Slowing Down Sister!

Good Frosty Morning! I write to you today from the ultimate, cozy, comfort of my recliner. It's rare that I ever have my bottom here, but today, its necessary.

All this runnin' and gunnin' was so I could take it easy for a few days. I had a huge bone spur removed from the top of my foot yesterday. I knew it was coming so I've had time to prepare myself, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Surgery went very well. I've taken the bare minimum of pain meds and believe it or not, I think I could've gone in and substitute taught for my favorite school today. I know I could have! I love to sub and would have had a great time with the adorable 2nd graders, however, Dr. H. and husband gave out a resounding "NO!"

As much as I've planned for this down-time, it's not easy for a "girl on the go"! I love to be out and about, I love to be doing something productive and I really enjoy connecting with others, so when all my going comes to a screetching hault, it takes a bit to align!

It's easy to do with a cute little chick on my lap and a fluffy grey dog by my side. I have a slew of books and magazines to read and more than enough ideas to fuel this blog, the NAJPA newsletter and December Ki Previews! There's never a time when I'm bored.....EVER!

And what a perfect day to stay in and snuggle down. There's snow on the ground, its cloudy, cold and droopy......but I'm not!
I'm feeling incredibly bright and sunny. I have amazing support in my family and friends. My body is healthy and strong. The "unknowns" that I've been working with are still here but they don't contain the edge they did last week. I'm breathing in and out and for today, that's really all I have to do.

I'm not used to "taking it easy". I didn't get where I'm at today by sitting in a recliner! I am driven and I like to be busy, so this is more of a challenge than I may want to admit. And......I'm sure there are beautiful, brilliant lessons here for me to experience.

PS--- Don't be surprised if you see a lot of blog posts coming up, it looks like I'll have some time for writing!

Many Miles Many Blessings

Just a quick note to my sweet blog readers to let you know, I'm still kickin'!

I've gone well over 1400 miles since last Friday. I'm feeling a little tired but it isn't dampening my joy and sheer delight in the many blessings that I've experienced in the last week! I've had the opportunity to facilitate Journey processes, connect with wonderful friends, and students, hang out with fabulous kids, teach a Holiday class, travel, do some Christmas shopping, and most of all, experience unexpected opportunities to receive. Today, I was honored to meet a Lakota Grandfather, Sibby LeBeau. Sibby was a code talker in the war. His humor, stories and giant heart just made my day! He gifted me his manual, "The Medicine Way", How to Live the Teachings of The Native American Medicine Wheel. I can't wait to sit and read Sibby's wisdom. I hope to do this soon! In about five minutes, I'll dash over and get the boys and we'll head to the spaghetti feed at the Community Hall, in
honor of Veteran's Day.

I have much to share and will do so as soon as catch my breath! For now though, these shoes are ready to walk on!

The 'New' Fridge!

Here's a picture of yesterday's cre8tive project. The kids absolutely LOVE it and they've praised my efforts.

I'll agree it is is fun! The shiny coppery look really adds to the space. It needs one more coat, but I'm out and I won't drive 60 miles round trip to go get more!

Today is my last day at home until next Wednesday. I need/want to make it count. I have a coop to clean, herbs to cut, hang and dry, plants to re-pot, and a tile floor to grout. I also have four new birds to settle in! They arrived this morning.

Much to do, much to do, much to do! Here I go, here I go, here I go!

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Is It Safe?

NO! Say good bye to "boring white"!

Check Out the Hood!

I've dreamed about having a large copper hood in my kitchen for years.

So rather than pine for something that is not in my budget, I applied my craft cowgirl can-do abilities and painted the existing hood. I used hammered copper Rust-oleum hammered paint, which is very sticky and a little hard to get even. Granted I'm a sloppy painter (no carpet is safe with me around!)

The copper instantly changed the look of the kitchen. Part of what makes it so bright is the white surfaces and appliances, coupled with the sky light. I loathe the white counters. They show everything such as the scorch marks from the last canning episode. It is interesting to note how the copper color warmed the room, making it seem a bit cozier than the stark white.

I'm contemplating slapping some paint on the fridge. I'm not sure yet.....stay tuned!

Election Day~ Confederate and Union Soldiers

This is a pin given to me by my Grandmother Ruth. She and all of my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, teachers and friends have always been proponents of "the right to vote".

I do feel I was "raised up right", to vote, to support my country and especially those people within it. It is easy to support neighbors and friends and the people we get along with and like. What I've learned is it is just important to stand tall when things aren't going the way we like them to. When the economy, the government and other aspects seem to be headed in the wrong direction, instead of complaining about it, I've learned that we become active and do something.......anything is better than sitting around doing nothing. Voting is an important action, it is what makes us a democratic nation. I'm pretty sure I am "preaching to the choir" as I post this! It's a good bet that regular blog readers are already active voters and safe to say, "Ya'll are my kind of people"!

I am kind of chuckling as we've been talking a lot about politics and history in our household. For Halloween, the boys dressed up as Civil War Soldiers. One from the north (he likes blue) and one from the south (he thought grey was cool!) The oldest knew what was behind the color, the youngest hasn't been in fifth grade American History class. He was absolutly horrified that people would have ever fought to keep slaves. He felt bad about his choice of hat color; this is a kid who is a genuinely LOVES people and animals. He's the humanitarian of the family, without a doubt. We explained that this was an important point in our past and that at times, when it gets really bad and people can't get along, that there are fights, really, really bad fights, like the one going on in Iraq right now. It is hard for a nine-year-old to fathom the concept of war, fighting and killing. We did the best we could to explain honor, standing up and fighting for freedom and the importance of Democracy.

I don't know that I was as clear as I could have been but Paker was ready to go vote at the end of the speech. Of coarse, he was crushed when I explained that he had to wait until he was 18. "Geeze I have to wait until I'm 16 to drive and 25 something to have a cell phone, so its just like everything else, you have to be OLD to have any fun!" 

That made me laugh because my thought, at age 38, is quite the opposite! Did you remember how "cool" it would be to vote someday? Did you wait with joyful anticipation for the day when you could cast your ballot? I had parents, grandparents and one awesome History teacher (thanks Mr. Tuton) that made sure I knew what a privilege it was to do so! I'm very grateful for their positive influences!

So here's to a day to honor our roots, our traditions and most of all to exercise our rights as American citizens! Let's Vote!

And We Have Potatoes

The boys are helping in the garden today, on their fall break. They swear there are "at least 500"!

What I do know, is that I'd better start collecting potato recipes! Looks like we'll have plenty to get through winter with!

Happy Harvest!