10.17.2013

Gizoogled... Doh.

Today I am grateful for humor... for those peeps who wish to make those around them laugh.  

This GIZOOGLE take on some Disney songs had me laughing and feeling a little bit better (I've been battling a cold for 2 days now.).  I hope it brings a chuckle or two out of you as well.





10.14.2013

Om Ma Ni Pa Me Hum


Art from Marlene Koenig via Pinterest

It's so nice when things run smoothly.  Life feels in order.  I feel sane.  I feel in control even though deep down I know I'm not.

But, when things don't run smoothly life seems anxious.  My breathing becomes shallow and I'm reaching out for something to hold onto, but all I 
grab is air.

I want to protect those who are hurting.  I want to shield them from the pains we all must endure at some point in our lives.  I want to protect my 7th grader from lessons I don't think she needs to learn.  The universe sees things differently.

I want to let go.  Let go of things that aren't mine to have.  Let go of comparisons and jealousy.  Let go of my expectations of how I think things are supposed to happen.

This morning I woke up with the desperate need to chant, to pray, to fall.  I found the Sanskrit mantra, "Om Ma Ni Pa Me Hum".  Om purifies bliss and pride. Ma purifies jealousy and need for entertainment.  Ni purifies passion and desire. Pa purifies ignorance and prejudice.  Me purifies poverty and possessiveness. Hum purifies aggression and hatred.

The sound took me to my heart center.  Perhaps I have my own lessons to learn.  

10.13.2013

Sunday Sounds

"This is heaven to me"... a happy household, a warm soak in the bath, a quiet Sunday with crafting on the TO DO list

The first video is partial, but love William Galison's harmonica!  Second video is the full version.




10.11.2013

Just a few things Friday

... my response to this article about stay-at-home-moms was "YES!!"

... you must acquaint yourself with Hazel and Gus.  They are two fictional characters I would love to meet.  Read The Fault in Our Stars now!

... this is currently on netflix.  

... this song replaces gangham style and you're welcome

10.10.2013

Warm

(image found here)


Today as I stood in the shower I was grateful for indoor plumbing, warm water, clean water, a house, hair to wash, a body... and so much more.

10.08.2013

It's beginning to taste a lot like Autumn

What is it with us and bananas?  We can't seem to eat them fast enough before they begin to blotch up like a Rorschach test.  So, that's why banana bread is that warm friend we never tire of. But, since I've been feeling Fall-ish I scanned Pinterest for a banana/pumpkin combo.  Lo and behold, I found a recipe (as if I ever doubted the awesomeness of Pinterest)!!



The Crepes of Wrath has a truly yummy Pumpkin Banana Streusel Muffin recipe.  I've already eaten two of the twenty-two I made.  Ooops, did I just type that? My muffins are on the smaller side, so two of mine are like one of theirs (I'm trying to make myself not seem so gluttonous here).  I would never think to combine pumpkin and banana, but I'm so glad somebody did.  Pair one of these muffins with a copycat Starbucks pumpkin spice latte and you are good to go.  



10.07.2013

I took a walk

I took a walk to enjoy the quiet.
I took a walk to breathe in the fresh air after a rain.
I took a walk to remember my connection to the earth.
I took a walk to fall in love with the colors of Autumn.
I took a walk to feel alive.













10.03.2013

Second Chances

Do you ever have those mornings that start out pretty great and then slowly something starts eating away at all that contentment?  Yeah, me too. Today I got sucked into that negative darkness.  It took a few hours and some fresh air to get me out of my funk.  So, today I am truly grateful for second chances.  

Also, I'm grateful for musicians who don't hold back when they sing.  When I listen to Bon Iver I feel as if he's telling me his deepest secrets. 

10.01.2013

I can see a rainbow

It's been raining here in the Pacific NW for 4 days straight now.  I'm not complaining, but I am reminded this is the reason it stays forever green here in our neck of the woods.  All this rain and the cold (I forgot to mention the cold, didn't I?) makes me homey.  Half of my waking hours are spent cozied up in a warm corner.  This makes for perfect knitting weather!!  Last night I finished filambulle's Noro Kureyon hat and I love LOVE it. It's simple and beautiful.  And what I love most about it is that I can have a rainbow wherever I go.  How wonderful is that??!



I am now a big time fan of Noro Kureyon.  It's hard for me to shell out more than $5 for one skein, but Noro is so worth it.  I plan on knitting up a few more of these hats. I used Noro Kureyon color 170.  Here is what it looked like as a skein:


I knit it up using size 7 circs and size 6 DPNs.  I also began the decrease at 5", but next hat for me I may go a wee bit longer.  I have a small noggin'. Wearin' a rainbow is a fun time guaranteed.