The Journey Of Barack Obama

The American Journey of Barack Obama by The Editors of Life Magazine

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautifully illustrated book with some awesome photographs about our new President of the USA. Uplifting writing about the history and journey of this man, things that I did not know, I learned from reading this great book.


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Got New Shoes, New Book, And New Groove!

The weather outside is frightful and not delightful, the picture above is a sign by my house, yes, it is snowing again. This morning got a phone call from my new neighbor Nechole about there being two packages for me that the UPS deliver guy left for me at her house. So, I went and got them, and had a great visit with Nechole and her two year old boy Michael, got home an hour later, and I got a new pair of shoes, and a delightful book about President Barack Obama that I won. YaY, so will be spending some time looking at the photos and reading the tidbits in the book, just like I did when I got an Audrey Hepburn book for Christmas from Monte this year. A good way to nurture myself, reading and learning about some cool people that I adore. The weather is apt to be the same for awhile, snowy, icy, and cold and I am not going to go anywhere. No need to, thank God. My back is better again, not hurting so much. I haven't taken any medications for it, but I've been sleeping, resting, relaxing with some herbal tea and honey, reading, and old Night Gallery reruns. I am excited that NBC has old episodes of Night Gallery and Alfred Hitchcock on their website, fun to watch, and to reminiscence. I will be doing more of that today, happy Christmas Eve and stay safe and warm.

Rosemary

Hopefully, I've saved my Rosemary plant from the cold freeze we've been experiencing in the Northwest this week. I dug her out of the snow grave yesterday morning and I hope the defrosting in the house will keep her fragrantly alive. I love my Rosemary, the smell, the needles, the uses, the looks, and the fact, that she's difficult to start from seed. Nurture, is what I am planning for 2009, I decided to give myself a week head start, because the need for it is so great. I realize that things cannot go on the way they have been, because I will die, maybe not physically, but spiritually. I read an story this morning, called the Seal Skin, Soul Skin, which can be found in Clarissa Estes book "Women Who Run With The Wolves", that story hit home, and made the choice even more clear for me. I am still having the hardest time even getting started, my back started hurting again, now its included my knee, don't know if its the sadness that I feel inside because of some issues that I am having and my body is saying Jamie, take care of yourself or you will suffer the consequences.
The first day seems to be the hardest. I hope my Rosemary will be nurtured, healthy, and blessed, and I wish that for myself and for others in the world. Stay warm.

The Agency

The Agency by Brian Freeman

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars







Strong characters’, language, easy to read. Though Tess seemed to be a selfish woman at the beginning of the book, I believe she started seeing herself in the eyes of the people around her, especially her ex-best friend Saleema and her soon to be ex-boss Cosima. What struck me most about the story, though I never been in any of the awkward, sexual exploits , or even in the publishing world she wove her life in, I still could identify with her candor, her evaluation of her choices, and even with some of her weakness’. The end of the story, happy, still left me wondering what would have happened to her if that big movie star didn’t call about Oliver’s wonderfully written book, that no one seemed to think had potential but Tess Drake, or weather or not that Cosima got her just deserts or even Sally, a so called friend who betrayed her in the end, or if Dorothy settled that claim that was made against her . Hopefully, there will be a second book, where things are bright for Tess, Emma, Oliver, Dorothy, and Saleema, but doomed to hell for Cosima, Sally, and Jack. All together, a great read that I would recommend, especially for people who enjoy fast paced stories about glitz, glamour, and karma.


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Nurture

My goal for 2009 is the path of nurturing myself, body and soul. I was looking at quotes and I found this lovely writing by Maya Angelou, whom I adore, and found my road map. So, am posting it here to remind me, especially during the times when I am feeling let down and am about to give up my sojourn. I need to get some ink for my printer, so I can print this on some beautiful paper and hang it where I can see it, so I can meditate on it.
Yes, the weather is frightful, not delightful in the least to me, though, this time of year never has been that delightful. I am hoping to get some needed things done in my apartment, you know, the normal chores everyone hates and puts off until the last minute. Thinking about adventuring out for a walk to my mail box today, bring my camera along and take some photos of this crystal, white stuff that looks to be sticking around for awhile. I am 200 pages into a new novel called "The Agency" by Ally O'Brien, that is due to come out in February sometime, but lucky for me, I won a advance readers edition on Goodreads. I am enjoying it, and will post something about it another time. Stay warm...






A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who
lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't
take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year..."
— Maya Angelou

Six

Got this from a fellow bloggers blog, am not going to tag anyone, because I don't like obligating anyone to do something they probably don't wanna do. Here are the rule:

How to play (it's really easy): Go to your photo archives or where ever you store your images; select the sixth file, open it and post the sixth picture contained there, with the story behind it. And, finally tag six friends to play (I'm not doing that last bit, but if you play, let me know so I will be sure to stop by and check out your photo story).







My friend Monte's a drummer, this is his kit. He has them set up in his dinning room, near the patio door. I love the drums, wanted to play them when I was a young girl. So, while he was in the bathroom, I snapped this photo of them. I have several shots of him actually playing them...

Winter Wonderland

Icy Snow Angel

No, that's not glitter on my fairy angel, but ice. Yes, the snow that fell yesterday, now has become ice on top. The pavement at my apartment became an ice ring over night. I ventured outside to snap a few photos, but barely could stand the cold. Yes, me, the great human thermastat, finally found where she can become cold. 19 degress is my limit. lol I took more, but saving those for later today, I want to drink my hot cup of tea, read in my book, and get warm again... A great day to stay in and read...

Chills

No, not from the bizzare snowy weather we are having, but from a drummer named Neal Peart from the band Rush. I love drums, watching drummers, especially good ones. My friend Monte is one of these, a fabulous drummer. Anyway, here is a great youtube video... enjoy

Sunday Serenity

Am in a nostalgic mood. Mama Cass Elliott was my favorite when I was a young girl of thirteen. I enjoy this song a lot, many actually. So, I picked two to post on my Sunday Serenity...

Winter Wonderland

I ventured out this morning, mainly so I could go get some soy milk for my cereal. The storm was suppose to hit on Wednesday, but decided that Friday night was a good time. I do not find enjoyment in this kind of weather, not even as a child. The reason why, because I did not like staying couped up in the house with my mom, or being bundled up in too hot clothes. So today, I went out in the snow, drove my car to the grocery store, bought my supplies, chatted with the clerk, slipped on the ice while making a turn in my car, but am thankful that I do know how to drive in this weather, and got my mail, and then laughed my butt off when I saw a squirrel digging for his winter stash and then slip, slide across the roadway to his destination. The last week's been a vicious circle, because I realized that someone that I considered a good friend in my life, wasn't at all. She's been a friend since my teenage years, which is the hardest one to get over. When you realize that the only reason they call you is when you can do something for them, then your eyes open up and you start seeing the truth of things. Realizing the delusion that you've been under for many years, is wrong. The problem is that I still care about her and her children, that's not going to stop. Last year my sister/friend Joy and I started a creative change project together, encouraging each other, developing traits that we want for ourselves. I wanted more balance, never thought it would lead to the pruining that it has done in my life. That's where I am at, rebuilding a foundation for myself and the 2009 will be dedicated to self nurture... The new year is two weeks away and hard to believe that 2008 is almost gone. Here are some photos that I took on my adventure this morning, the snow's at three inches already and they are saying close to six, who knows... I am going to read my new book "The Agency" by Ally O'brien, that I won over on goodreads today, and drink some hot tea. Stay warm...

Snow, Alfred Hitchcock, and Other Musings!

Been watching Alfred Hitchcock tv shows today, I love them so much, though they were on before I was born. It's a stormy day and am sick with some kind of cold. I feel all stuffed up, thank goodness that's all it is. Last weekend, my back went out on me, and now this cold. It's always something, I believe Gilda Radner always said. I happen to agree with this statement.
I am thankful that my mom's home from California after the ordeal she's been thru. I am gratful that the stroke wasn't what it could have been, that her hip is healing, that's she's home, and that she will heal, will take some time. Her stroke brought back memories for me, of Rick. Rick had so many strokes, TIA ones, and full blown ones, and he lost his speech for a time, his hearing, eyesight, and the use of his body on one side. I am fearful of seeing my mom, because she's a vibrant 76 year old woman, almost 77, in 2 weeks she'll have a birthday, and from what Carri and Joy have said its disconcertating to see her in this was, probably for me too. Though, I like to think of myself as a tough woman, I still have feelings that go all over the place.

Happy Anniversary Joy & Ed

Am scaning my old photos onto my computer, I want to make a DVD with music for myself. Bringing up memories and also a good way for me to share with Joy...




Joy and Ed December 2nd, 1978... Beautiful bride and handsome groom.





Joy, Rob, and Joshua roller skating.




Rob, Carri, and Joy, my highschool graduation party.





For my sister Carris' wedding, wasn't she beautiful.




My first time at the beach. I was going in for my surgery the next day, so we took a trip to the beach, with my mom, dad, Carri, Joy, and Ed. Dad wasn't in the picture.



The family for Levi (nephew) first birthday, can you believe he's a freshman...Time does fly by.





The family getting readto leave or maybe going in, have no idea...



Ed, Joy, Mom, and Dad at the beach.



Joy, Sarah, and I



Joy and her cat Kinah.

I Carry Your Heart

Dedicated to:

my mom
Vickie
Ric
Joy
Carri
Rob
Amber M
Monte
the people who are in my circle...



i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

written by e.e. cummings

I Do

Another one of my favorite artists, Lisa Loeb. I love her style, and her songwriting talent, and her talent period.
"I do" one of my favorite songs by her, and now I finally have her greatest hits CD and am playing it to death.

A New World Coming

I've always loved Cass Elliott, my mom had a cassette tape of hers that I played to death the year after she passed away in 1987. The few months I lived with my big sister and her family, were extemely tough, and her soulful voice gave me comfort, while waiting out the disasters. Rick my nephew had Neil Young and I had Cass Elliott. I am going thru the same changes internally, so when a friend on a different website put up this video, it triggered a moment of clarity and rememberance to me. To update everyone, my mom, (the woman who raised me 13 and on) recovered from her hip replacement surgery, and is now sitting up. I am so thankful for this happy news. Grateful for all the prayers and support. Thank you Universe!

Journey

This morning when I woke up, the need for movement, for a journey washed over me. After getting the news that my mom broke her hip and all the changes that have been happening recently, going for a long drive to Longview Washington felt right. I went to willow grove beach, where many family picnics happened and many good memories enveloped me. Though, the fog covered the water and the place, the beauty of the natural place still was there. My thoughts and prayers are with my mom, brother, and sisters during this time.

Cat

I am not normally a cat person, I love dogs. Though, recently a shift to love all animals taken place in my system. A fun quiz to do.

You Are a Bengal Cat

You look wild, but deep down, you're really quite sweet. You are curious about the world around you, and you love to explore. You liked to swim and climb trees as a kid... and probably still do! You are confident and energetic. You are ready to take on the world.

What Breed of Cat Are You?

Prayers

My mom's in the hospital in California, she went there to visit family and to go to a church conference they hold there every year. My sister Carri called me at around 1PM Sunday night to tell me the news. My mom broke her hip and surgery is tomorrow at noon, please hold her in good energy and thoughts while she's going thru the surgery and the recovery afterwards.
Having this happened brought some things into perspective for me, Maurine is not my biological mother, she and Richard took me in when I was 13 years old, they were both in their late 50's and already raisded three children of their own. So, they should have been done, no they choose to take me in and rasie me until I was a grown up. Richard passed a few years ago, and I miss him terribly. The thought of Maurine being gone, triggered an emotional button that's been there, but been suppressed by other factors in my life. I love you mom and get better soon.

Indian Name

I almost fell over when I read this. My mom collects raccoons, mainly because her last name is coon. LOL Funny things happen on the internet. lol

Your Native American Name Is...

Nina Mika Your name means: Strong Intelligent Raccoon

What's Your Native American Name?

Sunday Serenity

Leaders

I snagged this photo from my friend Dean, but I've greatly respected both of these men and here is a cool picture of them together. I've read several of the Dalai Lama's books and found great wisdom in his perspective and insight. Obama, I haven't read his book, hope to soon, yet, his speeches remind me of Martin Luther King, and hope will be coming to my own country. Something to look forward to.

Book Giveaway

Joystory is hosting a book give away. A beautiful book about our newest President Obama. Check it out...

Awareness

On Oprahs webcast of Jon Kabat Zinn show she read this poem. I feel a deep connection with the words and picture that's being presented.



Love After Love

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

— Derek Wolcott

Roses And Clouds

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon--instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.
-Dale Carnegie




As the rain falling out of the clouds becomes the life origin for plants, so the stream of creativeness becomes the source of life for a man. Let us feel the pulse of a creative spirit within a man, which sustains his or her vitality, for it, is the only way for one to join the river of eternity. As this truth submerges a man in joy like the sunrays, he or she feels incredibly happy. The spirit of creativity like a stream flowing in a man and watering a dry land of his or her soul, refreshing it and awakening up new forces – a creation of action. It seems that time and eternity merge within a man. Let us aim at awakening within ourselves this state producing success and desire for harmony.
-Augustinas Rakauskas,

Twinkling Twilight

I don't feel creative today, it's raining outside, time for me to curl up and read a good book on a lazy Saturday...
Here is a cool quiz about which Twilight Charachter You resemble. I love the charachtor Carlisle in the books series. Actually, they all are awesome.

Which Twilight character are YOU? Your Result: Carlisle Cullen   ahh.. Carlisle.. the very smart very stongly opionated Carlisle.. and not only THAT but he's hot for a dad :) i mean REALLY sharp looking.. and rich :)
Bella Swan
Emmett Cullen
Alice Cullen
Edward Cullen
Jasper Hale
Jacob Black
Rosalie Hale
Which Twilight character are YOU? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Sunday Serenity

Both of these youtube videos bring peace to me. I like the music and the visuals. The decision was hard, so you get both...

Big Girls Don't Cry!

This songs been around a year so, I've just discovered it and it says how I am feeling about some things...
The Lyrics:

The smell of your skin lingers on me now
You're probably on your flight back to your home town
I need some shelter of my own protection, baby
To be with myself and center
Clarity, peace, serenity
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do
And I"m gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
and big girls don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry
The path that I"m walking, I must go alone
I must take baby steps 'til I'm full grown, full grown
Fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, do they?
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
and big girls don't cry
LIke the little school mate in the school yard
we'll play jacks and uno cards
I'll be your best friend and you'll be mine
Valentine
Yes you can hold my hand if you want to
'Cause I want to hold yours too
We'll be playmates and lovers
and share our secret worlds
but it's time for me to go home
It's getting late, dark outside
I need to be with myself and center
Clarity, peace, serenity
I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightening out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on wiht my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry, Don't cry, Don't cry.

Musing On Hunting Man!

I can't come up with a better title for this post. The last week or two, I've been watching a friend of mine, doing exactly this. I don't know why her self worth is based on how attractive she is or the attention she gets from men, while neglecting some important things in her life. Then I realize, why am I pointing a finger at her? I've done this exact same thing, and I have no right to judge her. Though, this dilemma, made me pause to wonder about some things. So, I'm musing on this issue, hunting for a man or a companion, since I'm sure females aren't the only ones who are doing this. Why is our society based on looking for a mate?
I've been without a constant male companionship for four years now. I do have a male friend, who off and on, replaced the companionship of Rick, but it's not exactly the same. Because well, he lives in his own apartment, and we have a passionate and tumultuous relationship. I am grateful for this relationship, because I have learned many things from this experience. He is a good friend, despite some things.
My dream last night says it all to me, thanks to the pointing out of some key things from my sister, Joy. I am ok with that, I'm not on the same path, as my friends. Yet, I still love them and support them, I'm sure the feelings mutual. I am ok alone, and after Ricks passing, I made the decision to not go hunting for a man, though some of the people in my life, pushing, by making comments, and encouraging me to go on dating sites, and I'm uncomfortable, not because of getting to know a stranger, or things like that. It is more personal, it's deeper than that. My spirit, twirling around with new concepts daily, and I'm still on shaky foundation. Yes, I do get lonely, I do wish to be held, kissed, have romance in my life, somehow, I've realized, I have key issues to get through first. For example, intimacy, trust, loving myself, and learning to take care of my needs. I want to get my college education, I want to explore photography more, and explore many different subjects, that I've put off, because of grieving the loss of many things the past four years. A deep friendship that ended, because of a MAN, the tumultuous relationship with a man, the death of a dear person in my life, and the death of my dad. Learning new skills became an issue, because suddenly, I became independent of my thoughts, spirit, actions, dreams, hopes, love, desires, everything. I did not have to be on constant edge, submiting my thoughts, emotions, spirit, actions, and I became in control over my own life. A new concept for me. I became afraid of this new power, and I found ways to let others have it, but now, I am learning to enjoy that power. I am still learning, and frankly, I don't want my desire for a man to hault the new develope inside of me. The woman who harvested new life skills and can be a better companion because of them...

Twilight

I've been reading the Stephanie Meyer books, I'm now onto the 4th Breaking Dawn. I'm looking forward to the movie of her first book Twilight. Here is a clip of it...

Getting Ready For Winter

Fall, many things represnet fall to me. The leaves change color, from bright green, into yello, burnt orange, red, and finally brown, where they end up on the ground. I hear the dead leaves crunching under my feet, while I am walking to my mail box. At my apartments, we have a huge oak tree. It is shape shifting into his winter mode, where it will be barren until spring. The great oak, must be about a hundred years old. This morning, I saw a squirrel burying nuts underneath it's trunk, getting ready for winter... I don't know how squirrels do it, burying nuts, and then patting the ground until it is hard to tell where they bury them, and then finding them during the winter months. How do they do that? It's a truly amazing thing to watch...

Beauty Around Me

More photographs from my trip with my friend Amber...
I've been busy reading, the Stephanie Meyer books, her saga of Edward, Bella, and Jacob... The movie comes out on November 21st and I am going to see it in the theaters. I'm excited.. Twilight, I finished it in one day... Now, I'm onto New Moon... I own these two, my friemd Amber, loaned me the other two... I'm off to read...