The years have flown by!

20 years of wonderful!!

No longer a teen. Hard to believe.

I love you more than cheese on toast.

Heaps!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:42:00.001-06:00

Skype session with my missionary in Chile!! He is so awesome. Wonderful face, Spanish accent,

forgetting English, celebrating his 20th birthday on Tuesday, and loves

Chilean food - even tomatoes!

Meredith came to visit this weekend. She swept into the house like a bright light, and we all basked

in her warm glow. She collected rays from the sun - tanning and reading in the back yard. Her hugs,

cheerful conversation, and helpful hands were so welcome. She is delightful!

Ruby sacrificed valuable friend time to be with her family. Meredith was magnetic.

It was hard to say good-bye. See how tightly we squeeze?

Mother's Day Photos:

(photos scanned from old photo albums)

Me and My Mom

My Mom & Ruby Having a Tea Party

Grandma Val (Mr. B's mom) & Grandma Hamilton

Mom Moments -

Halloween (love it!)

Slumber Party in Mom's Bed

Little Sleeping Children

A Mother's Day Pose

Favorite Recipe From March

2011-05-03T21:31:00.000-06:00

Leek and Potato Frittata

This dish only takes about 25 min. to prepare.
Frittata is Italian for omelette. Super yummy!
I prefer frittata to quiche. It's easier, less fat,
and just as good.

1 pound leeks (2-3)
8 ounces red thin-skinned potatoes
1 t. olive oil
1 t. dried thyme
3 large eggs
3 large egg whites
About 1/2 t. salt
About 1/4 t. pepper
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
or Italian blend cheese
1 T. chopped parsley (optional)
1/8 t. or less of cayenne pepper [enhances flavor] - my own addition.

1. Trim and discard root ends and rough tops from leeks; remove tough outer layers. Cut leeks in half length-wise and rinse under cool running water, flipping to release grit between layers. Thinly slice crosswise (you should have about 3 cups). Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/3 in. chunks.

2. In a 10-12 in oven-proof frying pan, combine leeks, potatoes, olive oil, thyme, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover pan, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender when pierced, 6-7 minutes. If any liquid remains in pan, uncover and simmer, stirring often, until evaporated. Spread vegetable mixture level in pan. [I transferred mixture into metal baking pan].

3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, beat eggs, egg whites, salt, pepper, and 1 T. water to blend. Pour egg mixture over vegetables in pan. As edges begin to set, lift with a spatula and tilt pan to let uncooked egg mixture flow underneath. Cook until eggs are firm but still moist on top [375 degree oven].

4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheese. Broil about 6 inches from heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Cut into wedges [or squares]. Serve with sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt and freshly ground pepper.
From Sunset Magazine's Weekend - 2005

Nine Months Out

2011-04-28T22:15:00.000-06:00

April 4, 2011
"Conference Weekend was amazing! The talk to do and to be, revelation. It was truly inspired, and every question I brought to the table was answered in various ways. People always ask if this church is true...but the real question is, How could it not be true? If God exists, and I know he does, this is his church. ...God answers us...we must love one another. If we love one another, we are willing to serve and sacrifice for others. The atonement is everything and can be accessed through sincere repentance. There is power in it. ...The temple is the connector between heaven and earth.
...This week we had an amazing talent show. So many people arrived...you guys will be a little surprised, but me and my companion sang a duet and did a skit. . . activities help the nonmembers get to know the church in a more comfortable environment.
I'm glad to hear everything's good with the fam apart from fender benders. Mer got a job and is going to school! Ruby is getting old...weird...Dad's businessing everything and Mom's designing."

April 11, 2011
"We had Constanza's baptism this week and everything went great. Hope the photos turned out...We have Angelica's baptism next week and in the end of the change, Martin's baptism. We are work, work, working..."

April 18, 2011
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other? (a President Gillespie Quote). This week flew by and we're already in the last week of the change. Elder Castillo is getting closer and closer to his final moments here in the mission. It makes me miss home to know he gets to see his family, but it also makes me grateful for the time I have, and I realize that the time just goes by faster and I need to love it.
Angelica is 60 years old, walks with canes, has polio, and was in a building that collapsed on her - broke both legs and her pelvis in 6 places. She had to be dug out from under the rubble...basically a living miracle. We baptized [her] with [2 people assisting her] 3 people...it was a great experience to be in the water and help with the process."

April 25, 2011
"Elder Castillo has gone on his way...My new companion will be a gringo!...The baptism of Martin went well, but partly sad. Not one person from his family came. But, lots of [church] members came to support him...he has a good pool of friends in the church to help him out.
...Our branch president used a quote that I loved...the majority of people believe that the key to happiness is success, but very few understand that the key to success is being happy. Happiness is a very interesting topic. Sometimes as missionaries it's tough to be happy after being rejected so many times or after passing through some stressful moments....The mission is a trial and a blessing. It transforms the character of teenage boys into men...it changes the life perspective and the way we see the world and others. I'm still the same Max I was before, but there are things that have drastically changed me, and it all starts in the most simple acts: reading, praying, and going to church...God answers our prayers...when we are willing to listen. Everyone can know this message is true...if they have the sincere desires to know."

Midlife Musings

2011-04-26T16:43:00.000-06:00

Really? Do I have to do this every 6 weeks?

Yes. If I want my hair to be it's "natural" color.

Can acupuncture make you look younger? I asked.

Answer: Yes.

But I happened to be there for neck pain.

A minor car accident has turned into a major fiasco.

Can a vacation make you feel younger?

Yes! Depending on the vacation.

I was feeling young again, walking along the beach, and

reminiscing about my summer job as a nanny. It was a

mother/daughter trip, and I was telling Meredith all that I

could remember. And then it hit me. "Wait a minute. I

was Meredith's age when I worked here?!" Was it that long

ago? But it smelled like yesterday.

"I used to run everyday on this very beach," I said, tempting

myself to sprint the entire length and back again. And then

I remembered running from my hotel room to the lobby. . .

and it was hard. The remembering. . . and the running.

The moments of youthful splendor were spent with friends.

Robin-Face, Cyd-Nut, and Diane-a'belle. We talked about

old times, raising teenagers, art projects, homeschooling,

and how quickly the time has passed. . . since college.

This surfer was painted by Robin.

Time stood still, with eternal perspective, in this

beautiful temple. Ah. . . peace.

We listened to 2 youth books, which I recommend highly -

even if you're not a youth. The Dragonfly Pool and

Matilda Bone. Two of my favorite authors! The audio-

book readers were most excellent. The hours on the road

flew by as we entered other worlds. Tally's world and Matilda's.

The day after our return, Meredith left for college -

Spring/Summer term. Here she is eating breakfast

before dashing out the door to drive to Idaho in her

very FULL car. Meredith's friend, Aurora, announced

her engagement this week on fb. How can this be?

Little girls grow up. Their mamas advance into midlife.

I believe I am the age my mother was when I got married.

Mr. B. and I recently told Ruby the story of our engagement.

I was in statistics class when Mr. B. formally asked my Dad

for my hand in marriage. This was old-fashioned even then,

but I LOVED it. So did my family! Ruby asked, "So, Dad.

Did you text mom, after that, to tell her what happened?"

Times are changing. I love my life now.

Each day is a gift. Midlife is nowhere near

too late to take note of that. So precious.

Wacky Wednesday

2011-04-03T22:12:00.001-06:00

Last week, we had a church youth activity for mothers and daughters. It was so much fun!
We followed the theme of Freaky Friday, but made our title: Wacky Wednesday. The girls
dressed up like their moms and the moms dressed up like their daughters, and it was hilarious.

We had 3 stations and rotated through -
1) mother/daughter one on one: using pre-filled-out questionares.
2) tell about your mom's/daughter's day: the wacky switch - SO FUNNY!
3) treats, portraits, and goal setting: write your mother/daughter goal on a balloon, and leave
with the intention of accomplishing said goal before the inflated balloon falls to the ground.

Ruby and I enjoyed switching and joking around with each other. Ruby was a little worried,
at first, about being the only one to dress up, but soon other girls arrived. . . dressed like their
moms. Many of them wearing sweats or pajamas.

Ruby did a great job telling about the wacky switch. She not only dressed like me, but she
had several props: a bag of nuts & seeds for snacks, a graphic design manual, a tall glass of
green smoothie, my sketchbook, and my giant purse.

I tired to dress like Ruby, but since none of her clothes fit me. . . it was a little challenging.
Ruby's day, of course, was fun to describe - all the highlights of a yellow personality attending
high school - a typical day of fun, friendly, insightful, and entertaining. Ruby does not take
high school too seriously! I was able to demonstrate some Ruby-antics, and that was a joy!!

Meredith helped me set up all the balloons with goal-quotes attached, before racing off to
yoga class with Mr. B. THANK-YOU, Mer for all of your help.

This Makes Me Smile

2011-03-29T13:16:00.000-06:00

New Year's Resolution #3
EDUCATION
5 days a week I take online classes, read, or review notes on Graphic Design topics.
Today I searched for lessons on typography and found this gem:
"I am a dash, and you're a dot." LOVE it.

8 months out - 1/3 of the Way Through His Mission

2011-03-28T18:41:00.001-06:00

. . . not that I'm counting or anything.

Here are some pieces of his most recent letters:

March 7, 2011
"This week wasn't a giant miracle week. We taught, we walked, and then we walked some more,
but I learned something that has brought about another change in my mission. . . The vision...dreams,
goals, our desires of what we can achieve...We realize that the successful people in this life have gained
success because they have reached dreams and completed goals, we are all capable of success. It just
depends on if we're willing to have the vision and put into action.
"...the famous line, "What's it worth to you? It just hit me how in mission work, one soul. . . what's it
worth to me? to Christ? and to our Heavenly Father? Is it worth stopping them in the street even if
they're in a hurry? Is it worth being persistent even if they say they're not interested? Is it worth knocking
one more door? walking another set of stairs? Is it worth 2 years of my life away from
family and friends? Is it worth all the sacrifice for just one person? The answer is YES."

March 14, 2011
"...sadly I'm leaving Placeres. I will be with an Elder from Panama, so I'm on Latin companion #4.
This change has gone by fast and I've learned a lot. I learned from the silence of Elder M. I learned
that I can direct an area, a lesson, extend baptism invitations, and have success without 100 percent
dependance on my companion.
Pray for miracles and that all will be safe from the predicted earthquakes and tsunamis. We have
warnings and safe kits in the pensions and the predicted earthquake in Chile won't be happening
anywhere near us, so don't worry. We will be safe."

March 21, 2011
"So I'm in change #5 in Forestal Alto, with Elder C. who is going home after this change. He seems
to know how to work well with the church members, but it is very obvious that he is ready to go
home. And it's hard to foret that. In 5 weeks he will be home.
I'm teaching English classes in the church once a week and every once in a while we teach Seminary
[religion classes for youth ages 14-18].
The pension is horribly small. We call it the gnome pension. The ceiling is about one inch above my
head and there are these beams that are in the middle of the rooms that conveniently present frequent
opportunities for one to hit their head. . . The pension is for 4 Elders and is smaller than the pensions
I've had for 2 Elders...We're living with Elder S. who is training a new Chilean missionary who is
waiting for his visa to go to a mission in England...you could include EAR PLUGS in the next package.
People snore in the new pension."

March 28, 2011
"I forgot to tell you last week there were tremors almost everyday and we thought an earthquake
was going to happen, but nothing happened in the end. And this week, nothing.
...I've been influenced to think a little more about home recently due to the companion I have who
goes home in 4 weeks.
This week flew by. We've been doing divisions with church members and the youth, so we've
been teaching a ton. We've got 5 baptism dates...We had a mini mission day [for the children]...
I was in charge of 2 kids in my area...We have a [church] talent night this week and we're going
to do a skit from a children's story, The Gufalo....Sunday stress of reminding, delegating, and
basically doing everything else in between is a little much. The church members complain when
we ask them for help with [social] activities, but in the end they give in haha...I never realized how
difficult it is to organize an activity with 2 missionaries and 60 church members...we went to a talent
show in the area above ours, where everyone did a traditional dance from their assigned country...the
other elders did improve of an Argentinian dance where a gringo was very creative (like Napolean
Dynamite).
Our little pension is quite interesting, in the morning, as everyone rushes to do exercises, eat, shower,
and study. . .considering how small it is. . . My companion is good - always laughing, sometimes a
little too relaxed and casual, but wants to work. He loves futbol...in the middle of a store with a TV
on, he saw Panama score a goal. . . he screamed, 'What a goal! What a goal!'. . . he was clapping
and jumping. . . I tried to explain later that it doesn't come across that well in missionary clothing. . ."

Sharing My Alone Time

2011-03-25T10:34:00.000-06:00

Last week I sent my sister to workout at the Sports Mall. "Caroline and Maggie can dance with me at home," I said. I wasn't counting on my usual exercise routine. Certainly, the two nieces would need entertaining and monitoring. But, I got more than I bargained for. They wanted to join in the fun!
I got twice the workout I normally do. Too bad they live in Colorado, or I'd have them over everyday.
Maggie said, "Julie, dancing is fun!" I know. I know!
Lately, my workout has also improved because I discovered Ruby's itune list "aerobics." Ah! New music!! Thanks Ru!
Oh, and speaking of Ruby. . .
She has a new blog. Check it out HERE.

Favorite New Recipes From February

2011-03-24T11:05:00.001-06:00

Apple Galette

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt (omit if using salted butter)
12 T. (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter
1/3 - 1/2 cup ice-cold water
4-5 medium apples
sugar
1 egg
whipped cream (optional)

Measure flour and salt into a bowl. The butter should be cold and firm, but not hard. Cut it into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes and put about half of it into the bowl. Work into the flour with your fingertips, lightly rubbing and breaking the flour-coated pieces of butter into small bits, until the mixture is roughly the texture of oatmeal or cornmeal. Add the rest of the butter and work it quickly into the dough until the pieces of butter are about half their original size. Dribble the water into the dough while tossing the mixture with a fork. Keep adding water only until the dough begins to clump and hold together when you squeeze a handful. You may not need the full 1/2 cup. Divide the dough in two and gather each part into a ball. Wrap each ball in plastic and flatten it into a disk. Let the dough rest, refrigerated, for an hour or so. You may want to freeze the second disk of the dough for future use.

When ready to make the tart, let the dough warm up at room temperature for 15 minutes or so and preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rough circle about 12 inches in diameter and about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate while preparing the apples.

Peel, core, and slice the apples and toss with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar. Arrange the apples on the pastry, in overlapping concentric circles or freely piled on top, however you like, but leaving 1 1/2 inch border of dough around the whole circumference. Fold the dough up over the apples, and brush the rim of dough lightly with beaten egg. Sprinkle sugar over the dough and apples; use more or less, depending on the tartness of the apples. Bake in the lower part of the oven for 45-50 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the pastry is golden brown and slightly caramelized at the edges. Slide the tart off the pan to cool on a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature - with softly whipped cream, if you like.

**Suggestion I used: Spread apricot jam on rolled-out dough before arranging the apples. Brush the apples with apricot jam after baking, for a beautiful glaze.

**This was surprisingly easy and fun to make. I prefer galette-making to pie-making any day! Working the dough with my fingers (instead of using a pastry-cutter) was new to me, and using parchment paper.

Buttermilk Biscuits

5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 T. plus 1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 T. kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 2 T. cold unsalted butter
1 3/4 to 2 cups buttermilk
3 T. unsalted butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Put the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, and blend thoroughly. Add the butter (cut into pieces), and working quickly, lightly rub the butter and flour together with your fingertips until about half the butter is coarsely blended and the other half remains in large pieces about 1/2 inch in diameter.

Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in 1 3/4 cups buttermilk. Stir briefly, just until the dough is blended and begins to form a mass. The dough should be soft and a bit sticky and there should not be large amounts of unincorporated flour in the bowl. If the dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons more buttermilk.

Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface, and with floured hands, knead briskly 8 to 10 times until a cohesive dough is formed. Gently flatten the dough to an even thickness, and using a floured rolling pin, roll it out to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch. With a floured dinner fork, pierce the dough completely through at 1/2 inch intervals.

Lightly flour a 2 1/2 or 3 inch biscuit cutter and stamp out the rounds. Arrange the biscuits on a ungreased or parchment-lined heavy baking sheet so that they almost touch.

Back in upper third of oven for 8-12 minutes, until crusty golden brown. If necessary, rotate the pan during the baking for even cooking. Remove from the oven, brush with melted butter, and serve hot.

**Again, more mixing with the hands! These were also surprisingly easy and quick. Delicious!!
**The original recipe calls for homemade baking powder: Measure and sift 3 times, 2 parts cream of tartar and 1 part baking soda. Store in airtight container & use within 4 weeks.

**Both recipes came from Alice Water's In the Green Kitchen.

Happy Birthday Randy

2011-03-23T07:58:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Randy's 33rd birthday on the 18th.
5 of the many things I LOVE about my brother:
1. He has triumphed over many hard trials.
2. He is poetic and musical. These two go hand-in-hand as he spends many hours a day writing and playing his songs on the guitar and piano.
3. He is very insightful in thought-provoking and random ways.
4. He has passion. I asked him what helped him to escape the need for anti-depressants and other doctor- prescribed medications. He said, "In 2001 I started to have goals. That gave me motivation and a reason to live." Randy gets up at 4:30 a.m. on most weekdays and plays the guitar (7 minutes on, 7 minutes off) all day long. Having muscular dystrophy makes this lifestyle extremely challenging, but Randy is determined to master the guitar. He has started piano lessons and wants to learn the cello.
5. He is entertaining and funny. One of our favorite stories is Randy's bird story. I am laughing now, just thinking about it. I will have to record him telling it, and share it on this blog.

Tomorrow...

2011-03-22T22:28:00.001-06:00

is the day Mer comes home!

Meredith has been in Santa Cruz many days. She was taking care of the Pleasure
Point House & kids while their parents went sailing in the Caribbean. I did not think
we would miss the Mer as much as we have. I mean, afterall, she has been away
to college many times before. But, we have gotten used to having her at home,
this past year - working, sewing, painting, cooking, and entertaining us at dinner
with various conversation topics. She has been going to Zumba with Ruby and Yoga
class with Mr. B. She is my Right-Hand Woman, and I've realized that not having her
around is like missing my right hand! Oh what shall I do in April? She is soon going
back to her college life - too grown up to stay at home for long.