My Sacred Life, Day 16

Patches D. Cat
September 4, 1992 - January 31, 2008
Another peaceful passing. Third time's a charm.

My Sacred Life, Day 15

I'm so grateful I could just dance!

Thumbkin Update

On Monday nite, I was surprised to find this bruise. Right at the thumbjoint. Who knew?
Tonite, it looks like this.
It was tough to get the right light/angle, it's dark purple in my thumbpit.
And it's swollen.
(that picture was FUN to take. Camera balanced on knee with 15-second self-timer engaged.
Ready? Go. Oh, push the button, thumbs in place. Ready? Go!)
I didn't need no stinkin' left hand to make my Gingerbread Mix with lots of L♥VE. Good thing, too!

Mama's Date with (a Kiefer Replacement), Hour 3

Meet Nicolas. He's hot. And not just because Georgia's having a drought! Here's one farmer, well, I won't put any plough jokes in here, I'm actually turning red at the thought.... uh, here's one farmer I wouldn't mind squeezing my produce :) Yeah, that's less embarrassing for the both of us. *But* only while he speaks to me in his b.e.a.u.tiful French accent. Allez, allez!
I wish I had a futbol action shot to insert here, instead we'll imagine boogie boarding together in Australia. It's not hot and sweaty, though still very Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmmmm.
Ooooh la la (in my very best *girl from Souf'akota* fake French accent)
Like that.
........I think I figured it out. I love men who love redheads. I love men who truly enjoy their children. AND I love men who are in L♥VE with their wives. Thanks Madeline, for checking out my perspective on worship of your Hero! It's a win/win/win situation ♥

My Sacred Life, Day 14

My Circle of Sisterhood
I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share.
~His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

My Sacred Life, Day 13

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

For Your Information

Ladies, ya know how a fingernail is known once and again to flip itself downwards and stay there? And how the most effective treatment is a good strong shake-snap of the hand and 10 minutes of sucking?
Yeah?
Well, don't do that if it's your entire thumb that flips. Ow. Really.
I was in the groove, I had a great case ready to deliver and I was closing the powdered sugar storage thingie. By pushing down the lid, with my open hand. Just as the timer went off for my muffins, I heard the *pop,* like a fingernail but bigger, so I gave the hand a shake and headed for the oven. And stopped. In pain. Way bigger than a fingernail. Ow. Ow. Ow. fuuuuuuuuck!
I wanted to freak out sooooo bad. And I did. For a bit. Then I just swore. A lot. With newly invented words. Lots of them. I had not felt that crumple-to-the-floor kind of pain in a long time. Ever? Way worse than baby pain. FUCKERLICIOUSMENTALPISSANTFUUUUUCK!!!
And I had a confused boyfriend. Still super cool, though seemingly worthless in the face of his first diana-in-pain panic. For future reference, perhaps for more men than just Scotty ;) Don't touch me. I am in sensory overload with pain, I need no further input. Your job is not to stop the freak out, but to bear witness to it. When I'm ready to shut up, I will. Breathe, lead by example. Without talking, just listen. Eh, there's more details I can't remember and honestly have no desire to record or critique (over my shoulder he edits and directs this post ::bg::). He was just fine, as himself. I haven't been injured in adult company in so long I don't have much clue what kind of support I like. The ice was nice.
The muffins were saved. The bake case looked beautiful.
I showed Patches the dangers of opposable thumbage. I don't think she ever felt her life was incomplete without it, though now, she's likely to never desire a thumb at all.
I still can't touch my pinky and it may be a while before I fingerspell Left-handed.
By Golly, the bake will go on.
Without any hand shake-snapping. Ow.
Now you know.

My Sacred Life, Day 12

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine,

let it shine,

let it shine,

let it shine.

My Sacred Life, Day 11

I never underestimate the value of a loving yet ass-kicking voice to add to my internal choir.
His voice reMinds me to act in full expression of my Soul.
~♥~ ~♥~ ~♥~

The Four Agreements®

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love. 2. Don't Take Anything Personally Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. 3. Don't Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. 4. Always Do Your Best Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

My Sacred Life, Day 10

My life as a canvas. I am a creation of every stroke of every brush. A compilation still in progress.

~Life as Art as God~

Reason is powerless in the expression of Love.
::: Rumi :::

The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.
::: Michelangelo :::

O Great Creator of Being, grant us one more hour to perform our art and perfect our lives.
::: Jim Morrison :::
~Amen

My Sacred Life, Day 9

I can quiet
while I create.

Win/win/win.

~amen~

My Sacred Life, Day 8

Sometimes I'm the rock. Sometimes I'm the sand. Sometimes I'm the water.

Always changing. Always the same.
Amen.

Mama's Date with (a Kiefer replacement): Hour 2

Hour 2: Dave Miller Of course!
Dave is one Amazing Dude Dad & Hottie Hubbie
He raises the bar for the cute/smart/cool combo standards.
Not to mention how he has tapped his own uncharted wealth of patience and commitment to evolving.
He is our Gemini Monkey Birthday Party Extravaganza Poster Boy. And I'm glaaad.
I can't wait.
Thanks Dave, for tolerating and maybe, just a teeny-tiny bit, appreciating my appreciation of you. As always, thanks to Crystal for sharing ♥ you lucky wench & for being so grateful :D

Mama's Date with (a Kiefer replacement): Hour 1

It's sad. No 24 'til 2009.
:::deep breath:::
All is as it should be.
Still, I'm jonesin' for my date.

As necessity is the Mother of invention. I will use the creativity of my own inner writer to bring you 24 installments of Mama's Date of the Week.
You may have seen versions of this kind of list on our most favorite blogs. I'm going to expand here, upon my amazing idea for a pin-up calendar, and highlight those hot, hot men from the Unschooling World. Meet my tribe!

Hour 1: Kirby Dodd
I just don't think there's a nicer guy in the Universe.
And he's funny.
I'm so glad I know Kirby.
You will be too, when you meet him.

Yeah, he's what happens when you give kids access to the world. He's what happens when passions are embraced and supported.
1 out of 1 Holly agrees, Kirby's a damn fine big brother.
9 out of 10 unschooling moms agree Kirby Rocks! (the other one just ain't met him yet ♥)

My Sacred Life, Day 7

Making what I don't like with the same love and attention as the stuff I do like.
This here Gingerbread is a challenge for me.
It's a challenge to open the molasses.
It's a challenge to not cook the eggs with the hot water.
It's a challenge to smell that which I'd not choose to eat.
It's a challenge to know what "just right" means to Gingerbread.

And look at it.

This is what happens when I announce my love of making gingerbread.
I get to make this marvelous creation for the others of Corvallis. Those who love Gingerbread deserve diana's Gingerbread, they deserve Gingerbread made with the same love and attention and intention as the yummy goodies *I* may be partial to. Just for showing up at the coolest coffee shop in the known universe, they get that from me. A gift, for everyone.

Just a tiny little shift in perspective...
My soul loves to be nudged.
Thanks for the nudge, Gingerbread Gods.
Amen.

*I AM*erica! Blog for Choice

On this 35th Anniversary of Row v Wade, I find myself pro-choice.
I used to be here on purpose, now, I don't think the term accurately describes my perspective.
*I'm an American Citizen by Birth first, now by Choice.
*I am of legal age to vote, drink and consent to sexual relations (as legal in my state).
These two things are the only criteria the Supreme Court should ever use in interpreting the Constitution. I'm a Constitutionalist. For real. The Constitution of the United States of America applies to all citizens regardless of any outside criteria. Period. Which means the access to informed consent to any and all medical technology (including medications, expertise, procedures) available to any and all other American Citizens. Period.
My rights are not forfeited nor altered in the presence of my *X* Chromosome; My rights are not altered in the presence (or lack thereof) of pigmentation in my skin; My rights are not altered based on my bank account; My rights are not altered based on any book's judgment of my lifestyle.
All (hu)men are created equal.
It's the spirit that founded this fine country and it is the mantra that will carry us forward.

~Ms. Roe, wherever you may be today, I tip my hat to your reminder that indeed, Justice is Blind and sometimes there still is Liberty and Freedom in being American.
~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~~♥~
And I've been that chick.
That chick who now refers to the process as Releasing the Spirit.
It was at the Sheryl Crowe concert. Sturgis 2001. In the tent! Whooo!

Yeah, it was also 8 months after my husband died, my kids were on the verge of 5 & 3, I was still figuring out this whole new universe. I was not smoking pot (which works amazingly as birth control) and I was taking this new-fangled anti-depressant I convinced the doctor at the free clinic to prescribe me. I didn't have time to be depressed or go to therapy. So I got these pills that come with a gigantic warning: do not, under any circumstances even think about getting pregnant while taking this medication. it's a bad situation.
What the label didn't say and should have: you will surrender all ability to think while taking this medication. your world will fall apart, although nothing has changed. you will topple over that edge you've been so carefully balanced upon and nothing can save you. clawing and flailing are a waste of your energy. your rational mind will be muted, at chemical gunpoint, while your emotions run amok. you should stay home, send your children to the drive in with your folks and suck your thumb while curled fetal-style in the middle of your bed. do not speak to anyone, you know not what you say. do not, under any circumstances enter public establishments with your tumultuous lover. the sturgis bike rally is off limits! no matter how good you think you look in those pants. stay home!
I was a basket case.
A really really cute one.
In the midst of an amazing emotion-tangled tumultuous love affair.
My emotions ran amok.
I went out in public.
I had a roller-coaster crazy-manic-fest in leather pants and good music.
And a tent.
I have a picture of that day, I just saw it not long ago.
A Lifetime Ago.

~♥~

I was in Amy's backyard a week later, when I couldn't breathe. My heart was going to jump out of my chest and my skin was going to crawl right along after it. Leaving me behind. Bones and goo. I called the doctor. Do you feel like you're overdosing on cocaine? Ummm... I *guess* this is what that might feel like. You should stop taking the pills. You're having side effects. Anything I can do to help *now*? Ride it out.
I was still riding it out another week later, again in Amy's backyard, when the second line showed up on the test. My period was due in three days. I already knew. Fuck me running!
Hi, it's your spazoid psycho consistent female companion. yeah. you knocked me up the other weekend at Sheryl Crowe... yeah, fuck! yeah. well. I'll figure something out. don't worry. whatever.
And I climbed in the bathtub and cried. A lot.
Then on the third warm-up or so, I decided to talk to this little being in me.
We communed for a long time. I thanked her for coming (we're all girls at that point ;) and for the Gifts her Existence would bring to me and through me. I apologized for not being a forever home for her. I wished her an amazing New Life, beyond mine at this moment, and asked that she let me know where she lands if she could. I dabbled Moon Flower scent on me and promised to remember her with the moon, always.
The next day, there was a check in the mail from Mitch's insurance company for $500.
I went to planned parenthood and asked for a medical abortion. I didn't want instruments in my uterus thankyouverymuch. Somehow I got through the appointments. There were at least a couple, probably because of South Dakota law. I was only 4 weeks post conception, barely pregnant by any medical standards. I knew what had to happen and I was at peace and so was this BabySpirit. Male companion dude was doing his own coping. or not.
I got a shot in the hip. The kind that stops rapid cell development.
And some inserts for a few days later. To open my cervix, so she could leave my body.
When she did go, it was peaceful and private. Just us. We wished each other well.
See ya later...
~♥~
later that afternoon...
Diana? It's Big Joe! We just found out ~ We're pregnant! We'll have a baby in May ♥
Indeed we did.
His name is Dezmo and he really digs his forever parents. ♥
~♥~
The most important thing I learned? All really is as it should be. Really.
(meaning: sometimes when Life gives you a really good fecking reason to be depressed, your whole being wants to BE in the womb of depression, for fucks sake, be depressed already! Revel in it and get on with yourself. Otherwise misery'll sneak up and bite you on the ass. Fer real!)

My Sacred Life, Day 6

Patches D. Cat
Born September 4, 1992 (Virgo)
Bon Chat
Madame Chat
La Reina Gata
Former Fat Cat
Now Skinny Kitty
A Jenner Family Icon
A suspected incarnation (horcrux anyone?) of Elizabeth Taylor
Patches had my heart before Mitch.
Patches was here before Hannah was created.
Patches outlasted her sister, Cheba.
Patches welcomed Hayden.
Patches stayed beyond Mitch.
Patches mourned Hannah.
Patches approved Scotty.
Patches knows who her mommy is. She recognized and claimed me the day she was born. A magical match, we two.
A touch of her fur is a reminder of where I've been. The collective Me who is here Now. Thank you for the Gifts of your Wisdom and Love. Thank you for finding me worthy of your service. It is an honor. Amen.

Dear Mr. Huckabee,

My curiosity about you has been piqued since your recent guitar playing, honestly. And some controversy with homeschoolers. Controversy led me to discover my own version of Truth.

So I decided to head straight to the source of Mike Huckabee information, MikeHuckabee.com.
I watched approximately 45 minutes of interview clips of you, your family, friends and residents of Arkansas speak of an amazing human being who would like to be President. A man who is ready to finally apply some good ol' American "Can Do!" attitude back into our ailing country. A man of great faith who expressed great respect for those who's beliefs differ from his own. A human striving to emulate the example of Christ in relating to his fellow humans.
Especially as you spoke, emotionally, about Hurricane Katrina and those neighbors most affected. You shared your Christ-like belief in caring for those in need, even at the expense of Self. As Governor of Arkansas, I can see you walked your faith in a deep and real way.
I was also struck by the revered way you spoke of the children of your state; how you considered each decision that would affect a child by thinking of each child you're impacting as your own. You have a great wisdom in your desire for all children to have a well-rounded exposure to Life; that school's teaching to the test mentality is a true disservice to American children and to the future Adults they will become.
My goodness! My heart was won! I wanted to pick up the phone right that minute and invite you to dinner. We could talk for hours. By the time I served coffee, you'd be in love with me, too. I could so give you pointers on winning the hearts of some freaky way cool voters & fill you in on how this country could utilize our kick-ass potential for amazingness.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Then I clicked on Issues.
Then I cried.
Oh, my.
Um, I don't understand at all.
I don't see Christ in your ideals for America.
Would Christ really treat his next door neighbors as hostile invaders?
Would Christ see those from whom we've wrested 1/2 our land as unworthy of our compassion and love and mercy?
Would Christ not see the Love between all humans?
Would Christ deny your child full rights under the Constitution? Should the Law of our fine country, which states a clear separation of Church and State, take a stand that is only Biblical in nature? Can we deny Constitutional Rights to American Citizens based on the Bible? Would Christ? I don't think so.

I'm very confused Mike.
You seem like a great guy. I think I'd like you. I sure wanna.

Stop campaigning on the Asshole-for-Christ ticket, Mike.
First off, I don't think Jesus appreciates it.
Second, it doesn't fit who you are nor whom God intended you to be.

Unless the Issues tab is right and the video guy is an act....
I sure hope the video guy is Real and the Issues guy is misled.
Yeah, that's how it has to be. Isn't delusion nice ♥

I sure hope those scales are lifted from your eyes soon.
I'll be praying.
Let me know how it goes.
Then we really should do lunch. At Sunnyside Up, I'll buy ya some french toast.

Sunny regards,
diana jenner
A Very Important Person ~ I'm American & I Vote

I am Most Excellent, You are Most Excellent, WE are Most Excellent

And not just because I got this *E* though it does reinforce my obviously right-in-line thinking ♥
My version of 10 Excellent Blogs is quite similar to those lists of my friends.
Most of you know you're already on the list, so here's my list with as few repeats as possible:
37 Days
The Pioneer Woman
Kevin a-go-go
When Life Gives You Lemons
Warts and All
Lyrics Game
Open-Hearted Life
Ironwood Farm
Contrary Goddess
Barn Raising

My Sacred Life, Day 5

Kyra.

Kyra is connected to it all.

All that I find sacred in this world wraps right back around this Light.

All that is Golden and Joyful about childhood.

Right here.

Living proof that
an abundance of acceptance
creates an abundance of acceptance.

The greatest impact of her friend's death?
Acceptance.

A tighter cling to the belief that Life is for Living

&

If you're not busy living what the hell
you- know- what are ya doing?

To see those very things embodied, hang with this girl for 3.48 minutes!

To look her in the eye is to realize Namaste.

She shines, infinitely.

We bask in her glow,
as we are reminded
to shine ourSelves,
as openly
and brightly
as Kyra does.

Whole,
Complete,
Perfect

~Amen~

Exactly

My Sacred Life, Day 4

Family. The people I've chosen to draw nearest to me on this Journey as diana.
This here group spirals tightly together. Never a dull moment in this crowd.
No, not only because we're loud. We're pretty sharp witted, too ;)
We love each other and we like each other. Bonus.And we really LOVE, LOVE, ♥ ♥ ♥ Bowling For Soup! ♥ ♥ ♥Thanks Universe, for Emma and Eli.
For their part in restoring my faith in our bloodline.
And for them crazy, beer-drinking, singing-pretty, silly-boys from Denton, Texas.
Amen, indeed.

My Sacred Life, Day 3

12 years ago, in the transition from the Year of the Pig to the Year of the Rat, I carried my daughter in my womb. This time, I carry her memories in my heart; her story is carried on my soul. Around my neck I carry some remains of what once was a physical home to her soul. When I can bear it. Lately I've needed this talisman to remind me I didn't dream her entire existence, nor my experience as her mommy. I can't remember who I was before her. I can't imagine who I'd be I'll become without her.

My Sacred Life, Day 2

Tea.
Chai tea.
5 Valley Chai Tea
(I wish you could smell this!)
My entire being says
aaaaaaahhhhhh
As I connect soulfully to all that is wonderful in My Life and in The World.
The scent from the steam gently opens the boxes of memories, much like these seed pods, both so tightly bound to the magic of tea.
Thank you Aunt Donna, tea cannot be served in my presence without joyful & loving thoughts of you ♥

My Sacred Life, Day 1

On one of those meanderings through the world of blogs, I stumbled across a button at the bottom of the blog belonging to someone who commented on Hayden's blog (who happens to live in Japan and reads Kelli & Mary!) and when I clicked, it took me to Sacred Sunday. Because I'm in a place where I need more than a weekly kick-in-the-Spiritual-Pants, I followed along to Sacred Life where I realized the powerful potential of Living Connected for the next 30 Days.
In fact, in my ponderings of this post, Hayden has decided he'd like to embark on the project too. He'll be directing my photography at his blog ♥

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My hands and my spirit are great partners in my life, there are connections abound.
I thought I'd embark upon this journey with an Oregon specific connection ♥
My hand is touching green, in January. What a treat for this former Prairie Girl.
I am grateful for the quiet green life, reminding me Winter need not be stark.
*Life goes on. Always.*

I am Celebrating the Stillness of Me at 6 am

Celebrate!

Flash Harper

Before you read this post, you could open this in another tab/window and share my internal background music, I don't need the other tab :D Welcome to my World.

As I walked out of the restaurant's bathroom, I saw this out the front door... Then Freddy begins to sing in my head and I giggle like mad!
In reality, Harper is sharing his coat and his warmth with two cccooolllddd girls in a chilly and damp Corvallis parking lot. A true gentleman. And a good sport.
He wanted a good picture of a pretend flashing... So,
he rolled up his pants, turned his back to me, opened his coat to the empty table,
and got surprised by his weekend's hostess!!

He blushed.
Thanks Harper.


P.S. Harper generally refrains from flashing strangers.

I am Playing Along

I am Buff-headed Coucal and I introduce my acclaimed album, "Some People Never Listen"
I won't sing, if you play along!
1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first article title on the page is the name of your band.
2. www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four words of the very last quote is the title of your album.
3. www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/ The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover. You then take the pic and add your band name and the album title to it, then post your pic.


Though you won't catch *me* advocating it, some participants have admitted to fudging a bit... I didn't have to, my computer refuses to accept any gifs today, so I picked the third jpeg :) Nothing against the wrinkly old man and the rusty pontiac, you just weren't meant to be today.

Artist in Residence: Kat with a K

Rolly's Sasquatch Latte
The Foam Fairy workin her majik
My Funky Breve Birdie on a Branch

Sunshine & Rainbows

I awoke from dreams of Real Carmel Breve and French Toast. Greeted by blue sky, sunshine & a big ol' rainbow ♥ I wasn't dreaming, I really was headed to the place where I can have all those things in my life, as long as I'm up by 2 pm :) My Life is Good!