Making Pretty Things!

I must preface this post with the disclaimer: I started writing this more than a year-and-a-half ago, so the things in it are true, however outdated the timing might be!

One of the things I love most in life is creating pretty things. I love painting, writing poetry and music, designing and sewing something, building things, and on-and-on! Making things and refurbishing and beautifying old things can make a person's surroundings brighter and happier.

The power of Creation is one of the most amazing and useful gifts we have been given in this life.

As a mother, sharing in the Power of Creation with our Father in Heaven has blessed my life in so many ways that I could never enumerate them all. If you are a mother, then you already know. If not, there is no way anyone can make you truly understand.

The Power of Creation does not just reside in the ability to have children, however, and there are many ways to discover and share this with those around you.

In the past little while, I have been working on my daughter, Amanda's, wedding dress. It has been a challenge, but a very happy one. She was supposed to be able to come to Arizona so I could measure and fit her for the dress, but, this turned out to be impossible. This left me with the task of not only designing the dress, but creating the pattern and cutting and sewing it, without the benefit of her current measurements. Luckily, I seem to have a tape measure in my head, enabling me to literally calculate EXACTLY from my remembrance of her figure, just the right size/length for everything.

I prayed for guidance, then drew out the pattern on paper, and cut the fabric. As I sewed it together, I know my mind and hands were guided by inspiration. I will admit that I am a pretty great seamstress - having designed or sewn pretty much anything that can be made with a sewing machine, in my lifetime. However, this particular project was something that could not fail - it had to be right, and PERFECT!

As I put together the different sections of the dress - the sleeves, bodice, and skirt, I was so pleased with how they were coming together. I sent pictures to Amanda, and she LOVED them! This was the most important part - that the recipient, my beautiful daughter - would be able to wear this and it would be THE DRESS that she had always envisioned herself wearing for her wedding. But, the acid test still awaited. It had to fit!

Marily and Mark were so kind as to buy me a one-way plane ticket, so I could leave for the wedding a few days early to finish the dress in El Paso. I took the dress there in two pieces - top and bottom - so I could alter or adjust as needed, before sewing them together and putting in the zipper. I was so grateful, when she tried it on, that it FIT - EXACTLY!!!! All I needed to do was to finish putting it together. This was a good thing, since I ended up needing the time it would have taken to make alterations to also make a slip to go under it, and oh - no biggie - do the flowers for the wedding! Well, it's a good thing I've had a lot of practice at those things, but I'm also very thankful for the talents I was given, that I am able to do these things, and that I can share them in this way with my family, and my daughter's new family, in such a meaningful way.

Creating new and beautiful new things - or taking old things and re-making them to be beautiful and useful again - these are gifts that God has given to all. They may be expressed in many different ways, for different people, but all of us have the ability to see and create new things in this world.

If you have not written, painted, drawn, built, or designed anything recently - give it a try. There is a divine sense of joy and personal fulfillment that comes with making or fixing something and sharing it with the world around you that helps us to understand a little more about God, and how He feels joy from the creation of this world, and especially the creation of US, His Earthly Masterpieces.

So, go sew something, write something, draw something, or just buy a kit and put it together! See how fun it is to add a new and beautiful thing to your world!

Go forth, and create!

Day 19 of Thanks: I'm Thankful for Puppies!

Well, I didn't get much sleep Tuesday night. At 3:15, I awoke to the sound of my poor Sugar Baby crying. Yes, dogs can cry. She has been expecting puppies any day, and was in the process of having the first one. It took a few more minutes, and right after the first one, came the second.



And, yes, I helped. I'm actually a pretty good doggy midwife. Over the next few hours, she and I worked and slept a little, but by 6:45, there were 6 absolutely adorable, tiny dachshunds.

Sugar baby has had puppies before, and she is a very excellent mother dog. In fact, she is such a good mommy, that in order to coerce her to go out for her regular walk now, I have to carry the puppies along, or she won't go. I put a towel in a bucket I use for mopping, and she'll go happily along, as long as she's sure I have the puppies with us.

That daddy is George, another mini-dachshund, who lives here in the mobile home park. His owner, Matt, does not have any children of his own, so George is his baby, and these are George's first babies. Matt is extremely happy to be a doggy "grandpa." He even complained that he didn't have any cigars to hand out for the babies, but I told him I thought jerky sticks would be more appropriate. I don't know if he will actually hand out cigars or jerky, or not.

Sugar is a good-natured dog, and her past puppies have been the same. I have kept in touch with some of those who have purchased a puppy, and all are extremely happy with their new family members. I'll keep you posted with new puppy pictures.

Day of Thanks 18: Thanks for Good Friends!

Today was a good day. I got to go to school, and I got to spend time with friends.

I love school and learning, and one of the things I have loved most, is the new friends I have made in my various classes, and just being in and around the campus. I have made many new and great friends. From study partners in some of my classes, to people I've met in various capacities of the business side of school, and on to quite a few of my teachers.

I have also met and made several great friends where I am living. It's really a great neighborhood. I live in a mobile home park, and my neighbors are very friendly and look out for one another.

As I walk the dog, I meet many other residents doing the same. I have really enjoyed the atmosphere, here. I have had people volunteer to help me move furniture around, some have invited me to dinner, and a couple of people have volunteered to help with any fix-up things I might need. Pretty much, I can do all of that stuff myself, but it's usually more enjoyable when you have a work partner.

Anyway, I think people are what life is all about; and people you care about and who care about you, are what make life worth living . . . so,

YAY for good friends!

Day 17: I'm Thankful for Animals

Growing up, our family always had animals around. My dad was a school teacher, but he had been raised on a farm in Chandler, and farm life was in his blood. When I was a child, we had chickens, cows, horses, a sheep, a pig, raised calves for beef to eat, and various cats and dogs along the way.

I loved helping my dad with the animals. I helped shear the sheep, feed the chickens and gather eggs. I loved helping dad exercise the horses, and even got to help with the birth of foal at 3:00 a.m., when I was about 12. I now have only one cat and one dog, and that is definitely enough, since having your pets stay home all day without you is probably not very fun for them, but at least they have each other. Linsey (the cat) and Sugar Baby (the dog) are very great friends, and even chase each other around the house sometimes.

I think we were given animals to help us learn about being kind, loving, and unselfish. A dog is totally devoted to its master. And a cat will lay on your lap and purr, even when you've had a really bad day, and somehow make a lot of the bad things seem not-so-much. It has been proven that animals help elderly and sick people feel better, and be happier. Animals can sense when a person is lonely, or sad, and can even predict seizures, or sniff out illnesses such as cancer or diabetes. They really pretty amazing creatures, and the world would not be nearly as interesting or fun without them.

Now, my dog is about ready to have puppies, so I will have quite a group of pets after that, for a little while. I don't plan to keep any of them. I'm looking forward to the puppies. They are so cute and so fun, and Sugar loves being a mom. And, she's a great mom, too. I'll keep you posted.

16th Day of Thanks: I'm Thankful for Talents!

Today, I am grateful for the talents I have been given. I was blessed with many talents. I'm not even sure that I know yet, what they all are, but I'm getting there.

One of the joys of my life is learning. As I've grown up, progressed, and learned about myself, I have to say that my love of "doing" is one of my favorite things about myself.

As it just so happens, I've been working on Amanda's wedding dress. From the original concept to the current incarnation, the design has been discussed, re-discussed, envisioned from pictures, sketches, and a dress off the internet. All-in-all, it has been a process that has led us (Amanda and me) to designing what I believe we both feel will be the "Perfect Dress" for Amanda. It's nearly finished, and she will be coming here from El Paso, soon, so we can fit it and finish it.

I'm so grateful for the ability and love for sewing that I have, that I have been able to do these kinds of things for my children. Here are a couple of pictures, modeled by my roommate, Alma.

Day 15 of Thanks! Thanks for the Night!

It seems I've gotten into a pattern of doing my "Thanks" a day . . . after. I was going to say "late," but then I realized that sometimes one has to finish living through the day, before one knows what to be thankful for, for that day.

So, yesterday (night) I decided I was thankful for night. Now, any of you who know me, know exactly how much I like sleeping (NOT). But, I DO like the nighttime, however. It's quiet (most of the time). Nobody calls to interrupt what you're doing, and you can read, play games, or work on projects without so many things to get you sidetracked. I enjoy the time for reflection or watching a good movie, also.

Yes, it's more fun to have someone to spend time with, but when you don't have that someone, night doesn't have to be boring, depressing, or lonely. It can be a time to organize your thoughts about what you have to do for the coming day, relax and do absolutely nothing for a while, or just actually sleep, if you so choose. Z-z-z-z-z

Day of Thanks 14: I'm Thankful to Get to Hang Out With Grandchildren

Now, I know most families use the term "babysitting" when the grandparents are watching the grandkiddies for awhile. In our family, we don't.

When I get the pleasure of spending time with the grandkids "sans parents," I'm hanging out with them, playing with them, and enjoying their company. Yes, if they are in bed sleeping, I read or watch TV or a movie; but if they are awake, I'm watching a video they want to watch, playing trains or puzzles with them, or reading a book to them.

I loved having little ones in
my home when my children were small, although it may not always have seemed like it to them. I don't have the full-time privilege these days, but I cherish any time I get to spend with little children now, especially my grandchildren.

Their brilliant, funny, and insightful comments are always such a treat. Their generous hugs and kisses are beyond priceless. I know it's been said that "If I had known grandchildren were so wonderful, I'd have had them first," and that saying is as old as the hills, and twice as dusty. But I believe that grandchildren are the BIG REWARD for all we go through as a parent, to raise THEIR parents.

There are very few things in this world that are worth that much effort, love, time, and dedication, but raising children properly has some amazing rewards. Watching them grow and become happy and successful is one of them. Watching them become parents and go through some of the same things you did with them, is another. And, being there to see, and hold, and play with those grandchildren is, so far, the greatest reward!

And, now I have 9, count 'em, 9 grandchildren! Amazing!

Thanks, Day 13: My Lucky Number!

Well, we're almost halfway to 30. Hard to believe - Thanksgiving will be here in just 2 weeks from today, with Christmas and a whole new year, right on its heels. Unbelievable, but true.

Anyway, today, I'm thankful for chocolate. A friend in my Microeconomics class learned on Tuesday that he was accepted to Columbia University for the spring semester. I made a pan of dark chocolate brownies with my famous cream cheese frosting, and the class celebrated his acceptance, and the birth of my newest grandchild, Heidi. It may be coincidental that these two events took place on the same day, but it made a good excuse for eating chocolate brownies during class.

Now, I know that chocolate has been blamed for things like weight gain and pimples, but it also has the reputation of being an aphrodesiac, as well as an emotional support for single people. I'm just saying that it doesn't really matter what people may say about it - the fact is -

CHOCOLATE IS SO VERY YUMMY!
It feeds the senses, as well as the tummy.
In milk, dark, mint, tinted, or white,
Chocolate is a tasty, heavenly delight!
Yay for Chocolate!

The world would be a much less happy and interesting place without chocolate.

Day 12: "Dozens" of Days of Thanks

As this is the twelfth day of thanks, I thought it would be nice to be thankful for things that come in dozens. Now, granted, some things that used to be sold only by the dozen, are sold in other increments, and hard to find by the dozen now. A prime example of this is flour tortillas. It's pretty difficult to find a package with a dozen. Most come with 10 tortillas in the package. I guess I'm somewhat "old school" about some things, so I purposely look for, and ONLY buy packages that come with a dozen tortillas. I feel that if we all cave, soon, there will only be packages of 10.

Then, there are eggs. I don't think they will ever change the main standard amount of eggs from a dozen to something else, however; many stores also sell cartons with either 6 or 18 eggs, but this is still a derivative of the original dozen. Cookies come to mind, as well, although, nowadays, most people want a lot more cookies than 12 in a package. Rolls, doughnuts, and a few other things still come in dozens.

In the time of Christ, as well as now, there were and are 12 apostles. Seems like if it's good enough for the Savior, it ought to be good enough for the rest of us.

There are 12 months in the year, and 12 signs of the Zodiac. Many things still come in dozens. 12 is a good number.

My favorite thing that is sold by the dozen is flowers. A bunch of wild spring flowers, or beautiful roses, is still sold by the dozen, and I know very few people that don't absolutely LOVE getting flowers, no matter how impractical and temporary they are. A gift of roses shows the receiver that they are cared for by the giver. That can never be a bad thing.

Thanks Day 11/11 - Heidi is Here!

Well, grandchild number 9! Wow!!! How hard is that to wrap my brain around! Heidi Louise Lamoreaux has arrived.

She was born on Veterans' Day, at 7:16 a.m. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. and nearly 21 inches long, she has cute little pudgy cheeks and lots of dark, wavy hair. I don't know what color her eyes are, since she never opened them while we (the family) were visiting her. I went with Marily, and Jeremiah went with Kerami, so we were all there at the same time. I got the honor of holding Heidi first, and that love that you feel for your own newborns is multiplied ten times over when you hold your grandchild. It's Amazing! Great Job, Bethany and Daryl! She is adorable and spectacular!

Next, Jeremiah got a turn. He commented that it was the very first newborn he had been able to hold. It sure seems hard to believe, since he has eight other nieces and nephews, but it's true. Then Kerami held Heidi and was rubbing her back. As she did this, Heidi was murmuring and sighing. Kerami said, "Hey guys. She purrs!" Pretty funny! Then Marily had her turn, and then I got another turn. Yay!

On previous days, I've been thankful for ancestors and predescessors. Today, I'm so grateful for posterity. And, I'm very proud of my children and grandchildren. Can you tell?

Thanks, Day 10 - I'm Thankful for a Place To Live

Today, I'm sick again. Yesterday's 70+ mile-per-hour winds were NOT my friend. All the junk in the air is my enemy. So, today, I'm home in bed. So, today, I'm grateful for a place to call my own. It's pretty difficult to make ends meet sometimes, especially when you're a single older lady and a full-time college student. I'm grateful I've found a place that is within my very limited budget, with a roommate that is a very sweet, special LDS lady. I'm grateful that I have a fairly good working knowledge of the Spanish language, since she speaks very little English. I'm grateful that I am learning so much more about the language, and I'm able to help her as she is learning English.

My roommate's name is Alma. That means "soul" in Spanish. She has a very sweet spirit about her, and her name is very fitting to her personality. She's a very sweet person to live with. Our place is small, but cozy and comfortable. I have my own room, and my own comfy bed. I have a place to work on my sewing, although most crafty-type stuff has to be done outside, since the place is so small. I'm grateful that it is fairly simple to get to school from here, as the bus stop is directly in front of and across from the park entrance. The church building is only a few minutes' walk. If I want to go to downtown Tempe, there is the free Orbit bus, which will probably also be the bus I take to school next year, when I transfer to ASU for my last two years of school.

The past 2 years have been pretty tough, but the Lord is mindful of me, and always provides what I really need, even though sometimes I have to wait until the last minute to know just what that is. At any rate, I have a place to live, and I'm grateful for it.

The Sabbath Day is So Fine! I'm Thankful - Day Nine

Today, although I've been sick and didn't go to church, I'm thankful for the blessing of being able to choose to attend. I'm thankful for good and conscientious people, who left the security of their European homelands to come to a primitive and untamed land, in order to provide themselves and all future generations the blessing of religious freedom of choice. I'm thankful for America's Founding Fathers, who gave birth to a country that made religious freedom not just a possibility, but a reality.

I'm thankful for a boy prophet who, having been taught righteous principles, had lived worthy to receive, translate, and give to the world the truths of the restored Gospel. I'm grateful for ancestors who listened to missionaries in their homeland of Denmark, and then left all they had to cross not just the ocean, but the plains and wilderness of America, to settle and build a life here in the western North America. And, I'm thankful for a grateful heart. And, I'm thankful I was taught by my parents to give thanks.

Thanks Day 8: I Think Weekends Are Great!!!

Yay, today is Saturday! I'm so glad to have a day off from school, and the normal things of the week. That doesn't mean I don't have any homework. That doesn't go away on the weekend, but I at least have some flexible time that I can schedule in things like cleaning, sorting through boxes, and working on Amanda's Dress. Only 5 weeks left until the wedding. Hard to believe.

When I was a kid, my mom tried to teach us that Saturday was for cleaning, and Sunday was for church. I totally subscribe to the church part, but I'm still not too thrilled about the idea of spending all day Saturday cleaning. I try to do the cleaning throughout the week, as I go, so there isn't much of it left to do on the weekend.

I believe weekends are for recharging your physical and emotional batteries; and working on things that make you happy, so the hard work stuff you have to do during the rest of the week is easier to feel good about. Weekends are for tackling projects, and getting together with friends and family.

Weekends are for going to church on Sunday and recharging yourself spiritually, to be able to be in the big, bad world, without being damaged by it. Weekends are for taking a nap, and visiting on the phone to catch up with loved ones.

The weekdays would be a lot more difficult to get through without the weekends to make it worth it.

YAY for Weekends.

On Day 7, I'm Thankful for Heaven!

I'm so very glad that I have the knowledge that there really is a heaven, and we are originally from there. But, the greatest thing I am grateful for is the knowledge that we can go back there someday.

I'm thankful for a Father in Heaven and a Saviour who love me, and know who I am, and are always there to help me when I need help, love me when I need more love, and teach me when I need to learn. I'm so grateful to know these things.

Day 6 of Thanks: Thanks For a Beautiful Place to Live!

I missed posting yesterday, but I don't intend to forget to be thankful for it (yesterday, that is). The weather was perfect, so that's what I'm thankful for on day 6 -- GREAT WEATHER! We live in such a beautiful state, Arizona, and yes, we have some FIERCE weather in the summertime. But, in the winter (more like spring or fall in much of the country) we have the most amazingly beautiful days - sunny and bright, sometimes with a slight breeze, and a bit nippy in the mornings and evenings.

We are now into the holiday season. Halloween has passed. Thanksgiving is coming in 3 weeks from today (Thursday), and slightly more than 2 weeks later, we have a WEDDING in the family! Yeah, a wedding. Amanda is getting married. Finally, she has found a guy she has deemed worthy to be her husband. Congrats David. Now, you have a lot to live up to. I am certain, however, that you are up to the task. Now, we will have one more thing in the fall to celebrate. Along with several birthdays, this is a happy time of year.

Next, we move on to Christmas and New Year's. It's unbelievable that this year has gone so QUICKLY! I can't believe it's November, but yup, it is. In a few days, we'll have a new member of the family (Heidi), and a few weeks, another new member of the family (David).

Time to live, and such beautiful days to live through are worth being grateful for. And, living in a place where these days are so worth living in - a blessing indeed.

Day 5: I Am So Glad to Be Alive!

Today was a good day. I have spent about 5 hours-a-day this past week working on my math homework, and studying for the exam I had to take today.

Evidently, the congestive heart failure I have from when I got sick 2 years ago, causes a lack of oxygen to the brain, which is why it takes me extra time to process information like math, making it easy to do the homework, because I can take all the time I want; but frustrating to take a test, since I'm under pressure with the time limit; and I do better when I can think out loud, but I can't do that in a classroom situation.

So, I finally got approval to take the tests in the testing center. Well, Yay, now I get to take my math tests in a private room, and get 2 hours to finish. So, I actually got finished with my test today. Big Yay! I think I did okay, too.

What does this have to do with being glad to be alive? Well, EXACTLY 2 years ago, right now, I was in the hospital. I really had no idea what was in store for the rest of my life, or even if there was going to BE a rest of my life. Today, I'm glad that I am still here. I'm glad to get to spend time with my family, especially my grandchildren, one (almost 2) of whom wasn't (weren't) even alive 2 years ago. I'm glad to be able to spend time working with my girls on their various projects, and I'm very grateful to still have been here when my son returned home from his victorious mission.

I love this life! I love life! I love my life! (well, most of it anyway) Yeah, well, nothing's perfect, but I have a lot of things in my life that are REALLY GOOD!

So, Yay For Life!

Yay For Day Four! I'm Thankful I Can Vote!

And I'm with Marily, Yay for the right to vote. I hope everyone in my family got out to vote. I'm grateful for a free country, where we get to go to the polls to choose our leaders, even if the one I preferred didn't get chosen. How many countries around the world even get to vote. And, of those who do have elections, how many of those countries elect the actual leaders of the country. I don't know the statistics, but I know we Americans are in the minority.

I am also grateful for children who are politically active, and actually help promote good causes. We'll see if Mark decides to run for the Senate some day. Hmmm, Senator Mark Smith. Nice ring to it. What say, Mark???

The Third Day of Thanks! I Love School!

Well, today, the weekend is over, so it's back to school. Today, I'm thankful for school.

I'm thankful that I am able to go back to college after a long (very long) time away. Yes, I said it - I'm thankful for school. I love learning, and have sought learning in many different areas throughout my life. I'm grateful for the thirst for learning I have been blessed with. Now, I'm working toward a degree in order to start a new chapter in my life. I'm very thankful for the people who have helped make it possible for me to do so. I'm ever so grateful for people who believe in me and my ability to achieve my goals. And, I'm grateful for the renewed measure of health I've been granted in order to be able to pursue my dream.

I'm grateful for so many wonderful and interesting things to learn about and to learn to do. I'm grateful for people who love to teach. I'm grateful for the many choices for education that are available these days. I'm grateful for an inquisitive mind, and for a mind that can actually grasp the concepts I'm learning, and usually remember them.

I'm very thankful for the church's emphasis on the importance of continuous learning. I'm also extremely grateful for being given brilliant children and grandchildren. I'm so very thankful for having had, and continuing to have little children around to teach, and to learn from. I'm grateful for their example of open and eager thirst for knowledge. And, I'm grateful for the example of my parents concerning the importance of education. I'm grateful for being able to learn about spiritual things, as well as secular things.

Yay for School! And, Yay for LEARNING!!!

Thanks! Day, the Second. HOORAY for Technology!

Today is Sunday. It was also Stake Conference, with a twist. It was broadcast live, from Salt Lake - to the WHOLE state of Arizona! How cool is that?!

You all know how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE technology. This broadcast is the epitome' of a cool use of technology. I know it's really great to be able to email and chat with folks from all over the world, in the blink of an eye; but, attending a conference where the people talking to you are in another state, and all the other folks in Arizona are also in attendance, is so totally AWESOME!

That's just one of the things I'm grateful for today - technology.

Technology allows me to easily keep in touch with my oldest 2 daughters, who live in Texas. I use the internet to do research for school. My math class has all my homework online, but the class is not.

Another thing I'm thankful for today is being descended from actual pioneers who crossed the plains to settle the West, and who were willing to go to Arizona and settle, when there was nothing here but sand, cactus, gila monsters, scorpions, and not much visible water. I LOVE ARIZONA!!!

Another thing I'm grateful for today is the inspiration I took away from conference. These are a few things that struck me enough to write them down:

1) "Compare the Scriptures to 'letters from home'." We need to always remember who we are, and why we're here. By rereading these "letters from home," we can reconnect with our Father and our Savior, who love us, and are there to help us find the way back "Home."

2) "To find our way back home, we must find 'The Way.'" There truly is only ONE WAY, and most of the world around us is still searching for it. I'm so grateful for predecessors who "found" it and showed it to me.

3) "Lead, Guide, Walk Beside." If we learn to walk beside our Savior, He will lead and guide us, and enable us to do the same for others. Since none of us live in a vacuum, there are always others watching us. It is emphatic that we walk in a way that is exemplary to those around us, even if we don't realize anyone is watching. Someone is always watching.

4) "Fill up, go on, and pray again." This is a quote from a brother Dan Jones, who was one of the brethren sent to scout parts of Arizona prior to pioneers being sent to colonize in this state. I'm not sure, but since we are related to some of the Jones' by marriage, we could be indirectly related, but I AM SURE that this philosophy works.

We have so much to do, and so far to go, it is utterly impossible to carry with us all we need to make the entire journey. If we are not able to learn how to fill and refill our stores of faith, knowledge, and determination, we will not make it. Of these three, I believe determination is the most important. Without it, we may not be willing to do the work to gain the knowledge, and we may not store up enough faith to keep believing we can do it. We CAN, but not without a lot of help. Fortunately, through the gospel tools we've been given, there is always a renewable source of strength and help.

5) Last, but MOST IMPORTANT: The Gospel is TRUE. I know it. I have ALWAYS known it. Though I am imperfect, I know God has a plan for me, and will give me all the help I need to complete whatever my missions are here in this place we call earth life.

Day 1 of 30 Days of Thanks!

I got this idea from Marily, who got it from her friend, Shye. (Thank Shye for the suggestion.) I'm taking the "30 Days of Thanks" challenge.

More than anything, I'm thankful for my family, and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge it gives me that I can have my family with me forever.

All my life I wanted to be a mother. I am so grateful that the Lord blessed me with such Amazing Children, and with all my imperfections, He gave me all the help I needed to raise you. I'm grateful that all in our family are strong and healthy. I'm grateful that you all are close to each other.

I'll save the rest for succeeding days.

I'm also grateful for this great idea! ;-)

Busy, Busy

Hi all! As you know, I'm a full-time college student.
My math, econ, music history, creative drama, and
choir homework (yes, there is still homework for choir - lala) have kept me REALLY busy this semester, so I've neglected things that didn't affect my grades, when neglected. (Except for my family) I make sure to take time to spend with my kids and grandkids, hence this posting.

Last weekend, the annual Mesa Storytelling Festival took place at the Mesa Arts Center. Much of this event is FREE (my favorite price) and my Creative Drama teacher gave us Friday off from class, but we were required to go to some event at this function. Thursday and Friday were very busy days there, since kids are imported by the busloads from schools all over, to attend the event, so I chose to go on Saturday. I thought, "This is a perfect event to spend "Grama" time."

Saturday was a beautiful day. I arranged with Marily to take Dallin and Adam to the festival. We had a GREAT TIME! We listened to storytellers, took puppet-making craft classes (with free books included for the kids), and shared a blue raspberry Italian Ice. We even got our picture taken with the Target Dog. (Target is one of the big sponsors of the event, and also gave out cute "doghouse" boxes of Target animal crackers - yum.)

Then, we took the bus part-way back to their house, and Marily picked us up part-way there. It was the boys' first ride on the city bus. We ate french fries from Pete's Fish & Chips and took a picture with the Metal People, while waiting.

It was such a great day. Dallin wanted to go back the next week, but I told him the festival wouldn't be back for a year, when he would be 5. Later, he asked, "Can we go back there when I'm 5?" I'd say that's pretty much a sign he had a good time.

Create your own glittery text at pYzam.com

What's your memory of me?

What's your memory of me?

Here are the directions: (This is obviously from quite awhile ago, but memories of fun times are always good, and never old. I'd still like to get your comments.)

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty cool (and funny) to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. :) If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Borrowing Dallin's Back Yard

Iris had a Wonder Horse that she had gotten for Christmas a few years ago, but had outgrown. They decided to keep it in the family, and wanted to give it to Dallin and Adam for Christmas last year (2007). It still had a lot of life left in it, but the paint job had suffered from living outdoors for awhile. So, Amanda asked if I would refurbish it.

Amanda helped me take the whole thing apart, and then, I went to work. Sanding and repainting worked "wonders" (haha), and soon the old horse looked like a new one. Marily, Mark, and the boys declared the project a success, and Marily suggested that I might be able to fix up other horses (I think the current term for it would be "repurpose."), and resell them. I thought it sounded like a good idea, but have been pretty busy with school, since then. ("after" shots of Dallin's horse)

Last week, I found a poor, neglected horse at the thrift store, and just happened to run into a friend who was shopping there at the same time. She drove the horse home for me in her truck. Thursday, I went to hang out at Marily's and work in their back yard. (At the apartments where I live, there is no place I can turn into a workspace for spray painting.) When I told Dallin I was "borrowing his back yard," he asked, "You're taking my back yard?" "No, I'm going to use it here, because I don't have a yard." He seemed sad for me, that I don't have a yard. He loves his new back yard. It's one of the things he likes best about the new house - Mom and Dad bought him a back yard.

(Dallin, helping out, below)

For awhile, Bethany and Daniel, and Kerami, all came by to hang out. The little boys were a big "help" scrubbing the dirt off the horse parts. Totally into the water, of course. Then, Marily fixed us all sandwiches, and we had lunch and visited, while I let the parts dry. After lunch came a few more hours of spray painting and drying, and now I just have to do the hand-painting detail. He's going to be a Palomino. Yeehaw!

Thanks Marily and Family, for sharing your yard and your hospitality!

"Wet Look" Entryway

Well, I know you've all been waiting for it. (Right!) Well, I have, anyway. I've finally finished Dian's entryway project. Once the "tiles" were set, I grouted it with a tan grout. Then, when it was completely dry, I used a "wet look" sealer, and did 6 coats to make it very shiny. And, now it's finished! Yay! I love how it turned out, but more importantly, Dian and her husband LOVE how it turned out! It took longer than I wanted it to, due to heavy homework for school, and trying to work out in the HEAT! But, the wait and the work were well worth it. The project has also gotten rave reviews from Dian's and Eckart's friends who have seen it. Here are the "after" pictures, with a couple of close-ups of inset details.

(Above: Left side, Full view, Right side.)

(Below left: Closeup view of left side. Below center: Inset detail, in center of main step - below where doors come together. Below right: Closeup view of right side.)

(Below: Closeup of "flower" detail from right side)

Dian likes the finished product so well, that she has already commissioned me to do another project, which will involve creating a small rivulet crossing the front walkway. This evolved from the need to repair or disguise a large crack crossing the entire walkway, that has developed in the terra cotta.

For this project, I am removing a portion of the tile along the sides of the crack, and replacing it with a little "stream" that crosses the sidewalk. The 4-foot trunk stump of a dead tree became a large part of the inspiration for this new little water feature.

I came up with the idea of turning it into a fountain, with a copper tube coming through the trunk, and spouting water into a glass "trough," that will spill onto the sidewalk at the point where the little stream begins. Then, a water return going under the "creek" bed will be used to pump the water back under the sidewalk, and back out through the spout. The "creek" will be lined with the same clear colored-glass pebbles that were used on the entryway. It's going to be really beautiful, and really unique. Here are the "before" pictures of this project.









This week of school is the finale' of Summer I session. Yay! The last day is July 2nd, and with Friday being the 4th, I'll be getting to work on a major level on Saturday. I'll keep you posted. Love you all!

Getting Out in Arizona!

Recently, as an assignment for my English 102 class, I read the book The Dark Wind, written by Tony Hillerman. This book is a mystery/suspense thriller involving murder, drugs, and a Navajo "witch," or Skinwalker. Every moment is interesting, and it is a very well-written and historically significant, with much taught about. Native American folklore and customs.

Hillerman grew up in Oklahoma, surrounded by Native American tribes, although he writes about Arizona tribes in his stories. Most novels take place in northeastern Arizona. I was totally intrigued by the way Officer Jim Chee, a Navajo Tribal Policeman, used his abstract, quiet way of taking in all the facts, and then letting them sort of move around in his mind until they began to fit together. It was really fun to try and figure out what would happen next.

As our essay assignment from reading this book, we were supposed to take something from the book that inspired us, and write about it. I loved the mental images and compelling descriptions of the landscape of Arizona. This brought to mind some of the VERY MANY travels I've taken around Arizona, from the time I was so small I don't remember, up until now. We have a most beautiful state. If Arizona residents haven't been out around the state to see how beautiful it is, they need to change that. Here is the essay I wrote. Enjoy!

Getting Out in Arizona

Arizona is a place of diverse terrain, amazing vistas, and easy access, with a spectacular array of grand and scenic places to visit, that are incomparable in the United States. One of the most beautiful of natural wonders, the Grand Canyon, resides within Arizona’s borders. People come from the far reaches of the globe to enjoy the sites that could be reached by Arizonans within a few hours, but are taken for granted.

Camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing can bring pure enjoyment, while embracing the beauty of the great outdoors so readily accessible from the Phoenix valley. Many destinations such as White River, on the White Mountain Indian Reservation; Crown King, along the Senator Highway, south of Prescott; and Havasu Canyon, at the southeast entrance to the Grand Canyon, and off of the historic Route 66, offer great scenic views, as well as the traveler being able to personally experience bits of history. One writer invites the reader to venture to the White Mountain Indian Reservation in a way that actually brings a scenic vision to the mind:

Our reservation consists of 1.67 million acres (over 2,600 square miles) in east-central Arizona. It ranges in elevation from 2,600 feet in the Salt River Canyon on the southwest corner of the reservation to over 11,400 feet at the top of Mount Baldy, one of our sacred peaks. It includes some of the richest wildlife habitats in the state, and more than 400 miles of streams. It is home to the Apache trout, a species brought back from the brink of extinction through the efforts of the Tribe and many partners. Through the Tribe’s Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Division, many recreational opportunities are available on the reservation. This Land That is Now….” (par 15)

e Native Americans have a distinct connection with the land that the average traveler may never understand. Though many others, such as farmers and ranchers, also have a connection with the land, their connection is quite different from that of the Native Americans, whose cultures many are not familiar with. Traveling throughout Arizona is at once a spiritual retreat, and a lesson in history.

Map to Crown King (Wilson)

One such scenic, historical destination is Crown King. Once a thriving mining town (Wilson 13), it is now called the “Living Ghost Town” (2) Several families, many of whom have lived there all of their lives, are still living and working in the town.

The road to Crown King is very narrow and graded-over with gravel on a regular basis. Traveling the road is fairly easy-going in a standard car – unless there has been a recent rain. When this area receives rain, it waters the forest, but the water also washes away the gravel in the road ruts. This leaves only the bare-bones, bedrock trail, that long ago saw a steam-engine train zig-zaging forward, then backward, then forward again, as it worked its way to the top of the mountain. Then, when the cars were filled, the train would snake back down again, carrying loads of precious ore to the smelter.

Crown King is positioned along the Senator Highway, south of Prescott, Arizona in the Bradshaw Mountains; but if a family takes a detour of off I-17, at the Bumble Bee cut-off, a few short miles on a dirt road will take them to this scenic oasis.

In the mid-1970’s, after a forest fire had occurred in the area, thousands of humming birds took refuge in the area around this small community. People visiting Crown King at this time could literally stand with an outstretched finger next to one of many feeders, put out by locals, and have a humming bird sit on the visitor’s finger, to feed. The birds were starving and braver than usual; but a blink of the eye, and their “hydraulics” would kick in, and catapult them away in a flash. Nowhere else in the world could one have such an amazing experience!

Outdoor adventures can be singularly soothing and rejuvenating. Spending time in communion with nature brings a person back to reality and helps to see things in a different way – a way that puts into perspective the relationship between what is “real,” and what is not.

Camping and fishing force one to slow down and intentionally relax. Hiking or hunting literally ground the spirit, while inviting the soul to soar above the tops of the tallest trees.

From the wide-open spaces of the Indian Reservations, to the mountainside town of Crown King, the spectacular beauty of Havasu Canyon compares to no other place. Positioned at the southeastern entrance to the Grand Canyon, with access on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, this location must be reached on foot, or by pack mule. An area of limestone pools and basins to wade in and to swim in are at the base of Havasu Falls. Mooney Falls is a vista best seen in-person – not with a camera.

"Havasupai" means "people of the blue-green waters." The Havasupai tribe is the smallest Indian Nation in America totaling about 600 people. Before the arrival of Europeans, they farmed the land where the canyon widened and the plentiful waters of Havasu Creek allowed them to create an emerald haven in a sun scorched land. In the summertime, they grew corn, squash, melons and beans and after harvesting their crops in the fall, they moved to winter settlements on the rim of the canyon where men hunted deer, antelope and small game and women made beautiful baskets. They traded with the Zuni and Hopi exchanging buck skins and red ocher for pottery and turquoise. The Havasupai were renowned for their fine quality buck skins and their powdered red ocher, obtained from a secret place, was particularly prized by other tribes for painting their faces. This idyllic lifestyle was interrupted by the arrival of miners and ranchers who seized their lands on the plateau and restricted them to a small reservation in the canyon. Almost a century passed before their winter homelands were restored by Congress in 1975…. (Havasu par 3)

At the top of the trail, the landscape is anything but inviting. The trailhead is barren and rocky. It is a 20-mile hike down into the actual campgrounds, but within a few miles of the trailhead, one begins to get into green vegetation that signals the presence of underground streams and small springs. The hike from thereon is beautiful, tranquil, and relatively easy.

Coming back out, however, may be better suited to riding a horse, available to rent. This is a necessity to those who have trouble hiking on an uphill grade. Horses are also available to rent for carrying gear and supplies.

During the early 1970’s Havasu Canyon became an unofficial home to a mobile community of “Hippies,” who took up uninvited residency (Wilhite). Through the efforts of the Havasupai people and the National Forest Service, this canyon was made into a protected area, and informal “squatting” was no longer permitted (Havasu par 3). Now, any person or group wishing to visit must make reservations with the tribe, obtain permits, and pay park/camping fees. This is still much less expensive than staying in a fancy hotel, and the waterfalls at the end of the trail are breathtaking, and make the journey well worth the trouble.

Traveling throughout Arizona can foster camaraderie and solidify family ties, while being much easier on the budget than traveling elsewhere. Scouting adventures, church group retreats, outings with friends, and even family reunions can be much more memorable occasions, if spent amidst the grandeur and vastness of Arizona’s mountains and wilderness. Imagine if possible, the difference in the memories made on these types of vacations, as opposed to braving the “wilds” of the city, and some pricey hotel or convention center. Most people would find there is no comparison.

Scenic locations within the State of Arizona are a travel “must,” but each trip requires some advanced preparation, although none of it is difficult or costly. Some things to consider would be:

Know your location:

Check weather reports

Check fire and travel restrictions

Verify types of services/amenities available

Know the terrain (hike in, drive in, or 4-wheel drive required?)

Know the roads – get a map (and read it)

If you are planning on camping:

Know locations and availability of camp sites

Check for possibly required permits/fees

Buy/rent/borrow appropriate gea

Study native wildlife and foliage

Proper attire, proper footwear

If not camping:

Hotels, motels, cabins, lodges available most places

Check pricing of eateries, possibly take own food

Always take extra cash for unforeseen expenses

Don’t forget:

Be prepared for abrupt weather changes

Lots of extra water

Blankets and snacks readily available

Emergency radio/cell phone

Extra cash

Spare tire

Inform family member of destination and expected time of return

In a recent survey of 100 MCC students, who had lived in Arizona for three years or more. According to the results, only 18 had heard of Havasu Canyon, 12 had heard of White river, and one had heard of Crown King. Of those, six had actually hiked Havasu, four had been to White River or the White Mountain Indian Reservation, and only one had been to Crown King (Dressler).

As noted previously, Arizona has many exciting and beautiful places to visit or vacation. Many people who have lived in Arizona for most or all of their lives, and may have traveled significantly, have never reached out to see what is in their own backyard. The State of Arizona is home to unparalleled beauty and significant journeys into history. Hopefully, one day, more Arizona residents will step out to see what they have been missing – but, perhaps not. Regardless, the many spectacular sites available for Arizonans to visit easily explain why the Native Americans love this land.

(On a personal note: As a child, my family did a LOT of camping, hunting, and fishing all over the state. Also, as a young adult, and also with my family as they were growing up, we went camping and fishing. Spending time in the mountains, pine trees, and by a lake is great for a person's spiritual well-being, and instills a greater love and appreciation for all of God's creations. I LOVE the outdoors, and especially my beautiful Arizona!

I hope this makes you as excited about heading out into the outer parts of our beautiful state, Arizona, and getting to know them better!

Let's go Camping!

Work - That's a Work of Art

One of my friends, Dian Baker, is the accompanist for the Phoenix Boys' Choir. They're currently on a three-week concert tour of Minnesota, Ohio, and adjacent states. While she's away, she has hired me to "re-tile" the small step at her front doorway. The walkway is terra cotta tile, and the step was breaking away on the edges, so she wanted it repaired.

During a redo of their back yard, she and her husband (who is also away on a piano teaching tour in Europe) discovered the beauty of glass pebbles, in semi-clear light colors. This is what she wanted for her step. I've been working on it for a little over a week and, even with school, I've made great progress!

It has really been an interesting project. It started out a tile job, and ended up being an art project. The space is so narrow that I ended up having to use a cake spatula to spread the thin-set. It really did look just like white frosting! And then I had to use a kitchen knife to "butter" the backs of quite a few of the small pieces, since each pebble had to be placed individually. I used the spatula again to "frost" the grout on. The only thing was, I couldn't lick my fingers. (Yuck!)

I'm nearly finished. I still need to fill in a few tiny places that the grout didn't get into, and put a line of grout (with a cake decorating tip, no less) around the edge of the design, just to finish it off with a smooth edge. Once I get this finished, I have to wait 3 days before I can put down a sealer.

The tile crosses the step and cascades off the edges -- down onto the edges of the walkway, itself.
It's not finished, and it looks AWESOME already! I love it, and I know she will too. She returns in a week. I'm anxious for her to see it.

These pictures are of the "before." When it's finished, I'll put up shots of the finished product. (If you look in the picture to the right, you can barely see a few of the pebbles in a test patch.)