Mirror Fun

I had fun experimenting in the mirror with my camera. I never realized how much I enjoy taking pictures, until I didn't have a camera anymore. When the weather starts getting better, I want to go out and take more photographs of the things I find interesting. I want to get my family together and take pictures of how I see them and in their own environment. That is my plan for this year, to use my creativity in that way.

Sunday Serenity #19

I can imagine myself at the beach already, enough said...

Friends

Yesterday, I got to spend some time with my friend and her family. Here is a picture show of some of the pictures.


Amber and Jackie



Jackie, Amber, and I



Amber and Duncan



Tub a war with licorice.lol



Amber and her sweet boys.



The family. Cullen didn't want his picture taken anymore.lol



Amber, Duncan, and Cullen...




Amber and I



Amber, Russ, and I

My New Do

I decided to get my hair done yesterday. A couple of years ago, after Rick passed away, I cut my hair really short and dyed it this awful red color. So, I've been growing my hair out for a couple of years. It reached the bottom of my back. Yesterday, I drove to Longview and my best friend Amber little sister Jackie cut and dyed my hair. We went to Sally's and I picked out the two dye colors, one for highlights and the other for the main. I choose dark brown, since that is my natural color and deep auburn for the highlights. The highlights turned almost a pink color, but I don't mind. I've never had foil in my hair, so that was an interesting experience. This was a step into the new path that I am going, since January first. Amber bought herself a new straightner, iron thing, so I got her hand me down, that will be good, so I can experiment with it. Then when I feel more comfortable, then I can get me a new one.

This is Jackie and I in Amber's mirror, me with foil.


After Jackie finished. I love it...




All three of us, Jackie, Amber, and I...

Tornado's Bring Blessings

Driving on I 5, thunder bolting from the sky. At first, I thought it was a shot gun going off. Then the rain, mixed with hail starting coming down from the sky. I barely made it home before the wind came blowing through. It was scary. I stood out on my porch to see what the heck was going on, I felt the hail pelting me, and I couldn’t see anything. The wind was strong. I thought, a TORNADO. Then, I went into the bathroom until I heard it was gone. The bathroom felt safe to me. Don’t ask me why, it just felt that way at the time. I have never been through a tornado before, they are rare in my region. Shingles, trees, and all sorts of things are flung around in my apartment building. My cable is out, the phone service is out too, I’m grateful I still have my electricity. That makes it better.

I wrote this during the moments after the tornado hit my home in Vancouver Washington on Thursday afternoon. I decided to spend the whole day relaxing. I read “Entering The Castle” by Caroline Myss, listened to music, watched Bridget Jones Diary, took a hot bath, and was completely contented without phone, internet, or TV. Yesterday, I when the phone came back on I discovered to my delight that several people called to see how I was doing. That opened u a vista to me, making realize that I do have a close nit of family and friends that are around me. It has opened up my eyes to my many blessings and I see things at a different perspective.

Sunday Serenity #18

Shopping, I know, I know, doesn't sound peaceful. This trip was different. I went with a friend, she got permission to change the wallpaper border in her bathroom from the manager. So, we went to Lowe's and it was fun to look at the paint chips. I picked out two colors that I want to change my bedroom into. I kept them for rememberance of what I want.
We also went to Target. I like Target so much better than Walmart. There I saw my dream desk that I want. Right now, my computer is on a card table in my office. I don't like it at all. I don't know, usually, I hate shopping, today, was different. I saw some amazing things on there and I it also helped that I just read about walking meditation in "The Art Of Power" book. Friends, shopping, beautiful things brings me peace. I send everyone peace and blessings.

Boats And Clouds

I went for a walk with Amber last weekend. I just now got them downloaded onto my computer.
There was actually a boat tied to the dock on the quay. It was a pretty day.



The clouds over the water, so pretty.



A boat tied to the dock.

Thoughts

I’m feeling better, the first two days of the New Year, I felt like a pile of you know what. It wasn’t because I was sick, it was the daunting task of this new project I am doing with my sister/friend Joy. We both need change and we decided to co-create our lives together. Sharing our secrets only with each other by another blog. It is a cool idea, I love it. I have my intentions, what I want my life to be like this year. I felt like I was building yet, another box for myself. I didn’t like that feeling. Once, I talked to Joy about it and we both decided that this is a revolving change, (circumstances, environment, or it just isn’t working) could change everything. I didn’t want to be stuck in this mode I made a commitment to myself and to Joy. I am big on commitment, I wanted that freedom to change my intentions in mid stream. Which, I did. I got some cool new books that I wanted to incorporate into my creative change and I also wanted to add a couple of things to my list. One of the big things I wanted to add was Monte. He is slowly coming back into my life and he is a dear, sweet friend, but I don’t want to go back to the way things have been, so I had to add that memorandum and I added more passion. I think the universe is listening to me and an interesting thing happened. An old friend I knew in high school, Carol contacted me via My Space and we have been writing each other messages for the last couple of weeks. She asked me an interesting question about my childhood and how I felt about my real mom. I felt nervous about answering it, not because I didn’t want to share, the fact is, I feel inadequate a lot of the time. It took me all but 30 minutes to think and to construct my response to her. I think it was the universe letting me know that I have made peace with my past, which, opened a lot of doorways. I’ve come from many backgrounds, maybe that is why I can see things from different perspectives. My early childhood, full of drama, pain, abuse from all the major things, molded me into this fire breathing woman, who doesn’t like clowns, even. The type of clowns that use violent behavior as a funny joke. Why laugh at other people’s misfortune, being hit in the face or set on fire, my opinion and I don’t judge or condemn someone else for liking that kind of thing. It isn’t my cup of tea. Then I lived with Vickie and her family for a time. She is my true blood sister and I love her a lot. She has survived, like I have. Her household was better, but not that much. I have nightmares of that home, but I felt extra protective of my nephew Rick, he is 3 years younger than I am and I am so proud of him. The accomplishments that he has made despite the malarkey he went through. Then I lived with the Coons from 14 until 19, then I moved out on my own. I’m grateful for all these experiences. I wouldn’t have gained the knowledge that I have now without them. It doesn’t mean that each home had a different type of adjustment period, or what I coin negativity, but each one was a step up from the other. I know at least with Vickie and the Coons they all love me and did their best. I met some awesome people during my time in Longview. Amber H., Amber S, Carol, and some that their names have escaped me. I made friends and I gained some sense of independence, but not fully. I think, that each home that I was in, the only thread that was common, was absolute control. My mom used violence, name calling, etc. Vickie used drama, neediness, and desperation and the Coons used guilt, manipulation, and religion to gain it. I’m not saying they are bad people. We are all human and we do things without realizing it. I have even done these things without knowing it. We are after all human. I have much love, respect, and understanding towards them. I have seen the progress that many of them have made and I am proud to call them my friends, as well, as my family. It is giving me a lot to contemplate and appreciate.

Friends

Amber was trying to put together a new shelf unit for her bathroom Her too precious cats, Cleo and Ramseys were so curious about it, they sat there and watched her intensely the whole time.



This is Amber Dawns fiance Russ. He is a nice guy. He is a good friend to me too. They are both great.




My walking partner, Amber May. Yes, I have two friends named Amber. I'm glad they have different middle names.LOL

Happy New Year!

This is the last day of 2007, man, a lot of revolutionary things have happened for me. And I want 2008 to be a year of transformation. I started a project with my sister/friend Joy called Creative Change, where we are both on a new journey. We will encourage, support, and share information, we both needs this. I am committed to it. I’m off to spend New Year’s with my family… Happy New Year!

Books

I made my wish list for books I want to get and read in the future. I get the One Spirit catalogue and these looked the most interesting to me.

The Chocolate Cake Sutra: By Geri Larkin

How Not To Be Afraid Of Your Own Life: Susan Piver

Mind In Comfort And Ease: Dalai Lama

The Joy Of Living: Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

Earth Spirit Living: Ann Marie Holmes

The Intention Experiment: Lynne McTaggart

Life’s Companion: Christina Baldwin

Finding Water: Julia Cameron

When The Drummers Were Women: Layne Redmond

The Emotional Lives Of Animals: Marc Bekoff

The Secret Language Of Birds: Adele Nozedar

Riding Into Your Mythic Life: Patricia Broersma

The Miracle Of Water: Dr. Marasu Emoto

Beyond Knowing: Janis Amatuzio

The Science Of Leonardo: Fritjof Capra

The Museum Of Lost Wonder: Jeff Hoke

Tea Bliss: Theresa Cheung

Whispers From The Woods: Sandra Kynes

Epiphanies: Anne Jauregui

A picture of poles in the water, I think they are what the boats tie to. The Red Lion Inn is located just the right of these poles. Different boats park and let passengers off, cruise ships, etc. I worked on a boat that docked their and it is gorgeous. It would be even beautiful in the spring and summer, but it is cold winter and it is still gorgeous. It is a pretty area to walk.



I don't know why I am so fascinated with this bridge, but I am. It could be that I've been crossing it for so long to get to my brother Rob's house and to Portland, and I've never seen it from this angle. Tomorrow I'll talk pictures where I am actually underneath it. It is so cool. Everytime we walk underneath, Amber and I joke that if a car decided to flip off of it, we are goners. LOL



I think this is a dredger, but I am not positive. I've never seen one before. No one was operating it. It sat there today in the water and it wasn't there before. I thought it was a cool piece of equipment.


This is what I am walking. It is pretty brick and I like the shape of them. It looked like a puzzle to me.



I never heard or read anything about a captain Vancouver, I decided to go exploring while I waited for Amber and I read the plaque telling about Captain Vancouver. He sailed the Columbia River. I thought it was fascinating, this skeletan statue of a boat.

Thich Nhat Hanh

I am currently reading “The Art Of Power” by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book, wow, it is so insightful and full of great wisdom, that I recommend it to anyone. I’m not finish with it yet, what I have read, so far, is inspiring and encouraging. I believe in what he calls the 5 mindfulness trainings and I can’t wait to read the rest of the book.
I have several books that I am wanting to read that I bought from One Spirit. I don't know why, but I decided with Thich Nhat Hanh's. I think it was spirit tellings me that I needed to read this book. That my soul was ready to listen. Anyway, if you get a chance, read it. I also posted a web page about him too, check it out. He is an inspirational soul.

Walking With A Friend

I went walking down by the water front in Vancouver this afternoon with my friend Amber this afternoon. It felt great. A lot of wonderful things are happening in my life and I feel change is coming. I decided not to fight it anymore. I am enjoying my new camera too. I took more, but I am teasing you with a few and maybe later on I'll post more. Enjoy...


My friend Amber...



The birds on top of the electric wires. I have always found it interesting that they can land on the wires and not get electracuted. Seeing them landing, reminded me of the old Alfred Hitchock movie starring Tippi Hendren, The Birds...

Whats On My Mind

I didn't feel like writing today, so I found this survey/meme thing on Myspace to do. Today, is a quiet day and I'm in pain. I woke up with my back hurting. I have no reason or explaination to why. It happens. I have had a lot on my mind lately and things are changing. I'm not sure exactly how I feel about it. Though, some of the changes have been great, some I'm not sure how to feel about. My mood may have something to do with all this rain and snow that we are experiencing here, or maybe it is having to do with a period in my life where I know that things must change. I have some choices to make. I feel like my feet are stuck in mud. I'm not sure how to get unstuck, all I know is that I will figure it out. It is a transition in my life...

WRITE EXACTLY WHATS ON YOUR MIND, AND DON'T CHANGE IT

1. Your ex and You = glad it is dead and gone.

2. I am listening to = the keyboard, my thoughts in my head, and the wind.

3. Maybe I should = read my Thich Nhat Book, go to bed, and drink lots of water.

4. I love = my home, family, and friends.

5. My best friend(s) = I consider them family.

6. I don't understand = a lot of things, but I'm a student of life.

7. I have lost my respect for = many things.

8. I last ate = rice

9. The meaning of my display name is = it is my given name

10. God = I think of the Tori Amos song, she sums it up in her lyrics.

11. Someday = why even bother saying that, you are making excuses for not getting it done.

12. I will always be = learning.

13. Love seems = unconditional.

14. I never ever want to lose = car keys or my teeth.

15. My LiveJournal is = non existat.

17. I get annoyed when = people can't make up their minds and take forever.

18. Parties = can be fun.

20. Simple kisses = are nice.

21. Today I = watched tv and became a piece of broccoli. lol

22. I wish = that everyone knew how loved and valuable they were, including me.

Creating Mandala's.

I thought I’d give a progress report on the Mandala project that I started in October. I’ve created 6 so far. I’ve never imagined that I could be creative in this way. I surprised myself. I am actually enjoying creating Mandala’s. It is a good way to meditate and clear your mind of the garbage you pick up during the day. Like my friend Amber says “When I am being creative, I feel alive inside.” I agree with her statement. I feel alive inside and I feel a lot of the good qualities that I am wanting to gain coming out of my body, soul, and spirit. Here is a sample of four of my Mandala’s…

The sixth one I made.



The fifth one I made.


The fourth one I made.


The third one I made.

Christmas Eve

It's snowing outside. It isn't sticking yet, but the flakes are flying threw the air. I've been having a pleasant Holiday season this year. I went to my brother Rob's house for Christmas Eve, they don't celebrate Christmas, not many holidays to be exact. I got the invitation a couple of days ago by my sister Carri and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get some pictures of my family. I got a new toy and I'm excited, can you tell?



This is my brother Rob, he is wearing his work shirt. If you knew him you would know why. He is a mechanical person, always fixing something in the house and for other people. They don't call him the mystic marvel for nothing. Today, he was working the wiring in their bedroom downstairs. Here he is fishing for cats, lol... They have this fishing reel that has a mouse on the end, and they fling it and the cats get the mouse and you reel it back... It is fun to watch the kittens and even Petunia the dog go after it.




This is Kris, my sister in law, Robs wife and my mom. We just finished eating a fabulous dinner and even played a round of taboo, and then later on we played monopoly. It was fun.



This is a picture of me with Carri, my sister.



This is my mom with a few of her grandkids and even a furry friend, Periwinkle. One grandchild is in Iraq... We miss you Jesse.




This is Levi, he is shy...





This is my nephew Joshua and his dog Petunia. He is trainging her for a blind or disabled person... He already trained one, Elle, now he is doing it again.




My mom and I...



Nichole and her million dollar smile. Carri, was making a joke about picking her nose and I snapped it at the right moment. lol




This cat has so much charachter. He is the cutest fur ball ever. I want him...




My niece Nichole and her bundles of joy... She is taking care of them for the Human Society....




Of course, Sarah my other niece with the kitties...



Here they all are snuggled away together.



All the kitties.




This is my mom.


Nichole and Grandma Raccoon.

Sunday Serenity #17

What brings me peace is nature, water, and being out in the open. Here are some pictures I took of my walk down by the Columbia River....