Please Break Up!

Dear J Crew,
Your fall and winter clothes are always my favorite. Hands down.
Your catalog gets prettier and prettier.
Prague? Of course.
I want to buy such lovely things from you, BUT

I can only do that if you break up with your best friends...
You know, the ones who work so hard for you in countries far away from here.
I'd pay good money for a golden pea coat that was made domestically
And I knew the workers were paid a living wage.
Oh, and one more thing. Please start using environmentally responsible materials and manufacturing processes.

xo.

Undecided

Should these kids be so stylish? I have to admit I'd love these clothes for my kids (which I don't have yet). Wish I was even half as cute! Love the feather in the hat, the buttoned-up cardigan, and the curly hair...our kids are destined to have cute hair like that thanks to Ceej! Lucky.

Home In August

Clouds like these are rare where I'm livin' these days.

Grateful to be able to see dear friends.


Oh, heart! Summer thunder/lightening/rain storms showed up just for me!

Nothing beats the view from my mom's backyard of the mountains and her lush green yard and gardens.

The Salt Lake Valley is oh so lovely, don't you think?

Ceej with our nephew who kept asking to see the horse that was "green and almost mad."

Birds are apparently all the rage at the SLC Farmer's Market

I couldn't resist buying Gnome mushrooms!

DIDGERIDOO!

REAL Belgium waffles...made in a carmelized iron!

Window shopping with my sister and mom!

A rain storm with low rumbles of thunder.

Favorite Lines

A few of my favorite lines from a few of my favorite movies. Enjoy.

Shadowlands:
(Jack) Why love, if losing hurts so much? I have no answers anymore: only the life I have lived. Twice in that life I've been given the choice: as a boy and as a man. The boy chose safety, the man chooses suffering. The pain now is part of the happiness then. That's the deal.
(Joy) Are you TRYING to be offensive, or merely stupid?



Bottle Rocket:
Anthony) Grace thinks I'm a failure. (Dignan) What? What has she ever accomplished in her life that's so great?

(Kumar) Man, I blew it. I blew it, man. (Anthony) Kumar, what were you doing in the freezer? (Kumar) I don't know, man, I lose my touch, man. (Dignan) Did you ever have a touch to lose, man?

Chocolat: Once upon a time, there was a quiet little village in the French countryside, whose people believed in Tranquilité - Tranquility. If you lived in this village, you understood what was expected of you. You knew your place in the scheme of things. And if you happened to forget, someone would help remind you. In this village, if you saw something you weren't supposed to see, you learned to look the other way. If perchance your hopes had been disappointed, you learned never to ask for more. So through good times and bad, famine and feast, the villagers held fast to their traditions. Until, one winter day, a sly wind blew in from the North...

The Darjeeling Limted:I'm gonna mace you in the face!

Emma: (Emma) Good heavens! Go back!

Pride & Prejudice:(Mr. Darcy) Yes, but that was only when I first knew her, for it is many months since I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance.

You Should See This

Please CLICK HERE to see what happened to some of our friends in Denver during the Democratic Convention. Warning: there are a couple swear-words, but watch it anyway, and read the entire post please.

New England Yearnings

One of my "should have's" in life: I should have been born in New England (well, really I should have been born in Wales or Ireland, but I'll settle for New England). Everything about New England is beautiful and old. So much history. So much beautiful green land with lakes and the Atlantic. I love the autumn there, and wouldn't mind long winters. I'd wear wellies, peacoats, and scarves all year if I could. California, the sunny state, is not my favorite, I'd admit. I keep trying to wear my worn sweaters for our evening walks, but it's still stifling hot even after the sun goes down. I'm quite ready for sweater weather. Perhaps one day I'll live in Maine where sweaters are welcome year-round.

Senior Thesis: Third Parties

Many of you are already aware of the bane of my existance...my never-ending battle to write my senior thesis for my History degree. Last fall I signed up for the Civil War & Reconstruction era. I thought it would be easy to write something new about slave spirituals. Boy, was I wrong. That topic is so vast I couldn't ever find my little niche to enlighten the world with. But now, I think I'm onto something.

I have heard the Nader campaign casually mention that Lincoln was a third-party candidate and won. He beat out the dominate two parties at the time, the Whigs and the Democrats. So I'm doing some preliminary research. It is interesting to note that Lincoln started out his political career part of the Whig party...they were pro-bank, pro-corporation, etc. Interesting in contrast to Nader, yes? I'm wondering if our country will have to reach a crisis as large as the country separating in order to get some new blood in the White House. Do any of you have other interesting questions you'd like me to pursue as I do my research? I'd appreciate any insight and help!

Say NO to Biden!

So Obama has chosen Joe Biden for his running-mate. Interesting. Very. Everyone knows Biden is Mastercard's best friend. If Biden had his way there would be less regulation on credit card companies. Boo. I hope this is more "proof" that Obama has gone corporate.

P.S. Too bad Phil Hartman isn't around...he could do an impression that would leave you laughing for days!

O Captain, My Captain!

So every fall when school begins again I have a strong yearning to watch Dead Poet's Society. It's one of those movies that makes you want to study the great words of great poets, start a secret club, go to a boarding school on the east coast, and stand up for what is right no matter the consequences. Remember the "barbaric YAWP" scene when Todd finally starts to come out of his shell? Remember when Mr. Keating has them rip out the introduction to their books? Or when Pitts donates a half-eaten role to their midnight snack stash? Of course we cry when Neil leaves this life after his standing-ovation performance as Puck in A Midummer's Night Dream. You want to punch Meeks when he rats on Mr. Keating--thank goodness Dalton bloodies his nose for us. And the final scene is one I want to be part of. When all the boys stand on their desks as Mr. Keating leaves the classroom forever, "O, Captain, my captain!"

The original poem was written about Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated. It was written by the great Walt Whitman. Here is that wonderful poem I was made to memorize in high school:

O Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done,

The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won,

The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!

O the bleeding drops of red,Where on the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;

Rise up--for you the flag is flung for you the bugle trills,

For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths for you the shores a-crowding,

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!

This arm beneath your head!I

t is some dream that on the deck,

You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;

My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;

The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;

From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!

But I, with mournful tread,

Walk the deck my Captain lies,

Fallen cold and dead.

First Day of School!

Today my online classes begin. I'm just taking a couple generals that I should have taken years ago. A freshman level English class on Language, and freshman level Nutrition class. I think they will be interesting, and will go at a lovely pace. I'm glad they're two topics I love.

Silence Is Betrayal

(video narrated by Martin Luther King, Jr.)

There is a lot wrong in the world today. For most of my life I have ignored it, or judged people who spoke out as "pot-stirrers". As I learn more and more I am compelled to speak out, and to take action. These are hard things. I study about the corruptness of our government, the genocide in Darfur, the destruction of land, etc. and I must tell you of it all. PLEASE educate yourselves, speak out, and take action. Don't get discouraged. I know you all believe in the power of One...there are the Ghandi's, the Rosa Park's, and the Susan B. Anthony's. When we learn of injustices we often ask, "well, what can I do?"...I say that you can speak out. It is hard to talk to people about politics and the tragedies in this world. But we have a duty to do it. To bring about change.

"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. " Ellie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and author

Jared Thomson

Here's to the most funny un-funny blog! Click here to check it out.

Planet G.M.I.

So happy to announce that CJ has finally posted on his blog. CJ is one of the most informed people I know. He will keep you up on how to protect Southern Utah from oil drilling, what is happening in government, and what is happening around the globe. He will also bring you some serious laughter. His sense of humor is truly unique! Click here to enjoy.

Pick Me!

I am wanting to spend some of my extra time volunteering with a non-profit organization. I would prefer to work for causes that support art, farming, the environment, or politics. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Words: Be Kind

Today I am thinking on something I think of often: the power of words. I love the Sanskrit language because those who formed the language did so with the intention that every sound should be sacred. They believed that sound was the quickest way to the divine.

It saddens me when we use harsh words towards each other and accuse each other falsely. I am reminded of this well-known passage that is wisdom for us all:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man, but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth the man.

So please be kind to each other, and assume only the best of each other's hearts.

Back In the Saddle Again!

What saddle am I back in? Unemployment. . I hate quitting. Especially when I usually tend to quit without a moment's notice.

So why did I quit? It was too much receptionist and not enough yoga. Office work and answering phones kills me. I could feel the life fleeing from my soul. I will be working on being satisfied with out simple life here. I would rather spend time going to the farmer's markets, cooking real food, writing notes, making surprises, and stopping by Ceej's work to say hi in the middle of the day.

Now I've learned my lesson to hold out for a 100% yoga job. It's the only job I think I could have right now. Once I get my PhD then I could see myself teaching history.

School Days Ahead!

What is it about the fall semester that I just love? I love the return to campus, a new schedule, new professors, a clean slate, and new books. Next week I start my online classes for the University of Utah. I am a bit sad that my person will not be on campus. I love walking from old building to old building. I love having the professor right before me, answering questions, and lecturing with passion. This is my first time doing online classes. I hope I am motivated and learn as much as I would in a live classroom.

The photos above are of Oxford's campus and of Tolkien. I dream that I could of...

Folksfest & Sarah

My dear friend, Sarah Sample, will be playing a full set this weekend at the Folks Fest in Lyons, CO. This is her dream come true! If any of you will be at the festival make sure you listen up to this lovely woman as she commands the stage. She will be sharing this year's stage with some big names (ever heard of Patty Griffin or Greg Brown?! Ya. It's a BIG deal).

I am oh so grateful to have such wonderful friends in my life...Sarah and I met our freshman year of college and she has introduced me to ALL of my wonderful friends. If I wouldn't have met Sarah I never would have met my wonderful Ceej! And it all happened eight years ago! I can hardly believe it. Wish I could be there this weekend.

Needing Some R&R

I have been working some LONG hours this week, and have been sad not to be able to blog for the past few days. But here I am. Happy to be. Next week might be just as crazy, but I am hoping that the following week will slow down, and my new schedule will be more consistant. Right now I just want to go to the mountains and lie down in a field of wildflowers. I would like to slow down to be able to feel the breeze and watch the clouds. That's all.

Happy Birthday, Celia Jane!

My lovely grandmother, Celia Jane, is turning 84 years old today. She is of "The Greatest Generation" having made it gracefully through the Great Depression and the second World War. She knows what it means to save every penny, to sew her own clothes, to cherish family gatherings, and how to cook everything from scratch. I love this photo, above, of my grandma. She is such a stylish and beautiful woman, especially with the breath-taking scenery of Bryce Canyon behind her. 

This is a photo of my mother, Dianne, grandma, Celia Jane, and me (my little brother, Mikey, popped his head in last second!) at my cousin's wedding this past week. I am grateful to be part of such an amazing legacy of women!

California

In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.

This morning I am flying back to California...the idea of California always reminds me of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and the devastation of the Great Depression companioned with the Dust Bowl. 

I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, and going to the farmer's markets. I am grateful that California has been kind to us.

photo: Library of Congress, Mojave Desert

Me Too!

Tonight I'm going to watch Miss Potter as my last "at home" moment. For those of you who haven't seen it, it's beautiful and charming indeed, and is a must see. The scenery itself is tear-jerking. I'm about to reveal part of the ending, so if you haven't seen it yet, and don't want to have it spoiled stop reading here.

I love love love love love that Beatrix buys up thousands of acres of land in the Lake District of England, preserves them as working farms, and then gives them to the English public as a nature preserve. This is something Ceej and I dream of doing (especially in Utah). It is disturbing to see so many developments going up where there used to be beautiful farm land or land that was simply untouched. I sometimes feel discouraged and that every beautiful piece of land we have will some day be bulldozed over to make way for cookie-cutter homes. On the other hand, I am inspired by stories like Miss Potter's...there are good people in this world who value natural and untouched beauty.

Storm Approaching!

At this very moment there is a dark and ferocious storm making its way across the Salt Lake valley. This is my kind of moment. There is nothing like a storm...you can feel the earth awaken and move with clarity. Nothing can stop a storm. It is so awe-some. Grateful to be here now.

photo: Neil Maughan, UK

Stegner, Autumn, & New England

Started reading Wallace Stegner's book Crossing To Safety while up at the family cabin this week. So far so beautiful. Though it is set in Madison, Wisconsin I imagine it in New England. It's fall time and the fall semester is just underway. There are fanciful dinners in lovely houses, picnics in the countryside, and discussions of literature and life. Stegner has a way with words that make you want to cry at the end of every sentence...it's just so beautiful. Here's a taste or two:

There was a glint of settling frost in the air. Our voices and breath went up and mixed with the shadows of trees and the bloom of arc lights and the glitter of stars.

She has great dignity and presence when she is cornered, and when she reads that antique poetry she can bring tears to your eyes. It is much better than if you could understand it. She chants out of a remote time with the clang of bronze in it.

This book has stirred up my deep love for New England in the fall...I admit that I have one regret in life: not attending a beautiful university in New England. These days I am day-dreaming of sitting at Walden Pond, gathering flowers where Louisa May Alcott wrote, and reciting Whitman to my own secret Dead Poet's Society.

Family In Town!!

Our family is fortunate enough to have a cabin to go to in the Uinta Mountains up the Weber Canyon. The entire family is coming in town to have a relaxing week away from the rush of every day life. I love this place. You can see stars here in numbers that I haven't seen anywhere else. I hope this place will still be a refuge when I have children of  my own.
 

Where Is the Outrage?!

"I can't keep it in, I gotta let it out!" as Cat Stevens would say. Let it be known to all: I love politics and politics are very important to me. It's hard to blog about it because in society we're told we're not supposed to talk to people about politics and religion...supposedly you don't make very many friends by doing that. Well, I hope you all continue to be my friends and read my blog after all this politiking.

Last night I volunteered at the Nader rally in Salt Lake City. He asked us this question, "Where is your breaking point? Where is your moral compass?" Meaning, he wants to know what will it take for us as citizens to put our foot down and take our power back? Washington has us convinced that we are powerless. We all know that according to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that power should be in the hands of the people. Nader clearly lays out that the power in this country lies in the hands of corporations. Do you realize that corporations have the same rights and privileges as people in this country? Do you know they had those rights before women did?

Let me point out just a few things for you to think on:

1. Polls show that the majority of Americans want our military out of Iraq, and that we want the government to cut back on military spending. Both Obama and McCain want to increase spending. Ya, that's right. Nader is the ONLY candidate that will get us out of Iraq and significantly decrease military spending.

2. Nader fights (notice he's ALREADY fighting) for a living wage for everyone!

3. 18,000 people die/year because they do not have health insurance...Nader supports single-payer health care (as do 59% of physicians) that would give health care to everyone.

4. Nader is the ONLY candidate who is actively, and will continue to, fight corporate crime...Obama and McCain won't even bring it up because they won't bite the hands that feed them.

I could go on and on...tell me, what IS your breaking point? When will you be outraged enough with our current government run by corporations? I've had more than enough and I'll be fighting it.

Really what it comes down to is that Nader wants to give us back out power. He has the experience and the integrity to do it. I have yet to meet someone who has heard Nader speak in person who doesn't end up supporting him 100%.

You Must Watch This...Yes, I Am Begging You To!