Morning Walks

I am finally getting back to walking. I realize once I am out and going how much I enjoy my walks. I've missed them. Walking with friends, walking solo, walking with an audio book - it's just time uncommitted and it suits me just fine! A bit more than a year ago I was prepping for a marathon and I was going to walk it all. I had dreamed about being a runner but I realized that I just didn't have the chutzpah to do it. I read books, practiced, talked with others...I still hated it. My knees hurt, my lungs hurt, my body hurt. I finally came to grips with the fact that I am not a teenager or athletic. I stopped fighting it! I decided it was okay to just walk!! It may not be as trendy as running but walking suits me.

Remember this... I am NOT a morning person! My mom must have ordered a nocturnal daughter, but overtime I think I am realizing what I had been missing while I slept. I may be converting! The morning is awesome!! Now, I hate parting with the pillow as much as anyone else but I was determined to get back to walking! Walks started at about 5 am this week. It is still cool, a time before the "furnace" of heat starts baking the day. I like walking at daybreak best. The sounds are different from the sounds of full daylight, the smell of the neighborhood --- orange blossoms and dryer vents on weekdays and bacon on Saturdays!! I hate wearing a hat and I don't wear sunglasses so I like walking in the morning when it's still shady. I love the tilt of the light! Although I walk through the neighborhood on weekdays I like to venture out on new explorations on Saturdays. Walking the canal for 13 miles was more interesting than it sounds.... I've discovered a neighborhood full of peacocks....walked historic Mesa and found the Park of the Canals. But this morning I stayed close by ....



I love the resilience of wildflowers and weeds.... they bloom anywhere!! I need to learn a lesson about endurance, working with what you have and just sucking it up!!


Lantana makes me smile.


Look at what I discovered as I rounded the corner of the park this morning! The TP fairies were hard at work last night. It all fluttered in the breeze and I laughed outloud. I must admit though that I was SO glad it wasn't my house that had TP on the cactus!! It's not fun to clean up. Been there, done that!


There's something so cool about wet footprints. In this heat they're gone in a flash. I bet there's something philosophical to say about that.

And Steven Wright says it best.... "Anyplace is walking distance, if you have the time."

Reading Time

How I love reading, my book group friends and the way that reading has helped me grow!! I have been so grateful that Rich is the supportive kind of husband that has never questioned me when I had my nose in a book. He never made me feel guilty for reading instead of tending to some household task, and he never, ever (well maybe once) questioned why we needed so many books or bookshelves.


Rich and I can read side by side and just enjoy being together. He attends book signings and author events with me, walks beside me at Book Fairs, and indulges me when I get sucked into a bookstore. He understands when I carry my "flood" book with me everywhere - just in case there's a flood I have it with me! He knows that the best question he can ask is, "so tell me about what you're reading...." (I know that isn't really a question but it sure starts a great conversation!)

There are times when I read more than others. Sometimes I am so busy with life (label that the beginning of the school year, report card time, or planning a wedding) that when I sit down to read I just fall asleep. There were times when I might only manage a paragraph or two a day, but I still read. I read to tiny babies, read as I nursed and cradled little ones, I read poetry and nursery rhymes to toddlers and chanted Dr. Suess so often that we all knew it by heart. ("Bump, Bump, Bump. Did you ever ride a Wump? We have a Wump with just one hump. But we know a man named Mr. Gump. Mr. Gump has a seven hump Wump. So if you like to go bump, bump. Just hop on the hump of the Wump of Gump!") There were times that the only solace I could find was in the pages of the greatest book - the scriptures! But I was reading nonetheless.

My mom was my reading model. I can still picture her with her book close by. As a teenager I remember her studying for Masters classes. Her college textbooks piled on one side of the bed, her escape reading on the other! She took us to the library weekly and allowed me to read anything I wanted in the library. I think I was the only kid I knew whose mom gave her an adult library card when she was 10. By giving me such freedoms my mom respected my reading choices. I didn't disappoint her and together we picked out some great reads! She challenged me to learn from what I read and then to also just lose myself in a good story. I tried to do the same for my kiddos. We certainly had enough books around - library check out limits were 21 books apiece....that was a lot of books when you have 5 kids!!

Lately I have been trying to catch up with reading since I think I have finally recovered from the wedding. Of course report cards have come and gone and are back again....now it is the end of the school year and that means summer reading!!! Yippee!!

Fairest, by Gail Carson Levine. The author of Ella Enchanted (Jennie's all-time favorite book), Gail Carson Levine, has really found her niche writing fairy tales and this story was another twist. This time on Snow White. A lesson in "beauty is only skin deep," a lesson on self esteem and balancing who we are, how we feel about ourselves and seeing ourselves as our creator sees us. I enjoy a twist on a fairy tale and this one prompted some ideas and thoughts. I love young adult novels also. Although not as good as Ella and an ending that wrapped up too quickly, it was more than fun and a good romp! But perhaps that's what fairy tales do - problem solved, happily ever after - it's over. The end!
Marley and Me by John Grogan was our book group read for the month of April. This was the story of the most destructive and rambunctious dog around. Yet also the most loveable and loyal. I realize that I was reading the biography of my sister with her dogs and question her sanity....I am grateful that our Shelli (coyote and shepherd mix) has been the greatest dog around. She certainly wouldn't have survived long here. It was an easy read, made one laugh and shed a tear or two. No Pulitzer Prize winner but a family memoir to enjoy. The book wasn't easy to discuss but we all had dog stories to share!


Another Jane Whitefield book - after years and years!! Yeah. Jane hides people, helps them start new lives and risks her own to do it. But life post 9/11 is much harder to hide people in. Thomas Perry has her go "low-tech" and travel under the radar so to speak. No high tech, spy weaponry, but car rides, smart and savvy thinking, and abilities to hide in plain sight. I always enjoy Thomas Perry's books and this one, by no means my favorite, was a interesting reunion with a character I enjoy and respect. It was also a great privilege to hear the author speak at a Book Festival I attended in Tucson. He is a charismatic speaker with a college professor aura and demeanor.
Several friends have been diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer and each time my heart and mind returned to this book by Randy Pausch. The Last Lecture is a gift to Randy Pausch's children and wife, saved up for a time when he would not be there. Dedicated to his children, it is filled with all the things he would never be able to say, and all the life lessons he would never teach. He knew he would not see his three children grow, so he did the best he could, with courage, humor and love. What he left was truly an amazing legacy. If you ever need to be reminded to breathe the air, find joy in being, and walk the Earth in gratitude, listen to his story. It’s rare that any person is able to help so many others see the world anew. I loved his First Penguin Award, his reminiscence of reading the encyclopedia as a child and his honor for his parents. What a gift he gave us all. Randy Pausch lost his battle with cancer on July 26, 2008. His family lost a hero!

The current read is The Hunger Games. Wow!! What a book. I am listening to it on a cool little invention called the Play-away....

The branch library had it on the shelf when I walked in and I have fallen into the book. You just add headphones and a AAA battery and away you go. Great for walking, listening to when I'm cleaning in the classroom and doing housework - well alright - - I don't do that often enough but it's still great.
The story is captivating ....A postapocalypticworld story, it's a combination of Olympics meets gladiators! I am reminded of The Giver. A rtuly horrifying time yet a mesmerizing writer. It is sure to be one of my most memorable books of the year. More to come....

Boy, oh boy....summer is fast approaching and I'm ready! The TBR pile is high and days await me jumping into a new book. We even have a long car journey planned to Montana. Wow, how many books can I read then. Have any titles to share with me???? Bring it on!

Thank you IRS tax return!!

This little baby has come to our home to live. We will name her, love her and try to give her everything she needs - she's going to be getting lots of attention!! I feel the urge to wash a dish or two!! Thank you IRS tax return!

Rich is pedaling everywhere nowadays! He appreciates his muscles, a good seat, pant clips and pedals....He's developing quite a good relationship with his refund reward!! Thank you IRS tax return!!


Any guesses on where the rest of the $$ is going?? Thank you IRS tax return!

So much for the trip to Jamaica, new clothes or a jewelry....I'm just grateful that we didn't have to pay this year!!

Friday Night Insight

I borrowed this from a friend.... I am too tired to think of much else and I enjoy the insight I gained from other's simple questions....

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My Hair. After about 5 minutes of just standing there.

2. What color is your favorite hoodie? This assumes I have a bunch of them. I have one, it's not my favorite anything, and it is white.

3. Do you plan outfits? Yes and no. It does make coordinating my scanty wardrobe easier. It is kind of like grown-up Garanimals (color tagged outfits the boys wore when they were little - you couldn't go wrong when you matched the tags!) I have a $10 rule for 1st grade teacher clothes. That way I am never disappointed if I get overhead marker on it or one of the kids hugs me with dirty hands!

4. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Friday tired!! I've been even known to drift off when sitting in front of the computer!

5. What's the closest thing to you that's red? An iTunes gift card!

6. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I wish I slept long enough to dream! This middle of life sleeplessness is a killer!!

7. Did you meet anybody new today? Although we were not technically introduced, can I count the guy at the Blimpie Sandwich counter?!?!

8. What are you craving right now? Sleep!

9. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Cole slaw.

10. Are you emotional? Only all the time - during prayers, at weddings, at sappy movies, when I sing, when I read a good book. Gosh my heartstrings are always being tugged.

11. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Yep! We did it with the song 100 bottles of Beer on the Wall on several bus trips. We just kept on going!! Boy those bus drivers are so patient!!

12. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Lick, lick, lick!

13. Do you like your hair? Talk to me tomorrow - 8am appointment for color and cut!! Yippee!

14. Do you like yourself? I do. I'm just an ordinary person, but I aim to do extraordinary things in my own little world!

15. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Is he cooking BBQ?

16. What are you listening to right now? Silence. I'm learning to be more content with it.

17. Are your parents strict? I guess my perception has changed over the years. I'm sure I felt that my mom was somewhat strict when I was growing up but for the most part I look back and realize how much leeway we had.

18. Would you go sky diving? No, NO, NOOOO! Are you crazy?!

19. Do you like cottage cheese? It's great with mandarin oranges, peaches or pears and colored sugar that my mom used to serve. Not much good any other way though.

20. Have you ever met a celebrity? President Spencer W. Kimball is at the top of my list.

21. Do you rent movies often? I can't think of the last time. We buy rather than rent and then let everyone check them out from us. Even that has slowed down. Can it be that we have hit our limit?!

22. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? I have looked and looked and can't find anything. Oh, I missed it - it's my sparkling personality!

23. How many countries have you visited? Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, St. Kitts - all amazing!

24. Have you made a prank phone call? I think this question will be obsolete soon with caller ID etc. Back in the day, when anonymity was still possible, I probably did my fair share.

25. Ever been on a train? When I was little and then not for another 45 years. We traveled from Washington DC to NYC and loved it all.

26. Brown or white eggs? White thank you.

27. Do you have a cell-phone? I do. I love the connection it affords, the convenience of text messaging, the security and the kindness it can engender. On the other hand it saddens me when we use it inappropriately. Seriously, look people in the eyes and put away the cell phone when you are with someone.

28. Do you use chap stick? Every night.

29. Do you own a gun? No. But after last night's self defense class I can injure in 4 prime attack targets! Watch your ears too....

30. Can you use chop sticks? I'm truly not that coordinated. What am I doing wrong?

31. Who are you going to be with tonight? Me, myself and I. Rich is on a Youth Conference trip. It's me and the pillow, baby!

32. Are you too forgiving? Can you be too forgiving? I hope I'm forgiving. I will stand up for myself and others but I am the Queen of Short Term memory so I probably forgive because I truly forget.

33. Ever been in love? I have and am.

34. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Serving diligently!

35. Ever have cream puffs? Yes and I love them cold. A little chocolate never hurt either!

36. Last time you cried? Wednesday. I wish I looked prettier when I cried - I do it enough that at least I should look nicer.

37. What was the last question you asked? What can I do to help?

38. Favorite time of the year? Fall!!

39. Do you have any tattoos? No.

40. Are you sarcastic? I can be. I don't necessarily like it in others either, but with some people it just comes eeking out.

41. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No. I did see it on the TV Guide on cable tonight though - small world.

42. Have you ever walked into a wall? Totally. Embarrassing too! My first graders didn't know what to do.

43. Favorite color? Why is this question so hard?? I guess I just hate committing to only one. Today I'll choose....garnet.

44. Have you ever slapped someone? I'm not proud of it, but yes.

45. Is your hair curly? Nope!

46. What was the last CD you bought? Drew Bennett, flamenco guitarist. Yum.

47. Do looks matter? They shouldn't but in my shallower moments, they can.

48. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I don't know. I'd like to think so, but....yeah....I don't know.

49. Is your phone bill sky high? Well it's higher than I would like for this little thing. Can I call it my insurance policy?

50. Do you like your life right now? Yes, I am very blessed.

51. Do you sleep with the TV on? I can always fall asleep....staying asleep is the tricky part. No, I don't sleep with the TV on. I hate late night TV.

52. Can you handle the truth? I can. My weakness is in thinking others can't.

53. Do you have good vision? Nearsighted but, believe it or not, my eyes are getting better with age.

54. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? Dislike, definitely. I'm not a hater, though.

55. How often do you talk on the phone? Once a day maybe. I text a lot more.

56. What are you wearing? Jammies

57. What is your favorite animal? Wild animal - a raccoon.

58. Where was your most recent picture taken? A friend took as all around town and photographed both me and Rich! Engagement shots after 32 years.

59. Can you hula hoop? No, I'm truly impaired.

60. Do you have a job? I do! Still.

61. What was the most recent thing you bought? A new skirt to sing in the Stake Choir.

62. Have you ever crawled through a window? Sure. How else do you get off a bus?!?!

Motivation

At Stake Conference last night Pres. David Benson, 1st Counselor in the Stake Presidency, spoke about ordinary people who have gone the extra mile and done extraordinary things. He spoke about Irv Miller who was a faithful home teacher to his wife's family when she was growing up. This good (and very ordinary man) came every month. He picked up Cynthia and her brothers and took them to church with his family every week for years. This very ordinary person was the church role model for Cynthia as she was growing up until her father became active in later life. What a blessing he was to their family! Bro. Miller went the extra mile yet he never attained what some might consider greatness. He was never a Bishop or a High Counselor. He just did his calling faithfully and without grandeur. Pres. Benson also spoke about a woman in England who is a contestant on a show called Britain's Got Talent. Her name is Susan Boyle. She is 47 years old, is unemployed and lives with her cat. He even reminded us that she has never been kissed! A very unassuming looking woman who has extraordinary talent. (Go to this link to hear for yourself - I can almost definitely guarantee goosebumps!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU



How many people underestimated the somewhat ordinary or frumpy woman who appeared before them? Yet she did not wait for the world to judge her. She knew what she had!! She was undaunted and unphased and I love it!! I love the raised eyebrows of the judges and the audience. She made believers out of all of us!

Isn't that what we should all do; walk unphased as the world tries to judge us? Do our ordinary callings with extraordinary energy and fervor?? No matter who is telling us we can't, that we aren't good enough or up to the task?? I may not make a difference to the rest of the world, but I can have an influence in my own life, work hard in in my own calling, make a difference in my own sphere and place.

I don't aspire to fame and fortune (well ok, fortune would be nice) but I do have a desire to make the most of my time here on earth. I have a desire to make each day worthwhile, to each day try to make my little corner of the world a better place, to have an influence with those I love and those I work with.

Pres. Benson's talk motivated me in an ordinary way to want to do my ordinary work ------ extraordinarily!!!!

Easter Pageant 2009

Last night we went to the Easter Pageant at the temple. It was the first tme in years that we've gone and much has changed and improved! It is the largest pageant of it's kind in the world, with over 400 cast members putting on a presentation of our Savior's life and ministry. Over 150,000 people attend each year. Can you belive it?!?! It is a wonderful way to spend a spring night in Mesa! The temple looks fabulous and the spirit is sweet and calm amidst the clamor of the world. It's even a bit chilly so we took a quilt to sit on or snuggle under!
What a terrific way to spend Maundy Thursday, the night of Christ's last supper with his friends.

Jessica and Ariel joined us on the lawn at the temple for a picnic. Jess brought quiche and soda, we brought fruits and of course, M&M's~!! We saw old friends and enjoyed people watching as families picnicked on blankets and munched pizza in the rows and rows of chairs. Rich and the young men of our ward had set up the charis 2 Saturdays ago. He said just the set up is so organized and official. They have figured everything out down to a science.



The pageant has gotten better and better! We were so pleased and amazed. Visually it is a feast of colors and action and the choreography and scenery are more than professional. What talents people have. And to think that it is ALL volunteer! Impressive. Aren't the costumes amazing. Even more so in person.


The spirit of the Savior is everywhere .... how great for all people to see our commonalities and not our differences. That is a sweet blessing and tender mercy. Jess is such an awesome addition to our family and I wanted her to see a bit of what we believe. She is a great audience and we had a jolly fun time. Ariel was entranced and even thought the hour got late she was excited to watch. Cast members approached her in their costumes and she thought that was pretty darn cool.

Relative Bliss

April in Arizona can be relative bliss....breezy, sunny, and nights when you sleep with the windows wide open. Orange blossoms, wild flowers, growing grass, and afternoons at the park.

Today we filled the day with "relative" bliss as well. We celebrated a granddaughter's birthday at the park with 6 year olds and a BBQ. They blew bubbles. They chased the ducks. They swung on the swings and giggled and squealed. It was relative bliss!! Clean up was easy and enjoying the afternoon was relatively fun!!




General conference in the quiet of the family room was relative bliss too! Words of the prophets were/are comforting. How grateful I am to have such great guidance. I especially appreciated the counsel of Elder Robert D. Hales. It was a support to what we heard at our Stake Welfare Meeting and I believe it is so pertinent for all of us today. I love the spirit of Elder Eyring and Elder Marvin J. Ballard. Now to make the words actions....


Having a day to catch up on laundry, read a bit of a new book, spend some time with Rich - yep, that's relative bliss alright.