Mom's Purse

Happy Birthday Brother

2009-12-17T23:56:00.003-07:00

We sang to Brian today. "Happy Birthday to You," which ended in tears. Was he listening? Did he hear us talking about him? He gave us something. I hope we never forget. Heaven and Hell holding hands. It can be done.

What I Know & Don't Know

2009-12-14T20:25:00.006-07:00

Today's class: Photoshop - Creative Color.
I am working on a little reminder for my church friends in YW. After picking 3 of my favorite images of Christ, I wanted them to "match." This led to my skipping way ahead, in the levels of advancement on lynda.com, to Creative Color. I learned, very quickly, what I know (not much) and what I don't know (tons), which is very apropos to my endeavors in following the Savior.

I am learning, line upon line and precept upon precept, that walking the path He has set is the only way to be truly happy. And humble. My heart is filled with gratitude for His birth, His life, and the Atonement.

Before and After:

Winter Afternoons

2009-12-10T21:14:00.007-07:00

Emily Dickinson's birthday - today.

There's a certain slant of light,

On winter afternoons,

That oppresses, like the weight

Of cathedral tunes.

Heavenly hurt it gives us;

We can find no scar,

But internal difference

Where the meanings are.

*Emily Dickinson 1830-1886.

Orange clogs came in the mail - today.

Found at Lands' End for $14.99 - sweet deal.

Ruby wrote a story on my white board - found today.

"Once upon a time there was a happy family of 5. Then the oldest 2 left, but the 3 left behind were still happy."
Notice, the castle is in the shape of Idaho.

3 Posts in One

2009-12-08T20:13:00.012-07:00

In light of this surreal day, I share some random tidbits of information.
A Cautionary Post:

I read an article in the NYTimes which warned against putting plastic containers in the microwave and/or dishwasher. Certain plastics release harmful toxins in both cases. I can't seem to find the Times article, but this article helps identify which plastics are safest.

A Christmas Post:

Given my lack of Christmas Spirit referred to in yesterday's post, I engaged myself in a visit to someone in need. When I returned, the driveway and walk had been shoveled by someone serving me. With Mr. B. out of town and our snow shovel lost since last winter, this kind deed was much appreciated. My heart grew at least 3 sizes.

A Post on Morality:
In the name of science, you can take a test to measure your morality. How moral are you? I went to this website, and took the test entitled, Moral Foundations Questionnaire. Before beginning the test, I was asked, "What is your definition of morality?" I had to think for a minute; how to put it into words. My answer: "Doing the right thing. Choosing the right thing for the right reason." Without referring to a dictionary, what would you have put?
In the end, I decided that most of the questions were rather ambiguous, but I still enjoyed seeing my results - ratings were in the categories: harm, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity. The ratings are compared to "liberals" and "conservatives."
*morality sign came from cosmosmagazine.

Ru and Mr. B. in NYC

2009-12-07T09:59:00.014-07:00

A 4-day adventure, Daddy-Daughter style.
Yesterday was a happy reunion with the two travelers.
Lots of fun photos and stories.
"Next time," I said to myself, "I'm going too." Sometimes (especially during the holidays) I get a hankering to travel. "How about France, Italy, or Africa? California or Mexico?" For some odd reason, no one in my family seems too keen on this idea. Home for the holidays? Either way, I'm making a list, and checking it twice. I can line up the decorations, presents, and food, or line up luggage, passports, and airfare. I just like the idea of a possible escape from what I sometimes forget is a choice; not an overwhelming expectation. Am I the only mom that feels this way?

Landing in NYC.

Ruby loves the pigeons.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Two favorite things: Wicked & THE FOOD.

Subway.

Art Market Peeks

2009-12-04T13:45:00.012-07:00

Bead work from Africa - for a good cause.

Peace - Ann Gardner.

Vinyl clutch, which I will be using as a scripture case -Vinylicious.

Love from Barbara Young.

Felted wool artwork by Nanette Amis - the queen of Art Market.

Mini-posters from White Elephant.

Lark Rise to Candleford

2009-12-03T17:39:00.004-07:00

I rented the wonderfully refreshing first season of this series from Netflix. I love it! Can't wait for season 2. It is comparable to Anne of Green Gables, which is one of my top favorites and hard to hold a candle to. Get it? "Hold a candle to. . . "

Art Market

2009-12-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the African Art. All proceeds go to ArtAidsArt.

For those of you not locals: visit Ann on Etsy.

Visit Angie on Etsy.

Art Show

2009-12-02T12:16:00.006-07:00

Today! Jeni's gourds and more.
See Jeni here.

Happy Birthday Diana

2009-12-01T19:31:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-30T09:01:00.002-07:00

Full house, celebrating gratitude, food, dishes, shopping, family, friends, giving, visiting, and more food and more dishes.
Thanksgiving Day:
Getting Randy from wheelchair to car, to wheelchair, and into the house is something to be grateful for - a miracle, really.

Thanks to my father, and these other able and willing men.

Kid table.

Games.

We had a family circle. Each of us told 1)what we were thankful for, 2) a wish or wishes and, 3) a pet peeve. It was fun!
Farewell chatting and shivering outside, as the boys loaded Randy, kids, dishes, etc.

Other Days:
Meredith and I got new, twin cell phones. Touch-screen. She had hers all "dialed" within 5 min. It took me a few days. "Um, Mer. . . . how do you turn this thing on?"

Max got a new fixed gear bike. He was very tricky on his fixie.

My Black Friday purchase was an OttLite at 50% off. It looks great in my new office (Max's old room). Meredith and I found these white board markers, which also look great in the new office. I appreciate quality design. Form follows function.
Happy me, sitting at my desk, reflected on the computer screen, with white board behind me containing a welcome message & some doodles from my kids. All three.

M & M and Mr. B. put up the Christmas lights. Thanks guys!

I love Christmas lights.

Eagle Scout

2009-11-25T21:36:00.004-07:00

Last night we went to a court of honor. Max got his Eagle.

And I got a hug. I love hugs.

Kirtsy

2009-11-24T10:56:00.003-07:00

I am adding a Kirtsy button to my blog, based on this trailer, which is a promo for the Kirtsy Book. It's so visually appealing, don't you think?

Meredith is Coming Home Today

2009-11-21T12:11:00.002-07:00

Meredith - 1994. San Jose, CA.

Max is Coming Home Today

2009-11-20T13:00:00.001-07:00

Max - 1994. San Jose, CA.

A Little Visit

2009-11-18T08:44:00.001-07:00

Twins.
The last time I saw them, they were newborn.

Now they are 18 months. What a change!

Mellie and I reminisced about our lovely walk in Santa Cruz. It was a magical day, as we both remember it. One week before the twins arrived. I still review the photos of several of our dream houses on Depot Hill. I hardly need the photos anymore, as they are indelibly stamped on my mind - a motivating force.
A day with the twins and their 3 yr. old brother, was an eye-opener for me. Busy. Energy. Toys. Diapers. Motherly radar. Sweet smiles. Sticky fingers. Tender loves on mama's lap. Barricading the stairs. Sharing. Tantrums. Crumbs. Car seats. Potty-training. And all the other usual things in the daily life of Mellie, and millions of other amazing moms out there.

I miss it. But, would I go back? Probably not. I LOVE little kids and little visits, but I am truly enjoying the season I am in right now.

Burdens

2009-11-19T09:55:00.002-07:00

My usual morning daze began with a heavy heart, this morning, as I reflected on several bad dreams from the night before. Those dreams left me in a funky mood that seemed impossible to shake. Worries and concerns nagged at me as I tried to fall asleep last night, so it's no wonder that I woke-up feeling disturbed by my dreams.
During my One Hour, I read this article, "That Your Burdens May Be Light," and my mood lifted. I received comfort, strength, wisdom, and insight. I was reminded that the Lord is ever mindful of the details in my life.
*photo came from here.

Learning, Growing, Changing

2009-11-17T13:31:00.008-07:00

School:
So, I never did follow up with a report on The Design Weekend at the Plaza Hotel. I missed a trip to Idaho with some of my favorite traveling companions and a chance to see my college kids, in order to attend. Classes: Illustrator - Creating Identity, Illustrator - Creating a Pattern, Photoshop Actions, and InDesign 101. Did I love it? Yes! Did I learn a lot? Yes! Was I noticeably and unmistakeably the oldest one in each of my classes? Yes! As Sir Walter Scott says, "I will to do, the soul to dare."

Weekend Visit:
I have accepted, and give forewarning to parents of future coeds, that when your college kids come to visit, home is a landing pad, not a destination. If I had looked back at my former college self, I might have been enlightened and expected reality. Although, Meredith was much more kind in spending time with family than I ever would have been. Thanks, Mer!

The Daily Dance:
When I am alone in the house, I treat myself to this. Mr. B. will tell you, I am quite private about my dancing time. With no one watching, I feel ridiculously free to be me. My kids will tell you, much to their embarrassment, that I dance plenty whenever anyone is in the house, but this daily dance is different. This is my time. My music, my singing, my stretching, my thinking time. I love it.
One may wonder why I post this photo, if I'm so private about my daily dance. Honestly? I wanted a photo of me doing one of my favorite things. When I saw this photo, I laughed and laughed until I cried. I look funny! I had to share. Do you ever laugh at yourself?
I was thinking about snow skiing, as it was one of my top favorite things, and I don't have a single photo of me doing what I loved for so many years. So, now I am capturing me doing other things I love, and I'm keeping the photos, even if I look silly.

Snow:
Me and winter. We are not friends anymore. But today, as I looked out my bedroom window, I saw between the shadowed lines. Brilliant sparkles. They winked at me.
Our summer made her light escape
into the Beautiful
c 1865 E. Dickinson

Today I Played With Buttons

2009-11-10T22:13:00.009-07:00

Have you ever started a big project and gotten so tied up in the tiny details, that you lose sight of the project all together? That happened to me today.

I was moving my button collection from the basement to the new office upstairs, when I decided to put a few of my buttons in jars. "Wouldn't they look so pretty on my new Ikea shelves," I thought to myself.

I found myself sorting through the entire box of buttons and organizing them into color coordinated piles.

Most of them were still in the package, so I unwrapped over a hundred button cards, and poured the buttons into jars.

Hours later. . . . six jars full. Four piles left untouched. I need more jars.

This last photo could be considered one of my most flattering self-portraits.

View From an MRI

2009-11-12T13:51:00.004-07:00

This is what it looks like for 1 hour. And you can't move.
I liked to keep my eye on the door -
bottom right corner.

Reason for MRI: dizziness & balance problems.
How long since an MRI was prescribed: 5 years ago.
Why such a long wait: a have a shunt in my ear that contains metal.
How we got around the metal issue: very tenacious family physician.
First try two months ago: too claustrophobic, lack of information on how much Xanax to take, tried 3 times & came out 3 times. Discouraging.
Second try yesterday: I.V. sedation scheduled, but the cardboard-tasting breakfast kept me from that option. Someone forgot to tell me not to eat anything ten hours before sedation. Full of anxiety, but determined to make this work, I went for option #2 - Vallium.
Inside the MRI: I prayed, "Please help me stay in here. Please, oh please, oh please. . . . " Classical music on headphones helped. Technician asking, "Are you okay?" helped. Carefully caressing the HELP button helped. Taking myself on a long, detailed tour of Santa Cruz helped. Naming, in order of age ( and again by category), my family, extended family, and close friends helped. Knowing Mr. B. was in the waiting room helped.
How long I stayed in the MRI: approximately 55 min.
Amount of time I should have stayed in the MRI: 65 min.
Luckily, I don't have to go back and make up those last 10 min.
Results: no indication of tumors or life-threatening illness, and no structural damage to brain or neck. Gloriously good news!
Prescribed plan of action: physical therapy for neck and balance problems.
Pickle: after many years of searching, I still don't know what I have, why it happens, or what causes it.
Gratitude: my body has learned various forms of compensation for dizziness, I have patient & understanding family and friends, I focus on what I CAN do, and there is always hope for a better and brighter future. I have learned to enjoy what I have now. We walked out of the hospital, and drove home. Back to our everyday lives.
Why blog about this: to remind myself that peachy pictures from the blogging world are only pieces of people's lives. Not the whole story. Because of dizziness, I often wrestle with anxiety and depression. I usually try to hide this about myself, because I hate to face reality, critical judgments, unwanted input, embarrassment, etc. But, today, instead of turning away from the part of me that is "flawed," I just feel glad to be me. All the pieces. The whole story.
FYI: view from MRI designed by me, using Illustrator CS4. Yea!
I love CS4.

Today I'm Getting an MRI

2009-11-11T08:27:00.003-07:00

Fear makes my breakfast taste like cardboard. Pray for me. Okay?

Looking Forward to. . .

2009-11-05T10:39:00.003-07:00

Design classes at the Plaza Hotel (starting today!), a new computer,
and a new blog from The Gourd Lady - Jeni B.

Remember the Cherry Fairy?

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-02T21:05:00.006-07:00

Mr. B. and I ate scary food and passed out candy to the sparse trick-or-treaters. (scary food = Five Guys burgers and fries)

I used some of Ruby's costume photos to practice Photoshop
- outer glow.

The momentous occasion of the day: Mr. B. carved a pumpkin.
Can you guess which one is his?

Window Gazing and New Homework

2009-10-29T16:27:00.007-06:00

It has been one full week since my last post. I am here, doing what I usually do. Day-dreaming. This talent is one I have perfected over the years, and it usually involves windows. My fourth grade teacher did not approve, and I must admit that it is a distraction. Especially when the teacher is talking, and there is school work to be done. Learning. "Pay attention, Julie! There is school work to be done."

Where was I? Oh ya. Windows. I have been gazing out of them. And there is school work to be done, but in this case, window-gazing is encouraged as inspirational fodder. And the school work is not work.
It is fun!

I downloaded my new CS4 last week, and the homework has been intense. All self-imposed, of course. How much information can my brain hold? How much beauty can my eyes take in; gazing at yellow glitter changing to white feathers floating by my window?

Singing Ruby Love Today

2009-10-22T20:36:00.004-06:00

Celebrating the big 15!

Rubylove came up on my play list, and I danced around the room.

Happy Birthday, Ruby!!