Sunday, May 31, 2009

It's All About The Climb

I stumbled across this video today and found myself crying not even halfway though. Yes, Miley Cyrus made me cry. This song reminded me that it really is all about the climb, not what's on the other side, because there's always going to be another mountain!



I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

BOTIBOTO Award

Wow! When I first read about this award, I immediately thought of several people who totally deserved it. I didn't think of myself though!



This is the BOTIBOTO Award, an award given to "women who are Beautiful On The Inside and therefore naturally Beautiful On The Outside," (Anita Revel at igoddess) and it was awarded to me by Anita Revel, creatrix of the award, herself! The award was inspired by the book of the same name which is parable to inspire women all over to realize being beautiful on the inside makes you naturally beautiful on the outside! (And it's available online for a very small donation!)

And of course, like other blogger awards, it is my honor to pass this award on to others who personify this idea:
  1. Of course the first person I thought of was my beloved, Jacqueline Parks, particularly her Not Your Typical Weight Loss Blog blog. Her honesty and willingness to share her struggles never fail to move me.

  2. Then there is Kali, who is not Just Another Frugal Pixie no matter what her blog is titled. Again, I am inspired by her honesty and openness about all aspects of her life: spirituality, relationships, finances...

  3. Another amazing woman is Leonie Allan, creative soul and author of Goddess Guidebook, whose bright watercolors and motivational messages urge us all to find the goddess inside!

  4. I can't say enough about Suzi Blu and her Virtual Academy. Her videos inspire me to keep exploring myself and my art, and to have fun while doing it! ^-^

  5. Last but not least is Tara from Tara's Ramblings. Her faith and forbearance demonstrate a strength that encourages me to find my own strength...

They are all inspiring, motivating, encouraging women who are truly beautiful, inside and out. Ladies, please click here for the details on accepting and passing on the award!

Friday, May 29, 2009

17th Annual AIDS Walk/Run

Just a reminder about our participation in the 17th Annual AIDS Walk/Run to raise money for AIDS Community Resources. We are only $175 short of our team goal!

If everyone on my reading list donated a mere $1.75 we'd surpass our goal!

That's less than a cup of coffee, less than a gallon of gas...

If half of you donate $5 we'll nearly double what we already have!

Every little bit helps!

You can donate online with a credit card. All donations are secure and sent directly to AIDS Community Resources by Firstgiving, who will email you a printable record of your donation.



For more information about AIDS Community Resources, click here...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Tomorrow's Regrets

One of the things my education courses taught me is that we all have prejudices even if we are trying hard not to. I've known for a while that I was uncomfortable with people with disabilities, and I've worked hard to overcome it. I regret not figuring out it sooner, as some of my best friends have disabilities. What other friendships might I have missed out on?

One of the things my girlfriend has made me come to realize is that sometimes we aren't even aware of our prejudices. She pointed out to me that I am sexist. No, I have no problem with gay men, drag queens/kings, women doing men's work, etc... but when a boy or man does something effeminate, or chooses to do girly things, I raise my eyebrows, maybe giggle about it (not to their face! That would be rude!), and maybe even think they're secretly gay.

However, the ambiguousness of not being able to define them by my terms shouldn't matter to me. They are themselves, and choose to define themselves on THEIR terms. Not mine, not yours, not anyone else's. No ambiguity about that! I regret not figuring this out sooner too; what friendships might it have cost me?

It may take a while for me to break my old habits but it will be so nice to have to define anyone...

Thank you, John, for the reminder...


Click here to comment...

TiLT: Counting



Five years with Jacqueline


Esme when she wakes up (x4)

Click for Full Size

Emma's having a baby! (+1!)


Bubbles and swings and girls in pink on sunny green picnic days...


Honorable Mentions: Fake Cocoa Puffs with Marshmallows, watermelon sherbet, cheap new jewelry, sleek fuzzy cuddly kitties, shiny old jewelry, sunny days, old poems, knowing no matter what everything will be ok...

Things I Love Thursday is brought to you by Gala Darling...

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Pizza-La

The Japanese have the cutest commercials! We need commercials like this...



Just sharing the cute! ^-^

Free Cookies!

Ok so she's asking you to pass out a few coupon in return, but how easy is that!? And the cookies look so yummeh... ^-^

For details, check out this post: http://bettymaeartistry.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-details-on-help-wanted.html

And then fill out this form: http://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?key=rCvN2wi1XvQMQVLg8ZiZsqQ

Don't forget to let me know how your cookies are when you get them; I chose the marionberry spirals... ^-^

Guilty Pleasures

The Universe sent me this note today:
Dreams create their own pathways, if you don't try to force things.

Taking action summons miracles, whether you recognize them or not.

And, Diana, it's never too late in the day for breakfast.

Dream on, wild thing -
The Universe

Apparently my secret is well known to The Universe. I love sugary colorful kids' cereals. Ok, so Golden Grahams is my favorite and it's not too colorful, but it is sugary sweet. And Cap'n Crunch's Crunch Berry is another fave. I also love Lucky Charms, but only for the marshmallows. There used to be a cereal called Rocky Road and it had chocolate and vanilla puffs something like Coco Puffs and those crunchy little dried marshmallows covered in chocolate and teeny tiny pieces of chopped nuts; OMG they were SO GOOD! (Wow! YouTube has everything: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aaZFp0SK0k)

Well, recently I noticed this bright purple bag on the shelf in the cereal aisle: Chocolate Marshmallow Mateys


And inside were delicious chocolate puffs and colorful little marshmallows! Naturally I had to have them...


They are fabu... Not as good as Rocky Road (the marshmallows aren't chocolate covered), but so much fun! Oh and the marshmallows to cereal ratio is inversely proportionate the further you get in the package - so the last bowl was more marshmallow than cereal! \^o^/

So what's one of *your* guilty pleasures? Maybe you have a favorite kids' cereal to share?

Monday, May 25, 2009

Please Sponsor Us!

On June 7th, our whole family will be participating in the 17th Annual AIDS Walk/Run to benefit our local AIDS Community Resources.



For more information or to sponsor us, check out our fund raising page at http://firstgiving.com/faeriegardensfamily!

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Memorial Day Edition!
Click any pic to see its Etsy listing!

Book Review: Ghost of Spirit Bear

Ghost of Spirit Bear

Ghost of Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

My Review

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Touching Spirit Bear took place primarily on a remote island in Alaska, Ghost of Spirit Bear takes place in back in the grim and often violent urban high school Cole came from. Doing the right thing was easy on the island, but back in the city the right thing to do isn't so easy to see. This story is about how Cole figured it out, and helps make some major changes in his school, while sending an underlying message that happiness is a choice - no matter what's going on around you. At one part this was described as a semi passing by: you can jump in front of it and be miserable (having the worst reaction to this event) or you can smile and wave at the driver as he goes by. It's all about making your own reality, a message I think more people need to learn.


View all my reviews.

Hummingbirds

You may recall from last year that we had a hummingbird buzz in the front door, look around, and buzz back out. Well yesterday, we had one buzz in the back door, and try to go out the window! She was hovering in the window like a big bee and couldn't figure out how to get out; it was very sad, made even more sad by the male on the other side trying to help!

When I first heard the commotion, I thought it had just buzzed in like last year and came, camera in hand, ready to shoot, but I soon realized she needed a little help. I carefully & slowly reached my hand toward her and tried to guide her out of the window (it's recessed about 3 inches). I could hear her making little chirps and could feel the wind of her wings on my hand. I have never been so close to a wild bird ever!

After a minute she flew out but headed toward the overhead light that was on. She was definitely confused, but after turning off the light and a little more guiding from the other side of the light, she flew out the door and up into the tree with her mate.



You can almost see her mate in this picture. (It was twilight, dark almost outside, lights on inside, the camera had a hard time... ) He is almost to the right edge and looks almost like he's sitting on the clothes line.

It was a truly amazing experience. And this morning I looked up what it means...

Most websites agreed that the hummingbird is a messenger and stopper of time, a symbol of optimism and sweetness, tireless joy and the nectar of life. Ted Andrews said a lot in his book, Animal Speak. I wish I could type it all out, but this is what I found most important:
  • It reminds us to find joy in what we do and to sing it out. ...if we truly enjoy what we are doing, we become light as a feather, and life is rich with nectar.
  • The hummingbird can help you to find the joy and sweetness in any situation. It's swiftness is always a reminder to grab joy while you can - as quickly as you can.
  • [One] should watch their own sugar levels. Are you getting too much or too little? Are you hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic? Are you not getting enough sweetness in your life? Are you not savoring the sweet things in life?
  • It may be telling you to do something to create joy in the home.
  • ...it is important to get regular and deep sleep and rest. It will be necessary so you don't burn yourself out.
  • ...it is a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible. It will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.

This article is also great: http://www.aaanativearts.com/article1391.html

Friday, May 22, 2009

Epitaph

If I am to have a grave, I hope my headstone reads as lovely as Belle Starr's does:
"Shed not for her the bitter tear
Nor give the heart to vain regret
Tis but the casket that lies here
The gem that fills it sparkles yet."

Photo Friday: Shine

Our Fifth Anniversary

Shining with Joy and Love and Magic


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Ode to Friendly's Wattamelon Roll

Oh frabjous day!
Callooh! Callay!
I realize summer is a month away,
but today's the day!
It's finally here!

Upon my plate all creamy sweet,
there lies my favorite summer treat:
Watermelon sherbet that can't be beat,
with a lemon-lime rind you can eat!

But best of all
scattered throughout
dark chocolate seeds
make me shout!

Oh frabjous day!
Callooh! Callay!
Summer's finally come
to my mouth today...


Friendly's Wattamelon Roll - May 20, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

QOTD

More Dreamwidth Codes!

Two more codes to give out if anyone is interested! Just leave an email...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Mosaic Monday Bunday

This week it's a special birthday-anniversary edition! Just for my Sweet Sunshine! Bunnies with foxes, bunnies with sunshine, bunnies cuddling & loving, and a fairy bunny granting wishes for a very hoppy birthday!

Click any pic to see its Etsy listing!


Sunday, May 17, 2009

Code anyone?

I have 2 Dreamwidth codes if anyone is interested... All gone! Sorry!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Thursday, May 07, 2009

TiLT: May is here!


Esme in Decora style... Oh and those gorgeous May flowers!


Antonio's smiles, hugs, humor, style...


Lia's self-portraits


Picnics in fields of gold


JoAnn's timeless beauty


Honorable Mentions: Seven-Layer Dip, lime chips, margarita cake, bird song (particularly the wood thrush, robin, and chipping sparrow), puns and silly, geeky holidays, finding great art on dA, Jonathan Coulton, ridiculous movies, spring peepers...

Things I Love Thursday is brought to you by Gala Darling...

Not Your Typical Weight Loss Blog

I am continuously amazed by the writing that Jacqueline does for her blog, Not Your Typical Weight Loss Blog. The writing is clear and concise, thought provoking, but most of all heartening! She doesn't claim to have all the answers, but definitely encourages one to embrace joyful living and acceptance, while eating to feel healthy. If you've been struggling with your body image and find yourself bogged down in counting fat grams, obsessing over calories burned, or following the latest diet fad, then adding Not Your Typical Weight Loss Blog might just be what you're looking for...

Happy Odd Day!

From Jenn via Twitter...

Happy 05-07-09 Day!

Yes, it's a real holiday! Only one of 6 days this century where the date is 3 consecutive odd numbers. The last one was 03-05-07, and the next won't be until 07-09-11. There's even a contest with a $579 prize for the best Odd Ode, the most people in the Oddest Parade of Odd Characters, or the best Odd Celebrations.

But why not celebrate Even Day? I'll let the founder, Ron Gordon, explain:
...it's one thing to encourage folks to do something odd for fun. But it's very different to urge them to get even with someone.


Oh man I love my puns....XD

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Sound of Spring

Our yard is full of the sounds of birds from pre-dawn until dark:

Robins and blue jays wake me in the morning. The mourning doves, chickadees, and crows visit throughout the day, while the flicker taunts us from the treetops.

Sometimes we hear (and see) goldfinches and nuthatches, red-winged blackbirds and brown-headed cowbirds, and I can't wait to see the Indigo Bunting again!

In the evening, echoing through the trees we hear the wood thrush, but we've never seen it. However, all day long lately, the chipping sparrows have been serenading us. I am so glad spring is here...

Of course I could do without the mosquitoes... :\

Etsy Blogger of the Month: Create a Thought

This month's featured blogger has a ton of great stuff in her shop! I couldn't decide on only one or two items to show, so here's another mosaic!

In addition to the journals (so many I want!), and the rings (so pretty!), you will also find cards, pins, magnets, and more!

So check her out and see what she has that might be calling to you...

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Blogger Carnival: Art Vs. Craft

Art vs. Craft: Is it an issue / non-issue and how do you feel about the argument?

First let me state that I didn't know there was any kind of a debate here. The only problems I've found is when asked to label my blog or art work: Is it art? Is it craft? I dunno... It is what it is.

However, when trying to define it, my first thought is that if your selling it or displaying it in a museum or art gallery, then it's art, but crafting is something you do with your kids; it brings to mind construction paper, white glue, tempera paints, and popsicle sticks. When discussing it with my 15 year old daughter, though, she brought up a good point: Art is personal - you do it for yourself - while a craft is something you do with other people as a group activity.

But what about all those *Craftsmen* I wonder... Furniture builders and architects, who don't really work with other people, still call what they do a craft. But I know a lot of scrapbookers who would take offense if you called what they did crafting.

After checking the internet for the definitions and to see what others are saying, I am even more confused. Art is usually defined as human efforts to reproduce the world around them according to aesthetic principles, while craft is usually the skill used to create the art. Some arguments say craft is closed-ended, cookie-cutter, follow-a-recipe type of creating, while art is open-ended, creative, do-what-you-want creating.

It's all very confusing to me, and I really don't think it matters, but what I do think is important is that the sites that want you to categorize your art/craft should clearly define what *they* mean by the terms, so when *I* want to list with them, I know which to choose!

Monday, May 04, 2009