Great Minds Discuss Ideas

I have this print in my office.

The new year brought a sense of stability and less anxiety as I transitioned from a consultant to a full-time Project Manager. Hooray! I even traveled to Philadelphia at the end of March for a staff retreat. I'm especially excited as I was offered the opportunity to focus more on sustainability + community development.

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I read this quote by Carl Jung a couple days ago...

"Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important."

I think it translates to the loss of someone you dearly love. It also strikes me to the lonely process of being unemployed or in transition. Being unheard. Sending out all those freaking resumesssss and wanting so desperately to be heard and valued.

I'm just so grateful right now.

Bookmarks

B + I are really enjoying this album as of late.

Watched Seasons 1 - 4 (!!) of "Doc Martin" during the flu of February... ugh. LOVE IT. The show takes place in the fictional Cornish town of Portwenn and reminds me so much of the 90s show "Northern Exposure."

We started watching "30 Rock" from the beginning and ahhhhh! - I'm Liz Lemon. I can't wait to read Tina Fey’s new book Bossypants.

It's CSA season already- our first delivery was the first week of April. I'm SO GLAD because menu planning was getting borinngggg. I just love our farmer. It's so fulfilling to support someone that truly enjoys what they do. How many of us can really say that each morning?

This bag seems a little too nice for a shopping bag. I like the simple construction.

How's that for rambling thoughts and links.
.... And Scene.

Possibilities

I went to bed later than I wanted and didn't wake up rested. I hate that feeling. It is bitterly cold today and not the kind of day where you enjoy public transportation. Work is tremendously busy. I like my work. A lot. Feeling needed is a wonderful feeling to be graced with and most of the time I feel blessed (but sometimes I feel overwhelmed).

I got to work a little early this morning and grabbed some hot coffee before delving into emails. I saw him there, all bundled up in his warmest clothes, selling StreetWise and trying to make some meaningful conversation outside the coffee shop. I fished out a dollar before heading back outside. The magazine was two dollars. I immediately fished for another dollar... while he offered to hold my coffee. He.Offered.To.Hold.My.Coffee. I felt like a complete snob. He was amazed that I took the time to get out my wallet in the cold. I told him it was too cold for him to be out here. He excitedly said he was going to be featured in next week's magazine. How great, I said. Then we smiled and went our separate ways.

I thought about that exchange all morning and happened to come upon this quote...

Each day comes to me with both hands full of possibilities, and in its brief course I discern all the verities and realities of my existence; the bliss of growth, the glory of action, the spirit of beauty. ~Helen Keller

The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The spirit of beauty.

I think I was supposed to be right there at that moment in time. It was humbling to say the least. I needed that... more than the coffee.

Year Beginning.

Bookends.
A wake this evening.
A baptism on Sunday.
Epiphany pageant tomorrow.
Hellooooo 2011.



In the past I've made some lofty goals in January. This year, I'll try for these four ... with perhaps a few surprises in-between.

1. Take a vacation. One that doesn't stretch for one long weekend. Or sleeping on a friend's air mattress. It's been awhile. And we deserve it.
2. Go to more concerts. We both love music + live in the city. No kids yet. Make it happen.
3. Read more classic literature. I picked up a Charles Dickens novel at the library this week after being captivated by the BBC mini-series, "Bleak House." Oh.So.Good. Watch the trailer here.
4. Live with less. Declutter our apartment. Take inventory. Donate.

Number five was to find more meaningful employment... but I can check that one off the list. My consultant position recently developed into a staff position. Hooray!

Ready. Set. Go.

{mini goals clockboard}

lost + found

I found this section in my journal. Don't you love finding something that gives you inspiration for a second time?

The divided life comes in many and varied forms. To cite just a few examples, it is the life we lead when...

*We refuse to invest ourselves in our work, diminishing its quality and distancing ourselves from those it is meant to serve.
*We make our living at jobs that violate our basic values, even when survival does not absolutely demand it.
*We remain in settings or relationships that steadily kill off our spirits.
*We harbor secrets to achieve personal gain at the expense of other people.
*We hide our beliefs from those who disagree with us to avoid conflicts, challenge and change.
*We conceal our true identities for fear of being criticized, shunned or attacked.

source: "A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward An Undivided Life."
by Parker J. Palmer

{graphic art print}

Year End

Hello. Again.

Logged for my own personal memory. Ten things from Twenty-Ten...

(1) L started a new job last summer as a consultant ... (that was my last blog post. life continued. blogging stopped. not what i intended)
(2) B researched Rudolf II, hyenas, programming languages, logic gates, He-Man, ICBMs, typography, druids and Scottish Blackface sheep ... (among other odd hobbies, interests + random searches)
(3) We both turned thirty ... (new decade. geez, that sounds old. but not really)
(4) L explored Columbus, Ohio while B attended the Origins Game Fair. He pitched a board game design. She roamed around Short North and German Village... (happy birthday to brad)



(5) Visited the New Glarus Brewing Company in Wisconsin ... (excellent road trip suggestion)
(6) Toured the Grosse Point Lighthouse, along the Lake Michigan shore ... (falafel for lunch. happy birthday to leanne)
(7) L volunteered at the community workday at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Madison, WI. Helped restore the monastery's 95 acres of native prairie and wetlands ... (personal retreat one day/ work day the next. monasteries are quiet. duh. but really, really quiet. the fall colors were just about to pop. nice hiking paths)
(8) B participated in Octocon 6 & 7 in Chicago - approximately 44 hours of board gaming ... (insane. but oh.so.fun)
(9) Went to a couple summer concerts at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago ... (like this one)



(10) Became Friend-Aunt-and-Uncle MANY times over ... (2010: Year of the Baby)



post-edit: (11) Celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary ... (Budos Band concert) xoxo

Helen Keller taught, “The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”

{Hilltop Neighbours}

volcanic ash

BBC News: An image made available by NEODAAS/University of Dundee which shows the volcanic ash plume from Iceland, top left, to northern France as pictured by Nasa's Terra Satellite on 17 April, 2010.

Spring cleaning

{"to make lines and wait" - original mixed-media encaustic painting}

(15) Ways to Simplify Your Life
a repost. source.

1. Decide what's most important to you. What do you value most?
2. List your current commitments and evaluate them in light of these values. What do you want to be doing with your precious time?
3. Simplify work tasks. Focus on the essential tasks and eliminate the rest.
4. Do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is more complicated, more stressful, and generally less productive.
5. Sort through your stuff. Pick a room or a closet or a work area and do a thorough purging. Separate into three piles: keep, give away, and trash.
6. Simply your wardrobe. Give away things you haven't worn in the past year.
7. Limit your purchases. Buy less stuff. Ask yourself if you really need this and if you really need to own this before purchasing it.
8. Have a place for everything.
9. Limit your communications. Decide when and how much time you will devote to email, IM, phone calls, etc.
10. Eat slowly. Slow down to low weight, improve digestion, and enjoy life more.
11. Exercise. It helps burn off stress and makes you feel better.
12. Spend time with the people you love.
13. Spend time alone. Learn to meditate.
14. Slow down. Live life more deliberately.
15. Always ask: Will this simplify my life? If the answer is no, reconsider.

Happy St. Valentine's Day

I found this gem in my laptop bag over the weekend :)

He surprised me with the watercolor sketch (and added poetry!) while I was at the Flower & Garden Show. yup, a few weeks late but I don't mind. Awwww... such affection.

{thanks Brad ... xoxo}

Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere

Brad kindly added some M.U.S.C.L.E. men to my growing pottery collection.

I wrote about this DIY pumpkin orange CD storage unit here.

The white birch twig picture frame is from kindling.

"The notion that our lives are like the eternal cycle of the seasons does not deny the struggle or the joy, the loss or the gain, the darkness or the light, but encourages us to embrace it all- and to find in all of it opportunities for growth."

~Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation.

{Image}

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Update on an earlier prayer request... Friday was my last day as a nanny (they moved). I spoke with the children this evening to see how they were adjusting to their new home and school. They both shared such sweet childlike stories. My life has a new routine. I am going after a remarkable job opportunity that was by coincidence posted the day I found out they were moving (serendipitous, no?). I have my feelers out to a few other connections as well... thinking happy thoughts...

Brad drew this doodle a couple days ago and for some reason, gave it to me. What is it? I asked. "The planets. But I only drew in Mercury." clearly.
****
It's been a challenging week. Not in the adrenaline infused sense of finishing say, your thesis project. Lots of prayers on my mind this week. A good college buddy was laid off December 23rd. Another college friend had to contemplate filing for unemployment. My brother, the farmer, is looking for work to hold him over until spring.

I have a cold that turned into a sinus infection.

snow!

And... my job took an interesting turn.

I haven't mentioned my job too much on the blog. I work as a nanny for two {delightful} children- a little girl (ten) and a little boy (eight). I would like to keep their affairs private. They need to sort some things out. I've had to answer some tough life questions with the children this week. If you're a spiritual person, the family could use some prayers at the moment.

Despite craving a job in my field of study {architecture/community development!}, I need to count my blessings. Times are tough. I was needed this week. A lot. And for that, I am grateful.
****
I'm reading another Donald Miller book. Its been the perfect sort of text to read this week. some laughs, some cries. He really makes you think.

I'd like to post some Year End/Year Beginning goals & observations.

But for now... I only drew in Mercury.

the holidays

We had a quiet Christmas Eve in Chicago... he worked 1/2 day, she cooked, cleaned and called some family & friends. We watched Kitchen Stories, a quirky Norwegian film.

On the 25th, we went to Brad's grandparents' house and celebrated Gideon's 1st Christmas{day}. cute, cute. A pretty low-key afternoon/evening. I called down to the North Georgia Mountains & chatted with the nephews... and additional family members. {The boys are older now but that creekside picture is so darn cute!}

****
My parents' gave me a gift certificate for a {speciality} cooking class. fun! Brad received a gift certificate to the board game store. :) And you can never go wrong with cash. We participated in a Secret Santa exchange with Brad's immediate family... board games, CDs, interesting new artwork, LAIKA Cosmonaut dog! Hoodie ... nerd points. And that includes the 2010 NPR calendar in my kitchen. ha! {thanks Joslyn}

Warm holiday greetings... Merry Christmas.
****
And here's a sweet recitation of Luke chapter 2.

Ways to Simplify Your Life

We walked to church a few minutes late this morning, per usual. During the announcement portion of the service, I flipped through the bulletin & printed on the last page... (15) Ways to Simplify Your Life. I appreciated the refresher.

1. Decide what's most important to you. What do you value most?
2. List your current commitments and evaluate them in light of these values. What do you want to be doing with your precious time?
3. Simplify work tasks. Focus on the essential tasks and eliminate the rest.
4. Do one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is more complicated, more stressful, and generally less productive.
5. Sort through your stuff. Pick a room or a closet or a work area and do a thorough purging. Separate into three piles: keep, give away, and trash.
6. Simply your wardrobe. Give away things you haven't worn in the past year.
7. Limit your purchases. Buy less stuff. Ask yourself if you really need this and if you really need to own this before purchasing it.
8. Have a place for everything.
9. Limit your communications. Decide when and how much time you will devote to email, IM, phone calls, etc.
10. Eat slowly. Slow down to low weight, improve digestion, and enjoy life more.
11. Exercise. It helps burn off stress and makes you feel better.
12. Spend time with the people you love.
13. Spend time alone. Learn to meditate.
14. Slow down. Live life more deliberately.
15. Always ask: Will this simplify my life? If the answer is no, reconsider.

{Source: Cowley, The Society of Saint John the Evangelist, Vol. 35, No. 2, Spring 2009}

notes

I bought some red/white baker's twine at the Renegade Holiday Fair and made the gift tag labels. I carved the mitten stamp for a different holiday project.
****
Layers to the weekend... Frigid temps. arranged a playdate. frozen pipes, no water. good times. Smoked bbq brisket/ sides from local place. loads of laundry. cookie baking (she). computer gaming (him). freezer paper stenciling projects (she) ... Cousin's baby shower. early "Christmas dinner" with my folks (who will be in GA with my brother's family). gift exchange. late night phone chat with friends...

Saying prayers for our pastor who is in the hospital (and keeping her husband and girls in thought as well).

Treats

Weird find: American Science & Surplus shop. The mission: Christmas gifts for the nephews. What a bizarre place- it was a mix-match of an army surplus store, an old hardware shop, the Dollar Tree and a Goodwill. Hmm.

{1904 German Postcard; St Nicholas Center} Collection}

Last Sunday, our little neighborhood church added a twist to the traditional Lessons and Carols. We celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas. Our pastor wrote a special service with readings from Scripture, newspapers and poems mixed with hymns and anthems, to tell the story of St. Nicholas. We learned the origins of gifts in stockings and gifts down the chimney. Parishioners {young & old} were invited to leave their shoes by the church door. By the end of the program, chocolates, nuts and clementines *appeared* in our shoes. The evening concluded with a festive dinner.

nerd talk

**Brad's board game pitch went okay. He was told it was a little too violent ... stele stones toppling over sheep. { Sorry Brad, I realize your game is much more involved than my pitiful description! } He has been play testing the game for quite sometime and no one has mentioned it to be "too violent." Hmm. Maybe the publisher is too sensitive- ha! Anyways, he's going to pitch the game to different publishers. {fingers crossed}

**Over Thanksgiving weekend, we played the board game Agricola. Gaming category: economics + farming. :)

**My presentation went smoothly enough. I spoke about community development and sustainability to faith communities. A former United States Senator from IL was in the audience. She was just a simple convention delegate- as was I- no fancy political agenda. Though I am following up with her regarding any possible professional development contacts. Networking is key- regardless of the current economy! She runs a private law firm and recently launched a line of organic and fair trade food products. During the Q&A session, we chatted about sustainable farming. {fingers crossed}

I found this Etsy print via a search on "architecture" and "home." Apparently a search on "hedges" would have sufficed. :) It doesn't really capture late autumn in the Midwest {Thanksgiving!}, but her style reminds me of Edward Hopper a bit. I love the way he painted realistic urban and rural landscapes... a slice of Americana. Simple scenes. A year or two ago, I went to the Art Institute of Chicago's joint exhibition of the works of Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer. Beautiful pieces. My father is a watercolor painter and I encouraged him to see Homer's work in particular.
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Did you have a nice Thanksgiving??? My in-laws hosted about 30+ people for dinner, my parents included. I ate wwaayy too much. A small group of us ventured outdoors for a hike, letterbox adventure and to burn off some calories. In one year's time, we've lost an Uncle & gained two adorable babies to the family. Happy and sad reflections. I learned a lot about Bainbridge Island as we have family that semi-recently relocated to the Seattle area. A road trip is in order! Board games were played- several in fact. All in all, it was a relaxing holiday and we've spent the last two days zoning out at home. Such is life.
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Oh, I tried out this pumpkin bread recipe and just added wheat-free flour instead. I used real pumpkin purée because I had two CSA pumpkins staring at me in the kitchen. :) It made the bread making process a little longer, but it was really tasty.