The F Word

Every New Year's Eve I make a feeble attempt to resolve to do a bunch of things that I must not truly take ownership for. I say this based on the fact that as 2008 has sprung into being, I am no thinner, no less in debt, I am not communicating any better with friends and loved ones, I complain no less than before, I procrastinate no less than before, I stand up for myself no more than before, I forgive myself no more than before.... Anyone else? Anyone? (insert canned laugh track here) I think you might know what I mean. This year I plan to take a different approach. When I embarked upon a keeping blog this year, I also began reading blogs. They have definitely given me pause to think and consider how I act upon my wants and needs. I was so excited to participate in the Artful Blogging Tea Party and Bloglandia Ball which you read about in previous posts. They gave me an opportunity which I took to act in new ways and felt good about my contribution. I was overwhelmed by the writing and images of many of the bloggers - the inspiration is incredible. There is so much talent out there ~ so much bravery! But more and more I found that I was looking at myself differently, and seeing that some major changes were in order. I was intrigued by the idea of actively living a “Life of Intention.” I don’t think I’m there yet, but I want to be. As soon as I am actively working that plan, I want to toss in the concept of the “Complaint Free Challenge.” I've gotten so many wonderful ideas on how I might change my outlook. I want to move toward a new way of approaching life and I think I have a plan. As suggested by Christine Kane, I have selected a word to guide me through the year. Just one. It should be a word I can apply to my daily living and help me make choices to get me where I want to be. My word is: FIRE Fire brings to mind many images for me: fire in the belly (I want to do things that inspire me), fire walker (I want to do things that are outside my comfort zone), she’s on fire (I want to feel alive), light a fire under her (as in finally do stuff), worthy of Prometheus' gift of fire (am I seeking knowledge and spiritual advancement?), fire away (I want to be active and spontaneous), clean burning fire (is what I am eating providing me nutrients and fuel or is it just polluting?), fire in the hole (look out - this change may effect those around me and I really ought to warn them), fire extinguisher (I want to control my anger), fuel the fire (I want to be a model for those I love), controlled burn (okay I take liberties with the rule: that one doesn't actually include the word fire, but I need to clean out some of the underbrush cluttering my life and it's a good metaphor!), cleansed by fire (I want to learn to actively forgive myself), light my fire (a bit of sparkin’ would be swell!), home fire burning (I want to create a home within the place I live). Theory is, if I apply my word to my actions the way should be clear. We are all shaped by fire in the crucible of life. Time to turn up the heat. Welcome 2008! Have a wonderful New Year and May you find your word as well!

I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas…

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas Only a hippopotamus will do Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want the world to be at peace I want the earth to be well and for us to stop damaging it I want no more animals to rush to extinction due to our stupidity

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you? He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue Just bring him through the front door, that's the easy thing to do

I want there to be clean water for everyone to drink I want no child to be hungry, no adult for that matter I want medicine available to all who need it

I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there

I want for folks to share with each other when they have more than they need I want the sense of entitlement rampant in America to go away I want people to be aware of the worth of their souls

and to appreciate their gifts

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas Only a hippopotamus will do No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses I only like hippopotamuses And hippopotamuses like me too

I want my family to be kind and to be at peace I want my family to never feel loneliness,

may they all have friends who they can call upon I want my family to appreciate each other

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian. (Short Music Interlude) There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I want my friends to know they can call on me no matter what I want my friends to feel loved I want my friends to have all that they need

I can see me now on Christmas morning, creeping down the stairs Oh what joy and what surprise when I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there

I want patience for myself I want to be complaint free I want to let go of anger

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas Only a hippopotamus will do No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses I only like hippopotamuseses And hippopotamuses like me too!

So now that you’re done delivering the toys,

could you get on these requests Santa!? Thanks for all your hard work ~ thank the elves and Mrs. Claus too!

Merry Christmas to One and All!

"Hippo Song" Words and Music by John Rox

Distractions...

This could be the view from Santa's back porch.... hope he and the elves are not too distracted to finish making the toys and pack the sleigh! 1. DSC04876.jpg, 2. Red Aurora, 3. Nothern Lights 7, 4. Northern Lights Easter 2006 II, 5. Þingvellir, 6. Rare red auroras., 7. aurora borealis, 8. Aurora in Fog, 9. Aurora Borealis_12, 10. Fireworks from God, 11. Aurora Borealis, 12. Aurora Borealis, 13. Stars and Aurora Borealis, 14. while waiting for winter, 15. glow, 16. It´s Written In The Stars Thank you to all the wonderful folks who captured these shots and thank you to Flickr.com for helping me share them with you. What a blessing to have been in the presence of such wonder! Please do enjoy the the photos ~ but shouldn't you be shopping or wrapping gifts or baking cookies or doing something constructive? Ah yes, I must tease! Remember to savor every moment of the Holidays. After all, even the "interesting" bits could give you something to blog about!

Solstice Greetings!

Lake Opeechee, Ontario, Canada ~ 2002

It has been a challenging time recently in my corner of the world and I am more than ready to celebrate the return of the Sun. It’s been a bit dark both literally and figuratively as of late. For centuries many peoples have anticipated the coming of the Solstice. It marks the end of Winter’s darkness, the rebirth of the Sun, and hope for the reawakening of the Earth which provides us our nourishment. Now while I’m not foolish enough to think that Winter is over in North East Ohio (trust me – wait for the rant on Ground Hog Day against the evil plot and empty promises brought by that untrustworthy rodent, and I’m hoping that Easter will not be white again this year!), I am ready to move into the light. So hang a wreath to symbolize the great cycle of the seasons and burn a Yule log to welcome back the Sun. Step out side, turn your face to the sky, and be thankful for the beauty and wonder that is our Mother Earth. If you can’t see the Sun through the snow clouds, just guess where it may be and remember that the clouds keep the heat in! Blessed Be!

2007 Blogging Scholarship

As I was wandering across Bloglandia the other day, I came across a post here directing me to the 2007 Blogging Scholarship award from College Scholarships.org . What a neat idea! There are 20 finalists in this process and you are encouraged to check out each page before you vote. I did go to each blog to see what they offered.

A very eclectic mix I must say! It was a wonderful diversion last night from the horrifying tragedy that was Game 6 of the ALCS (Yes, I am aware that I am blessed not to have a real frame of reference to what "horrifying tragedy" truly means...) I have added several of these to my already burgeoning GoogleReader so that I do not miss future posts. There is something for everyone in this lot: Political, Military, Mom/Cancer Fighter, Science, Sports, Religion, Personal Finance, Computers. The main requirement to qualify for the award is that you are a full-time post secondary student who blogs. The wining candidate will be selected based on voting by the public. (That's us!) I really do recommend checking them out!

It was difficult choosing a favorite - but I am a sucker for the Science Geek every time... We've got to stick together!

Enjoy!

Helicopters

Helicopters are all over Cleveland skies this week as the American League Championship Series between the Indians and the Boston Red Sox plays here. Glad they're up there doing something pleasant for a change. The sound pulls my eyes skyward. At least I don't have to petition the heavens on behalf of some poor soul being life flighted to a trauma center. Wonder what it's like to live in some areas of Los Angeles where I understand police helicopters are overhead constantly searching for folks and the news helicopters are there in case they find them. Constant whump-whump-whump of the blades must be irritating. Or maybe you only notice when they stop? I understand we have more helicopters in Iraq now than in any other "conflict" we've fought in. I understand that Al 'Qaeda in Iraq has a plan to target them all special like. Couldn't find the link to the recent NPR segment that spoke on that... Say a prayer for all the folks over there - but give a shout out to those in helicopters. What's up with "Helicopter Moms" in the news? Have you heard of these parents? I understand volunteering at your baby's preschool, baking cupcakes for the fourth grade winter festival party, and not missing the homecoming game... But I don't get the mom who plans to send out resumes and make phone calls to potential employers for her daughter once she graduates from College? Yeah right - "Let's do lunch - my mom will call you mom." That's a play date folks - not a career. Did you know that I have one of those totally cool hats with the propeller on top? Nerds rock.... I want to wear it again some day soon. Don't you love playing with the helicopter wings that come down from the maple trees? How many hours did you spend as a kid watching them fall and then throwing them in the air to watch them fall again? I should do that soon. Kind of like smelling the crayons. Have you done that lately? Takes you right back to getting new crayons for grade school in the fall. Fall is great - did I mention the Indian's are playing in the American League Championships Series? GO TRIBE!

A Visit to the Monastery

Since I began attending meetings and events with my Chi Omega Sorority Sisters of the Cleveland West I have visited some amazing places in my new home town. Last night was no exception! We attended a tea tasting at The Monastery in Ohio City. They refer to themselves as a restaurant and tea sanctuary.

This unique place is run by a man who must be more knowledgeable about tea than any other person I will ever possibly meet. He regaled us with stories about different teas: white tea, green tea, oolong tea, black tea, pu-erhs..... Did you know that there are teas aged for 30 years? Did you know that some of the best teas are picked by monkeys from the highest cliff elevations which humans just can't reach? Did you know that some teas are considered competition grade? Did you know that milk and sugar are not just a preference of some, but actually required to bring out the full flavor and aroma of some teas? (And do not ever under any circumstances place lemon in anything but iced tea! It will destroy the flavor profile!) Did you know that each tea must be prepared with very specific temperature and infusion time to bring out it's dimension properly? So much to learn!

Luckily, there was also so much to enjoy!

We had a three course meal accompanied by five tea courses...

First Apricot Passion Green Tea

First course: Old English fresh scones and date nut bread baked earlier in the day, served with cream cheese, lemon curd (totally scrumptious!), strawberry cream, and honey and lavender cream.

The next tea was Song Yang White Tea.

Our main food course was Grilled Chicken Salad with green tea marinade served with Wuyi Oolong tea.

Bangladesh Siloah Black Tea

And finally.... dessert! Dark Chocolate Truffle with Rum, Chocolate Strawberry Truffle, Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful these were! and a finish with Iron Silk Pu-erh tea.

Over all a delightful evening. And a bit overwhelming! I learned so many different things and was exposed to so many teas that I fear I cannot even discuss them intelligently! For one thing I am aware that my vocabulary doesn't even include sufficient words to articulate the sensory attributes of tea!

If you are ever in this neck of the woods... you must stop in here and experience their "culinary concoctions for the senses."

They also sell loose tea and all the paraphernalia to prepare it properly. I will be back there soon to make some selections!

(Excuse the photos here... I was not trying some fancy exposure settings or filters... Miss "I can't believe I'm lucky enough to go to a tea tasting, how totally cool!" was not awake enough in the morning to remember to bring the camera with her to work! Cell phone to the rescue!)