Mountain Time

A stop through the Cascades...








___________________

"We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think yesterday was better than today. I don't think it was, and I would advise you not to wait ten years before admitting today was great. If you're hung up on nostalgia, pretend today is yesterday and just go out and have one hell of a time."
-- Art Buchwald

Practice w/Food...

Yum.









Hmmmm... Now the important question is - who's gonna eat all this stuff?? ;)
____________________

"I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure."
-- Anthony Bourdain

Come As You Are

A small portion of my high school years - mainly my freshman and sophomore - consisted of plaid shirts, cardigan sweaters, funky tights, combat boots, and... Nirvana. By junior year, I had outgrown the grunge look, but not the music. In fact, to this day, I still rock out to Nirvana's Unplugged in New York. That CD will never, never get old.

Yesterday, we trekked out to Capitol Hill and stopped by the fan-made memorial for Kurt Cobain in Viretta Park. The two park benches, which are located just steps from (what used to be) his house, are covered with tributes of love, admiration, respect, and gratitude. Visiting the location was deeply moving, and a great way to remember a severely talented musician.












____________________

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not."
-- Kurt Cobain

Fun in Coupeville

Mmmmmmm... I love Fall.







__________________

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
-- George Eliot

Sweet Fruity Tarts...

Very recently, I've been very, very blessed with a fantastic, fun, and outstandingly amazing opportunity that is so in line with my desires that I'm left practically speechless. Appreciation and gratitude hardly express how deeply thankful I am for the assistance I'm in the process of receiving at this time.

So, here are a couple of quick practice shots that I squeezed in last night during Jeff and Ellen's visit. Much more to come, and much more practice will take place in the next few weeks... Because, as Abraham says, the better it gets, the better it gets.

Truer words have never been spoken.





______________________

"Desire is the beginning of all new Creation."
-- Abraham

Shelter Dogs Rock!

While opening my Comcast e-mail account today, I was sidelined by a wonderful story about Kathryn Heigl and her husband, Josh Kelley. The article went on to state that the Heigl-Kelley clan just adopted a 10-month old baby girl from Korea, and that the new family is happy and adjusting well. (Which is completely and wonderfully awesome in itself!) But as the article continued, it directed the readers to another site - one that I'd never heard of before but, after a quick glance, am eager to find out more about: Heigl Hounds of Hope.

Because I'm leaving for the airport (literally, as I type this) to pick up Jeff and Ellen, I can't give the site the attention it deserves. But, since rescuing dogs has been a longtime passion of mine, I thought it was cool and wanted to share. Anytime I see someone - celebrity or not - contributing positively to our world, I feel joy, hope, compassion, and relief.

My advice today - for myself and anyone reading this - is to look for the good. Open your eyes and be determined to look for only positive, happy, uplifting, beautiful, joyous, awesome, and amazing things. I promise you you'll find them. I know I'm going to.

Okay, now I really have to go... A post in less than two minutes?? That's a record. :)

** Our little "shelter" dog...



__________________

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe, we are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made."
-- Roger Caras

Laughter is Contagious

Once in a while, without warning, a particular memory will slam into my mind and send me reeling.

Reeling with laughter.

It doesn't matter where I am. Usually these unexpected memories will happen at the most inconvenient moment. During work, when I'm about to answer the phone. During work, when I'm checking out a particularly grumpy client. While I'm standing by myself in the checkout line at the store. Or, even worse, when I'm about to give my order at a restaurant. Out of the blue, I'll start laughing.

And once I start laughing, I can't stop.

I have to admit it - I've had a great life. These past thirty-two years have been filled with so much hilarity that I honestly have no room to ever, ever complain. Right now, just off the top of my head, I can think of at least six to seven memories that will leave me laughing for hours. (And hours and hours and hours...)

It starts slow, like a soft tickle at the edge of my subconscious. My chest suddenly feels warm and fuzzy, and it's almost like my lips have a mind of their own as a stupid, goofy grin spreads across my face. And then, no matter how hard I try to be serious and appropriate, it hits - that insanely funny, funny memory - and suddenly I'm laughing like a crazy person. A complete and utter crazy person who is totally and inappropriately out of control. With laughter.

The amazing thing is, when I fall into one of these unstoppable, unavoidable fits of laughter, most people around me fall in as well. There will be a second - well, usually a few - where they'll stare at me like I'm from another planet. Their brows wrinkle, their lips pull down in a disapproving frown, and they usually roll their eyes as they - I'm almost certain - think thought after disapproving thought regarding my socially unrefined behavior. But, as I said earlier, once I enter these fits, I can't stop. And before long, through eyes half blinded by tears of laughter, I see those cynical souls suddenly lose themselves. Their frowns turn into smiles, and within seconds they're clutching their stomachs and wiping tears from their own eyes - even though they have absolutely no idea what it is I'm laughing at.

Like I said - it's contagious.

Earlier today, I ran across this clip and couldn't stop laughing. Not because the model tripped (as funny as that is), but because the newscasters couldn't stop laughing. Their uncontrollable laughter ignited a spark in me - and I laughed and laughed and laughed. In fact, wait - yep - I'm still laughing.

Now I'm off to watch How I Met Your Mother. And laugh, and laugh, and laugh...


______________________

"The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter."
-- Mark Twain

Still Cookin'

And the madness continues... Apparently my days in the kitchen aren't numbered after all.

While relaxing at the salon last week, I ran across this tasty little treat in Glamour. The magazine boasted the energizing perks of the meal, and I was immediately intrigued. Since my work days usually teeter around ten or so hours, I'm constantly looking for ways to up my energy levels and stay amped. Coffee, of course, works great in the mornings, but in the afternoons, after about four cups, I start tweakin'. Bad. And so, since my job requires my hands to be somewhat steady, I've been forced to find an alternative way to keep my eyes open and stay on my toes.

Thanks to Glamour, alertness now comes in the form of this scrumptious midday meal. The key? Whole wheat pasta. It's not only filling - so you don't stuff yourself too full - but it's a great source of much needed nutrients, such as fiber and protein.

You'll need:

- 1 Cup of Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
- 1 to 2 Cups of Broccoli - fresh or frozen, your choice
- Crumbled Feta Cheese
- Almonds **
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The rest is easy. Boil pasta according to instructions on box. Prepare the broccoli - warm or raw, whichever you prefer. (I used frozen broccoli - because it's all we had on hand - and heated it up in the microwave.) Mix pasta, broccoli, feta cheese, almonds, and EVOO in bowl. Eat.

Simple, huh? And it's sooooo good. I honestly can't remember what it's called, but really - what's in a name? (I think Shakespeare would back me up on this one.) Besides, when dealing with recipes, it's the taste that matters anyway, right?

Enjoy!

** The recipe in the magazine called for cannellini beans, but I couldn't find any at the store so I substituted almonds instead. Equally healthy and, in my opinion, a satisfying alternative. Plus, another great source of energy-boosting protein. Yum.






______________________

"Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside."
-- Mark Twain

Repost: In Honor Of...

I'm so excited I can barely stand it.

Jeff and Ellen will be arriving out here (from D.C.) next Friday - AND they'll be staying an entire week!!! So, in honor of their pending visit, here's a repost from Lisa Sorbe Photography. They were kind enough to be my first ever couple shoot (way back in February), and we had a blast.

And, special note to J and E... We'll be doing it all again - out here. (Just a little something for ya to look forward to. Suck it up, Jeff.) ;)


I always joke that everything I learned about marriage and family, I learned from The Cosby Show. Mr. and Mrs. Huxtable were, to me, the perfect couple. They were passionate, yet still maintained their independence. They laughed, yet were serious about their family and relationships. They were wonderful parents - interested in their children, yet didn’t allow their kids to completely take over their lives. No matter what was going on in their world, they always made time for each other. And, honestly, I think that’s what I found so appealing about their marriage. In a nutshell, they made each other their first priority.

Now, while Cliff and Clair and their picture-perfect relationship did influence me and mold my beliefs, I do have the good Huxtable-common-sense to know that this is a fictional couple. And, in all honesty, if it wasn’t for a real life couple that I know who are just like them, I probably wouldn’t have fallen for this televison pair so completely.

Jeff and Ellen. My wonderful brother and absolutely amazing sister-in-law. They are my Cliff and Clair.

When I was younger, all I knew was that I wanted a relationship like my brother and his wife. I wanted to still be holding my husband’s hand years after I was married. I wanted to have a sense of humor and laugh with my significant other even during the worst of times. And, last but not least, I still wanted to light up when I saw that other person enter the room - long after we said our “I do’s.”

All I learned about marriage, I learned from The Cosby Show. And, as it turns out, from Jeff and Ellen.







______________________

Clair: "Let me tell you something, Elvin."
Cliff: "Oh, lord..."
Clair: "You see, I am not "Serving" Dr. Huxtable. OK?"
Elvin: "Okay."
Clair: "That sort of thing goes on in a restaurant! I'm bringing him a cup of coffee because he brought me a cup of coffee this morning, and that is what marriage is all about. Give and take, fifty-fifty. And, if you don't get it together and DROP these macho attitudes, you are never gonna have anyone bringing you anything, any place, anytime EVER! (Sweetly) Now then, what would you like in your coffee?"
Elvin: (shaken) "Maybe I could get you some coffee..."
-- The Cosby Show

Our Angel

Molly's sick.

There's no way around it. No avoiding it. And no sugar-coating it.

Our baby girl is not well. Period.

The decline started several months ago. At first we thought it was a particular medication she was on so, after a bit of discussion, we took her off of it. And it did seem to help... For awhile.

Since May, we've run test after test. X-ray films uncovered a little arthritis, but just the beginning stages. Nothing too debilitating. Blood work showed a low thyroid level and high cholesterol, but other functions - kidney, liver, etc - seemed to be normal. Then, further evaluation of her eyes hinted at a possible diagnosis of SARDS. (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome.)

And, after this past weekend, we're now looking into the possibility that she may be suffering from canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Wondering aimlessly around the house, getting stuck in corners or behind furniture, anxiety, walking in circles - all signs of CDS.

But who knows for sure? The one thing I do know is that seeing her like this - sad, confused, depressed - hurts... And is more painful than anything I could have ever, ever imagined.

My heart feels so, so heavy.

Right now we're just trying to focus on the positive and remember all the good times we were fortunate enough to have with her. And there are so many...

She's blessed us in so many ways - more ways than I could ever express here - that our lives have been forever changed. She's shown Chris and I a type of unconditional love that we didn't even know existed. She's been our daughter, our friend, our teacher, and our therapist. A loving little bundle of energy, she's enriched our lives by keeping us constantly connected to the pure and compassionate Source of All-That-Is.

In the end, when it's time for her to leave us, I know that she'll return to that wonderful place of well-being, and her little light - which really isn't so little - will, without a doubt, continue to shine on.

She is, after all, Molly.



______________________

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us."
-- Robert Louis Stevenson

Cottage Cheese Goodness

In keeping up with my newfound passion for healthy eating, here's a recipe that not only incorporates good-for-you, tasty ingredients, but also serves as a light and super-delicious lunch or dinner. Whichever meal you choose, I promise that it'll totally make your day...

First off, you'll need:

* 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese
* 1 tomato
* 1 avocado
* 1 cucumber
* 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onions (red or white, your choice...)
* A teaspoon or two of Lawry's Seasoning Salt
* Several splashes of Nakano Original Seasoned Rice Vinegar

In no particular order, slice up the tomato, avocado and cucumber, and arrange in sections onto serving platter. Add chopped onions to the platter. In a separate dish, add the cottage cheese. Next, mix in tomato, avocado, cucumber, and onions as desired. Cover entire contents with several splashes of Nakano Original Seasoned Rice Vinegar and sprinkle with Lawry's Seasoning Salt.

Light and refreshing. Quick and easy. This dish is simply delicious with a capital D.

Enjoy!



______________________

"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are."
-- Adelle Davis

Tools for My Toolbox

Lately I've been feeling a bit down in the dumps. There's really no particular reason. Work, of course, is tiring and stressful and completely draining, and... Wait a minute - I'm not going to talk about the things that aren't working for me.

When something in your life isn't going the way you'd like it to, then - according to Abraham - you've got to tell a different story.

I'm the first person to tell you that positive thinking works, and that your thoughts and feelings create your life. So it would seem, in knowing that, life should be easy. Perfect, in fact. Feel good. Think happy thoughts. Picture you life the way you want it to be. Focus on the good that's already surrounding you... Yada, yada, yada. How hard can that be?

Life is really so simple. We are the ones who make it enormously complicated. It seems that so many people today not only dwell on the negative events but thrive on them. It's almost like we're conditioned to look for the bad, search for the fear, and reward the negative. Even though I know how the Universe works, even though I know - without a doubt - how my higher self thinks and that all is really, really one hundred percent hunky dory, I find it hard to let loose, throw caution to the wind, and completely trust in the constant "stream of well-being." Some days I feel that, in looking for the positive, I'm really going against society's program and putting a glitch in our cultural system.

Most days I do okay. When I'm at home with Chris and the girls, I feel peace, contentment, joy, love - and there's no doubt in my mind whatsoever that well-being is indeed the natural flow of the Universe. However, when I step out of our little sanctuary, it's (obviously) a bit more difficult to maintain a super-sunny, high-on-life attitude. It seems, at times, that I'm constantly at the mercy of others: clients having a bad day, a fellow commuter who feels like taking his road rage out on everyone around him, sickness, negative people who thrive on complaining, complaining, complaining... And, unfortunately, it isn't long before I fall into the trap and become just like them. Complaining, complaining, complaining...

That's why I feel it's extremely important to surround ourselves with as many positive, up-lifting tools as we can. My toolbox, as it is, is chucked full of various items that I can use whenever I'm confronted with someone else's negative vibes. These tools, however, aren't used on them - no hammer to beat them over the head with, no screwdriver to jab into their... Well, you know. I don't use these tools on them, exactly. I use these tools to ignore them. To steer my focus away from what I don't want to see and feel, and instead turn my attention to what I do want to see and feel. For example, I've mentioned before that I'm a huge fan of music, and sometimes just flipping on my MP3 Player and listening to Josh Groban can pull me out of a rut. His voice not only gives me the chills, but it drowns out other voices - negative voices - that seem intent on ripping through my protective coat of armor and bringing me, to put it bluntly, down to their level.

Am I always able to pull myself out of a rut? No. Not always. But most of the time I can. Most of the time, because of the tools I've equipped myself with, I'm able to deliberately direct my feelings toward higher and higher vibrations.

Last night, Chris gave me the best present ever. Another tool for my toolbox, so to speak. As one of my birthday gifts, he got me Excuses Begone!: How to Change Lifelong, Self-Defeating Thinking Habits. I'm a huge fan of Wayne Dyer and have been wanting to read this book ever since it came out this summer. Needless to say, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude not only for the book, but for the fact that my husband knows me well enough (and cares about me enough!) to continue to pack my toolbox with items that aid my growth and understanding of what our lives in this expanding Universe are really all about.

Step by step. Day by day. Tool by tool. By cracking open this book, I'm continuing the process of opening myself up to the whole of the Universe, the compassion that it emits and, ultimately, to the stream of well-being that is always, always constant.

__________________

"Conflict cannot survive without your participation."
-- Dr. Wayne Dyer