Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Ode to a new love...


As much as I love you, Dearest, I have found a new (subscription) love.  

No, no, I'm not leaving you but I hope you can accept the fact that I'm seeing someone else. 

If you can, indeed, bear to share me with another I believe we can have a lasting relationship.
But the truth is, my heart (and my stomach) now truly belongs to

H.R. has plied me with the sumptuousness of 

TURNIP NOODLES

with Toasted Walnut Pesto
and

ROOT RISOTTO

with Thyme Apple Butter.

I have experienced desserts such as 
Sweet Potato

CACAO MOUSSE

and
Coconut Carrot

CAKE BITES

topped with the most decadent

I've even snacked on
Almond Chickpea

COOKIE DOUGH

the likes of which any Ingénue would gladly indulge upon to 
salve a broken heart.

Therefore, dear one, I must devote my attention (and pocket book) to my New Love.  I will visit you from time to time if that is your want but I must, in all honesty, apprise you of where you do stand.
 
You stand firmly behind Hungry Root.

yours fondly,
peg

Dictionary.com’s 2016 Word of the Year: Xenophobia

Dictionary.com’s 2016 Word of the Year: Xenophobia: At Dictionary.com we aim to pick a Word of the Year that embodies a major theme resonating deeply in the cultural consciousness over the prior 12 months. This year, some of the most prominent news stories have centered around fear of the “other.” Fear is an adaptive part of human evolutionary history and often influences behaviors and perceptions on a subconscious level. However, this particular year saw fear rise to the surface of cultural discourse. Because our users’ interest in this overarching theme emerges so starkly for one specific word in our trending lookup data, xenophobia is Dictionary.com’s 2016 Word of the Year. The word xenophobia is actually relatively new, and only entered English in the late 1800s. It finds its roots in two Greek words, xénos meaning “stranger, guest,” and phóbos meaning “fear, panic.” Dictionary.com defines xenophobia as “fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers.” It can also refer to fear or dislike of customs,

Thursday, September 08, 2016

Grazing...

I am really enjoying my membership at Graze.com and their 'good for you' snacks.
First, my 4 Snack Variety Box included:

  • Cranberry & Hazelnut Toasts with Rich Cocoa Dip
  • Peachy Orchard Snack Mix
  • Cherries & Berries (dry fruit mix)
  • Garden of England (dry fruit mix)


On my 2nd week, I received:

  • Veggie Caesar snack mix
  • Nature's Essential Nutrient Nuts
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie snack mix
  • Super Forest Fruits
  • Antioxidant Vit. E Nuts
  • Lightly Salted popping corn
  • Original Fruity Flapjack (granola bars)
  • Pecan Power snack mix
So you see, your first sampler box is free!  You get a new (8 snack) box each week, or you can alter your schedule to make it every other week, once a month... etc. You can also "snooze" your upcoming box/es if you're away on vacation.
The snacks are top-notch.  I thought this was going to be one of those times where I enjoyed a sample from a company and then ended my association with them... cut my ties.  But I can't see doing without these snacks any time soon, they are yummy and convenient.

If you're interested in trying the FREE 4 snack box, Use my Code:
You'll get the free sampler box and you'll also get your 5th 8 count box for FREE too!!  I think you will really enjoy them!  And you can stop your boxes anytime. 



Thursday, August 18, 2016

Words are like weapons...

I have recently been told some things that happened in my grade school days about which I was completely oblivious. I imagine I was oblivious about a lot of things in my teen years, it just kind of comes with the territory. But all in all, my school days went pretty easily for me. Not so for everyone it seems. Yes, I know... shocking, eh?
Hey, I did say I was kinda oblivious.
I got along with most everyone. I got along with the popular kids without actually Being one. I got along with the 'outsider' types though I wasn't an outsider. I got along with the 'Heads' (for you uninitiated... that's what we called the drug crowd) without ever trying drugs (in grade school anyway).
I was never the shy type but wasn't the performing type either.
I Was the artsy type and the language class type,
(5 long years of Español).
La escuela era 'pan comido' para mi.

At school and growing up in general, I was always told (from my earliest memories) that I could do whatever I wanted if I worked hard at it. Why would you tell anyone anything different?
So I was chatting with a school mate/very close friend and I found out that this person's high school days were not like mine at all.
The most important thing I found out is this... If you are a teacher, FOR GOD'S SAKE be careful what you say to an individual!!
That seems almost like common sense, doesn't it? Apparently not for everyone.
An offhanded comment might mean very little to you but it might make a lasting impression on that student.

Case in point, my friend was told not to plan a career in a particular field as they were 'not particularly talented'...

um, What? REALLY?!?!?!?

I was pissed!

Who in their right mind tells a young person this?
Okay, I can see telling an adult who is tone deaf that becoming the next Tony Bennett is probably not in the cards, but... come on.

This statement has followed this individual throughout their life and has nagged and eroded their self confidence the entire way.

I was so livid to learn this and totally flabbergasted. I just couldn't imagine being told such a thing at a young age, especially when it involved a beloved avocation.
My reaction was so forceful that my friend became very emotional, having realized that Someone now understood how damaging the statement was in this person's life.

Please, folks... be careful what you say to children.

"Words are like weapons... they wound sometimes."

Thursday, June 23, 2016

forever fermenting...

This is next on my To Do list for fermenting:

Homemade Lacto-fermented Mayonnaise

mayo

and This:

Lacto-fermented Herbal Tea

Has anyone tried home fermenting??  I don't mean beer and wine making, though those are great too.

I've been making milk kefir, water kefir, kombucha, and various fermented veggies (think sauerkraut) for over a year now.

Yummy and gut-healing!

Comment if you want to share or need info.


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Looming along...

Some more of my loom knitting projects:










CRAFTY BLOG

Here's a new crafty blog for you to check out.

Meticulosity

Now let's go out there and CREATE!!

Wednesday, March 02, 2016

Mole asses...

I rarely find a 'superfood' that makes a real impact on my health (excluding Coconut Oil, of course, that stuff is da bomb!). But, I've been adding blackstrap molasses to my morning coffee for several months now and I've noticed a dramatic improvement in my usual fatigue associated with my autoimmune issues. It's not gone, mind you, but it is Noticeably improved.
If you think you need a boost in your iron level (or calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, selenium, etc) you might want to give it a try. I know a lot of people are going to cringe at the thought of the taste of molasses. It IS pretty strong. Thankfully, I have a love for the flavor as my father would mix it with softened butter and spread on my toast and I guess that memory alone makes it a yummy flavor sensation. But it IS a very demonstrative flavor, to say the least. I'm so used to it in my coffee now, I crave the taste. I can also enjoy it in a cup of strong black tea.
I think it's good in cold milk (see article) as a milkshake or in warm milk. I even enjoy it mixed into plain yogurt or kefir.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Halloween lament


Awaiting tiny

ghouls and goblins and witches

but they never show


Sunday, October 04, 2015

Profound thought for the day… Or as close as I can get.

I think we'd all get along, in this life, much better if we just realize that every word, every slight, every hurt feeling that we receive… Is an expression of the speaker/giver's self-worth.  Look at it from the position that they are expressing their own thoughts and feelings about themselves than about you.

Of course, I say that from the position of someone who does not like to create pain in other people. 
If you're one of those I can only say 'do unto others', 
or Get Psychotherapy.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Quantum headache...

I'm currently reading THE UNIVERSE IN A SINGLE ATOM: THE CONVERGENCE OF SCIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY by His Holiness the Dalai Lama 

Although Quantum Physics (and physics in general) give me a Quantifiable headache... I'm finding His Holiness' book much more enjoyable and understandable than most in the genre.

Here is a well written synopsis of the book:

Emptiness, Relativity, and Quantum
Physics - by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Star Light, Star might... not...




I awoke with hope
early morn fascination
clouds only to view


Friday, July 31, 2015

#FindTheGirlsOnTheNegatives

I just love stuff like this.  These are gorgeous photos and everyone would love to know more about the photographer and the subjects.

Check out the hashtag all over social media: #FindTheGirlsOnTheNegatives

Find the girls in these pics!


Friday, May 01, 2015

Richeson Contest!

Check it out!!

Art Supply Contest 

Enter each day for a chance to win! 
  • May 1: GREY MATTERS BRUSHES
  • May 2: LETTE KNIVES ASSORTMENT
  • May 3: RICHESON OILS ASSORTMENT
  • May 4: RICHESON SQUARE PASTELS ASSORTMENT
  • May 5: PAINTSTIKS ASSORTMENT
  • May 6: RICHESON CASEINS ASSORTMENT
  • May 7: TRI-ART ACRYLICS ASSORTMENT
  • May 8: QUILLER WATERCOLORS ASSORTMENT
  • May 9: UNISON PASTELS ASSORTMENT
  • May 10: 11” PRESS PACKAGE ASSORTMENT
  • May 11: BEST EASEL – YOUR CHOICE!
  • May 12: LYPTUS EASEL – YOUR CHOICE!
  • May 13: RICHESON PAPERS ASSORTMENT
  • May14: BEST STRETCHER BARS ASSORTMENT
  • May 15: GESSOED PANELS ASSORTMENT

Friday, February 20, 2015

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Friday, February 13, 2015

Okay, no 5-7-5


time heals all...
but do the broken become stonger,
a la Wolff’s law?

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Monday, February 09, 2015

So, what IS NaHaiWriMo? And Feb 9th's poem.


You can check out NaHaiWriMo here! It stands for National Haiku Writing Month.  As it says on the site, "Write one haiku a day for the month of February! Why February? Because it’s the shortest month—for the world’s shortest genre of poetry."

Interestingly, the logo is


The reason for the No 5-7-5 logo is because, strictly speaking, Haiku have the 5-7-5 rule Only in Japanese.  And then, they are counting sounds Not syllables.
So why do I always write using the 5-7-5 blueprint?  Because I like having constraints which force me to consolidate my thoughts... it could as easily be 7-9-7 or 10-12-10.  I guess that's why I also like Twitter


If you follow NaHaiWriMo on Facebook, you will find that they give you a prompt word for each day of the month.    Try to write haiku every day and try to incorporate the prompt.

And so, today, the prompt word is 'Nuclear'.

And being the nutty, whimsical person that I am... I had to screw with it:


on a nu, clear day
I'm living the haiku dream
five, seven, five... Damn!


Sunday, February 08, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Monday, January 12, 2015

Me, the teacher... again.

I belong to a bazillion art/craft/doodle Facebook groups (which I have a devil of a time keeping up with, I might add).  Someone on one of them asked how I did a particular pattern on one of my gift letters I posted previously.  You will see I'm not the most proficient video producer/director/cameraperson but I shot a quick lil vid to show her and anyone else how I did it.  I don't know if it has a name as it's a conglomeration of several different patterns (cadent, yew-dee, well).  I just call it my

Cadent-esque Pattern


I originally got the idea for this from Carole Ohl and her Tangle*a*day Calendar.

In the (gifting & doodling) mood...

Here are some gifts I produced for Christmas '14:




Tangling the Zen...

Some of the ornaments I made for Christmas 2014:




Monday, January 05, 2015

And so it's a new year...

Have you made any resolutions for 2015?  I know the general consensus is: Why make them when we usually don't DO them???

I haven't Reeeeeally made any.  Well, I have promised myself to TRY to do some type of art each and every day. I can probably stick to that one. And as usual I promise myself I'll blog more but if you've been following (heh), you see that doesn't really work out, though I AM going to try again this year... No, REALLY!

And I've created a "Happiness Jar" to hold a note, trinket or other Memory for each day of 2015. I got this idea from Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat Pray Love (one of my all-time FAVE books) and many other great books!

Here is a glimpse of my 2015 Happiness Jar:





What are your promises for 2015?


Oh, this is SO me...

Seasonal Depression 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

100 Facts (or less) About Me

Thanks to a meme sent me by a Facebook friend, I'm supposed to post 5 things about myself.

I started this list LONG ago, it's supposed to be "100 Facts About Me" but I'm stuck at 60 at the moment.

I know, it's a bit of overkill.


1. I trust too easily.

2. I use "awesome" too much.

3. I want to live by the sea.

4. I love too easily, I fall quickly (though as I get older I'm much more wary)

5. I'm crazy about John Prine's music.

6. I'm into herbalism & aromatherapy and I really miss my herb garden.

7. I love lava lamps (have 2, want more)

8. I can be VERY impatient.

9. I'm a techie freak (yes, this is obvious)

10. I HATEHATEHATE being ignored.

11. I'm crazy about kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens... All things green.

12. A friend said that I've never met a stranger... guess he's right!

13. I know all the words to Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music and Rocky Horror Picture Show

14. I know all the words (in spanish) to Shakira's Waka Waka & Te Dejo Madrid & the words (in german) to Nena's 100 Luft Ballons

15. I used to be a Safety columnist for a local motorcycling magazine.

16. ‎I have been at my day job for 33+ years.

17. I have some of the BEST friends a girl could ever have.

18. I've recently lost some that I THOUGHT were friends (see # 1)

19. I'm a friend forever... you'd have to do something Awful to lose me. (and then I will still probably pine away for the loss. Yep, that's happening NOW)

20. I DON'T sing in the shower, just every where else.

21. I like to color.

22. I wear my heart on my sleeve.

23. I read vampire novels and bondage stories (and vampire bondage? stories) but NO Harlequin (or other pulp) romances.

24. I'm a sexual adventurer (or used to be... this IS an old list)

25. I want to learn how to sing opera.

26. I write haiku

27. I love Harry Potter

28. I believe in Reincarnation.

29. I believe Chocolate is a food group. (and essential)

30. I'm a die-hard Trekkie

31. I love theme park rides.

32. Sometimes, if not careful... I can be a bit of a hermit.

33. I have a permit to carry a weapon.

34. I like Pitbull's music and I think he's sexy.

35. I never met an ethnic cuisine I didn't like... so far.

36. I love Diet Dr. Pepper (guilty pleasure)

37. I'm a fixer and it hurts when I can't.

38. I like Super Hero/comicbook movies

39. I sing at the top of my lungs while driving.

40. I have an ancestor who was convicted of witchcraft in Mass.

41. I'm an eternal optimist (though that's been sorely tortured lately).

42. I believe in the liberal use of Primal Screams.

43. I make my own yogurt, quark, ricotta, sauerkraut and kefir.

44. I'll draw on most anything.

45. I thought 50 Shades Of Grey was lame and the writing juvenile.

46. I liked the Twilight series.

47. I, on occasion, "cuss like a sailor"

48. I wish my parents had made me take music lessons.

49. I have won a contest by singing to a D.J. in public.

50. I have flown a plane.

51. I have flown IN a stunt plane.

52. and I have flown in an Open Cockpit Stunt plane (different occasion).

53. I hate discussing politics.

54. I have voted in every election since I was of age.

55. I have donated gallons and gallons of blood in my lifetime.

56. I once donated a 30+ inch ponytail to Locks of Love

57. I sometimes wish I'd become a psychiatrist/psychologist.

58. I miss teaching.

59. I prefer to be barefoot.

60. I have three tattoos.

61.



#100factsaboutme

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

I've fallen back into the genealogy pit-of-hell!  Well, it's not hell but it is a sickness from which relief is hard-won.  I've recently received my AncestrybyDNA kits.  Here's a good article about DNA testing and genealogy research:

http://geekdad.com/2013/06/follow-up-ancestrydna-sometimes-gives-surprising-results/




Monday, June 23, 2014

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

Pedestrian or pedantic?

So, anyone who does massage knows that a routine (which is never Really routine, btw) relaxation massage is a good time for the therapist to chill, meditate, mellow out.  We're there and on point, mind you, but we are in the zone and relaxed.  Honestly, it is just as relaxing for us as for the client.  Anyway, during two or three different massages I have, in my head, written an entire article tentatively entitled "What your therapist won't tell you (but probably should)." Yes, indeed, I've 'written' the whole damn thing only to walk out of the massage room forgetting every word except the general concept.  I keep trying to get it on paper but... oh well, it's a work in progress.

Somewhat unrelated, though not entirely so, I have decided to return to my blog in earnest and try to post on a daily basis.  As I am finishing my massage article or until I start a new one... you will be enjoying (grinning and bearing?) some pointless yet entertaining drivel.  You're welcome!

Oh, here's one to start!  All together now...



Note: in the vid you hear me yell "it's my theme song".  Just to point out, I do not mean I am "evil" necessarily.  The motorcycle I used to ride was a HD Sportster with an EVOlution engine.  So, my license plate said "EVO WMN"  GET IT?? heh heh
Okay, maybe I AM a little evil.


Thursday, May 29, 2014

What the heck is Spritzing?

So, as this article quips, apparently Spritzing is a 'thing' now.

First, let me say I LOVE technology.  I love the internet and most of the joys it has brought us.  I am truly "Plugged in" and I rarely have the desire to disconnect.  But I'm also an avid reader, a reader for pleasure.  It became pleasurable for me in spits and spurts.  I have always been an easy learner and I retain a lot of what I learn. But, I was one of those "slow readers", one of those children placed in a 'special' reading class.  I can remember it as somewhat embarrassing for me.  Why the education system deems it useful to stigmatize a child as a "slow reader" is subject for another post.  All in all, it didn't do me too much damage.  I graduated from the public school system near the top of my class.

I have a theory that my "slow reading" actually helps me retain information.  I find it necessary to read every single word or I feel like I'm a slacker of sorts.  This is why I have never wanted to take a Speed Reading course, skipping words just feels wrong to me.

Now, there is Spritzing.  Spritz is a speed reading app.  The app works by flashing words or groups of short words in quick succession into one stationary window.  I'm a little intrigued as this is not a skipping of words technique.  But, as I can see using this for articles, text books and other nonfiction reading material it just doesn't appeal to me for leisure reading.  When I read a novel I want to caress each word, ponder it and move on to the next in my own time.  Granted, it takes me a while to finish a good sized book.  But, it IS pleasurable.  I may very well download the app and give it a try but I will continue to read novels in the way I always have... slowly.  Heck, I just recently embraced ebooks and I'm still trying to convince myself that audiobooks are not Cheating!

Check out this article on HuffPost, it sums up my thoughts quite well:

In Defense Of 'Difficult' Books

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

GENEALOGY BLACK HOLE

I've fallen back into the abyss.  I've gotten the genealogy bug again, thanks to my roommate. 
Here is a list of the surnames from which I am decended:

ADAMS
ALDRICH
ASKEW
AUSTIN
BADGET
BUCHANAN
CLEMENTS
CLOYCE
D'HAASE
DAY
DE BEER
DeBRUYNE
DeLAMAR
EDWARDS
ELLIOT/ELLIOTT/ELIOT
FLEMING
HALL
HARRINGTON
HARRIS
HAYWARD
HICKS
LIGNIAN/DeLIGNIAN/DeLEEGE
LITTLEFIELD
LUCK
PROVENDER
ROUW
RYAN
SEAY
SMITH
STANLEY
THAYER
VAN DEN BOOGART
VERSTRAATEN
WILLIAMS
WILTGEN

I will post more on my journey!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Condition of the day...


There's An Oil For That!


ACNE
(copied from Modern Essentials: A Contempory Guide To The Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils)

Acne is a skin condition, generally of the face, commonly found in adolescents and young adults. Acne is characterized by red, irritating blemishes (pimples) on the skin. Most commonly, acne is found on the oil-pr...oducing parts of the body such as the face, chest, back, upper arms and back of neck. Acne is a blockage of a skin pore by dead skin cells, tiny hairs, and oil secreted by the sebaceous glands located near the hair follicles in the face, neck and back. This blockage occurs deep within the skin. Acne is not currently believed to be caused by dirt on the face or by eating certain foods and research has indicated that over-scrubbing the face may actually make acne worse.

Oils:
Primary recommendation: Clear Skin blend, melaleuca
Secondary: lavender
Other recommendations: geranium, sandalwood, thyme, vetiver, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, patchouli, doTERRA's Clear Skin Foaming Face Wash

More information can be found here: http://www.everythingessential.me/HealthConcerns/Acne.html#page=page-2See More

Check out my doTERRA page!


8 Biggest Food Companies Who Use GMO





Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Oh, Rats!!


Interesting article.


A good line regarding D.C.: "Something has to be between us and Virginia—and, oh, hey, it happens to be you."



I like the analogies (and trust me, analogies usually annoy me)... and if I may add to that,

If DC is "...the... sensitive kid, upper-middle-class, high achiever."
And Baltimore is "... this other girl (Baltimore), a loner, working-class (not too hard on the eyes in an earthy, winsome way)"

Perhaps the south (VA?) is: the sturdy, homespun but pretty girl you met in Vo-Ag class, who could do anything from rearing babies, planting a garden and changing the brakes on her car... at the same time... not the prom queen but someone with whom you knew you could spend your life.

We (southerners) pretty much think of N.Y. as the "big city", Baltimore as urban, historic, quaint and we mostly think of D.C. as ... dirty, literally AND figuratively.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/113600/washington-posts-latest-anti-baltimore-putdown-rats#

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Have you ever Really loved a woman?



Fellas, have you listened to these words?


Generally speaking, we women are not a pragmatic lot (except when we absolutely must be), we read romances yet don't necessarily believe in "happily ever after", we like fairy tales but we don't think they're real.

When you say "forever", "I promise", etc... do we believe you?

In my case, probably not. But do we want to Hear it? Yes. Yes. Yes.

It's not living in a fantasy, it's not believing fairy tales... it's grabbing a moment of happiness because who knows what will happen next.




Quote of the day

"Don't believe everything you're told, people are usually trying to convince themselves." ~ me