Time to Say Goodbye!

It has been an unforgettable summer & now my school recess has come to an abrupt stop.  I never imagined I would enjoy blogging this much! I had a very long checklist of things I wanted to do after my Physical therapy internship ended & I believe I completed about 80% of them...I can live with that.  

Leaving this stage is bittersweet because I realize next summer I will have a longer clinical rotation & a position paper to work on.  I would say I used my time to the best of my abilities & now it is time to move on.   I am grateful for the extra time I had to spend with my husband, church body, & friends. Thanks to those who took the time to read my blog posts! I appreciated the comments as well.

I will miss free time, but resolve to be content as I begin my first day of classes as a 2nd year P.T. student. (tomorrow).  Thank you God for the blessing of having these past two months to enjoy You, nature, people & pastimes!Summer, it's been real. I doubt I will have much time to blog this Fall so until then blogger world!

Mastering the Kenmore

I sure have a lot to learn about sewing. Lisa came over to make something for her baby & I would have been lost without her help to get the thread where it needed to be! The next project I started with the help of Nicole  (on her sewing machine), but I cannot yet reveal what it is!

Unfortunately, I did not start or finish much of what I desired to this summer.  Let's say, I still find the whole process intimidating...but I won't give up just yet & hopefully I can find time on a holiday here or there to resume my work.

Meet Vito

One of my goals this summer was to get my guitar fixed (which was actually my brother's first guitar which he so generously gave me after getting a new one). T.J. helped me with that process & it only costed $7.00!

We pulled off a sticker on the front which took off some of the finish, so I drew something & Mod Podged it over the defect (no better band-aid than an Italian mustache). I have renamed the guitar Vito after the Godfather. Although I did not get far in learning more chords, I have added a few to my practice: Em, D, F#, G, C, Am. Thank you Aunt Judi for my awesome Guitar Bible!

I hope to perfect them enough to play this new favorite song of mine:

Succulents, the only plants that survive the heat

Thank you Northridge Oasis Project for contributing to our new window adornment (Where the heat is most intense...not for the weary (plants)). With a touch of Jeff's hydroponic solution, one flower bud has already bloomed!

Reality T.V.

I am a little sheepish about having been addicted to two shows this summer: Expedition Impossible & So You Think You Can Dance. The reason being...I don't ever want something to be a master over me (besides Christ of course). Watching T.V. can be all-consuming, but when seen in moderation it can galvanize one's thoughts, ideas or aspirations. So, I didn't like the "reality" aspect of either, but loved the adventure, culture, and art in both. All that to say I am happy I saw them & that they ended well. Do you ever wonder what will happen to the winners?
 

I think of how fame might affect them, their families, and their social orbit. Based on interviews, it seems like Melanie Moore  has a strong conviction to stay humble and not let fame control her.  The team Modern Gypsies, on the other hand, are taking advantage of their place in the spotlight by promoting charity opportunities.  How much control will they really have though? How would someone like them keep the attention/accomplishment from going to their heads & how much privacy will they lose? The famous will always keep me musing.
   

Thyme-Scented White Bean Cassoulet

I believe this French crock pot recipe is a keeper. The downside is that it takes a lot of preparation, but once it is in the cooker, excellent taste is guaranteed. Don't forget a side of french bread!  And what was my favorite part in the process? Steaming the parsnip! It smelled delicious. If I was an inventor I would immediately create parsnip scented candles.

Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, 1 1/2 cups (1/2 inch thick) slices diagonally cut carrot, 1 cup slices of diagonally cut parsnip, 2 garlic cloves minced, 3 cups cooked Great northern beans, 3/4 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1(28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 bay leaf, 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup (1oz) grated fresh Parmesan cheese (I used Kraft), 2 tbs butter, melted, 2 links frozen meatless(I used pork) Italian sausage (such as Boca) thawed & chopped , 2 tbs chopped fresh parsley.

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, parsnip, and garlic, cover and cook 5 minutes.

2. Place parsnip mixture in a 5-quart electric slow cooker. Add beans and next 6 ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaf.

3. Combine breadcrumbs, cheese, and butter in a small bowl, toss with a fork until moist. Stir breadcrumb mixture and sausage into bean mixture (I put the raw sausage in at the beginning), sprinkle with parsley.

Yield: 6 servings (1 1/3 cups)

1 Corinthians 1: A Chapter Full of Gems

I forgot what was in 1 Corinthians & my how love for Christ Jesus has grown after reading it again! I often think God's design for life is peculiar. If man made the world & patterned history, it would look very different--it would be catastrophic! The thought & purpose that God has put into each thing He has created astounds me.

"but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong," (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Why?

"so that no man may boast before God." (vs 29)

"Let Him Who boasts, boast in the Lord" (vs 31b)   .... & this is my very prayer.

"Like Trees in November"

One of my husband's favorite books is Watership Down by Richard Adams. He suggested we read it together this summer & at first I found it boring, however, now that we are deeper into the heart of the novel, my interest grows.  It is unlike any book I have ever read due to the interacting characters being rabbits.

They are not personified rabbits either (as I am accustomed to in children's stories). The protagonists speak through animal instinct & carry themselves likewise. They even have their own language/terms for activities or their surroundings such as "silflay" which means to go above the ground to feed & "Elil" signifying man or animal that is harmful.

Their names are also endearing: Fiver, Hazel, Blackberry, Silver, Dandelion, Pipkin etc.

To give you an idea of what I am describing here is one of my favorite parts:

"I should be sorry to quarrel over it, " said Hazel firmly, "but some of us need to silflay. We're used to it, and rain doesn't bother us."

     Cowslip seemed taken aback for a moment. Then he laughed. The phenomenon of laughter is unknown to animals; though it is possible that dogs and elephants may have some inkling of it. The effect on Hazel and Blackberry was overwhelming. Hazel's first idea was that Cowslip was showing the symptom of some kind of disease..." (Page 93)

(It is no wonder, in light of their perspective of the "strange" rabbit, that Pipkin says they remind him of Trees in November. )




  

Mouth-watering Manjar

Manjar, is a milk caramel sauce commonly used in Chilean desserts. It is made from sweetened condensed milk. All you have to do is remove the label from a sweetened condensed milk can, place the can in a pot, cover it with water, & boil for two hours.

Boiling the can longer will produce a darker & thicker manjar. Both kinds are great. I discovered that my manjar (boiled 2 hours) was perfect for dipping green apples in! Try it!

Woodland Coasters

One thing Jeff & I did not think to put on our wedding registry is drink coasters. So, in an effort to preserve the kitchen table my dad refurnished, I have tried my hand at making some. It was difficult to decide how to decorate them.

I have recently become fond of forest animals due to the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox & book Watership Down.  I found online sketches, printed them out & Mod Podged them to tiles (which I purchased at Lowe's for 19 cents/tile). I added felt circles (2 dollars for a pack of 20) to the bottom of each so that they will not leave skid marks.

So, below you will see: A fox, a rabbit ( which reminds me of Fiver, a character in Watership Down), a barn owl, a bear, and a chinchilla (an animal native to Chile). I am happy with the end result & only hope they are as functional as they are attractive. We'll see...

Expedition Impossible:A Holmquist Favorite

If you like the show The Amazing Race, I am pretty sure you would go for this new ABC program. Expedition Impossible is an extreme outdoors competition that takes place in Morocco, Africa. Each team is composed of three people. Each stage of the competition has physical & mental challenges. In past episodes there has been hiking, repelling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, riding Arabian stallions & camels etc.

I like that the problem solving challenges usually incorporate Moroccan culture. It is also neat to see one of the teams compete with a blind teammate! He is pretty awesome to watch.  Our two favorite teams are No Limits & The Gypsies & we are hoping the latter wins all ($50,000 dollars & an Expedition Explorer for each!). Check it out if you can. It airs every Thursday, but for those without cable (such as me) tune in on Friday or Saturday to hulu.com

P.S. Jeff wants to get on next season's show so if you hear they are doing casting let me know!

Itunes is no longer burning a whole in my pocket!

"Ladies & Gentleman I now present my new gift card purchases: Beirut's new album The Rip Tide & select songs from Page cxvi's albums Hymns I, Hymns II, & Hymns III". I got an itunes gift card for Christmas & just now made up my mind on what to buy--Be proud!

Two favorites:

Mote Con Huesillos

This Chilean drink/dessert is a summertime favorite & a very simple recipe. It is also the first thing I have made from my Chilean cookbook. If I was ambitious, I would start a blog about trying to make each of its recipes like Julie Powell. Mote (a wheat or barley) con Huesillos (peaches) is cooked together with water, sugar & cinnamon sticks until the peaches become soft. After chilled in the fridge it is ready for a sip/bite--Ahhh!

A Midas touch

The full length mirror in our room had a black frame, but I turned it to gold! It was nothing a bit of spray paint couldn't fix, thanks to the help of my friend Brittany Grant. I feel pretty rich now that I know I can turn anything to gold.

"You say Goodbye & I say Hello"

Unfortunately the plant on our bookshelf could not be revived (R.I.P.), but say hello to the new addition: a crimson Bromeliad, specifically a Guzmania! This was a housewarming gift from the Gappers. I am comforted to read "Never direct sunlight" on the care instructions.

Looking to the Hills

Exercise is something I try to incorporate into every day. So many benefits: health, emotion, energy, sleep, metabolism, strength and stamina. It is very unmotivating, however, when you are trying to work out in the heat! Lately, swimming has become a favorite for this reason, but nothing quite compares to hiking in the great outdoors.  It is best shared with a friend or loved one & a good time to talk to God.  I love being out in His creation while raising my heart rate.  More than a distraction from physical pain or fatigue it is an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine.

Why Were We Created?

We were created to worship.

Psalm 96 makes this clear. This Psalm is full of commands: "Sing", "Proclaim", "Tell", "Ascribe", "Bring", "Worship", "Tremble", "Say", and "Let". The tone is appropriate because God is the only one worthy of this attention & praise.  Man was created with an innate desire to worship something with all his heart, skills, and time. Sadly, this place of worship meant for God alone, is often given to other people or interests. I long to give Him the glory He is due by proclaiming good tidings of His salvation from day to day (vs 2). He made man, the earth, & salvation from sin a free gift---He IS worthy!


Things we should give/do according to the Psalmist:
"a new song" (vs 1)
"bless His name" (vs 2)
"Tell of His glory among the nations" (vs 3)
"Ascribe glory & strength" (vs 8)
"Bring an offering & come into His courts" (vs 8)
"Worship in holy attire" (vs 9)
"Tremble before Him" (vs 9)
say "The Lord reigns" (vs 10)

Commands to Creation :

"Let the heavens be glad...the earth rejoice" (vs11)
"Let the sea roar" (vs 11)
"Let the field exult" (vs 12)
"all the trees of the forest will sing for joy" (vs 12)

"The Circus Sets Up"

Dance is mesmerizing.  It's not just the choreography that can take a spectator's breath or provoke goosebumps, but the costumes, makeup, lighting, music & theatrical flair that make a performance captivating. I like the feel of this particular dance for its dream-like quality & antique circus theme.

Living in the sprawl

It is amazing what kind of influence music can have. It stirs up & it calms down. What I like most is when it inspires & for some reason I find driving at night must partner with music's trance. Maybe I find it romantic, surreal or time-halting. Cities are good for this.  I especially like when Jeff drives & we listen to arcade fire (the one band who has satisfied us with every album) because we fly over the road. Lights streak, windows melt & wind frees your hair.

Favorite Sprawl II lyrics:

"...late at night the feelings swim to the surface"

"Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They're calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl"

"...someone please cut the lights"


"We rode our bikes to the nearest park
Sat under the swings and kissed in the dark"

"And like a mirror, the city lights shine "

I'll write you a letter.

The definition of a pastime is "something that amuses and serves to make time pass agreeably : diversion". One of mine this summer is writing letters. It is somewhat of a "lost art" don't you think? I was a little doubtful that I would have anything more to write than the obvious, knowing that many of my friends & connections read my Facebook & blog & I theirs...quite the opposite! So many other things...deeper things come out when penning each word about my life's happenings (or inquiring about theirs). I enjoy the use of adjectives, am more creative in describing events, weather, or circumstances...putting more skill into the format of my letter as well.


I don't know why, but I have always liked making my own cards to write upon...one person's scraps are my treasures. It is much like crafting a masterpiece for each recipient--brings me much joy. So, if you would like to know what I mean, try writing one yourself or ask me to write you:)

The Joys of an old book

See anything strange in the print? (something you wouldn't find in an e-book. Long live physical pages!)

"Because He Loves Me"

Because He loves me is a book by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick which keeps bringing me back to what compels me in life: Christ's love. Yes, God is wrathful, just & holy, but He also loved the world enough to give it His only Son to save people from sin. I hope to never stop being overwhelmed by this act of sacrifice. This is the gospel & this is what true Christianity is powered by. Fitzpatrick says it well:

"True Christianity is not a program of self-improvement; it's an acknowledgment that something more than self-improvement is needed. What's needed is death and resurrection: gospel power--a loving Redeemer." (pg. 25)

"The Big Brag"

Dr. Seuss books have a special place in my heart. I love the illustrations, clever lines, & imaginative stories. There are so many I still have never read including The Big Brag. I checked out this book to read to some kids Jeff & I babysat, but we didn't quite make it to the last two stories (this book had three) so Jeff read it to me on a walk to the library.

Lesson learned: Do not boast of your strengths

Take A Morning Walk

Jeff & I went camping in the mountains near Big Bear Lake. Just $30.00 for an adventure pass, but no fee for this first come first serve campsite. See my Facebook for more photos.  I took a video of the walk to our camp grounds. It was taken early in the morning. Hope the shake doesn't make you sick!

Finished Bathroom!

The front of the frames are still a little wet, but dry enough to hang up!   Voila!

A Conversation with the Living God

Our community group at church is studying Habbakuk, a book of the Bible in which a prophet asks God hard questions & God answers. God's answers, however, are difficult for Habbakuk to accept. I really appreciate the prophet's approach:

"...I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, and how I may reply when I am reproved" (Chp 2:1)

Habbakuk prepares his heart for the Lord's response. How often do I purpose to do that? Habbakuk sees the wickedness of Judah & asks: Why? The Lord says he will use the Chaldeans, a more wicked nation, to punish Judah. God reminds Habbakuk that He has the ultimate control over these nations:

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Chp2:14)


"But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (Chp2:20)

What an awesome God to serve! One who does not tolerate wickedness & injustice.

Baby Steps

Let me explain...Jeff & I sort of have this yearly pact going that will supposedly prepare us for the responsibility of raising children (the real reason is that we have so much school to finish before having kids that we have to have hobbies in the meantime;).  It started out as a joke & then became fact. It goes like this-start by caring for living things that are low-maintenance & slowly build the level of responsibility each year. So marriage year #1 which we just completed in June was the year of no dependents. Year #2: Plants! My sister-in-law Jenn was nice enough to give us some plants when her & Adam moved to Ohio:

Plant#1 This one here only needs its water changed

ever so often & now reflects the words on Caitlin's

painting

Plant #2

 

Plant #3: has soil so I MUST remember to water it

Recent Decorations

I am pleased to say that I have finally hung up our wedding & family pictures. Take a look!

Once again, I have changed the contents of the boxes in our living room for summer:

Moved the print of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night over the Rhône to the back of couch to make room for other art in the kitchen. We can see it from our dinner table & imagine we are under the stars:

Pages from the children's book Cloudy with A Chance of Meatballs
are framed next to the fridge. Breakfast, lunch, & dinner catastrophes are framed respectively from top to bottom:

This new addition hanging over the piano is a turkish lamp brought back from Turkey by my brother T.J.. Jeff did a good job wiring it so that we can easily switch it on & off:

                                                                                         How the colors change!

Graphic Design Print by Devin Dailey, My family, Jeff's family at our wedding, us:

Collage Hanging over our bed:wedding party, rings, vows, us, back of my wedding dress, painting of our engagement by T.J.:

"Hanna", a nice surprise

I was not dying to see the relatively new movie Hanna after watching a preview, but it intrigued me enough to see it at a 3 dollar theater. I ended up liking it quite a bit...good plot, character development, cinematography, and soundtrack (in my opinion). Here is a link to a free "listen" (click Play All after link opens).

"Summertime & the Livin' is Easy"

There is nothing like a little Billie Holiday jazz in the summer heat. If you are going to sweat, do it with Class.

Clover, feather, dandelion, leaf.

I have many projects I would love to start & finish this summer for our small apartment. A little more decorating & some organizing are the biggest goals. My first completed project is for our bathroom which has somewhat of a forest on the coast theme. It consists of four square-shaped white frames(which I painted a deep & bright blue-my favorite color!) displaying raw nature itself on cardboard squares.

Anyone would have laughed at me had they seen me carefully cupping the dandelion (now framed) on the way back up to my apartment. Oh-what a feeling of satisfaction to have finished something! The downside is that I happen to be one of the most impatient artists I know. I only had oil paints which is what I used which basically means these may not be dry for 3 weeks. At least Jeff stopped me from hanging them on the walls (I've done this before). What would I do without a reasonable man in my life?

Would you like a Cup of paint? I must add that painting again was just as reviving as a cup of tea.

Tandem Bike Night

Newly weds often goes hand-in-hand with the word "Cheap". It does not stop Jeff & I from going on dates, however, so I thought I would keep a record of some of the good ones;)We try to have date night once a week so this is what the last one consisted of:

1. Borrowing a tandem bike from friends of ours (free)
2. Reading Watership Down on a blanket under a tree (free)
2. Borrowing the movie It Happened One Night (free)
3. Breyer's Oreo Cookie & Cream mint ice cream ($4.00)

Credit to flickriver.com



The best part of the night was definitely the biking! We wandered throughout neighborhoods as the sun went down. The cool evening breeze made it all the more enjoyable as well as the looks on the faces of pedestrians we passed---try it!

Wisdom from Charlotte Bronte

I have taken on Jane Eyre this summer (which has been recommended many a time by friends, but the movie actually convinced me-lame huh?) & am pleased with it so far. It sure has depth. Today I found these parts thought provoking:


"...I am far younger than you, and I could not bear it." (says Jane regarding punishment)
(Helen responds) "Yet it would be your duty to bear it, if you could not avoid it: it is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear." - from page 67


Helen again: "Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs.  We are, and must be, one and all, burdened with faults in this world: but the time will soon come when, I trust, we shall put them off in putting off our corruptible bodies; when debasement and sin will fall from us with this cumbrous frame of flesh, and only the spark of the spirit will remain,"- pg70-71