Happy New Year Soon!

Hello to the very few yet very special people that peruse this blog. I have a good feeling about 2007. This hat upon my head has special powers. I've been instructed not to reveal all of its secrets but I'm gonna let a few loose.

If you visualize the color blue (any blue), wink your right eye once while looking at yourself in a mirror, and then jump off of a curb with a little hop when crossing the street at least once each day your life will be filled with joy and hopefully some really good salty food. The above things don't have to occur simultaneously.

Good luck and happy new year!

Rigdzin Ling

A few weeks back I went on a weekend Tibetan Buddhist retreat at Rigdzin Ling as part of a one unit class at HSU. This place is nestled in the trinity alps in Junction City, off of Hwy 299. As I pulled up in my car I felt I had been transported through some kind of warp and had arrived in Nepal. Well, as close as I've ever been to Nepal. A girls allowed to dream. There were prayer flags galore, stupas, fountains, shrines, and prayer wheels.

I've been looking to go on a retreat of this nature but have always been a little nervous to do so. Often there are so many rules to follow and I find myself nervous that I will wear the wrong thing or not bow at the appropriate time. Not the case at Rigdzin Ling. Here, you could wear whatever. Our teacher, Lama Zangpo, wore jeans the entire time. While many centers allow no drugs of any kind, here they had hot coffee prepared at all times and we could even bring our coffee into the shrine room where we sat to listen to teachings and meditate. Now that's my type of Buddhism.

inspiration

Oh madly the sea pushes upon the land,
With love, with love.
-Walt Whitman

My friend Tsky and I spent the afternoon at the beach today, enjoying the company of the sun and delighting in the beauty surrounding us. Inspired by the art of Andy Goldsworthy we created this heart of seashells with the intention that each piece spread love wherever it is placed next.

the view from my window this morning

After a week of solid rain the weatherperson calls for sun, but not until these clouds got a little more hail out of their system this morning.

Yesterday, was actually quite nice weather wise. I took a short 15 min. drive up to Trinidad to hang out at the beach with Zed and Mabel the dog. It was quite windy with large 20+ foot waves crashing upon sea stacks. I took my camera to capture the moment but alas I had left it on and the batteries were well... you know.

Contemplate something beautiful...

I was watching a movie that took place in SF the other night. There was a scene of the golden gate bridge on a sunny CA day. I asked my friend DMP who once resided in the Bay if he thought people regularly commuting over the bridge lost the sense of its beauty? He answered without hesitation, yes. I was at first stunned by the matter of fact answer, and then saddened.

I always wondered what would happen when I moved to Arcata? Would I myself be bored by the Pacific Ocean or giant redwoods after seeing them on a consistent basis? The answer is simply and clearly no. I fall in love with this place I call home a little more each day. A large and most likely geeky smile overtakes my face every time I ride my bike up the hill to campus and get a brief glimpse of Humboldt Bay. Tire of the ocean??? Is that really possible? I hear it call my name anytime I'm within a mile. Get bored of the redwoods? Never. It's too much of a mystery with discoveries to be made upon each visit. I love all of it. Big and small.

Back to the movies... A woman in one of my favorite films Next Stop Wonderland says, "I think it's important to contemplate something beautiful each day."

It's all a matter of pausing, taking a breath, and remembering whom you are and where you are. Here's to not taking this glorious life for granted and not letting beautiful things go unnoticed.

Jordando says HAPPY THANKSGIVING Mom...

The following photographs depict the proper way to eat black olives.

this 'ol guitar

Emily Fact: I quit band in 10th grade because I didn't want to wear the marching band uniform.

I then turned to the guitar, where I could wear anything or nothing while playing. This instrument has served me well. (Thank you Grandma for buying me my first and only guitar)
I've spent most of my guitar playing years as a closet player, but have been cracking the door open a bit more lately. I owe much of this phenomenon to my dear, dear friend TSky, the only one whose ever gotten me to play with her and for her . These days I'm working on a song currently titled "Creeps Need Not Reply."

I love the challenge of coming up with a thematic song. Got any ideas, suggestions? Let me know. I've got a half written pickle song if anyone needs one.

JORDANDO!

Yep, my favorite little dude in the world. Besides the fact that he's incredibly adorable and gives the best hugs, I believe my Mom loves Jordando simply for the fact that my relationship with him gives her hope that one day she may be a Grandma. Tis true my track record of wanting children has not been the best. I believe I made the announcement when I was 25 that the chances of me producing a little being went from 100% NO WAY all the way down to 97% NO WAY. This was a big worry to me at the time, but thank goodness only lasted a short few months. I was able to regain control and keep the clock from ticking. Ask any of my close friends now and they'll probably tell you that I'm all talk these days and I'd probably have to agree. The ticking is slowly getting louder and I'm slowly beginning to acknowledge it, while still half trying to convince myself otherwise. Then again all this baby lovey dovey talk could be due simply to the fact that having one right now could serve as a good excuse as to not complete my thesis :)

Spell check wanted to replace "Jordando" with "coordinate"
In the words of Fuego, "Enough said."

European Beachgrass Harvest and BBQ

Today was a big event I've been coordinating for the last month. We had 50 folks out on the dunes pulling beachgrass and then had a great BBQ with a Slough view. Yep, I think I have about the best office possible and great folks to work with. For those of you who don't really know what my job is you can find out more at the Friends of the Dunes website.

Bedbug...

I've had spiders in my bed. When I lived in North Carolina there were the real no-seeum bedbugs. This is the bug I awoke to this morning. It's actually a Western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis). While this is a common bug it is rarely seen for it spends the majority of it's life in tree canopies. I consider myself lucky to be witness to this beautiful beetle in my bed and all.

statistics take home midterm...

I'm currently in the trenches of statistical combat. Yesterday I was on the defense as the outliers have been on attack. Today I shall make my move. It shant be easy but it must be done. These outliers are of another planet and will require several strategies of computer powered analysis. Have no fear, these outliers will not bring me down but the dummy variables that follow... well, I'll let you know how I fare after facing them.

Tonight was Jordando's 2nd B-day celebration. Ask him what color is this? The answer will either be "green" (for every color) or his new favorite word, "yep." I prefer yep. I think I might try to incorporate the word into my vocabulary more often. Yep just seems to be a little bit more fun than yes.

Other happenings... Went to see Josh Ritter and Jamie Cullum perform last night on campus. Josh was his great happy self. I must admit I had a bad attitude concerning Jamie prior to the show. Jamie Cullum is a young British bloke that sounds very similar to Harry Connick Jr. He came out on stage all punked out, jeans sagging just a bit, hair hanging over the eyes, kicking his piano bench down purely for dramatic purposes. I was not impressed, but as the show went on I couldn't help but be swept off my feet. He may have a bit of an ego but he is super talented in many ways. His voice gets inside you and touches you whether you want it to or not. I guess that's why music is just so awesome. YEP!

Hurray for coffee and bike helmets!

I owe the discovery of this comic strip to Duaneo. Saying I like coffee would be an understatement. I LOVE COFFEE! Albeit, I'm not one of those who awakes droopy eyed and unable to function without a cup or two. No, I often arise from a nights rest and make freshly ground coffee just for the wafts of aroma it creates. I might wait an hour or two before I take my first sip. My love of coffee is not for the extra boost of energy (sure, I need it from time to time) but more so for the enjoyment of enjoying a good cup of dark coffee. The smells, the aromas, the conversations to be had with others enjoying the same brown concoction.

Bicycle aftermath update - My bruises are beginning to fade into green. My rib cage is increasingly sore; it's having a delayed reaction. I now have about 85% use of my shoulder and right arm. Zed, the bike surgeon stopped by to discover my bicycle tire had done a complete 360, thus wrapping wires in ways they weren't meant to wrap but was able to mend the bike with only minor scars. Thanks Zed! And remember kids, always wear your helmet.

Hurray for bicycle helmets!!!!

Didn't get much sleep Saturday night and was in a bit of a mood Sunday morning when I decided to go for a "get in a better mood bike ride." Within 5 seconds of launching down the semi-steep path behind my house my trip came to an abrupt end as a bush overgrowing the pathway snagged my handlebar and gravity through me head and shoulder first into a cement ditch. Yes! I did have my helmet on. Needless to say my bike ride did not continue or make me very happy. As soon as I got a hug from my roomie, Everafter, I was much better. Now I'm walking around like an old lady. It's amazing how many different places on your legs are involved in a bike accident. The worst is my shoulder and neck that took all the impact, but I'm basically fine. Just VERY sore and very bruised. Thank goodness I already have a massage scheduled for Wednesday.

I think my bike took the worst of the crash for the two of us also ran into a sturdy pipelike light post before hitting or simultaneously hitting (it all happened rather fast) the ditch. I called my friend Zed, the bike surgeon, right away to make an appointment to bring the bike in. At the moment I'm not able to even straighten the handlebars

What does this all mean? Where's the lesson? One theory is that if I hadn't been wearing my bike helmet that it wouldn't have happened at all (yes, a bad theory). This stems from the fact that I wear my helmet about 3% of the time I ride my bike. That percent will most likely be higher once my bike recovers from surgery. Next theory, an obvious one, is that I need to slow down in more ways than just on my bike, but don't we all? A final theory, this is just good mental practice for healing and remaining happy with life. I'm already feeling much better.

harvest time...

Yes, there are many folks behind the redwood curtain that are very excited this time of year. I mean very excited to harvest their crop. Then there are the orgainc farmers who are quite happy with their crops- not quite as excited. Well, the second group of farmers are my favorite. Even though I live in an often coldish and foggy climate, there are many great farmers residing just beyond the fog belt that are nice enough to deliver their farm fresh organic goods at many local farmers markets throughout the week. I've been indulging all summer and it's all winding down with a bang of melons, peppers, corn, and grapes.

Last weekend I made a big pot of my tortillaless tortilla soup with lots of fresh veggies. A favorite of close friends and roomies. For dessert, the cutest ever cantelope. Tonight I dabble with jalapeno peppers.

hugs and kisses

Today I was enlightened to the fact that I've been misusing my hugs and kisses. My entire life I've believed that X=Hug and O=kiss. You can only imagine the shock I've been exposed to realizing I've had it backwards all along. I instantly felt like a cyber hor sending plentiful kisses to countless friends, when I really thought I was sending platonic hugs. In disbelief of this news I asked my roomies and my friend Zed who all agreed with the correct use of X's and O's. This led me to looking it up online to yet find more proof of how wrong I've been.

So, to anyone I've ever sent a seemingling innapropriate cyber kiss, please forgive me. I did not know. Just think of the O's as being a friendly little peck on the cheek. And please forgive me in advance if I have a hard time breaking this habit, afterall, I've been doing this for nearly 20 years now.

dreaming

My roomie, Everafter, and I both dreamt of Taco Bell the other night. No, this fast food establishment had not been part of a discussion and neither of us eat there, especially considering there is no Taco Bell in Arcata. Coincidence????

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Today I went to a class on Sufism. It involved singing, dancing, hand holding, hugging, and lots of love. It's probably the most "hippie" thing I've participated in to date and I had a great time. I would definitley recommend it to anyone to try at least once. It's NOT a religion, and welcomes all religions of the world (at least that is the practice of the local Sufi group).

What is Sufism you ask? I'm still not completely sure. Google Sufism and you'll find a different answer on each Sufi website. But like most things in my life I embrace the parts that I like.

Side effects of participating in Sufism are: happiness, laughter, feeling joy to be alive, loss of ego, guilt and worry, and getting repative songs stuck in your head.

it did it again...

I did it. Braved the rain on my bike with my trusty fenders and super speed that actually evaporated the rain upon contact. Parked my bike, attached the lock to walk away into dry air. That's right... The rain stopped upon arrival as predicted.

here comes the rain...

First day of rain here in Humboldt County. This is a very scary time for people of this area. This is the official beginning of the rainy season and those that have lived here for awhile know all too well what is ahead. My roomies and I have been stirring downstairs all morning, backpacks at our sides feeling held hostage. You would think we've never dealt with wet weather before. It's as if we think the water is an acid that will burn our skin if exposed to it. Or if we don't feel it it really isn't real. We're in denial and don't want to admit that it's time to dig out the rain jackets, rain pants, and waterproof shoes so that we can walk/bike to campus without turning into soggy logs. This stand off won't last much longer as classes begin soon and it's most likely the rain will win this round. That's another thing about the rain here. I think it purposefully torments us, falling only when we need to travel, but once inside an office or classroom it kindly stops and says, "ha! just kidding." The downfall being that we're now completely overdressed, carrying around layers of dripping clothing, but hey at least the rain stopped.

winkers

Have any friends that you would classify as winkers? I know of a couple folks and it catches me off guard everytime. These winking folks wink often, as in at least a few times within an hour.

They offer several kinds of winks:

1. You're both listening to some conversation or both witness the same thing. You look at your friend for a mutual mental agreement and they slip in a wink.
2. They wink to say hello.
   
3. And then there's the wink coming out of left field, and you're not sure why. It just happens.
   

While I'm aware of the winking capacity of my friends, I just never get used to it. Everytime the wink happens I want to take a double shot. I mentally think, "did he/she just wink at me?" It takes my brain at least half a second to remember that he/she is a winker and then I'm busy wondering if I made some kind of odd reaction to the wink and did the person notice, which leads me to the question of how are you supposed to respond to a wink? Do you wink back? I dare not. It's just not my style and seems just a bit awkward as if you were making fun of his/her wink. At the same time you don't want to ignore the wink. It seems there must be a way to acknowledge the wink. A "yes, wink recieved" response. I've yet to come up with this.

Final note: I have no ill/bad/negative feeling towards the winkers of the world. Afterall, a wink is a kind gesture, only spreading goodness. I say wink away, maybe it will catch on and there will be more people wondering about those that don't wink someday.

back more than ever

After almost a week of dealing with a nasty head cold I'm thinking clearly once again. Funny thing is that I actually enjoyed being sick in an odd way. It was an excuse to take most of Monday off work and all of Tuesday. My first full day off in weeks! Instead of working I was able to focus on studying multivariate statistics, and actually enjoyed doing so. Okay, so I also slipped in the viewing of a movie as well. I was sick! I had to allow my brain a little rest. The only bummer to feeling yucky besides the actual feeling yucky part was not getting to hang out with my buddy, Jordan Plover.

in the spirit of fall...

Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, one being the abundance of fresh produce from the farmers market, and colder nights that beckon the eating of warm and spicy dishes. This weekend I attempted making chili for the very first time. I looked through many recipes, pulled out the ideas I liked best and put them all together into my own special blend.

*Witches Brew Chili

1 winter squash (butternut or your favorite)
28 ounce can chopped or crushed tomatoes
1 large red onion
lots of garlic
2-3 medium summer squash (i used yellow for color)
1 large yellow bell pepper
2 cans black beans (including sauce)
1 bottle good beer
1/2 cup tvp (tectured vegetable protein)
2 vegetable bouillon cubes
~2 Tbsp cumin
~2 Tbsp Chipolte sauce (put 1 can chipolte peppers w/ adobo sauce in food processor)
salt to taste

Heat oven to 400. Slice winter squash in half and place cut side down in baking dish with ~1/2 inch water. Place in oven while preparing the rest to soften flesh. In large pot saute onion and garlic for a few minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. By now the winter squash should be soft. Scoop out the flesh and chop or break into small pieces and add to pot. Simmer ~30 minutes. Try serving with homemade skillet cornbread.

* I call it Witches Brew Chili because when the beer (get it? "brew") is added it gets all bubbly like a witches cauldron. Or my brother might say that it's because I really am a witch :)

Even though this was my first chili attempt it was quite successful. My roomies both had seconds and leftovers, and thus far we're all alive and well (unfortunately no special powers are obtained from this brew).

brett dennen

If you're into uplifting, fun, feel-good music that will make you smile and maybe even tap your feet then check out the music of Brett Dennen. I recently saw him play at a tiny venue here before he took off to be the opening act for John Mayer and Sheryl Crow. I think he's very unique in many ways. One being that he's something around 6ft tall and has a gigantic cranium covered with red hair. Or is it that he has a normal size cranium covered with VERY thick red hair? Yes, the latter. He performs barefoot. Yep, he understands the importance of feet feeling free. He's homeschooled. Well, you can check out his website for more info or go to his myspace page to listen.

If I had a blog it would say...

My friend Fuego recently asked to read my blog knowing all too well such a thing did not exist. I gave it some thought and concluded it would be yet another way to challenge my brother to use his blog. The following was my reply and thus official first blog I suppose.

I think it must be revival week because the church directly across the street from my house has been very active, and that's saying a lot considering it already seems they're there everyday of the week, but this week they really are. It started off with everyone attending church on Sunday dressed as mobsters for some reason. Then they were back Monday night, doors and windows wide open while the band blasted with lots of hallelujahs and praise the lord Jesus Christ. Tuesday night, a turn for the worse. No clapping. No band. No hallelujahs. Just the preacher preachin. I swear those church goers were in big trouble according to him. It sounded as if they were all going to hell if they didn't shape up soon and this was only Tuesday. The damnation you're all going to hell seems to be progressing through the week. Tonight (Thursday) the preacher sounds scarier than ever with the increasing raspiness of his voice from preachin every night. I think I might even be going to hell at this point. The one constant is that around 10pm they all come out which means the church kids screaming at the top of their lungs for 20 minutes. These kids don't have normal speaking voices as far as I can tell. They only speak at high decibel levels, I suppose to make sure God can hear them....

amen