The week after...

I've had another Niagara Falls time in my life. The post-conference euphoria seemed to linger for days, as it has this time. Hayden and I have hit a groove that is amazingly comfortable on all levels. I sit with him asleep, awaiting his consciousness over the next many miles. When he's well rested, I'll get a chatterbox in the car and very little will escape his attention along the way!
This little escape from real life, hanging out for an extra week, has given me time to practice and deepen the pathways to remote places in my mommy-brain, the place where "whole, complete, perfect" is the Truth. I look forward to much joyful, jubilant practice with my amazing son, who moment to moment shows me his amazing mom.
I intend this 1:1 practice to carry us along until our next tribal reminder.

Perfect day for travelling...

Gemini: You aren't very lighthearted now, but that shouldn't stop you from having fun. Unfortunately, you may not be able to enjoy yourself quite as much as you want. You can see dark clouds on the horizon and assume that bad weather is coming your way. And although you can charm almost anyone today, this doesn't mean you'll be able to talk the weather into changing for the better.

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I'm ready to go, to get home to Scotty and Patches and Elizabeth and Alex and the DVR and my own bed and my own pillows and my own schtuff!! And all I'm really ready for is the next couple of moments while Hayden still sleeps and I await the perfect opportunity to head on over to Idaho. Woot!

Introducing Glaven

Meet Glaven (famous for his role as Creature from the Black Lagoon). Glaven is Scotty's mascot. Most of Glaven's time is spent in the KDLT control room, watching over the actual production of the news shows. He was lucky enough to venture around Europe with Scotty and Alex last year. As Scotty was unable to travel with us himself, he sent Glaven in his stead. Not only is Glaven good company, he is also quite the connoisseur of an occasional caramel breve (which is a latte made with cream instead of milk). He really appreciated that Crystal made ours especially pretty. Many folk were lucky enough to get their pictures taken with The G-Mon, as he's now known, at least in my head. Even had a few cloying to have their photo-op. He's a pretty cool co-pilot as well. We star together in a couple of home/car films that will become available upon my reunion with Scotty's laptop :) I think Glaven's time with his long-lost father and the funny uncle with leprosy was just too short. We will make a point of getting together with Samuel (keeper of the rest of the family and the family heirlooms, the kid's a riot!!) so the boys can catch up on the gossip again. Scotty is the keeper of my kitty while we're away. We are the keepers of Glaven. We drove across town as we were leaving to pick him up at 5 am!! He's been a very fun way to keep Scotty posted on our adventures.

Glaven says Challah!

I can't be in Corvallis and not mention it!! This is the remains of the last two slices of the day! Once those molecules meld with your tongue... Girl Boner! And just so you don't think I'm a total french toast snob, I also had the breakfast staples of scrambled eggs, toast, roasted potatoes and perfectly crisp bacon (already eaten, I think I even chewed it!). On the website, Jon says:
Love and Harmony: Finally, we believe that food prepared with joy and love impart more than just their nutritive value to those who partake of them; such meals restore balance, deliver extra charged chi, and provide double doses of good karma. All at no extra charge. He's right. We're going there now, inspired by my own blog!!

Thanks friends :)

Gemini: Your heart needs to feel the magic from someone special today --- and words won't do the trick. Knowing that you are loved means more to you now than ever, as your insecurity has created a life of its own. Displays of affection, especially through simple gestures, will help you get through this uncertain time. Acceptance is like music that can soothe the savage beast inside you.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
love notes and a nap... i'm the luckiest, most soothed beast in the universe :) yay me!

Advocating Pissiness

I'm pissy. I'm snide and rude. I'm a Gemini born the year of the Monkey. I sometimes leave my manners at home. Lucky for us (all of us) I'm not really like that on a 1:1 basis, or even on a 1:15 basis. It's not representative of what's alive and happy in my heart. So there I was, in a great big crowd of folks, whom I dearly love, some know me well, others not-so-well. For you who were there or may hear about it: I'm really not a bitch to strangers in book stores who are neglectful of their babies. There. It's said. There is a voice in my head, however, who comes up with all kinds of snide things, Very Appropriate to the situation and possibly even Very Appropriate for a Different Diana on a Different Journey. It's a lot of chatter to contend with. Sometimes they slip out. Like the other day. Oops. This diana, here, on this gentler, kinder, connected journey would bite the snideness short of exiting my mouth, breathe deeply and ponder the possibilities of connecting that mama back with that baby of hers. That's what'd I'd do. It's not the only thing I'd want to do. An act to serve the baby, the mama, me as witness and humankind as a family. Spiritual Connectedness; there are lots of places that serve to disconnect us, I am not one of those. Amen.

Witty and Charming

(note to RSS readers: I'll be updating these pages with cooler pictures as others send them in... check back for updates!)

Aaaaah, to be around unschooling romance... it just makes every little thing right in my world. This is why we love our kids the way we do, the reason we congregate with folks who love their kids this way... we know others will love our kids this way too. This Way. For whom they are. Grateful and Welcoming of the Gifts of their very Presence. I love others' children. I do. Sometimes even in a covetous way. Be Proud. I see the true Spirit because the view is unencumbered by arbitrary social ickiness. Our playground is open and Free. Skinned knees and bruises are lovingly cared for, as are sad hearts and tears. I'm truly in love with so, so many folks after this experience... it's like I was right *ding* My heart stretched and stretched and withstood such incredible loss, in order to make room for all the LOVE that needs to pour through me now. Fergus and I began our dance upon his arrival. I was determined to win him over by the end of the weekend. I got some coaching from Effie, who jumped right in and played Bratz with me and introduced me to her friends and decorated my nametag and was instrumental in the first physical contact... which occurred during this hair decorating part of the pipecleaner funshop, just before Scott Noelle's talk and after I'd survived my own. I chose my new hand-holding buddy over the new guru - I came away with the biggest blessing :) Then Kyle found me in the hallway and we promptly fell in love. I got lots of hugs and great stories every time our paths crossed. Shining Brightly these kids... How could you NOT be in love for the entire weekend? (baby Vivian pointed and pouted when Marty left the pool on that first night... she could feel the love!)







Then there's the young love... I only took a few pictures, but they're so sweet! How can you not envision those free and well-loved babies they'd have :::sigh::: And here it comes, the real reason I love, love, love, love, love being around these folk: I did say to one particular teen at one particular whiny point in time, "Witty and Charming. You wanna win? Witty and Charming! This whiny crap is NOT attractive!" and went back about my business of having a great time with my super cool friends. I guess it was exactly what needed to be said. Win-Win-Win. The best part, these friends know they are Free to say to me exactly what needs to be said exactly when it needs to be said, as well. Super Win-Win-Win.

The Boost

Holy stars, batman! I really needed to hear these words, right this minute! Krikey...

Gemini:Something that's right up your alley could be disguised as an activity you vehemently refused to do. Has it ever occurred to you that you're having a strong reaction because you know this could change your life?

I'll stop the world and melt with you...

LIFE is Good. Period. There are many ways we choose to confirm or deny that... moment to moment, each and every moment of our human existence. The shifts, the twists, the turns, the gifts, the lessons, the friends, the love... Oh my! I am so in love and so filled with the chills of growth, evolution occurring with full awareness. I've got fear. It's quiet and weak in the face of love, joy and big deep breaths of courage and welcome.

If ever I felt I wanted the world to stop so I could melt with my surrounding humans, it's when I'm with my RU Tribe.

I've got stories, you know it... and I'm gonna get the gumption to write them all... in the meantime, enjoy these glimpses of words to come: Glaven's long lost family (reunited by Samuel); what I was called to do instead of hearing Scott Noelle's talk on the Pleasure Principle; the conference glow; the Barefoot Boogie; my soulmate, Kyle. Wait til you hear the Fergus story; the joy of sharing Dave with Crystal and our craaaaaazy monkeyness ;) (I ♥ our husband); the Lucy Booth; the ABQ manifestation (and Corvallis, and Vancouver); the growls; the howls; the joy; the laughter; the TRIBAL Connection (far more real than the Rainbow Connection).

Note to the PNW Manifest Crew: Scotty's musical mentor is moving to WA... the fates at work?

LIFE is Good!!

Photobucket Album

Perfect Conference Horoscope

Gemini: Your actions are fully aligned with your intentions today, and this can be an unbeatable combination. Others will be more inclined to listen to what you say now, for your voice carries the fire of your convictions. Choose your words carefully to convey exactly what you mean, but don't expect immediate results. It may take a few days for reality to catch up to you.

S-aaaaaaah!-una

I think it get it now, why it is the Scandinavian folk like saunas so much. Nope, not just because it's freaky cold most of the year wherever you find lots of white folk. My theory is, and it must apply to all other pigment-deprived folk, a sauna feels just like sunshine on your body, but without the threat of sunburn! Picture me laying on that bench (if I sit up my head is too much hotter than the rest of me!), pretending to sunbathe :) I wonder if there is a Spiritual history to saunas... I was reminded of the sweat I did and how purification of the body is really metaphorical to purification of the Self. A great way to prepare myself for the upcoming days of joyful madness and over stimulation (yes, it even happens to me!). I was ready to jump into the cool pool (it seems cold, but I'm sure it's just cool) after 15 minutes of a good dry heat :) I may have to check that out again when the boy wakes up!

Thinking Blogs

Doc says I'm a blogger who makes her think or laugh or sigh :) That means I get a new button on my sidebar! It's a meme where I'm supposed to tag 5 blogs who make me think (or laugh or sigh), instead I'm taking lead from her (:::waving from Corvallis:::) and I officially nominate all the blogs on my list (including Madeline, welcome back!) Thanks for making me think, thanks for keeping me posted on the little silly stuff in your lives, thanks for making me feel part of a Real Tribe, even if I get lonely in Souf'akota!

Oh Yes!

I had to do it. I don't even have to justify it by reminding you that I'm a girl in new love when I tell you I waited to leave. til now. Scotty's on his way to work and we're taking apart the 'puter when I hit publish. We're rolling into Corvallis early, early Tuesday morning and I can't wait!! Miss me :)

On the road again...

Off we go... this afternoon anyway :)
I got to wake up yesterday, snuggling with my boyfriend - what an amazing treat!- before he took off for a Low concert in Mpls. I won't get to see him before I leave, provided I actually get my ass in gear and get outta town, so the missing has begun before I've even left town.
Diana's To Do List:
Shower
Pack Computer
Headless Chicken Dance while checking out what's left in the house (hoping the DS will appear)
Pop into Gramma Bunnie's 80th Birthday Party
Leave this gahdforsaken town.
Drive for 28 hours.

Wooo Hoooo!!

Every Sperm is Sacred

I don't know about you, but this comic just calls out for it's own Monty Python tune, as I can't find one EXACTLY perfect, this one will do :)

Hey Tena!

Gemini: Feeling like if you don't get on the bus, you might miss catching a ride -- metaphorically speaking, that is? Well, don't get stressed out. If it's meant to happen, it will. If not, it keeps passing you by for a reason.
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Once again, chalked up to being a gemini.

Happy Freya Day!!

Right on the head!

Gemini-If someone's getting on your nerves, try an old trick and take some deep breaths before responding. Better yet, carve out some alone time before you encounter them again. It'll make all the difference to your attitude. Astrology.com
Ya know, that's what it is. I've been breathing and pacing myself.
I'm so ready to leave on Sunday.
...and I'm not.
but I am.
Roadtrip joys abound,
Adventuring with the Boy,
Where does this road lead?

Coke as an Icon

I went to Coke.com in the middle of the night and zipped off a less-than-150-word complaint against the removal of Coke from the movie. I got a response!! The bottom line: they declined product placement in a religious film, they accept placement of an icon of our times. Would they say it's the wine of the 21st century?? I'm just excited to see hoopla surrounding a film that will be seen by just a few more Americans because of it! Coke now knows my name. Does that put me on some cool chick list somewhere?

Coca-Cola Support
to hahamommy@gmail.com
date 12 Apr 2007 13:54:43 -0400
subject RE: Feedback from coke.com: 501 Other

Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company. We appreciate your interest in the appearance of a Coca-Cola product in the Italian movie "7 km from Jerusalem".

The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola Italia) wants to clarify that during initial contacts, a specialized agency hired by the film crew offered us the advertising opportunity of product placement in the movie. Out of respect for the religious subject matter, we chose to decline this commercial proposal.

As soon as the producer and the director of the film contacted us in person on April 5, 2007, we met them the same day. It was then explained to us for the first time, that their aim was not to get product placement. On the contrary, they clarified that the director had a strong artistic desire to make a reference to the Coca-Cola brand in the movie as one of the universally appealing symbols of this age. Having understood the purely artistic desire and considering that the playful reference to the brand is not intended to be offensive to anyone, we immediately agreed in that meeting to the use of the Coca-Cola trademark.

We wish the director and producer every success with their film.

If you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to contact us again.

Gisele
Industry and Consumer Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company

Speaking of the Big Guy

Jesus ♥ Coca-Cola, at least according to the new film, 7 km from Jerusalem where a soul-searching Italian man happens upon the Messiah and offers him a ride and a refreshing beverage (and the requisite smile, I'm sure!). When Josh cracks the can, the man replies, "What a testimonial!"

Already sounding like the kind of movie I can't wait to run out and see/read (it's in Italian) Except I just may not get to ::sob:: "The multinational's Italian unit sent a legal letter forcing the elimination of the scene in which Jesus drinks the well-known beverage," the producers said on the film's Web site. Italian media reported that the company felt that the use of its brand was unacceptable and could get the company a bad image.
Bad image? Bad image? Really, what could be worse than denying God's Only Begotten Son (or sumsuch) the most supreme, most sacred, most divinely gifted refreshment on the gahdforsaken planet? I don't wanna know, I really don't. Don't make him settle for Dr. Pepper, or worse Pepsi!

If anyone in this Universe deserves a coke and a smile, it's Jesus!!

Yay Jesus came back to Life!!

I'm so sorry I forgot to blog about it ON his resurrection celebration day, indeed I did not forget to actually celebrate his coolness. Let us not forget, he first appeared to Mary of Magdala upon his, uh, return from the Dead. We all saw Ghost, we know why - she was hot and he wanted to be sure his friends didn't do anything to her. 'specially not Biff, who was probably busy comforting the other Mary anyway.
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Scotty, the coolest boyfriend in the world, created a scavenger hunt for the kids to win a prize of a date with us at a future date; Alex got Lazer Tag, Elizabeth got swimming and Hayden got roller skating! They were very excited. We filled more eggs than they found, the chocolate sits in bowls and nooks and crannies all over the place. I loaded up on the plethora of wonderful dark chocolate available at this time of year! So much for the lust diet ♥
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My friend Schuyler is in Australia. Easter is about Spring, but there it's Autumn... I guess I just assumed they used the same wheel but at it's opposite point (swap Samhain and Easter I suppose). I guess this is testament to the secularization of those holidays, how funny they infiltrated south of the equator as well... ah, it's the ex-pats isn't it?? The Northern folks living Southern, bringing traditions that make no sense. I hope the eggs were at least Autumn colored.

Easter Flashback

Sad, sad, day, when you realize your favorite Easter memory from childhood is an M&M Commercial. I can live with the lies surrounding the origins of this Holy Day, heck, I don't even mind folks forgetting it's Easter's Bunny and that it's really about Spring and not The Big Guy, though his story is pretty cool too, doncha think maybe he deserved his own day?? Anyhoo, as I'm not much in the celebration of Spring, here on the Tundra, I thought I'd put this out there for us old folk to enjoy!

and well, while we're at it, here's some new Easter entertainment...

Sheesh, it's a wonder the guy didn't implode our Sun as Winter Solstice competes with his Birthday... in fact, why doesn't he send Michael down to take care of St. Nick?
I'm taking my smelly Self downtown with my shopping cart, so my muttering will be in context...

Your moment of Satori

and it's all worth it!

Gemini: Plans for a special event will be finalized, and you're guaranteed an obstacle-free (and potentially romantic) time. An exciting moment of intrigue will take things up a level and heighten the sense of possibility.

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goin to work now, really, I mean it this time...

Crackin' the Whip

Gemini: You are ready to go out and play with friends or family, leaving your responsibilities behind, for you may think you can catch up on your work later. Unfortunately, your rational mind has a warped perspective of reality as your key planet Mercury squares optimistic Jupiter. You cannot make up for lost time with good intentions and hard work. Stay on task and relax when you are finished.

Where am I?

Holy Shit! April is here! I am so glad I work well, well, best? under some pressure. It's my little fuck-you to the establishment; the universe at this point.
It's about list making. Another form of procrastination, maybe, I like to think of it as focused procrastination. :::bg::: then this will happen:

and I'll get to work!

I've got stacks and pages and scribbles of my talk at Life is Good, later this month... I'm ready to take a deep breath and actually create ONE document of notes, bullet points and outlined sections becoming what I share. I even have the little Mary Engelbreit notebook for the job. Found the perfect pen yesterday.

The car is CLOSE to being done. It's currently driveable, though Uncle Troy says there's a "rats nest" in the blower, which he'll remove and he wants to replace the waterpump before I go too far. He'll be registered, licensed and insured tomorrow!!! The first short trip will be to Summit, SD (3 hours north of here, just past Watertown), to rescue our belongings and tires from Hermione, say our farewells and see that Howard is broken in well :)

I have a son in a fragile space. He's open and loving and joyful and happy; more often than before. He's also much more open about his grief and his loneliness. I know that while I focus on getting us up and out of town at a non-panicked, calm and jubilant date this month, with time to do the extra stuff we want to do (like the imperative visit to Saylor!!) and still get home in time for the circus, I need to be kind and calm and joyful.

We're going nuts the next couple of months because we love it; because it's what we do and how we live. A couple of weeks of sunshine and great friends, (Life outside of the basement :) not to mention my all time favorite car-time with my boy, I think we'll be revved up enough to get our shit together and move it to our new, perfect home.

Here is my intention for our home. When we return (late April) our easily affordable, roomy, sunny apartment, utilities paid, will be waiting for us in the downtown area of Sioux Falls. Scotty has opened doors for me to bake for his friend Natasha's restaurant and sandwich shop. I will bake her some samples this week (she currently buys at :::wretch::: Sam's Club and would just love to have homemade things). I can use her restaurant's kitchen during the night, a'la Sunnyside Up --Thanks Mary and Jon for the inspiration!! I'll have the extra monies I need, with a flexible work situation. And I give back to downtown, support the businesses a fellow young widowed mother, and do what I love in the, well, all the time ♥ ♥

Today Scotty said he will ask Natasha if we can use her basement to have Amy play in May!! They host a lot of musicians through Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues -- maybe Amy should come back and do Jazzfest in July :)

So there. It all lines up somehow, in the typical diana fashion. At this point I have zero expectations of my trip. I have several route options available in my head ::g:: It's not gonna look like what we thought 6 months ago or even 6 weeks ago! It's gonna be so much fun!!
Life Rocks!

In support of the troops, I think...