Trippin' over mile-stones

A half birthday flew right by.  Amid two jobs, gardening, a beau, I haven't taken much time to reflect.  It seems these days that most of the 'big news' is going on in other people's lives.  I am a proud auntie, twice-over since last year, and word is that another niece or nephew is on the way.  May is shaping up to be a rather hectic month with lots of big mile-stone events.  I am looking forward to officially having another sister-in-law, celebrating my boy friend's birthday, the first birthday of one of my nephews, the graduation of a brother, and wrapping up my first year as an ESL teacher.

Meanwhile, things are going wonderfully in my little back-yard garden oasis!

Perennials that have returned include a red heritage raspberry, oregano, chives, strawberries, comfrey, bee-balm, and a welcome assortment of flowers.  Today, my first dandelion bloomed and I'm actually quite pleased to finally be providing for the pollinators again this year!

What is coming up in your garden?
What milestones are you excited, nervous, pleased to be celebrating soon?

Revival of the Fittest

Greetings from the year 2014!

Many changes rest on the horizon of this year as it dawns.  I anticipate becoming an aunt twice-over during the course of the year, plans for my own future may be taking a turn as through a process of reflection and revision I continue to refine the distinction between my 'job' and my 'work', and as I've settled into a continuum of care due to my stable work situation and the benefits afforded to me, I anticipate further changes in eating and lifestyle resulting in improved health and vitality! 

Stay-tuned as the exciting adventures unfold!

Delicious Discoveries

I have been cooking quite a bit more this year than I have, well, probably ever before.

Some delicious, healthy food has been created in my kitchen, consumed by myself, and in cherished occasions, shared with friends.

A local, family-owned restaurant was brought to my attention by a neighbor recently.

I would like to share the link to their site, in the event you are in the area, and would rather not cook! The chef here makes his noodles by hand and he is happy to adjust recipes to suit your tastes!

http://ironhorsechinese.blogspot.com/

Steampunk Explorations

It is my intention this year to host a steampunk tea party.

I am amassing a collection here of links to steampunk themed websites to assist in the formation of this creative endeavor!

BrassGoggleForum
StClaireAeronauts

Happy New Year!

Ok, so we're nearing the end of January, but we DID just celebrate the Chinese New Year and I haven't posted yet this year, so I am extending the salutation here and now.

It has been awhile since my last post, but rather than a re-cap of what has passed, I elect to offer an assessment of what is present.

I am happily in a new home, with good neighbors, within biking distance of my new job!

Lots of newness, right before the winter set-in. The cold can only keep me still for so long and my mind is already starting to expand into what Spring will bring!

2012 is the year of the Dragon, the prophesied 'end of an age' as per the Mayan calendar, and I for one have been feeling the call for several months now toward 'making all things new'.

Into what does this translate? For me, it means focusing on home and fashioning it into a restorative place, a place where my body and mind can rest, stretch, and expand into new and creative directions. Repairs have been made, furniture rearranged and added, and the whole place cleaned top-t0-bottom in anticipation of the New Year celebration.

The start of the year brought about changes in my eating habits. I have already begun to see changes in my physical being as a result. My schedule has changed yet again with the start of my Ceramics class two nights a week. My social scene is changing as I make time with friends a priority, while increasing my flexibility and letting go of expectations to a greater extent than ever before.

I am seeking the gentle, the patient, the enthusiastic, the vital, the reverent, the helpful, the best in everyone I encounter. We often find what we look for in others, and in the process, we can't help but reflect the same.

Welcome 2012! Welcome Dragon year! Welcome to new and to gently used, to travelers and settlers, to hard work and the joy of playful, earnest living!