Another New Year

Lot's of travelling in August, Disneyland, Portland, and camping. Do you believe we spent 13 hours at Disneyland, and went on 20 different rides. I was glad to settle back down. Paddy and I went to see Cyndi Lauper and stay in a fancy hotel, thank you Lore. Fallout from that was a big fat speeding ticket and a stolen chair. Oh Well! Girls just wanna have fun. ;)

Tamara and I did our yearly taschlich and threw gathered stuff in the river and watched it go downstream. It's a good way to consciously bring in a new year, reflecting on ways we would like to grow and change ourselves and in the world.

I feel energized, starting to be more active. I hope to be a little more proactive this winter, and not get so down. Maya is having fun with the computer. She's so creative.

Two Scarves Later

Totally enjoyed the silk painting class. It was one of those "everything you do is perfect". I think it is my favorite medium so far. Everyone in the class was so absorbed in their projects and each one was so different. I got some great ideas. I did two scarves, one in shades of brown, orange, and reds. The other teal, and greens. And the best part is you can wear it and then hang it in your closet. You don't need to find precious wall space. Love it.

Silk Painting Class

It's already fun. So easy and free. I went to my class last night and really had a good time. We practiced on two small scarves to learn techniques. It was fun to see all the other people's work as well. Eva is in my class and she is really good. I made a good choice to take this class. It is not very expensive either to get the materials.

I'm already planning my next scarf. We get to do two in the class. The class is very short, only three sessions, which is perfect for me.

Taking an Art Class

It took Maya being grounded from all electronics to jump start my creative streak. One day we were together for a whole day by ourselves, and we had an art and crafts day: making cards from photo's, did a 3d collage self portrait, and of course baked (made lemon lime bars).

It seems getting out of the house and meeting people again is inspiring. Last night I talked with a friend who is teaching at the craft center. She said that she still had one slot in her class. This morning I registered for her silk painting class. What fun! It starts in July and I am excited and in the right frame of mind, to learn and have fun. Summer is seeping in and I have new energy and direction.

Finally Feeling Fog Free

The fog has finally lifted. I woke up yesterday feeling lonely and down. Everything felt like it was getting to me. I stopped and decided to think about things that make me happy. It took a couple of minutes, but I started writing little things: finding my glasses, the smell of the air outside, reading recipes, blowing my nose in a paper towel, thinking about herbs.
Then I travelled to my herb basket and took out some herbs that I thought might help, Bacopa and Gingko. I read about them and they seemed to be correct. I could feel the fog lifting.

I decided to try and find the Triangle Rock Slides. I heard about them and never saw them since I've moved here 30 years ago. All along the way foxglove was blooming near the highway. I found the slides but I couldn't imagine anyone sliding down them without killing themselves.They were like Niagara Falls to me. In the summer they are said to be more manageable and people do slide down them. Then I went on to Mapleton and the coast. Exploring and enjoying. Had a good day that I will hold close.

Email, Facebook, and Scams OH MY!

This past week Aggie was hacked into on Yahoo and facebook. They sent out letters to all her contacts asking for money as she was in Wales (not) and was mugged (not). At first it was just inconvenient, then irritating, then criminal, as a friend responded and wired money through Western Union about $2700 in cash.

What was increasingly irritating was Yahoo and facebook's response. Totally automated and no people on the other end to really talk to and report this abuse. Both of us have gone through the process of grieving, including denial, anger, bargaining, and the rest of the rollercoaster of feelings.

Reported this incident to the FBI and Western Union, facebook, yahoo, and Cardiff Police. The Cardiff police seemed to be the most interested and may do something.

All this just to hear what silly things people are doing and thinking on facebook. Yikes!

As Billi just said, "Dirt bags, assholes and butt heads, it feels better when I curse."

In Search of the Perfect Macaroon

Did you ever have something in your mind and try to find it in the world. That has been my dilemma. Now you see I have too much time on my hands. I've been trying to make the macaroon of my childhood, (the one from the bakery that was crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.)

I started with the research, a macaroon not made with condensed sweetened milk, but egg whites. I made one and it was pretty good. Then Maya helped me make two more. Did you know that when you add sugar to egg whites they beat up stiffer, but when you add powdered sugar, they deflate. That was my lesson and two dozen cookies later, I am ready to perfect the recipe. I hope to enter the Hartwicks cookie contest next month. Or is this just an excuse to bake cookies on a rainy day?