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Mary's right, Kelli's next!
An October birthday trip would be way cool... turning 40 in the PNW just wouldn't suck!!
Since Christine will be in Medford for Thanksgiving, that's our goal -- settled in by the HolyDay :)

The next logical step

is to move!! Of course :)

Even after a few weeks of procrastination, the KVAL job in Eugene is still advertised as available for dear Scooty. He has now sent out 5 employment packets, to each of the Eugene and Salem stations. There are two advertised jobs he qualifies for, who knows who may be on the outs by the time Scotty's resume hits some Production Manager's desk!!
His job at KDLT is on the chopping block, it seems everyday lately is filled with the possibility of unemployment at the end of each shift. Heck, it seems like KDLT is on the chopping block (and no, it's not a CBS affiliate - they've no good excuse for the current state of implosion!).
After confrontation with some mighty big fears, it's done, decided and ready to happen -- Corvallis here we come!!
Now what? Oh yeah, I've got the upcoming Live and Learn Conference to distract me from the details (like the fact that I'm not yet done moving out of my former residence!!) that Scotty loves so much!!
I wanna make an eye-catching poster for Jon and Mary to hang in their shop:
Affordable home needed for 3 cool South Dakotans and their cat.
Seeing it happen...

My friends

We're gonna get louder; We're not gonna get any happier.

The very best line of the evening!

Here I am, all dolled up for taking Scotty's car to go ticket taking. A very rare photograph with tobacco use, I thought it fit the ensemble :) Note: I've got my purse with Jenny's button on it!Did I mention my Boyfriend is the Superest Coolest? Just before I left, Scotty mentions CJ cover a Velvet Underground song, written by Lou Reed, it's in the movie Natural Born Killers, "Sweet Jane." When Scotty's friend, Chad, shows up at the show, he mentions they do a Velvet Underground Song, "Sweet Jane." At least 10 other folks mentioned the very same song. Another couple I seated mentioned they found CJ from one of those network detective shows (Homicide?) with cool soundtracks. I chatted folks up as I patrolled the aisle ensuring no one rushed the backstage door. As the expected crowd was small, reserved seats were moot. I told a select few they may want to shift to the balcony for the second set for better acoustics.
To honor their first time performing in SD, they sang their song that mentions Mt. Rushmore. They did an acoustic opening with Margo and Michael and a guest mandolin/harmonica player, (ending with "To Love is to Bury") followed by a longer, plugged in set with Pete and Alan (ending with "Sweet Jane" to the crowd's immense delight!).
When I wasn't patrolling the aisle, I switched off with Sales in the lobby and slung some schwag for a bit. I bought the new cd (thanks to the generosity of SCB), too late to get an autographed-by-the-whole-band copy, so Margo and Alan signed it for me after the show. Funniest sighting of the night? Jeff Landborg. It was easier that we pretended not to recognize each other. Hee hee.

I'm a Cowboy Junkie!

Thanks to Jenny, I have become a HUGE fan of this amazing band. I discovered their booking at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux Falls, far too late to begin saving for our tickets :'(

Scotty called his connections, hoping for an *in* and couldn't find one. I initially pondered hanging around out back and waiting for them, then I realized that would leave me in possibly the only alleyway in town I'd be scared to hang out in. I breathed my way through the disappointment and made other plans this evening (dinner at Tena's with Scooty and H). Then, Scotty gets the call!! They need just ONE (1) ticket taker for the event this evening -- take tix at the beginning and sit down and enjoy the rest of the show. I'm bringing the camera just in case I actually get to meet them without loitering in the danger zone!

Of all their wonderful music, this is the one song I really hope they play:

I Don't Get It
Margo and Michael Timmins
The Trinity Session, 1988

Breaking away to the other side
I wanna make sense of why we live and die
I don't get it, I don't get it

I ask my friends if they understand
They just laugh at me and watch another band
They don't worry, they don't worry

Lookin for a way to lose my load
I wanna make it easy to walk this road
I can't find it, I can't find it

Yeah I'm looking for answers in so many places
I open my mind I don't get it

Walkin this earth and keeping my peace
I do what I want but the price is steep
It don't seem right, it don't seem right

My mama she told me one step at a time
And sooner or later you'll walk that line
I don't want to, I don't want to

Takin my time to live and die
I wanna find a way to do it right
And I ease on and I ease on

They say one thing always leads to another
I open my mind I don't get it

Breaking away to the other side
I wanna make sense of why we live and die
I don't get it, I don't get it
I don't get it, I don't get it

The future of the GOP

You love me so much it pisses me off!

Gemini: An even-keeled approach to romance can earn you extra points from someone you love. Even if you are engaged in a continuing disagreement, who is right or wrong matters less to you today. What is important, however, is how you can creatively turn a difficult situation into one where everyone is declared a winner. Your attitude is the key factor in making this happen.

Alright, the Real Stuff

I don't have bread pudding in the oven. Because that would mean I would have to be in the kitchen, confronted with the sixteen pieces of dishes I haven't washed in days. Scotty resorted to cereal in a cup with a fork this morning! He also changed the litterbox today, so I know for sure it's not the dishes that were stinking up our space (I've warmed them up a few times). I can imagine what the bread pudding will smell and taste like, once I get through my own resistance!
Last week, Tena (my known-me-since-childhood friend) called to tell me her Uncle Chuck had died in a one man ultralight plane crash. Tena lost her Dad a couple of years ago (death) and her Mom many years ago (ickiness) and had just been lamenting her orphan status while her beloved uncle hounded her about reconciling with her Mom. His nagging became (all too quickly) his dying wish for them -- a healing family. Tena's Mother's peaceful, joyful arrival was the beginning of just that -- their healing journey. I'm honored to have witnessed the miracle of seeing my friend actually receive a call from her Mom. A good call. A happy smile. A glad heart, or two or 12 :D
I shall be unveiling my masterpiece bag, entitled "Tena's Dead Uncle Bag" just as soon as my camera's batteries are charged!
In a bizarre twist of Universal balance, I've had the equal misfortune of comforting, coaching and loving family members who had a loved one go bonkers last weekend -- ending up in jail, even! It's sad to witness someone's self consumption via anger. Self Love can't be inspired externally; there is no such thing as a Gift of Intrinsic Value -- one either has Self Love or doesn't. The destruction of Self in the absence of Value is no less dangerous than Russian Roulette; alcohol (and Rage for that matter) seems to be less socially stigmatized than a loaded handgun though equally as destructive. Just as I might point out to someone they're not so smart walking around with that gun in their mouth, I've got a responsibility (as a human being) to point out the same thing with consuming alcohol (especially with pre-existing Anger/Baggage issues). Even bullshit therapy feels better than getting arrested and is probably cheaper too. I have zero faith in the way America deals with chemical crutches in the grindhouse called rehab. That said, I still think Rehab should be on the list of requirements for this person, followed by intense non-bullshit therapy (can't take away someone's crutches and expect them to walk freely without serious coaching!).
Ah, now I've gotta pee, which takes me right past those warm and unwashed dishes... may just have to deal with them now :D

LIFE is a Gift!

Aaaaahhhh... Life has been filled with Gifts lately, I just look around in amazement, reminding myself that this is my Life.
The upstairs neighbors are gone for a few days. Before leaving, they knocked to tell me and ask us to drink their milk before it expires :D I offered to water their garden (we still haven't received permission to *use* it, mind you) and take out the garbage can. I'm giving them not one single reason not to like me. I'm my charming self without any icky underpinnings. This is a lease I can break without consequence; I shall enjoy this space for as long as I need to be here. As I watered the forbidden space this morning (after finishing The Book and in desperate need for pondering Life, the Universe & Everything) I found a beautiful Lotus in the middle of the pond. There it was. Reminding me in a perfectly timed fashion, Life is Eternal. What a Gift a simple reminder can be!

Where Have I Been??

In my head, that sounded *just like* Mrs. Weasley!
Funny I should mention that... I really gotta get back to the new book. Yeah, we cheated. Okay, just me. I've got one chapter left, then the epilogue. 17 pages. I'm holding out. It's fecking amazing. I'll think all about it while I make some Bread Pudding when I'm done. Good consolation food. Especially the Whiskey Sauce - I've got Crown Royal.
Just as soon as I'm done with those. And blown my nose a few times. Then wash my hands. I'll come back and tell ya all about the craaaaaazy week we've had and yeah, you'll be glad I'm back!

Aaaaaah, this *is* the Life...

July 14, 2007
Conscious Abundance
Gemini Daily Horoscope

It could feel like you have an overwhelming amount of abundance which could make you more inclined to use your resources to acquire more things today. While enjoying what you have is wonderful, this may be a good time to think of your life not in terms of what you can add to it materially but in terms of how you can simplify it so that you can really enjoy what you have. Perhaps treating yourself to something that can have a more positive effect on your life such as getting bodywork done, eating healthy organic food or doing a meditation retreat may not only make you feel better about yourself but could also have a more long-lasting effect, setting the wheels in motion for greater life changes. Doing this could help you see that there are many ways in which you can spend your resources on yourself but in ways that are both healing and affirming.

Learning to use our abundance wisely can transform our lives. Our desire to go out and splurge or spend mindlessly usually stems from the need to accumulate more, for by doing so we might feel that we will become much more complete and whole. Once we recognize that this is only a temporary feeling we will become more aware of the fact that we have the power to make much more conscious and beneficial choices. Becoming mindful of the healthy choices available to you today will make it easier for you to use your abundance so that you gain something truly positive.

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This is exactly where I'm at! I'm acknowledging the abundance that already exists; has always existed; a fact from which I am sometimes blind. I accept the gifts of bounty from the Universe. I realize I am worthy of abundant SelfLove; my worth remains constant regardless of my understanding/vision; I am whole complete and perfect, as is the world I live in and the dream we are all sharing. Abundance. Amen.

KISS Correction

When Scooty has his pictures taken, he sucks in his cheeks! I recognized it from one of those make-up covered KISS guys, I guessed Ace Frehley. Alas, it is Paul Stanley. See?

Flirting with Mutiny

Scotty says "no pictures of my ass on your blog" then "Please?"
Too Late, I say :) A bit of a reprieve for y'all before I get my wood-choppin' gifs done!
***note to Mark & Karin: upload videos to google, please? they didn't transfer well!***
Anyhoo, here are some non-arse photos of the Peterson Madness.
In this first photo, Andrew is front and center. This is Scotty's little brother, Andrew. No matter what you hear others calling him, Andrew is his name. Got it? Andrew is the smart one, with Scotty holding all the cuteness genes. Funny, even after being dropped (via some cool wrestling move on Scotty's part) on his head on the basement concrete, complete with diagnosed concussion, Andrew's still known as the smart one. I think he appreciates the sentiment. Though maybe not today, as Morphine and Percocet take away his ability for anything but gratitude for the lack of pain he's feeling after back surgery yesterday. Later when it's drinking time, I'll toast Pete, oops, er, Andrew and his speedy recovery. Scotty is oh, so very Scotty in this picture. It's nice he's not doing the Ace Freely face ;) Note that our token Brit is unbunching his undies for this American Family Fete :D

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You wouldn't know it from this picture, previous incarnations of these two have led folks to believe they're not as uptight as their clothing might hint. Former Freakin Hippies, in fact, at least that's what I hear. Makes more sense that they've got background making us tolerable and sometimes even entertaining!

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When you cross the street to water the neighbor's flowers (which you're prone to do in Kalona, IA) it's not just cars you have to be on the watchout for, it's also the horsey treats the Amish Buggy Pullers leave along their path for ya!

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I look like such a little kid in this picture. Don't know why, I really like this pic!

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Tall people can take pictures from such amazing perspective! I'm jealous!!
Note Buster and Ginger are in the backseat, awaiting the long drive home :)

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Our sunset on the drive home...

Shoes

Shopping for appropriate wedding attire. Yeah. Not so much fun for me. Scotty either. Luckily, I discovered JC Penny had sundresses for $20! We stealthily snuck in, he wandered while I tried on. Cheap AND petite! We couldn't find pants for him there, so we headed to Target, armed with the giftcards awaiting him at his mother's since Christmas. He got pants and I got shoes. Yummy, yummy brown and pink shoes. To match my new dress. I was really cute! No pictures of Scotty and me. He was all sweaty and freaky, something about social anxiety ;) He gave me Crown Royal and his blessing and went home to sleep. I danced in my cute shoes for a while longer.

I caught the boquet

Again! this time, I'm willing to share, they did bounce off Annie's hand ;)

My Stuff

I didn't think I'd ever have to say this, it obviously needs to be said:

Hannah's Urn is never to be referred to as
"Your Stuff" to me, or "Stuff" at all!

The Urn, The Ashes, Your Kid, Hannah, all of those are appropriate referrals to her remains.
Caveat: a stranger, like a janitor or someone could say that and I'd write him off as an ignorant clod; Godfathers, however, should maintain human respect for their charge even after Death.
Amen

Don't make me EAT you!

Poor T! I warned her about what happens to your instinctual drive when you spawn. Yep, she laughed then and she's a-knowin' now! I would be laughing now, but I have zero desire to be eaten ;) I told her, her internal mama bear would delight in eating the faces of those who reach for your baby when she's not comfortable. I told her she'd not want to put that baby down. I told her nursing would only reinforce these things, giving her a physical response to her baby's needs (#1 reason I think women should nurse). Yeah, it happened. The g-folk aren't terrifically excited to only look at their new and only grandchild. They want to poke and prod. To the mama, that just seems cruel and separating when all she wants is calm and kind and attached. Oh the sniffing is pretty dang good, I have no qualms myself just stickin' my nose right on her breastmilk-smellin head and soak her in. Then again, I don't much care if I see T's tatas and neither does she. I don't think T'd much care if her MIL saw her tatas, she cares more that MIL doesn't want to see them. She doesn't want to pass her baby around groups. Frankly nothing made me cry more intensely than someone refusing to return my baby to me at first peep. There's that sound that my pituitary gland is programmed to and when it happens (it's like Jamie Sommer's super hearing) my whole body responds. Immediately. Give back the baby. The baby knows who s/he's comfortable with and lets the world know quite clearly. Respond. Positively. Let the kid know you're on their side by keeping them comfortable. Gramma can come over, chances are the baby will be nursing or sleeping at equal odds to wakefulness at this point. If there's a seeing tatas issue and a *don't wake the baby* issue, Gramma's got 2/3 chance of being disappointed in the interaction.
T and I are of the second living generation of attached parents in our family. We've got some gentle parenting models (not life-long and not to the degree of respect to which I aspire, there's good baby support). Most of the time, though, it does feel like we're making it up as we go along. I imagine that's the parenting part. Following the instinct seems, in theory, that it would be easy. Do what causes win/win for you and your child. Following instinct surrounded by those who have stuffed their own and assimilated to our detached American model, is just a tiny bit tougher. I'm glad T's putting up the resistance. I'm glad she's doing her research. She's a considerate mommy. I don't think that's too much to ask. Consider. BE considerate about what you do. Especially your spawn. She's yours and only YOURS chickie. We've got her whole life long to share. Right now, I'm patient. Check out today's Daily Om. Guardians. We should all take our human job as seriously.

No SiCKO for Sioux Falls

Ya know, it's like the town is begging me to leave.
For those of you who can, go! Support Michael Moore for me. Be grateful he's one of your options.

I hope we get Harry Potter on time. If the train don't derail. Or the horses keel over. Or the river floods. Sheesh.

The Christmas Card Shot

How can ya not have a good time with this bunch?
It was Mark the British in-law who first commented on the Peterson Arse, as he happily filmed Joyful Woodchopping in the back yard. He then became a man on a mission to include all available Peterson Arses in his documentation of our time together. There are more (and better) tales to come of our Bloody Peterson Madness & Wood Splitting! In a row: Scotty, Andrew, Larry and Karin. Emily quickly disappeared into the house. Being an Evans, her arse didn't have to be shown. She's glad.

More Words of Wisdom

Holy Cow! This Om Horoscope is, well, entirely appropriate today.
July 3, 2007 Embrace Your Life
Gemini Daily Horoscope

You might be over-extending yourself today which could mean that you are using up more time, energy or resources than you currently have. Going beyond your means may be the result of your desire to make up for some feeling of lack that you may have in your life at present. If you make it a point to accept your life for what it is today, you could notice that you may not need to overstretch yourself. Perhaps you can create an affirmation such as “My life is wonderful as it is” or “I have everything I need” to remind you at various times during the day that you already possess everything you require. Such gentle prompts can not only make it easier to put simple limits on yourself but they might also help you to recognize just how rich and complete your life is.

There is little that we need in our lives that we don’t already have. Once we understand this, it becomes easier to let go of our need to overspend or overtax ourselves and instead give in to the joy and abundance that is truly present in our lives. This basic insight allows us to take greater responsibility for both our feelings and actions – doing so in turn lets us come to the awareness that we will only fell fulfilled if and when we are able to accept ourselves. By embracing your life as it is today you will recognize that do not need anything other than yourself to feel perfectly whole.

The Answer is RIGHT THERE!

"When you argue with your child, you may be "right,"
but do you feel happy?"You wouldn't necessarily know that's what's happening here, it is. I want him to change his clothes. He didn't. I got it in my head that he could change once a day; the other kids changed with high frequency at Grandma's request. We had our pictures taken anyway. Did anyone really give a shit? NO! Was it worth it? NO! Neither is spending any time now regretting it. It's a gift to be aware, to know, to choose. So thanks to my friend for these perfect words and their arrival before me this morning.

Just breathe... and tell yourself,
"I'd rather feel good than be right!"

Saint Peterson at Heaven's Gate

Jared, you asked, so I took the picture I could. This otherwise-nondescript location is the One True Pearly Gate. You have to know that in your, er, gullet or you'll miss the covertly named Bakery. This is Amish Country. God Loves Them. Just look at their happy cows, happy chickens and happy, happy, happy (and with normally sized milk bags) cows. Oh wait! The goats, the many happy goats. Too, with goat sized teats. No hormones here. The bite in my mouth is buttery cloud stuff called, appropriately, Butter Horns. Thank ALL the gods these aren't attributed to the devil, they are Pure Love and Light and all That is Good with the World. This cool guy here couldn't have been a better tour guide! He done brung me a slice of Heaven once. Then he brings me right to the source. We're lucky I fit back into The Swede when we were done. We picked up chickens at another farm. Organic Free Range chickens. about $7 each, with apologies for the expense (!). Happy chickens just taste better! Organic Free Range chicken eggs for $1.20/dozen, though we later saw them for $1.09 (that particular store used margarine in their baked goods. I was glad we supported the butter one!) We got bulk spices from yet another family store on another country road. Pretty dang cool. Beautiful Place. Lots of Happiness. I think the Amish have the largest outdoor mall in the US, at least. The view between the stores is strategic advertisements, what with the happy animals and the corn growing and the bulging gardens and the buggies and the big sky... Far more effective than even Super Bowl Commercials! I just wanna stuff my face with a Taste of Heaven, in my own home. Ooooooh, we picked up fresh honey too...