Ivy9's Day to Day

Sightseeing in Vancouver--Part I

2010-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a whirlwind last few days, starting with Jon's dad dropping us off at LAX before 9:00 Monday morning for a flight at noon up to Vancouver, Canada. Even though the flight was short and WestJet service was good, we were pretty drained by our day in two airports and 36,000 foot altitude, plus a bonus surprise visit to customs.

We were picked up at the airport by Jon's cousin, who took us to the place we are staying / house- and cat-sitting. On the 28th floor, the view looks out over False Creek and Granville Island. Verrrrrrrry nice--see?

On Tuesday, we walked through downtown Vancouver to Stanley Park. It was a little cold, but not rainy, so I was able to take plenty of pictures. You can see the full slideshow here.

Wednesday we decided to hit the Farmers Market on Granville Island, which was lots of fun, but dangerous--we had some serious sensory overload! We started out by taking the False Creek Ferry over, then just walked around and looked at all the shops. Finally, we went inside the market and did some grocery shopping. Gorgeous pictures of our day are right over here. We finished up our afternoon by walking to the Vancouver Central Library and being amazed by the grand architecture and massive collection of books. An unplanned stop at JapaDog made our evening complete!

By Thursday it was raining for pretty much the whole day. We went to visit the University of British Columbia (UBC), planning to see the botanical gardens and other features, but instead decided to spend the whole morning indoors at the Museum of Anthropology, which gave us plenty of opportunities to practice our amateur photography skills. Nice that they have a pass that covers all the different sights and you don't have to use it all in one day! Enjoy my slideshow of pictures from the museum--I hope I selected a nice representation of the 1000's of artifacts and objects they have from all over the world.

So today is Friday, and we decided to take it easy, giving me a chance to catch up on my vacation blogging! I hope you enjoyed a vicarious visit to the north with me. Check back soon for part two!

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale

2010-11-26T07:35:00.000-08:00

If you're in the mood to start your holiday shopping today, but don't feel like dealing with throngs of people at the malls, this is your lucky day! Today through Monday you can receive a special discount in my SusanNeedlehands Online Boutique without even leaving the comfort of your own home.

Just enter the coupon code BGBFCM2010 at checkout and you will receive a 15% discount on your entire purchase! And don't forget to let me know if there is a charity of your choice that you would like the proceeds to go to. The list is below.

Thank you and Happy Shopping!

Terms of EnJOYment

2010-10-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

As the end of my first week in the InsightLA class, Deepening Joy, draws near, I find myself scrambling to put my thoughts together reflecting on the theme of setting a joyful intention.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassiesim/3775904003/

Based on the book, Awakening Joy, by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander, this first assignment is to reflect on what the word "joy" means to me, the images that come to mind, and how I most naturally express or experience it.

Mom, Joy, and Kay

My first reaction to the word "joy" is actually a sorrowful one. Joy was the name of my mom's older sister, who died when she was in her late 30's or early 40's. I feel sad that I never had the chance to know her. But when I picture the moment when my grandmother first held her baby daughter in her arms, and said the name, "Joy", I can't help but feel a warmth and purity of love that my grandmother always radiated, only this in this moment, it is stronger and more intense, enveloping all I can see, hear, and feel. It makes me happy to picture my grandmother in this moment.

Noah

Another image of the word joy is the feeling I used to have when lying in bed, on my back, with my big, heavy, cream-colored cat perched on my chest, purring away, vibrating my ribcage and filling my heart with warmth and peacefulness. The weight--instead of being stifling--is soothing, as if saying, "There is absolutely no need to get up for anything. Stay here, rest, and relax. Everything you need is right here in this moment."

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarnie/448744655/sizes/z/in/photostream/

How do I express joy? I guess in a quiet way, with a gentle smile. I haven't danced around the room in ages, and that was mostly when I wanted to get something out, not when I was happy. The same goes for writing, and most of my other creative ventures. Usually I create when I want to get something off my chest, not because I feel joyful. The act of creating something usually brings about a change in my emotional state, from chaotic to calm. A catharsis.... Maybe this is why I haven't done anything creative in so long--nothing to get off my chest. That can't be true, can it?

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/formalfallacy/3984329521/sizes/m/in/photostream/

I am supposed to say, "I want to be happy," and see what happens. I feel like I already am pretty happy, like joy is already part of my daily experience, but am I really hiding unhappiness away? Is there something I am burying inside?

Surely, I will find much more in the coming weeks' investigations.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alicepopkorn/3947814511/sizes/z/in/photostream/

I end with stating my intention: I intend to be positive and encouraging, with both myself and others. I see everything as an opportunity for joy, peace, and happiness.

Serafine

2010-08-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: http://evelynej.unblog.fr/2008/10/06/seraphine-de-senlis/

I honestly can't remember the last time I just sat at home and watched a movie all the way through. Especially a French movie, with subtitles.

My pilates instructor, Margaret, had been on me for ages to watch the movie Serafine since she saw it last year, and I finally signed up for Netflix this morning, so what was the first thing I watched?

Photo Credit: http://cbx41.com

A quiet, slow-paced movie, that gives you plenty of room to question and infer, Serafine was anything but tranquil. No, it reminded me too much of other artists' stories, Camille Claudel for one, Van Gogh for another, and the too familiar, sad, tragic, lonely end of these peoples' lives that really bums me out. (Pardon the terrible, cheesy movie trailers; I remember both movies as having actually been much better than these make them seem.)

It brought me back to the age-old question, do the artistic temperament and mental neuroses/psychoses go hand in hand, or are they completely separate issues?

Photo Credit: http://flickriver.com

Can one be truly inspired (imbued with spirit) without there being some kind of imbalance or instability in the mind? Send me your two cents on this, if you like. I'd be interested to know what you think.

Photo Credit: thatchwick.blogspot.com

Well, needless to say, this was not a movie for answering any of those questions. But I do hope you enjoy a look at this woman's unique and colorful art.

Showing Off my LovMely Headband

2010-08-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show off my new LovMely turquoise feather headband. She does beautiful work! You can see more of her lovely pieces and shop for them here.

Happy Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta Day!

2010-07-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/susan_hellein/4564509075/

According to an email I got from Thubten Dhargye Ling, July 15th is one of the days traditionally recognized as being the day of the Buddha's first teaching after becoming enlightened. There is a clear and understandable version of that story about the Middle Way and Four Noble Truths here.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/233228813/

Reading this, I realized it was a good time to check in and find the areas of my life that are balanced or unbalanced. Usually, I do not encounter any trouble erring on the ascetic side. No, the difficulty (probably with many in America as well) is erring on the hedonistic side. Giving in to our wants, desires, and cravings, just because we can.

One of the things I've decided I need to come back to center on is input vs. output in my life. I find myself endlessly looking at things on the computer, but then do not give myself the space to process the information or let this percolate into my own ideas that lead me to produce something that is purely my own. It has been a while since I knitted or made something, aside from dinner every night.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zebrapares/4529836138/

I find the endless hamster wheel of blogs and websites to be tiring and draining, instead of uplifting and inspirational, because my mind spins in convoluted circles even after the physical run on the wheel is over, and I don't get the rest I need.

So, back I go, into my meditation, my restfulness, to let the ideas calm, to make room for the best ones, hopefully, to rise to the surface.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesjordan/3022290830/

So, what about you? What parts of your life do you feel are off-kilter? What can you do to bring it back into balance so that you can be a more rested, happier you? I'd love to hear from you!

Lighten Up!

2010-07-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

The morning began with my signing up for 4 yoga classes this week at MYC Yoga in downtown Bend for only $20. After the 30 minute walk there, and some help finding it from a local shop worker, I was greeted warmly at the front desk. Turns out it was Claudia, the teacher's, first day teaching there and I was her only student! So I got a wonderful one-on-one session in Vinyasa foundation from a lovely German woman.

Next, I mosied up the street to see what else I could find, and lo and behold, the Tangerine Hair Salon I had read about online was right there. When I asked in the shop about getting an appointment with Chelsea (the hairdresser most recommended online), they went across the street to the Lemon Drop (smaller shop where the original Tangerine used to be) and got her and it turned out I could get in right then and there!

Quick reminder of the hair before:

After a brief consult about what I wanted, and 5 hours of going back and forth between the sink and styling chairs (still not as bad as the day I had the black stripped out, that took 8 hours), I came out like so (no heart attacks, please).

Maybe it was my going through the old family photos of me being strawberry blond when I was 2 that inspired it, plus a wanting to "lighten up" for the summer, and being on vacation, but I felt like it was time for a change. With Chelsea's very capable hands on the job, and her determined patience to do as many steps as the process required to get it right, she pulled the old color out and put the new color and highlights in--I think beautifully!

My final stop of the day was at 900 Wall (as recommended by Chelsea) for "lunch" at 4:30. Had some nice Happy Hour food (fried green beans and chicken gorgonzola pizza), then began the hike back up the hill to go home and crash, exhausted after my big day.

What do you think of my new strawberry blond 'do? And while you're at it, tell me a story about a somewhat drastic hair style change you've done. ☺

Summerfest in Bend

2010-07-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

So, after my 30-Day Shred workout this morning (I tried the Level 2 program today--nearly killed me, think I'm going back to Level 1 tomorrow), I decided to walk to Downtown Bend to check out Summerfest.

It was your typical collection of arts & crafts sellers and local businesses. Being that it was so hot, after walking up and down a few aisles, I decided to stop in the Pine Tavern for lunch. The salad and fried oysters I had were quite satisfactory.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kahunna/130603535/

Then, back to perusing booths. I was tempted to buy some summer/yoga pants at Za Zen, but don't like to buy clothes if I can't try them on first. There was a bejeweled bracelet that I tried on as well, but then remembered all the bracelets in the drawer at home that I never wear. Finally, I found the Tumalo Lavender booth, and could resist no longer. I bought a small lavender dark chocolate bar, a lavender rosemary focaccia bread mix (can't wait to try that out), and a lavender gourmet lemon pepper that is going on our chicken for dinner tomorrow night. It smells like this:

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/slack12/353313907/

After a couple of samples of Riesling at the winery booths and of course, more chocolate, I was on my way for the hike back up Awbrey. A good, but tiring, afternoon.

Still My Heroine, After all These Years

2010-07-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Squidney on Homeground via Wikimedia Commons

Kate Bush was and always will be my #1 heroine. She opened up the music business to women like no other female before or since, and yet, many are still not familiar with her music. Her dramatic and heartfelt singing and dancing style influenced me no end. I'm quite sure I owe my ability to stand up in front of a room of 35-100 preteens and hold their attention for more than a few minutes at a time today to my countless hours of watching this woman when I was a teenager.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with her story, you can get it right here--in this short, sweet tribute to her life in music, by Music Matters on Vimeo.

Music Matters - Kate Bush (23-3-10) from Music Matters on Vimeo.

Do you remember some of your heroes from when you were young? Do those heroes still have an impact on your life today?

The View Outside My Window

2010-06-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Unleash the Kraken!

Um, not a typical day at Jane Addams...

Multitasking or One Thing at a Time?

2010-05-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeremybrooks/4328834917/

Are you a multitasker? I know, I know, who isn't nowadays? I see people in the supermarket trying to pay for groceries, have a cell phone conversation, and control their kids, all at the same time. I know my students are taking 5-6 hours to do their homework every night because they are also trying to text friends, watch TV, or listen to music.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carbonnyc/2591454436/

But, being familiar only with how my own mind works, and that only sometimes, I can tell that when I am forced to do more than one thing at once, the things don't get done well. Or as well as I would like them to. It is much more satisfying to the perfectionist in me to have the luxury of focusing on one task at a time, for a nice, uninterrupted stretch, until I either finish or get tired enough to need a break from it.

I have known this since my meditation studies at UCSB, but this nice, clear video from cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham explains why we can't do two things simultaneously as well as we can do one.

What is your style--doing several things at once, or one thing at a time? How do you think this is working for you?

Morning Haiku

2010-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Photo credit: Patrick Burghard @ burghi.de

Sitting still and calm

Small, rough tongue licks at my wrist

I am full of love

Snow Kitteh!

2010-04-01T20:13:00.001-07:00

Lynx at Muskoka Wildlife Center, originally uploaded by Raymond J Barlow.

Kit kitt kitteh with the massivist of paws!

A Haiku

2010-03-20T12:34:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit contemplar@Flickr

Walking to the gym

Jacaranda blossoming

I love West L.A.

Feline Friday

2010-03-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

"Don’t just read the easy stuff. You may be entertained by it, but you will never grow from it."
~ Jim Rohn

What have you read lately that has challenged you--your ideas, beliefs or ways of thinking?

Adventures in Networking

2010-02-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

For my final examination of areas in my life in which I have fallen out of love with my old ways, I look at how things are going in the world of Etsy.

As soon as I picked up this book at Borders, I realized that I was no longer enamored with my normal going-it-solo route. So I started looking for Etsy teams that I might fit with, and found, well ... several. As of right now, I think I am a member of eight teams.

Scrambling to try to get "networked", I added people willy nilly, left-and-right to Facebook and Twitter. I have now signed up to Stumble and Tumble, Flicker, Shutter and Kaboodle. Someday I hope to actually learn how to use all of these services, and get my contacts organized (thus my fiddling around with TweetDeck today). Ahhhhh!!! In an effort to make my life simpler, I have totally complicated things--as usual!

What was that I said about falling out of love with Wonderland in one of my previous posts? The Cheshire Kitty might as well put a blindfold on me and spin me around and around and throw me out into the forest. I'll be wandering around on these platforms for a looooooooonnnnnng time.

Feline Friday

2010-02-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

“I like living. I have sometimes been wildly, despairingly, acutely miserable, racked with sorrow, but through it all I still know quite certainly that just to be alive is a grand thing.
~ Agatha Christie

Simplicity & the Art of Focusing

2010-02-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'll say it--I think I have finally fallen out of love with Wonderland. This muddled up mess that is my mind, yanking me this way and that, until I have no sense of direction or point or purpose, really gets in the way.
Picture Credit: Elena Kalis

In the way of what? In the way of simplicity. In the way of feeling the pleasure of focusing on one thing at a time. Is it just me and the way my brain works, or is this a societal problem? I'm pretty sure that I am not the only one affected. Or infected, may be a better word for it.

Twitter this, FB that, inbox stuffed with 125 new emails (and they're not even spam!). I can't fall asleep at night, lying in bed exhausted, but still feeling the weight of the emails I didn't return, papers I didn't grade, lessons I didn't plan.

Sometimes, I feel like I am falling, literally falling through space, while I am lying in my bed. Did you know, there's even a condition called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome for people who get disoriented?
Source for all remaining pictures: layoutsparks.com

I find myself whining that there's never enough time to get everything done, feeling as if I'm being pulled in all four directions at once, but really, what are the things I have to do?

Obviously, if I'm to survive with any semblance of sanity left intact, I have to answer my three percolating questions, "What can I let go of in my life?" "Where have I changed my interests or priorities?"and "What no longer works for me?"

These answers--let go of as much as possible, choose one priority at a time, and don't overcomplicate things, are what I come back to every time. >Sigh< I give myself very good advice, but when--oh when--will I ever learn to follow it?

Click here to watch the classic Yooouuutuuube Alice video! Got to go full screen with it. Guaranteed to drive you nuts, but in a totally good way!!!

Feline Friday

2010-02-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

“If you want to get the best out of a person you must look for the best that is in him.”

~ Bernard Haldane

Simplicity #1

2010-02-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

So I'm starting to read this book called How Philosophy Can Save Your Life: 10 Ideas that Matter Most by Marietta McCarty, and decided I would try to write a post based on it each week.

The first idea is about Simplicity, and of course, I throw it into overdrive.

There are suggestions for readings, songs, poetry, and more, and I take it upon myself to download all the poetry, buy all the songs on iTunes, and bookmark all the texts on Google books.

Right, like that's simplicity.

What it makes me wonder is, why do I need to overcomplicate things? Why can't I just focus on one thing at a time and let it soak in?

Why do I need these constant distractions and endless chain of puzzles?

The easy answer is that, I don't.

Sometimes I remember this when I am meditating regularly.

Well, to back up a second, McCarty encapsulates the teachings of Epicurus, then asks you to state five things you will remember and use in your life. So let me just try for that.

1. Public life (and social networking) makes tranquility impossible. We need a retreat from daily life, not constant engagement. It is important to distinguish between real responsibilities and the "extras". You have to prioritize your engagements, which for me means having real connections that create deep intimacy, not shallow Facebook interactions. Something I've always believed in--it's better to have a few really good friends, than 1000's of acquaintances.

So why am I leaving my Facebook/Twitter/Ning/Yahoo Groups tabs open all the time? In the goal of promoting my (and other's) Etsy shops, I am trying to open these kinds of connections with people, but is that really what I want? Ultimately, I would like people to benefit from their interactions with me--a smile, a break in their day, a cozy, warm, comfortable scarf or two. But it needs to be meaningful, not just another busy distraction for people.

2. Simplicity is the key to pleasure. We don't actually need that much to live, just appreciate what life sends you. If you remember to take the time to savor the small things, you won't have room for desires and wants.

3. First, see what you actually need to be happy, then don't seek more than that. When we master our desires, we gain peace of mind. I know that from Buddhism. The question is really, what is essential? My answer was basic breath, fresh air, sweet water, wholesome food, a calm, clean environment, and someone you love who loves you. I have those things, most of the time, so why do I try to clutter it all up? Leave everything else behind. Don't let desire strangle you. Such good advice to ponder...

4. Satisfaction is unalterable by external circumstances. Another Buddhist tenet. The only way to find satisfaction is to look within. More meditation, coming right up!

5. "An unadorned life is full of pleasure and lasting satisfaction." In America? When are we ever unadorned? A couple of weeks ago, I lost my nose ring by blowing my nose too hard and putting the kleenex in the trash, which was then picked up by my custodian at work and taken away. When I realized it was gone, I felt naked. Why? When did this adornment become part of my identity?

Well, that's enough for tonight. I'll come back to this another time. Hope you have a wonderful, simple week, and feel free to chime in with your thoughts about simplicity!

The ADD's of Creativity

2010-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

How do you use your creative energy? Are you a poet, painter, potter, or just perplexed by the thought of making something?

Throughout my life, I have dabbled in many different venues of self-expression, seemingly as an act of survival by creativity. Swinging from vine to vine, I have grasped on to one lifeline after another in the jungle of arts and crafts. If I try to tell this story in order, it goes something like this:

Music - I started taking guitar classes when I was in the 3rd grade. (Never did break that resting pinky habit!)

I also played cello in junior high, something that I sometimes think of resuming, but when?

I haven't done much with it lately, but it's nice to know my guitar playing inspired my nephew to pick it up later on when he was old enough to hold a guitar. He now has a room full of guitars and music equipment--quite the little rocker!

My niece was also curious about the object as a baby, but has since found other creative interests to hold her attention such as beading, handcrafts, etc.

I went so far as to dabble with a 4-track recorder, electric guitar, and midi keyboard after being inspired by Beck and other 90's indie music artists, but it has since fallen by the wayside...

Next up on my creative journey was probably poetry. I think it all started with the Hallowe'en poetry contest in 6th grade. After winning that with the likes of this:

How can you blame me, I figured I must have a talent for writing poetry. Whew, gives me the shivers and not in a good way!

I even went so far as to take a creative writing class when I was on Study Abroad in Stratford-on-Avon. I mean, what better place to write poetry than the possible birthplace and town of Shakespeare himself!

That creative outlet comes and goes. Every once in a while, a poem still sneaks up on me...

Drawing was another way to indulge my fantasy world. I remember taking a class at the Olive Rec Center (when I wasn't in gymnastics or basket weaving) and learning that I could draw things from real life as well as from my imagination. I still have my drawing notebook from high school art class, and pick up the pencil now and again.

Painting, just an extension of drawing. Sometimes I get in the mood, and other times blank canvases sit in the back of my closet just dreaming of their day in the sun.

Fashion design was another art-related interest. I remember designing a horrific dress in collaboration with several friends during Mr. Mathias' math class one day in 7th grade. He caught me with it and said, "Susan, if only your math was as good as your drawing... oh wait, it is." I used to play with my Fashions by Me kit for hours and hours, making outfits from all kinds of gaudy material.

Later on, this gaudiness became a reality (for better or worse) in making costumes for my high school dance production shows. The thought did cross my mind to go to FIDM after high school, but when I saw the price tag, I high-tailed it over to the local community college instead!

Speaking of dance, this one was a real life saver. I was always so bad at P.E. in elementary school and junior high (awful hand-eye coordination and depth perception due to my bad eyesight and growing up not knowing whether I was really left- or right-handed), that when it came time to choose an athletics class for high school P.E., I saw Dance on the list and thought, "Well, at least it doesn't involve anyone throwing balls at you" and signed up for that.

I was hooked. Here was the first time I was able to express myself in public (even though the audience probably had no clue what I was trying to communicate) without being shy and reserved. I could use my budding seamstress skills, hairdressing, acting, and dancing and never once had to say a word to the audience. My creativity was fully unleashed for the first time. In fact, it ended up being my (first) college major, which later on shifted to English/Creative Writing, and then finally to Religious Studies (the B.A. I finally finished).

And lest I forget to mention, teaching is probably my most creative endeavor yet. That one started way back when I was lining up all of our stuffed animals into a semicircle and teaching them things on an imaginary blackboard.

<-- MY FIRST STUDENTS, BERNARD AND TRIXIE

Later, in junior high and high school, I tutored some of my friends in math, but it wasn't until I was in my mid-20's that I finally realized this was my calling in life. Now I've been in the classroom for 10 years and still feel that every day presents an opportunity (if not dozens) to use my creative and problem-solving abilities to the fullest.

From crafting interesting and provocative lessons to shifting your teaching angle on the spot when you see kids aren't getting it, and now, learning new ways to use technology in education, this is my ultimate love and challenge.

So there you have it! The story of my creative life in a very large nutshell. Hope you enjoyed coming along for the ride. Now it's YOUR turn--what inspires you to create and what venues does your imagination come to life in?

Falling in Love

2010-02-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Safe Place by The Little Fox on Etsy

This post is supposed to be about how I fell in love with crafting and creating; however, I think I've pretty much exhausted that topic in previous posts here and here.

Instead, I feel the need to revisit those persnickety goals I came up with not so long ago (has it only been two weeks?), and check in on the progress (if any) I'm making towards them.

Goal #1 - To prioritize my time in order to balance work, shop, recreation, and my many interests:

Abstract Photo Chocolate Hearts Satin Flowers by StudioJB on Etsy

Hah, now I realize what a pipe dream it was to think I could cut 12 hours from my work schedule. Since I set that as my primary goal, my mind has been consumed with ideas of things I could do for work, things I want to learn about teaching and technology, and wanting to work on our class and student blogs. It's almost as if the thought alone made me feel guilty, like I need to work overtime to make up for even thinking of abandoning my students. Or really, I just love teaching kids and want that to be the priority over crafting and trying to sell my wares. Could it be???

Victorian Heart Earrings by Stardust Love on Etsy

In fact, I didn't do any shop updates this week (since putting together my Valentine's Day Scarf Sale for the month of February last weekend), and you know what? I don't feel bad about it at all. To be brutally honest, I'm kind of glad I didn't have any sales, or I would have had to wrap the items, package them up, get to the post office (not a thrilling place my past few experiences) and get them in the mail, all on top of parent conferences at work. I know, I know, this is sooooo not good P.R. for my shop, but I have to say it.

I did up my meditation time and that seems to be helping me not feel like it's imperative that all things must get done--NOW! Somehow, I wonder if this is what helped me decide to reprioritize my time back to teaching.

Didn't get any exercise in, because I was feeling sick again.

Blue Glitter Heart Necklace with Wings by Stars Sprinklez on Etsy

Goal #2: Taking the time to organize and put things away

Goal #3: Finish up projects that are already out instead of starting new ones

I did clean up the living room. Now I'm down to one little pile of papers on the couch, but the dining room table and rocking chair are no longer being used to hold up stacks of stuff! I also put away most of my "in progress" projects and am down to just my regular knitting bag by the couch.

Overall, I think it was a very good week.

I guess what I'm saying through this little diatribe is that I fall in love over and over again with different parts of my life, in cycles. Sometimes I am in creative/making things with my hands mode, and sometimes I am in research/educator mode. And sometimes, just sometimes, I clean up the house a little bit!

(Of course, there are people I love too, but that will be another post to come....)

Jim Warren on Planet Perplex
Can you find the 7 hearts in this picture?

So, what about you? What are YOU most in love with in your life right now?

The Nightmare Before Time Management

2010-01-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

Based on the issues I raised in my last post, I decided to change a few of my challenges into goals.

Goal #1: To prioritize my time in order to balance work, shop, recreation, and my many interests.

Resources/Inspiration: http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/1006.html

Where does my time really go?

How would I like my time to be spent? (What are my priorities?)

So, what do I need to do differently?
1. Cut 12 hours from work.
2. Add 2 hours to working on shop merchandise, photos, updates.
3. Add 3 hours of exercise.
4. Add 3 hours to meditation.
5. Add 4 hours to relaxation/reading before bed.

That doesn’t seem soooo drastic, does it? Unfortunately, what that means is:

I have to leave work by 4:00-4:30 every day, and am only allowed 3 hours of work from home (I just spent two hours grading and got through only three essays--help!!! I need to get more efficient with my grading time!)

Spend one hour per day on my shop or save it for one of the days of the weekend? I think I will try to post an item or comment in the forums every morning and do the big stuff (taking pictures, etc.) on the weekends.

Exercise after a long day at work 2-3 times a week, not just on the weekends. (I didn't even get to the gym today, because I'm suddenly sick again. Hmmm, wonder if this time management thing was just too stressful for me to handle...?)

Reinstate my morning meditation on weekdays, whether in the bedroom or living room (already doing better on this one :))

Get off the computer by 8:00 every night so I can read and relax before bed!

Yeesh, no wonder I don't like to think about this stuff. Gives me a headache. Well, okay, I already had one...

And that's only goal #1. The others are:

Goal #2: Take the time to organize my things and clean up after each activity.

Goal #3: Don’t start new projects until I finish up the ones that are already out.

Goal #4: Be willing to learn by doing, instead of just by reading and doing book research about the topic (i.e. blogging, technology, shop stuff).

But I'll get to those in the next few posts!

After getting in some good meditation time yesterday and this morning, I realized this really isn't as big a deal as I'm making it. Everything will work out in the end. When I feel the urge to work on each thing, I will. And it's okay if it isn't all done-- RIGHT NOW.

The Thinker Living in a Material World

2010-01-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

This week’s assignment in my 52 Weeks of Blogging your Passion program is to write about an obstacle I’ve overcome in terms of my craft, shop, balancing time, or finding space for things.

I can think of many current obstacles, but one I have already overcome? That’s where I get stuck. I guess my accomplish- ments seem so small. I’ve already written about:

learning how to knit and crochet when I was young

how there are way too many yarn shops for me to have a lack of supplies or choice

and opening my Etsy shop was super easy

No, the real issues are yet to be conquered. The first challenge is figuring and sorting them all out, which is what I will focus on in this post.

My current challenges are:

Balancing time between work, shop, recreation, and my many interests (that crazy Google calendar!)

Not enough space at home/Not making the time to organize things

Starting many projects but not finishing them, so they sit around and clutter up the living room

Wanting to research everything about everything, instead of actually DOING the things!

I'm such a thinker and love the world of ideas, but struggle with getting those ideas out into the physical world

And finally, there are so many others who make same/similar products out there, how do I compete for market share?

I always remember the words of my Buddhist meditation teacher when I ask him for advice, "Susan, you need to relax more deeply..." and I know that is the truest advice of all.

But, when I do have to face these kinds of issues, relaxing comes before (and while) taking action. So, who out there has tackled similar issues? What advice do you have for me? I would love to hear it-- and Thanks!

Reaching for the Sun

2010-01-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

New growth in the new year

Something I never seem to have enough of

I would have written yesterday, but was taking pictures of product for my Etsy shop aaaaalllll day, and then spent the evening learning how to use Google Calendar. I vow that this year I'm going to keep all my to do lists on the computer instead of on my regular kajillion post-it notes that end up everywhere...

So I'm supposed to have a "mission" statement to present here, instead of just my usual rambling mode. I can already feel my resistance to the word "mission" statement rising. It feels so boxy, like I'm being reined in, corralled, confined. Or maybe like then I'll have to keep to my word, if I write it down. What if I can't keep all my promises???

I did write out all my reasons for making my craft--the passion and inspiration behind it, and how I learned it, but think I will leave those for another time. They seem too cold and formulaic right now, and I'd rather tell them as a story.

Instead, I'll leave you with a few sneak peeks of the new product photos. They seem to say everything I want to get across so much better than I could in words:

I'm going to try to list one item per day in the mornings before I go to work. Let's see how long I keep that up!

Peace and good wishes to all in the New Year!

Relaxing Over Christmas Vacation

2009-12-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

Here are two projects I have accomplished since I've been on break:

Finally finished putting all the decorative bits on this little guy. Only started him last spring or so. I got the pattern to crochet him from edafedd on Etsy.

Now he's all ready for wrapping!

And this grow-it-yourself herb kit that Nancy gave me for my birthday:

Can't wait to see how they do. Hopefully I'll be cooking with herbs in no time.

Oh, yes, there was one more thing I did--I put new rope on Noah's scratchy post so now it's more than just the bare wood again. Exciting stuff happening over here, let me tell you...

What do I remember?

2009-11-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

We've been working on writing memoir pieces in the classroom, and I had to come up with an example to model for the students. Triggered by a piece of writing in our literature book, I came up with this moment from my past:

GONE by Miss Nichols

I still remember that day like it were yesterday, although this really happened 18 years ago. The feelings I had when I walked into the empty bedroom I had shared with my younger sister, wrenched my soul apart. What had been a room full of cosmetics, high-heeled shoes, piles of clothes and teddy bears, was now a desolate landscape. So she had done it, she had run away for real this time. I sat on the floor and hugged myself, then cried like a wild animal in pain.

It was a Saturday morning, and I was getting ready to go to my job at the library. My parents had just told my younger sister Jeanne that they were going to visit my grandparents that afternoon and that she was coming with them.

I felt the tension rise as my sister yelled at them, "You didn't tell me anything about this! I'm not going! I have other plans today."

My parents said, "No, you're coming with us."

"I'm 18, you can't tell me what to do!" my sister screamed back at them.

I think I remember my mom slapping Jeanne, or grabbing her by the wrist to make her point. My sister fought back, causing my dad to jump in. I had to restrain my dad, and break the whole thing up. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking, and I was going to be late to work.

I tried reasoning with everyone, telling Jeanne that you don't get a chance to see our grandparents very often, and telling my parents that they should tell us this stuff at least a day in advance. It seemed like everyone had calmed down by the time I headed out the door.

At work, I quickly forgot about the morning's events, as they weren't that out of the ordinary. Just another crazy morning at home. And I had other things to do--books to check in and out, library cards to make, etc., etc.

When I returned home at 6:15 p.m., the house was quiet. I remember thinking, "Good, they ended up working things out and Jeanne went to Granny and Gramp's with them. Now I can finally have some peace and quiet here."

I went in the bedroom to get a book to read, and suddenly, the true events of that day were revealed. Jeanne hadn't gone with my parents. She had gone GONE. And she'd taken all her stuff with her. The note she left for me said, "To Sue, you were the only cool one. If I left anything of value, please hold on to it for me. Jeanne"

I felt like the breath had been crushed out of me. I crumpled to the floor like an autumn leaf, brittle, dry, and fragile. Right then, my life changed forever, because I learned in that one moment something I will never forget. I learned that you should appreciate the people you love while you have them, because the next day--or in my case, that same day--they could be gone.

* * *

I lived the next year and a half of my life not knowing how my younger sister was doing, where she was, whether she was well or not. My family had to sneak into her high school graduation ceremony because we didn't get an invitation. Watching from high up in the bleachers, it killed me to see my sister down on the football field and not be able to go down and hug and congratulate her on her big day, like she had with me just a few years earlier.

One day I heard from her ex-boyfriend that Jeanne had left his house (the place she went to from our house that day). She had taken all her stuff and just ... gone. I tracked down which department of the courthouse she worked in and went to visit her there.

Turns out she was living just a couple of blocks away from my new apartment in a place of her own. And suddenly, I realized how lucky I was, to have this chance for a fresh start with her. Not everyone gets this chance. The little sister I had known and lived with for 18 years, had turned into a very independent young woman, and it was time to get to know her all over again.

Together, we began to slowly, cautiously, rebuild our family.

* * *

So that kind of got me started on the idea of writing memoir for this blog. I'll see what else I can come up with. The idea of starting over leads me into a recollection from my first year of teaching, with Chris and Arturo. I'll try to write about that next time.

1.5

2009-10-18T20:41:00.001-07:00

Yeesh, see what happens when I start teaching? I fall off the face of the earth. No, really, I've been posting, just not to this blog (to my classroom one).

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive and kicking.

And here are the beautiful roses I came home to on Wednesday, from Jon on our 1.5:

Getting Ready for School

2009-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

I just found this video on Canadian math teacher Darren Kuropatwa's blog (awesome blog), but then decided I liked the version on Taylor Mali's YouTube page better. This is a story/poem that I had heard a version of a few years back about how teachers make a difference in their students' lives. The video is of the author, Taylor Mali, performing the poem. My sentiments exactly!

And this is a different version of the same poem, with the words on the screen. I think the slideshow was made by Scott Schwertly, or at least I found it on his Slideshare page.

What Teachers Make

View more documents from Scott Schwertly.

Some people don't like it when you "tell it like it is," or at least tell it like how it seems to you. But when you feel passionately about something, it needs a voice, and anyone who doesn't like it, doesn't have to. It just needs to be said.

Noah and the Bike of Sweat and Doom

2009-08-17T12:02:00.001-07:00

Listen to my tale (tail?) of getting exercise at home.

My bike had been sitting outside on the balcony for years, unused, unloved, and rapidly deteriorating due to the ocean breeze that made it impossible to keep a cover on it and the dust, dirt, and grime of overlooking an alley. For our one year anniversary of knowing each other, I asked Jon (the bike expert--go talk to him if you have any bike or cycling questions, he's definitely the treasure house of knowledge) if he would fix up my bike and put it on the stationary device so I could ride it indoors.

After taking it to the shop and having numerous parts replaced and/or polished up, I came home one day to find it set up and waiting for me. So inviting...

I was so excited to be able to get a good workout without even having to leave the house. Now, finally, I will get back in shape again! I set my computer to play the perfect soundtrack for my workouts: 30-34 minute podcasts from Beatport Burners. They kick my butt making me keep up with their high-paced rhythms. I alternate between standing, sitting, and sprinting.

However, this is what happens more often than not during the sprinting part

Thus, the oh-so-appropo title of this post: my sweat (or exercise moisture as it's called in the book I'm reading, Pride & Prejudice & Zombies) leads to Noah's doom. He can't help himself, he is puuuuuulllllled towards the bike pedals, especially when I pick up speed. I've even clocked him on the head a couple of times when I couldn't stop fast enough to avoid it. Maybe he enjoys the breeze the circulating pedal creates, maybe he wants to do some riding of his own, I don't know what goes through his little head. But curiosity won't be allowed to kill this cat. I'm thinking of knitting a little bike helmet for him. What do you think, would that help?

Too many good blogs to read

2009-08-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

Ani and me at the computer

So, every summer I pretty much find myself with some sort of crazy whirlwind project to occupy my days, hours, and minutes until I am back in the classroom again, cheerfully (if nervously) greeting three sets of 30-36 sixth graders. Last summer it was MySpace, the summer before that was YouTube and I think the summer before that I was hellbent on buying a condo (thank goodness THAT didn't happen!) in Long Beach.

This time I have Jon to thank for introducing me to Google Reader, which has inspired me to scoop up, collect, gather, and organize hundreds upon hundreds of blogs pertaining to my many and varied interests. At first I was fine, just looking at some knitting/crochet blogs and pictures of adorable animals on Cute Overload. Then I found that I could subscribe to all my Redfin searches and watch the local housing market on blogs like Santa Monica Distress Monitor and Dr. Housing Bubble. Next I realized I could subscribe to Etsy Storque articles and get tips on how to get my shop off the ground. Then I started finding Etsy artists' blogs, and one blog led to another and now, like I say, I have more than could possibly be read in one lifetime. Seeing all these great blogs inspired me to start this one, and so far I've just been trying to get the "hang of things" in the blogosphere.

Today I would just like to highlight two bloggers that I have come across so far and enjoyed catching up on their multitude of posts. The first one is Artnlight, written by Vineeta in Mumbai, India. As I was going through her previous posts, I found myself starring almost every single one, the images she uses are so colorful and vivid. Just my style--Indian style! Like this picture she took inside the Amber Fort (a place I would like to know more about, it's beautiful!):

Isn't it incredible? I'm not sure of blog etiquette, like if I can post pictures from someone else's blog as long as I give them credit, but I hope it's okay to do that.

The second blog I have enjoyed reading through the last couple of days is Artsyville, by Aimee in Lawrence, Kansas. Since I haven't had a chance to write for permission to reprint any of her pictures, I'll just put the link to her blog and her Etsy shop. She does the most colorful art/thought doodles and even writes about her daily life in a colorful way. (Boy, am I glad I don't have two little ones at home to make such a mess! Wait a minute, I am always cleaning up after my two little ones, but they're kitties not kiddies.)

I am so inspired to make this blog something interesting and beautiful like these two mentioned above, but so far all I keep doing since I got back is reading other people's blogs instead of writing my own. Oh well, all in it's own time.

I just love how these two people are from such different parts of the world than I am, and how, as of a few days ago, I didn't even know they existed. Yet now I know about them and we have such similar loves, thoughts, and passions. I guess it's time to let them know I am here, too and to take this baby blog out of it's shelter and into the larger playpen of the web.

Thanks for listening/reading.

Back Homery

2009-08-06T20:56:00.001-07:00

Noah, you weren't trying to ride my bike again were you?
Always a dead giveaway, the grease stains around the muzzle, not to mention the guilty look on his face...

The crocheted bowls I am trying to felt, if I ever figure out that process

And, too late for 4th of July, or even the 4th of August for that matter, but I couldn't resist this patriotic salute to Honda, the Japanese car maker that seems to have a corner on my parking "garage". Don't you just love the cute little blue one on the left?

Farewell Bend

2009-08-03T15:46:00.001-07:00

Jon and I headed out to the Tumalo Falls for our last morning in Bend.

This 97 foot waterfall is the source of Bend's drinking water, and a beautiful sight to see.

Because I know how to play with the settings on my camera now, I was able to make the water freeze and flow.

Jon took some pictures too.

Happy as we look on that bright, sunny Oregon morning, the sadness hit as we got in the car on the 'morrow and had to say, like so many others before us, "Farewell Bend."

Now home safe and sound with a purring-while-sleeping cat and a growling-while-being-petted cat. And my new computer!!!

Bend - Day Nine

2009-07-30T20:35:00.001-07:00

Pretty low key day today. We had a brief thunderstorm this afternoon/evening. Although it only lasted a short time, it was gorgeous.

And I thought of a new project to make, so Jon took me back to the yarn store to get more yarn. Now I have patronized both yarn stores in Bend (I feel so accomplished). This project was born out of my own need as I've been doing a lot of hiking the last week or so. Can you guess what they're for?

Oh so practical...

Now I can keep my camera bag for my camera and have a separate carrier specially designed for my water bottle. I call it--the Watergirl (or Waterboy for the more manly colors). Got lots of yarn, so I'm going to be making tons of them!

Bend - Days Seven & Eight

2009-07-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

So I know this doesn't sound like a thing to do on vacation, but I had been thinking about getting a new computer to replace the one I got when I started at UCLA (11 years ago!) and seeing as how there's no sales tax up here in Oregon, we went and got this behemoth with a $300 discount. Look how easy it was to set up: 5-4-3-2-1

And blastoff! All done, in like one minute. Didn't feel like doing anything outdoorsy as it's 95 degrees out there and we had quite enough sun the day before, so it was a good day for computer shopping and messing around with it.

I've also been working on my photography, thanks to the books Brenda lent me. This is the one I'm currently reading:

So far it seems like my pictures are getting worse rather than better, since I took the camera off the auto setting. But I did experiment with the Tv and Av modes today at the High Desert Museum and got some pictures I might not have otherwise been able to get. Sorry they're a little blurry, I didn't have a tripod and it was really dark in there.

This poor guy was found in the wild. He had apparently been someone's "kitten" and had been declawed, etc. then released into the wild when he got too big. Way too hot for him today, too!

They had an exhibit on bats, one of my favorite animals. Did you know they eat fruit and then poop out the seeds while flying around, thus seeding entire areas of land?

I thought these guys were kind of cute.

And then, of course our fabulous dinner!

What restaurant do you think cooked up this tasty looking dish?

Nope, we made it right here ourselves! Yummy!!! Too bad I didn't get pictures of lunch--grilled cheese sandwiches with Canadian Extra Sharp Cheddar and a beautiful salad. Next time...

Bend - Days Five and Six

2009-07-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Mt. Bachelor - I borrowed this picture from Jon's camera. I didn't go out to watch the race that day (Saturday) because I was still recovering from my urban hike the day before.

Jon watching the downtown crit (bike race) yesterday.

And there they go! (A cool picture Jon took, can't take credit for that one)

Some scenes from our MASSIVE walk around town today:

I love this house/condo/apartment. I forgot to take pictures of Gossamer, the yarn store we were headed to around the corner. And that reminds me I forgot to mention the other yarn store that we went to on Wednesday, Juniper Fiberworks, where all the yarn was organized by color. Quite a huge selection, but I didn't buy anything from them... yet!

Then we went to the Old Mill District.

Another house I love

Can you spot the butterfly?

Bend - Day Three

2009-07-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

Everything's just ducky up here!

Went for another hike today along the river and made my way into downtown. Soooo many pictures to share with you...

Then the trail goes through a little neighborhood

Across a bridge and back to the river

A couple of shots from downtown

Then back to the river

There's this house I love up here that's for sale. Guess how much it is?

Still out of my price range, but waaaaaay better than LA!

Bend - Day Two

2009-07-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I didn't get to really nose around downtown, although we did take a quick car tour so I could figure out where things are.

However, I did take a nice long hike this morning on the Awbrey Reach stretch of the Deschutes River Trail System, so I will share some of the photo highlights of that:

I started out by walking around the golf course.

My two words for the day: "Hello" and "Thank you". First I say "Hello, Mr. Chippy, can I take your picture?" and when he stands still for me I say, "Thank you!"

Oops! Why didn't I wear my hiking shoes???

Bend, Oregon - Day One

2009-07-22T21:50:00.001-07:00

Jon and I were still kind of pooped from our big drive yesterday, so we laid pretty low today. However, I did manage to get outside for a little bit to snap a few pictures of the neighborhood.

This is where we're staying.

Just a little peek around the corner yielded one beautiful house after another with their carefully composed yards celebrating the glory of nature.

Did some research on the internet to find interesting places to visit and tried to locate them on the map.

Did I mention I'm spending this vacation with 4 cyclists? Well, some of it anyways...

Some of the spectacular views from the top of Pilot Butte

Tomorrow I hope to explore some of Downtown Bend!

Going to Bend

2009-07-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove 13+ hours from Los Angeles to Bend, Oregon. Although there were plenty of scenic pictures to be taken, Jon and I had both packed our cameras away and could not retrieve them easily. So the "en route" pictures will be taken on the way back.

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