As I See It

My word for 2011

2011-01-08T20:27:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it is already 2011?? The time is passing so quickly and I feel as though I am barely keeping up.....just treading water...trying to stay afloat. I want to absorb every moment.... really let it sink in and "feel" it...... but even with the best intentions I am simply just trying to keep my head above water....trying to take snapshots of life's moments in my head so I can remember all that is happening around me.

I was reflecting on 2010 the other day and spent some time thinking about the word I had chosen to represent the year. I had to smile big because looking back I can't think of a better word to describe last year then the word create. The year was full of surprises and of course some challenges as well. I landed my dream job and simply couldn't be happier about the direction my professional life is going. I'm also just as proud of the amazing community of friends and support I have "created" here in Seattle. This did not come easily as there were many bumps in the road..and some self reflection involved. I learned that making friends as an adult is hard work and requires you to be open and vulnerable. I spent some time taking pictures..... went on a few trips ....... had the amazing opportunity to spend some time with friends from High school and College... the kind of friends that "know" you. There is something so incredibly special about spending time with people who know your story. The whole story. You don't have to explain yourself...they just "get" you. Yep....they are those friends. My 2010 was a great year.....and I feel very grateful.

I'm looking forward to 2011.....I heart new beginnings....it feels like a sea of possibility...just waiting to be discovered. I found my word and I can't be more excited about it.

Embrace

I just love this word and all of it's potential. What is your word going to be??

Picture Fall

2010-10-03T11:45:00.001-07:00

It has been awhile since I have visited this space. I have wanted to.....I have so much to share....but I just haven't felt very inspired. Today I realized why this is.......because I haven't been out taking pictures! I always want to post a picture with what I write...and I don't have any pictures that I really want to share!

Well that is about to change! I am currently taking an e-course class with the wonderfully talented Tracey Clark called "Picture Fall". For the month of October we will be be given a daily prompt to inspire us to get out with our cameras and take pictures. I'm beyond excited! Fall is my all time most favorite season and there is so much to shoot. I love the people in my class and am inspired by their pictures and the many discussion topics that have been posted to the message board. I'm already learning sooo much!

Above is my first picture for the class. I am loving the green against the brown of the leaf. Old against new. Here in the Northwest the grass comes in during the Fall/Winter season..as that is when the rain (usually) starts. So I love the added color....makes the Fall stand out even more.

It is my goal to share a good majority of the my class photos with you. I am already excited to post the picture I captured today. Now keep in mind....I am NO professional photographer......just an everyday girl exploring the art of photography!

A New Story.....

2010-06-26T20:35:00.001-07:00

School has finally ended! It's been just over a week and I am finally coming down from the "End of the School Year Adrenaline Rush". People in this field know exactly what I am talking about. These last few weeks always have you on overdrive....the meetings...the never ending to do list..report cards....the goodbye's...end of year events that keep you at school way past your contract hours. The feeling that it ALL must get done and by a certain date. Although I just finished my 9th year of teaching...I am still surprised by how much has to get done. Like most teachers I know....I spent my last several weeks on auto pilot...going through the motions. So now that a week has gone by I am coming down from this adrenaline rush...and man it can be a hard fall. I have spent the week..exhausted..sick and in tears as I am finally just now processing all the emotion that comes with a school year ending.

Last week I had dinner with my good friend J .. while we were sitting at dinner I was going on and on about all my disappointment in the school district and my principal. You see I put in a leave of absence....so my ending of the year was it for me..especially in terms of teaching students with autism. I was telling her all about the lack of goodbye's....the not even one Thank you for all you have done..... the district not able to get someone to fill my position so we could have a great transition..... when all of a sudden she looked at me and said ...."I can't wait for you to have a new story". She stopped for a brief second and said don't take this personally but you have had the same story since you went into teaching and I am just so excited for you to find a new story this next year...a different one. WOW! That stopped me in my tracks and you know what..she is SO right.

I get to leave teaching and embark on one of my Mondo Beyondo dreams next year....and although I can't share what it is just yet....please know I will soon. I am excited for this new opportunity and can't wait to explore all the possibilities that will come with it. At times I still can't believe it is real. However I would be lying if I didn't say that with closing one door and opening another comes some anxiety....apprehension and of course our favorite friend Fear! I have had many visits this week from those negative voices.....asking...are you sure you can do this...and what if you don't have what it takes?? I listen to them for a short time and know that they are all part of the process. You see...I have been a teacher for 9 years.....that is who I am and that is what I have done. I know how to be a teacher. I know what being a teacher looks like....what that means.....what my role is. This new role...well it is just that new. I don't know what it looks like.....I am not entirely sure what it means....but I am looking forward to learning all about it. I am looking forward to writing and telling a new story. I am filled with anticipation of what this new story will bring.

Four years ago next month I moved up to Seattle. I attended a training that first week I was here and at the time as I was sitting there I remember thinking.....I want to do this someday. Well that someday has come and I would be lying if I didn't say that I am very proud of myself for taking a chance and embarking on some risks. I love how when you ask the Universe...she delivers. I think what I am most excited about is that when we dream....even when we try our best we still can never quite imagine how big that dream can get. So although I have reached what I "dreamed" four years ago......I just know that this is all the beginning of something much bigger than I could have ever imagined for myself. Isn't that just exciting??

The picture is from the last day of school. It is all of my students and para's. I love my students and I am going to miss being a classroom teacher. I will miss knowing that I had a direct impact on their learning and growth. I will miss the community I created with the students and parents year after year. I will most certainly miss all of the stories....the laughter those kids provide me day after day. But like I said.....it is time for some new stories.......

All I know is.......

2010-04-11T21:47:00.001-07:00

.....you can get there from here.
you can.
you can walk through the fear.
travel past what is gone before.
wake up!
wake up and get on the other side.
dare to become that of your dreams.
dare!
dare to believe in your own possibility.

~ mary anne radmacher ~

Reconnecting*

2010-04-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here relaxing next to the fireplace, drinking coffee and listening to the collection of sounds from the Ocean. I'm wondering ...What is it about hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the shore that is so therapeutic? Does anyone else feel this way? I love it....and I'm seriously wondering why I don't live on the coast. Maybe someday I will make my way there. (I think I need to add this to my Mondo Beyondo list)

This trip has been relaxing in ways I didn't know I needed. To be able to slow down, take it easy, enjoy the simple things. To take time for myself....to catch up on activities that I love...such as reading blogs....making yummy meals....going for long walks...taking nice long bubble baths....drinking some hot chocolate and Baileys! It's funny to read and write "take time for myself" because of course being single I get all kinds of time to myself...but the kind of time I am describing is different. It is the kind of time that lifts your Soul. The kind of time that reminds you that there is much more to life. We as human beings as "soul beings" are made up of much more than the title of our job...or the never ending list of chores that needs to get done..the laundry that never goes away...or the many hats we wear throughout the day. Sometimes it is nice to take some time to reconnect with yourself. Rediscover what you love...what makes you feel alive...passionate...what makes you feel at peace and rested.

When I return to work next week I will be entering the last 10 weeks of school. The hard and most demanding weeks of the school year. I feel grateful that I have been given this time and presented this vacation to reconnect and refuel myself!

Time for a little R&R

2010-04-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Spring Break has arrived...well on the school calendar anyways....the weather here says otherwise. Highs in the upper 40's mid 50's and don't get me started on the rain and wind. I'm assuming this is winter's fun little trick...she skipped us during the "obvious" months and is coming for a visit when your mind has told itself she is long gone. I won't lie...it is draining on your mental state of being. There is something so innate about your body wanting some sun...warmth. I didn't realize you could actually "crave" wanting to wear to a tank top or flip flops....but you can! I do at least. Thank goodness I was just in AZ.

So yes..it is Spring Break....and yes...I am off to leave town for a couple of days. I have grown accustomed to life in the Northwest. I have learned how to shift my "idea" of what Spring Break should be...and learn to embrace all that is around me. My friend Sarah and I are off to Cannon Beach, Oregon for the next four days. We have rented a cute condo on the beach. Here are some things I am looking forward to on our trip.....

* Hot tub over looking the beach/Ocean..and drinking wine while soaking
* taking long walks on the beach
* sleeping in
* Making meals..enjoying some good food and drinks
* discovering the little beach town of Cannon and all of it's fun shops!
* Reading my book while sitting on the balcony over looking the water
* Reading and catching up on my blogs..I can't wait
* Posting some great pics on my blog
* curling up on the couch and watching movies
* Hiking
* dining out at some yummy small town restaurants
* taking some fabulous pictures!

So..it's not Mexico...and there will be NO sunshine...just lots of rain and clouds. But there is something about getting away...giving yourself permission to rest and relax that is so appealing...so good for your heart and soul! I will be updating my blog while I am gone....to show you all the beauty that is Cannon Beach!

World Autism Awareness Day

2010-04-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

Today is Worldwide Autism Awareness Day!

Always
Unique
Totally
Intelligent
Sometimes
Mysterious

Did you know……
• 1% of children in the United States ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder
• 1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder
• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
• The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person

May we be inspired to have a little more patience and understanding!!

The List

2010-03-22T21:57:00.001-07:00

So I am in week 2 of my Mondo Beyondo class ...and let's just say I am loving it! Last week we were asked to take 10 minutes and write down any and all of our dreams...even the silly ones. After we were finished we had to take the list..put it in an envelope and put it away for a week. Today it has been a week....and I got to open my list and I have decided ( although I'm very nervous)to share it with all of you! The point is to put it out there....so here is goes....

* learn how to sing...then sing on stage
* take a photography class
* buy that Cannon DSLR I have always wanted
* get paid to take pictures
* meet and marry my soulmate
* have kids & adopt kids
* work at the University of Washington's -Autism Center ( my dream!!)
* become an autism consultant
* become competely finacially secure
* TRAVEL...TRAVEL...TRAVEL abroad
* own a cute..craftsman..with lots of natural light, windows and hardwood floors
* get my Ph.D
* Teach a class at a University
* live abroad for 6 months to a year
* learn to garden
* study yoga in India
* own a boat
* learn to play guitar
* get a golden retriever
* become a better writer/learn the art of storytelling
* pulish a book about Autism
* make my own work schedule and hours
* teach abroad
* become a runner
* own a vacation home in the carribean
* have a home birth
* take more vacations
* take yearly trips with my bestest girlfriends

I feel that this list will be a work in progress...some things will go...while others will be added. This was a fun exercise and made me really stop and think about what I want...what gives me butterflies in my stomach....and I have to say there were a few things on here that surprised me!

What dream are you holding onto that you hope comes true??

I'm dreaming. BIG!

2010-03-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

I just signed up for this e-course and I am over the moon excited for it to start! I have been wanting to take this class since I discovered it in the Fall. But will say that I am taking it at EXACTLY the perfect time for me! As I get ready to embark on changes in my job....I look forward to exploring all of my dreams! Most importantly my personal ones. My intention for this class is to be open and present. To spend the time doing the work and exploring my inner dreams. Strengthing my belief that I am worthy of my dreams and that the universe does really want us to be happy! I started my first reading tonight and wanted to share this with you.

** There's beauty in being a beginner **

Stay tuned.......there is more to come!

The Bag......

2010-02-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

I found this wonderful post at http://www.jengray.com/ ....thought I would share with you...as these words spoke to me....

what we carry...

its that bag you hold. the one you've been carrying around for so many years ~ the one that reminds of you of all your mistakes, all the rotten things you have ever said or done, all the wrong choices you have made....

how long are you going to tote that stuff around?trust me, shame will never serve your soul. it just bruises you more and keeps you from your true being.
forgiving yourself is just as important as forgiving others.

you have carried it long enough....

i just thought you should know...

it's time to drop that bag.

Just what I needed

2010-02-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks at work have been difficult. I won't bore you with all the details...but let's just say some of the highlights were having a few conversations with district legal counsel (oh yes my career first) and sitting in the bathroom crying. Sometimes this job gets to be just too much...and sometimes it feels like it is slowly sucking the life out of me. When those times creep up on me....I become very mindful of how I am balancing work and play. I had decided more play was needed.....or should I say....just plain old friend time was needed. I invited S over and decided I would make dinner for her.

We started with some of this....

You have got to love a little Charles Shaw.....

I made a yummy salad...pears, dried cranberries, sliced almonds and some feta cheese

Decided to make my favorite pasta dish....penne, green beans, tomatoes....with a pesto sauce

and for dessert...brownies!!

It was a lovely evening of good food, girl talk and lots of giggles! It was just what I needed to fill myself back up. We even talked about what fun trips we will take this summer. It's always nice to have something to look forward to.......we are talking about a trip to Crater Lake, San Fran and Yosemite! Oh my...I get excited just thinking about it!

Thank goodness for friends...and brownies....they make everything alright!!

Oh! What Fun!

2010-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I received an e-mail from one of my one of my dear ...sweet parents in my class asking me if I would like to attend a chocolate class at their store....her treat! I was thrilled...you see they own Oh! Chocolate....I delicious store that makes the best truffles ever! So needless to say I didn't need any time to think about this....umm...YES ...sign me up! I could also bring a friend...bonus! I called my friend Tracey...she of course said yes..because really who turns down the opportunity to go to a chocolate class?? Nobody sane! The class was on Sunday evening and would last 2 hours....can somebody say...HEAVEN!

We arrived at the store (which was beautiful) and met the other people who would be attending the class with us. The class started with a cup of Hot Chocolate...the BEST I have ever had. So rich...thick and creamy.....my initial thought was "wow this is just the beginning of what is to come". Next they placed small white plates in front of us that had several types of chocolate...starting with roasted coco seeds to White chocolate and all that falls in the middle. We were given a history of the family business, how it came to be and how the ended up in Washington. We did a tasting of all the chocolate on our plate..learning about the different types of chocolate and how they are used. We then moved over to a marble counter area...where we learned how to temper chocolate. That was really cool for me as I had never done that before. Of course the best part of the class was taking yummy treats such as oreos, marsh mellows, graham crackers, strawberries and raspberries and dipping them into our tempered chocolate. It was really fun to use our hands to play in the chocolate. Well ok I didn't get my whole hands covered in chocolate...as I have sensory issues and don't like to get my hands dirty...but for others it was really fun!

At the end of the class I walked up to the M's father ( M is the student in class) and thanked him for the class. I got teary eyed when he turned to me and said..."No...thank you for all that you have done for our son, we really appreciate it". Like I have said before those heart felt moments of thanks are worth so much more than any gift card that you get at the Holidays.

I had such an amazing time....and was so glad to have Tracey with me. We had a great group of people to share the evening with...and of course got to indulge in some amazing chocolate! I have only ONE huge regret of that evening. I didn't bring my camera. I want to cry just thinking about it now. Why you ask?? It can't be that big of a deal ..I mean it is a chocolate class right?? Well my answer to you is this.....the lighting......it was AMAZING.....the way it hit the beautiful white plate that was filled with chocolate samples......the way it hit the marble counter with the dark cabinets.....how it showed the smoothness of the chocolate after we had used our hands to temper it.......the way it hit all of the goodies we had dipped in chocolate and made them glisten. The lighting was a photographers dream....and although I am not a photographer I am just a wanna be....even I could recognize what beautiful pictures could have been captured that evening.

So they lesson I learned is this.....NEVER...EVER...leave home without your camera! Oh yes....and I need to get a SLR camera ASAP! :)

My word for 2010

2010-01-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

I am not one to make New Years Resolutions...in fact I have always found them to be a bit disappointing. I mean you start out January 1st with such great intentions ...only to find that by March you haven't stayed with them. Honestly..who needs that?? I recently read about this "new" concept(new to me)...instead of resolutions....finding one word that you will focus...meditate on for the year. Oh yes.....now this I can get behind!

I started to reflect on 2009. Really taking time to think about the year. It was a good year for me. I met some amazing friends who share my love of the outdoors and outdoor activities. I did my first ever 3 hour presentation for the Autism Center and it went well and felt amazing! I started the journey of self-discovery through talk therapy and realized many things about myself that I had not seen before. I learned how to efficiently cope with work stress.....learned how to set boundaries and realized why balancing work and making time for play is so important. I discovered photography.(I heart taking pictures) I put many more thoughts in writing and on my blog. I discovered that there really is a creative person inside of me. I now understand why letting go of expectations is vital in family situations. I was HEALTHY.....the whole year. I was not sick once and let me tell you it felt great! I found an active, healthy lifestyle that suits me perfectly. I had an amazing trip to AZ where I was filled up with love and friendship. Yes.....I was indeed a lucky girl in 2009.

So looking forward ......to a new year....new beginnings and new possibilities. I sat down and brainstormed words for "my word of the year". It was fun! You should try it! I had several written down and as I started to write this word I knew it was my word for the year...I just knew it! It made me smile. So my word for 2010 is......

Create

I am loving this word. I love it's meaning.... to begin, build, bring into, discover, dream up, give birth to....evolve from one's own thought. It is so fitting for me...for what I want to happen in this next year. Knowing that in my professional life I am closing one door and opening another.....creating new opportunities for me. In my personal life creating the path that will lead me to my future husband and children. Lastly just plain creating and being more creative ....through my blog and with my camera. Getting a bit more in touch with that creative person who sits way deep down inside.

What is your word for 2010??

Wishing you......

2009-11-25T22:23:00.001-08:00

my first pumpkin pie from scratch....including the crust!! Also pumpkin puree did NOT come from a can!!

A wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Ohhh the possibilities are endless....Dr. George??

2009-11-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

I love daydreaming......believing in possibilities......watching doors open. All of it is so exciting and we each have our own way of interpreting what these sayings mean to us. Although these phrases and all that come with them (mostly my imagination) is filled with hope and awakenings......for me and I am sure for others with this also comes the opposite feeling... FEAR. Of the unknown....what does it look like.......how will I make it happen......and the all important what if I fail??

All of these topics have been on my mind lately. I made a decision at the end of last year that this school year would be my last one teaching the High Functioning Autsim program at Tyee. I will spare you from all the details as to how I came to this decision. I just realized it was time to move onto something different. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't change my mind....that at the end of June I would have my classroom packed up and be ready for the next adventure in my career. I have told everyone I am leaving......that way I am held accountable. I have made a huge effort to "be present" in every moment this year....to soak it all up.....my interactions with my students.....the fun lessons I get to teach......the relationships with the staff I have made...my amazing paraeducators.

As I am enjoying each moment I am also filled with excitement mixed with a dash of anxiety ....... as people ask me...."What are you going to do next year". My positive outlook on life response so far has been..... "Ohh the possibilities.....how to narrow them down". But if I was to be really honest I would also have to admit I have my moments where that fear comes in and I wonder "What am I going to do?" As the anxiety starts to build in these moments I have to reassure myself that the universe will unfold the path and as long as I put my intentions out there...something will come along. What I know for sure.....is that it is time for me to take my expertise and share what I know about working with students who have autism with others. I know that can't be done when you are teaching in a classroom all day. I know that I have mastered the art of running an autism program at all levels .....and that I am ready to expand my learning. I know no matter how scary it might feel... I have shut one door...which leaves room for another to open.

So what are the possibilities you ask.......well here is what I have so far......

Autism Consultant
General education classroom teacher
Going overseas to teach with International schools
My hope and dream is to work at the Autism Center at the University of Washington
Lead the TAT team in Bellevue

and just this afternoon at a training for the TAT team......when I told one of the post doc students that I wasn't coming back...she looked at me and said....come to the UW and get your Ph.D!! At first I laughed and told her I needed to be able to have an income ...that I was not looking to go back to College life again...eating pasta all the time! That's when she told me that she makes more now then she did as a teacher......she continued to say that she also does consulting in a local district and she can't handle all the referrals and would love to have someone who could take some. We exchanged information and made plans to get together to talk.

You know what the craziest part of it is......I have always wanted to get my Ph.D...... so another possibility to add to the list....you never know!

Dr. Julie George.....it has a nice ring to it!

Fall Photo Walk

2009-11-11T19:02:00.001-08:00

Today was a marvelous day. A day off to remember those who have fought for our country. As a teacher I always appreciate having days off to recoup and rest and most certainly enjoy having the day land in the middle of the week. It was a beautiful Fall day here in Seattle...so I grabbed my camera and head out for a walk. A photo walk! I had so much fun capturing images today....it was exactly what I needed to make my heart feel full. Enjoy!!

Eye Candy!

2009-10-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Umm...I will take him... please!

The rains begins....

2009-10-17T11:20:00.001-07:00

The real rain started yesterday morning. It hasn't stopped. Last night on my drive home from work it was not only rainy but also foggy. That is a bit unusual for here...yes we get fog in the morning but it usually burns off by mid-day. I was excited driving home....I couldn't wait to get home.....get some take out thai food......make a cup of tea......put on my pj's....and curl up on the couch for some movie watching! You see I LOVE this weather. People keep telling me I will get sick of it......but this is year 4 and I still love it just as much as I did that first year. Now don't get me wrong...come May I will be very tired of looking at those clouds and grey skies........but it is the start of the season......so it brings joy to my heart.

I absolutely enjoy living in a place that has seasons. Right now the leaves are changing and it is gorgeous. My other favorite part to the season is the weather. When the rain comes.....it gives us permission to stop......relax.....and give in to being indoors.

Just wanted to share the "Fall" flowers I bought last Sunday at the Farmer's market.....only $8!

I promise to post more......with 7 weeks of school under my belt I think I have finally found my groove!

First Fall Sunset

2009-09-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

During my evening walk last night at Discovery Park I was fortunate enough to witness and capture this amazing sunset. I miss these sunsets. I miss the pink, orange and gold colors in the sky.......watching that big ball of yellow go down beyond the mountains. I grew up in a place where sunsets ...sunsets like these are everyday occurrences. Where on occasion you may stop...sit and watch this spectacular event...but mostly it was just an everyday event. Living in the Northwest we don't get these sunsets very often and when we do I make the effort to find a place where I can stop...sit and watch. Last night I was joined by many others who like me had made the effort to capture this view. There were people sitting on the wooden benches with cameras in hand....while others had come...brought blankets....food and were enjoying a meal while watching. I know for me......I needed this moment.......I needed some time to stop...sit and watch. I needed to fill myself back up....and the best way to do that for ME...is to be out in nature....to soak up what it has to offer.

I know this picture is blurry......but I think that is what I like about it.......

I hope you are enjoying the beginning of Fall!

Autumn is in the air.....

2009-09-20T19:06:00.001-07:00

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Weekend Plans.......

2009-09-13T19:44:00.000-07:00

It was Friday afternoon around 1:35 when our administrator intern Dusty walked into the staff lounge and joined myself and some fellow teachers who were just finishing up lunch. Polite exchanges occurred and then came the question most ask on Friday's..... " What plans do you have this weekend"? As each person was going around sharing the cool and great things they had planned I sat there waiting for my turn......knowing....I don't have any plans this weekend.......thinking.......how do I make it sound like I am going to do something cool and fun. Eventually it was my turn and I had nothing. I mean...I did have my therapy appointment on Friday afternoon......but do you really share that with people who aren't your friends....probably not. As all eyes were on me and I smiled and felt a bit uncomfortable as I said "I don't really have any plans...I would like to go hiking".

Truth be told it was going to be "the last weekend of summer" highs were expected into the upper 80's and the sun was going to be in full force. Several of my friends were busy for the weekend and my idea of kayaking or hiking had started to fade around 10 am. I figured I could always go hiking by myself.

As the afternoon wore on I found an e-mail in my inbox...an invite to join some friends for happy hour that afternoon. At happy hour I got an invitation by a friend of a friend to go out on the boat on Saturday. While walking to dinner after happy hour I received a phone call from another dear friend who invited me over to her house on Sunday for some Seahawks football....drinks, snacks and good company.

When it was all said and done I had an incredibly busy weekend. I enjoyed spending the evening outside Friday night having dinner and drinks with friends. Saturday was a gorgeous day and going out on the boat absolutely made my DAY. Getting out on the lake in a boat has been on my "want to do list" since I moved to Seattle. Jumping off the boat into the cool water of Lake Sammamish and going for a swim was such a treat. Later that afternoon I had my "monthly" Social with my students.....and a house warming party for a friend that evening.

I always find it incredible when situations like this occur. I am always in awe of it. Having things/events unfold right before your eyes is just plain cool. I love how the universe provides for you exactly when you need it. Thank you universe! Now if I could just get that husband......

The first week.....

2009-09-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Last Monday was the start of a new school year. My 9th school year to be exact. For those who are teachers you know how hectic and down right tiring this week can be. The back to school pace and chaos is quite a jolt to the system. Especially when you have had 8 weeks of blissful summer. About a month ago my friend Autumn called and said she would be on a road trip to the west coast and I was one of the stops on her trip. Yippee! I was excited....... and then came the dates......wait....what.....the second day of school....sure come and visit! I was a bit apprehensive but also thought it would be a nice change for me as well. Then I got the 2nd phone call....this one from my dear friend Jay.......guess what he has a layover in Seattle on his way to Alaska. Great! I am so excited.....wait...what day?? Oh you are coming ...THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL...... I was filled with a mixture of YIKES and YIPPEE all at the same time. When the emotions died down...my first thought was......"What kind of hostess will I be"........I barely make it threw those first few days when I have no plans much less guests and having to entertain. But I was up for the challenge and to be really honest it was wonderful to have a reason to skip out of school right at the end of contract time. It was nice not having school consume me and my time that first week......it really made me take a step back and realize....you know what....it is OK if your classroom is not perfect...if all the e-mails didn't get sent out......it will be fine....the building will not crash down!

One of the best moments of the week was dinner Wednesday night with these two lovely ladies. To say my heart was full at the end of the evening does not describe it accurately. I had moments where I literally had to pinch myself to make sure I stayed fully present in the moment. You see Joanne, Autumn and I all went to NAU together and have been friends ever since. But as we all know life happens...people get married...babies are born...careers take off and next thing you know it has been 8 years since you have all been together. I love the energy these ladies give out to the universe......I LOVE where we are all at in our lives.......I am grateful that we are still friends and cherish being in the company of women who have known me for a very long time......and still love, adore and support me. I admire the women we have grown into.... I am so proud of the adult versions of us. We have come a long way since those college days. We decided at the end of the night that it is unacceptable to wait another 8 years before we are all together again.....so we are going to plan a trip to Mexico in the Spring. Heather....I know you are reading this......start planning.......it wasn't the same without you there.......you complete us!

Whispers revealed

2009-08-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

We all have them... that inner voice that speaks to us. The whispers are always there nudging you to listen. Often we ignore them and shift our focus onto something else. But they are always there in our conscious minds pulling at our hearts wanting us to pay attention. They come to us in many forms....dreams....thoughts....words spoken to one another. They come in times of silence and in times of chaos. Sometimes they speak softly and other times they are screaming so loud it is hard to concentrate on anything else. Whispers come from a place deep within. It is our intuition talking to us... if we pay attention it can be our navigation system leading us to our true potential. Our true selves. Listen to your whispers....follow what they are saying.....believe in possibilities.

Here are some of my whispers......

become a consultant for families who have children with autism......

Buy a SLR digital camera ...or I like to call it a "real" camera......my whisper to learn, understand and create through photography is very LOUD these days......

Find a man to join me in this journey called life......

own a house in Seattle...a cute craftsman...with hard wood floors....crown molding and large windows that allow in lots of wonderful warm light.....

add to my "family" a golden retriever......

have my very own vegetable garden......

travel the world....

What are your whispers?? What dreams are speaking to you right now??

The health care debate is making me sick

2009-08-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

by Brian Unger

The health care debate is toxic, revealing a lot about us as a nation. And it feels embarrassing — like the whole world can see our underpants. Or hear us fighting in the kitchen.

First, most of us can't describe accurately the details of the health care reform now under debate. That makes us look stupid or too busy to care.

Second, most of us can't describe accurately the health care or insurance we currently have, so that makes us look kind of stupid or lazy.

Some of us don't care about people who don't have health insurance, so that makes us seem unsympathetic or super lucky.

Most of us don't understand that we're already paying for people who don't have health care — which makes us too busy to care, in denial or merely rich.

Some of us — a lot of us — already receive health care under some form of government plan, but don't believe in health care under some form of government plan. That makes us hypocritical or selfish. In some camps, I hear that makes us patriotic.

A lot of us are a combination of these things: too busy, lazy, a bit stupid perhaps, lucky, unsympathetic, in-denial, really rich, hypocritical, selfish ... and patriotic.

We're having an identity crisis when it comes to caring about the nation's health, which makes me think what we really need is psychotherapy. But, sadly, that's not covered under most health plans, if you have one at all.

To many, health care reform is scary, like someone's building a halfway house for criminals right at their doorstep. It's a N.I.M.B.Y. ("Not In My Backyard") issue evolved into a N.O.M.B.O. ("Not On My Back, Obama") issue.

People never change. But policy can, so our health care reformers must get more creative and visionary.

How about a Cash for Clunkers Program? Not for cars, but for older, beat-up people whose bodies have wear and tear, and can't go long distances when they're filled with gas?

Our government is offering us $4,500 to buy a new car. Can it also offer humans incentives — say, a tax break — to join a gym? To quit smoking? Or to buy produce from local farmers? Reward schools that teach kids how to eat right and exercise? You know, kind of like that class we used to offer kids called "gym."

Let's pay people to stay healthy, instead of only paying for them when they get sick. Then maybe our nation will find its compassion, the one true antidote for its health care identity crisis.

Brian Unger is a writer, satirist and actor.
He helped launch The Daily Show and he is a regular contributor to NPR.

Such a treat!

2009-08-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Blackberries.......delicious! I picked these on my walk home from work today. Yup....that's right ....the trail I take home is lined with TONS of blackberry bushes......and right now is the perfect picking time. I was taught last summer what to look for when picking blackberries from a wonderful 10 year old boy who has autism. I remember him saying to me " You have to use your heart when picking blackberries".....oh how my heart melted at that moment! I took Evan's advice today and it did not fail me. I picked the BEST blackberries. So juicy and ohh so sweet. The best part my purple stained hands....another sign of summer!

A new mode of transportation

2009-08-08T12:29:00.000-07:00

This past week marked the start of summer camp. A summer camp that I have had the opportunity to develop and design. This camp is for students with High functioning autism and Aspergers...and is being run through the University of Washington. I found out the week before that the UW doesn't give parking passes to their employee's (or only to a select few) the rest must either bike or bus it to work. How cool is that??

I live maybe.....a mile from the UW. Lucky for me the Burke Gilman is right by my house (this is the biking trail here in Seattle). So I was thrilled...I finally get a chance to pull my bike out and use it. Off I went to my laundry room to rescue my bike. It was covered......in spider webs......cat hair.......camping gear........dust.......it was not a pretty sight. The tires were flat....I mean not sure they were going to work flat. The handle bars where the brake was located was bent in. This had happened when brilliant me decided to hang my bike from the ceiling. In my mind it was a great idea......more space in the laundry room. Little did I know apparently you need to hang these objects from the beams?? What? I just put it up......well it came down after about a month. Note to self...find the ceiling beams!

I pulled the bike out and I have to say it wasn't looking good. I took my bike over to my friend Tracey's house. Her husband was so kind to look/fix it. Side note.......the new jetta IS much bigger.....my whole bike fit inside my trunk......of course with the seats pulled down....but my last jetta it wouldn't fit. Yay!

My bike was able to be saved! It was ready to get on the road again. Now it has been well over a year since I had last been on my bike. I mean how difficult can it be right?? You get on and ride. Well that is true. I have no crazy story to tell about falling or crashing on my bike. However I was not prepared for how sore I was going to be! I felt so pathetic...I mean I am an active person.....I hike and walk quite a bit...use my legs. Apparently you use VERY different muscles for biking. Needless to say it was Wednesday before they started feel somewhat better.

I have loved biking to work this past week. I am looking forward to doing it again this next week. I enjoy feeling the cool morning air on my face........the rapid beating of my heart...... being just a tad bit out of breathe when getting to the stoplight......knowing that I am getting exercise.......but the BEST part of biking is that my commute is only 10 minutes!

Another year older

2009-08-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

Look who turned Four........

I can't believe it has been 4 years since I received these sweet little creatures. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Oh what anxious new mommy I was......you see Abby and Chloe were my first true pets!

They are wonderful and I just love their personalities. Each one is so affectionate. Abby is always standing at the door when I come home...ready to flop onto her back so I can give her a belly rub......and Chloe well not a night goes by that she doesn't sleep right next to me. I love having pets....I love the energy they bring into a house. These four years have gone by so quickly.....I am looking forward to many more!

Mt. Rainier National Park

2009-08-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

My friend Sarah and I made plans to go on a backpacking trip this summer. When we started talking about it in early July we both had the same destinations picked out...Mt. Rainier or the Olympic Peninsula. Both of these destinations are breathtaking and I personally had yet to be to either one. We decided on Mt. Rainier and the planning began! Well sort of.......I think Sarah and I spent maybe 20 minutes planning this trip. We went to Barnes and Noble took some books off the shelf and looked through them. Quickly we had picked our spot. The one thing we did change was we decided to NOT go backpacking but to camp instead. We made that decision mostly because we wanted more of a "vacation" and camping would allow us to bring all kinds of things....where backpacking...well you have to be much more selective as you are carrying all your crap on your back!

So we made our plans that day. The two of us are very "Type A" personalities so between the both of us we had all bases covered. We planned to camp for 3 nights at the White River campground on the Northeast side of the park. We would do 3 hikes while we were there. Easy...hard ...then a moderate one. We were all set! We left on a Wednesday morning. The weather was perfect and lucky for us it stayed that way for the entire trip.

Here is our campground. We scored such a great site! It was away from the road and there was quite a bit of room between ourselves and the sites next to us. We did pretty well with camp set up.....I was using a tent that was "new" to me. Sarah and I struggled a bit with it and I am pretty sure we didn't get it up 100% correctly but it stayed up the whole time!

Ahh...not the best quality photo......here is Sarah making dinner. Let me tell you we ate like kings. Well according to Sarah. I grew up car camping and we always ate very well when camping ( thank you Dalene!) so I don't know any different. We had chicken, steak and veggies for dinner......eggs, blueberry pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Apples....cherries....cantaloupe for snacks. Then of course no vacation is complete without happy hour...so we had wine each night along with cheese, crackers and Salami. The only tricky part to eating was building the campfire. Sarah had never done it before....and well I should probably know how to do this and in my mind I thought I did (easy....newspaper, twigs, log and a match) it turned out to be a bit more difficult than either of us expected. We got it the first night.......the second night which was steak night we didn't end up eating until almost 11pm because we just couldn't get the fire started.......and the third night I sucked it up and asked our wonderful neighbor Jim to come and give us a tutorial on it. That was so helpful and I am proud to say I know how to get a fire started. On a side note...I did think the pieces of wood we had were too big and that is why the fire wasn't catching....come to find out I was right. On my list of camp supplies that needs to be purchased an axe to chop wood.

After getting camp set up we headed out for our first hike. We went up to the Sunrise Lodge. Talked to a very helpful ranger who graciously told us a great hike to do. We set out on our 4.5 mile hike. Although relatively easy in terms of elevation gain.....it was hard to get acclimated to the elevation gain in general. We had gone from Sea level to over 7,000 feet in less than a day. Needless to say I had a hard time breathing. Here is a mini lake we saw on our hike.

Day 2 we did the Summerland hike. This hike was 8.5 miles and an elevation gain of 2100 feet. This was our "hard" hike. This picture is taken on the trail. So many times throughout this trip I was wishing I had a "real" camera. The wildflowers were beyond beautiful. They were everywhere ...so many colors......and yet my camera just didn't capture it completely. Someday!

Summerland is one of the most popular hikes in Mt. Rainier. In this picture you can see why.....such a great view of the mountain. I also have to say this was the first time I had ever camped in a National Park...and well it is sooo nice. The trails are clearly marked...even the back country trails. When we got to the top of this hike we both had to use the restroom......well lucky for us this has a back country campground and they had a bathroom....with hand sanitizer in it! Yippee! Now I know not all back country sites are like that.....but it was pretty impressive.

Day 3 we did the Naches Peak Loop. This hike was 4.5 miles. (I have to say I am very proud of us we hiked nearly 18 miles on this trip) I love this picture as the mountain ranges look like they go on forever. Sarah made fun of me most of the trip as I am the nerd with the map trying to figure out what mountain was what..... I wanted to know all the names and where we were in location to Mt. Rainier. I was such a student!

Here we are! Great view of Mt. Rainier...except the clouds are in the way. That is how it was a majority of the trip. The clouds just love to hang out around the top of Rainier. It makes the mountain very mysterious.

Our trip was wonderful. I am such a nature girl and find that I feel my absolute best when outside...camping and hiking. I love at end of the day when you have finished a hike and you are covered in sunscreen....bug repellent...and dirt.....and how just a tiny bit of water and quick scrub with a baby wipe can leave you feeling clean and refreshed. I love that in the National Parks they do Ranger talks at night. I love the slow pace of camping and how the rhythm of the day revolves around cooking meals... cleaning dishes...and heading out for a hike. I love sitting in a camp chair in the late afternoon reading a book. I love watching the camp fire at night. My all time hands down most favorite part of camping (and this can only happen when you have nice weather) is going to sleep at night with the rain fly off and being able to look up at the stars while you are falling asleep. It just doesn't get any better than that!

It's official ~ we're having a heat wave!

2009-07-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

We are having a tiny bit of a heat spell here in the NW. Now I know, I know.....all my AZ friends and family are just laughing at me right now. As 96* does NOT mean a heat wave in that state. That means summer is just getting started! However here in Seattle where we are lucky if temps get to 82* in the summer...... 96* is just plain HOT. Not to mention that most of this city has no air conditioning...me included!

I came home the other day and found Abby and Chloe laying on the floor in front of the door and exactly where the fan was blowing. It must be hot as these two don't usually lay in this spot. Poor girls...all that hair! I had to capture the moment.

So I am off to think of fun ways to keep cool. Although I am not a huge lake girl ~ I am thinking that today I will be getting myself into Greenlake for a swim! Hope you stay cool today!

Conquering Fears

2009-07-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Confident, Self Assured, Independent, Strong, Intelligent.....these are all words that have been used by friends, colleagues and family to describe me. These words I have heard so many times.....for many years.....yet at times that voice from within says something different to me.....and what it has to say is not nearly as positive or as kind as what my dear family and friends have expressed. Why is that? When did that happen? Or has it always been that way? I am coming to the slow realization that somewhere on this life journey I have taken a major detour ....the path has been filled with....needing to "fit" in...... needing to be perfect....not wanting to make mistakes in front of others.....not letting people completely in...as they may find out.....what??.....what have I been so afraid of? Truth be told it is many things. Funny how that tiny voice can keep a hold over you saying loudly .....you aren't good enough or no you can't do that.

I was recently asked to do a presentation at the University of Washington's Autism Center. Every summer they put on a week long summer intensive program. Now to back up just a bit....three years ago when I moved to Seattle, the school district who hired me sent me to this very training. Everyday I would show up and sit mesmerized...listening to all these speakers...wondering...wishing......wanting to be one of them! I have always had a deep desire to be a professor....to write grants...do research....get my Ph.D.

This all came about because my district has a contract with UW Autsim Center. We have a consultant who works with us .. Dr. Milani Smith. I have worked with her for the past three years. I can still remember the first time I met her at the training. It has been wonderful working with her and she believes in me. She actually says she learns from me...what?? me?? When she asked me to present this summer I was flooded with two emotions....excitement and FEAR. I knew this was exactly the opportunity I have always wanted and needed. As my goal is to someday....train teachers to work with students who have autism. However that tiny voice in my head was there...whispering..." You can't do this....remember your public speaking class in college...yes the one you almost failed.....remember....you completely froze when you got in front of others....no you can't do this...it will be a disaster". I have given 3 presentations this past year and I always walked away feeling like I did ok....but not.. I hit it out of the ballpark great.

The presentation was to be 3 hours! YIKES! That is a long time to talk. I almost called Milani and told her I couldn't do it.....but I didn't. Instead I wrote an affirmation and taped it to my bathroom mirror....and I worked on my presentation (took 5 hours to put together).....and I rehearsed. I organized and prepared my materials. The night before I am not sure I slept at all. There was that voice again.... " What if you get up there and forget something...or even worse what if your voice starts shaking". Each time I would say my affirmation...it was simple..... Julie you will do a wonderful job presenting tomorrow..... over and over all night.

I arrived at the UW 30 minutes early. Set up all my books and visuals I had brought as examples. I sat in the bathroom for about 5 minutes as the nerves kicked into high gear and my hands started to shake. Took lots of deep breaths. Then it was time. The room we were in was a stadium style seating with a stage area. The presentation screen took up the whole wall behind me. The participants trickled in from lunch. A lady walked to the front to introduce me and read my bio ...and then.....it was time to start. I walked up ...looked out at the audience and I suddenly felt comfortable.....just like I was standing in front of my class teaching. No shaky voice...no forgetful moments...No freezing up. I even started to remember all of my funny student stories and dropped them in at all the right times. The 3 hours flew by...and several people came up to me at the break to pick my brain and ask me questions and advice on how to handle situations. It was awesome! I had a lady stop me after the presentation and told me that she learned so much from my presentation and that she wrote tons of ideas down.

I walked out there beaming! Glowing..... mostly because my biggest goal in all of this was to deliver a presentation that would be meaningful to teachers. It made my whole day to know that even if it was just one person.....that one person walked out learning something they didn't know before. I also realized that I would really like to do this more.....I would really love to teach teachers how to work with these students and share what I have learned working with students who have autism for the past 12 years.

Ok...one last thing...another fear...... I hiked Snow Lake last week. I did this as a backpacking trip last August....and although I LOVED my trip I felt the hike was sooo hard. Needless to say i have been asked to do this hike by several friends and I have always said No. Why? Fear......fear of not being a good enough hiker........and struggling again with this hike. Well I am happy to report I did it...and guess what.......it wasn't hard at all! Of course I have done tons of hiking so I am in much better hiking condition this summer than last.....but once again I let that voice...that self doubt get in the way. Once of these days I am going to have a stomp that voice party! I wanted to share this with as well...i read it and was blown away. I need this reminder...daily!

"Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses, they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we're all in this together" ~ Brene Brown ....author... "I thought it was just me"

That's not photoshop

2009-07-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

This is for my dear friend VB. She came to visit me a couple of years ago and she took my picture at a restaurant we were eating at in Pike's market Place. Well we laughed when we saw the picture as it looked like I was photoshoped into the picture. I recently went on a hike to Lake Annette with a co-worker. Beautiful hike......it was about 7 1/2 miles. She took this picture of me on the trail and when I got home and looked at it...I started to laugh as it looks fake!

I know I promised less nature pictures....BUT it is so hard! This place is bursting with gorgeous scenery. I mean I really can't believe I live here...I must think that several times a day. I love the scenery but I also love living in a city. A place where by night you can bar hop and sing karaoke....then the next day you can wake up and this is your view on a hike. All the while.....this view is maybe a 45 - 50 minute drive from my house! Can you say L-U-C-K-Y! :) Here are pictures from the bar hopping and the hike!

It's beginning to look alot like.....SUMMER!

2009-07-06T17:48:00.000-07:00

It's been one week since school ended and summer vacation began......and I have to say I just love summer! We just went through a bit of a "hot" spell here in the Northwest...temps in the mid to high 80's...OH MY! I will admit...that does seem sooo hot...especially when there is no air conditioning.

I love living in a place that has seasons. There is something wonderful about living in harmony of the natural cycles of the environment. Each season has a purpose....letting go of grief...slowing down and reflecting.....producing and transforming.....expansion, growth and activity. I especially enjoy living in a place where summer actually exists. Not the kind of summer where the pool feels like bath water.....you get in your car doing the "try not to burn your legs and hands" dance......where you generally stay inside because...well 114 degrees is not all that comfortable.

The kind of summer where everyone is out playing and enjoying the outdoors. When I first moved here I was taken back when I went to Greenlake for a walk and saw so many people outside swimming, biking, walking, roller blading, paddle boating, laying out in the grass. It was amazing! I knew at that very moment that I would never move back to Arizona. I wanted to share a few images of summer here in Seattle. These were taken at Greenlake....

cute stand that sells delicious treats

Lifeguard post and wooden platform

love the "old School" style diving boards

Look at all the people...and this was a weekday....is everyone a teacher??

this is my favorite place at Greenlake.....the kiddo pool area!

Summertime.... to me means..... yummy lemonade... fresh Salmon cooked on the grill.... Rainer Cherries......picking blackberries while out for walks......fresh rasberries.....swimming....the smell of sunscreen and bug spray mixed together..... camping...camp fires...hiking.....getting dirty..... warm days...cool nights......outdoor concerts at the Zoo......LOTS of patio time......skirts and dresses...flip flops....painted toenails.....strawberry shortcake..... and plenty of sunshine!

What does summer mean to you?

Lullaby Moon

2009-06-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have wanted to share about this theatrical production I stumbled across a couple of months ago...but I also wanted to capture some cool pictures of it. Well I have realized that is just NOT going to happen. So on with the story!

Back in May my friend Meg and I were going on a walk around Greenlake. We usually do this several times a week. Now Greenlake is a pretty interesting place all on its own ( another blog post) but on this evening Meg said to me " I think somebody is getting married here tonight". I thought that was quite strange as Greenlake is a very open place...not very much privacy for a wedding. But as we walked she pointed out a white ..would looked like a canopy on the end of the dock. Then we kept passing children who were carrying white balloons. I told Meg...I am not sure this is a wedding but certainly something is going on. Next we saw three very large tricycles....with adults riding them......they were dressed in white and had huge rabbit masks on.

Meg and I started to walk faster as now we were intrigued as to what was going on. There was such magic in the air. As we passed these children carrying balloons...people walking past us with blankets and chairs. As we got closer we saw that what was on the edge of the dock was not a canopy but a bed. There was also a very little bed....a table and chairs...both big and little sizes. There were people playing music off to the side and lights set up. It reminded me of Alice and Wonderland. There were also men dressed up in tuxes roller blading around the lake with the tricycle rabbits.

Meg and I started to ask around and found out it was a performance put on for free. We quickly ran back to the car....got home threw on warm clothes....picked up our camping chairs...some dinner and went back to watch. To say this experience was magical does not do it enough justice. Each month this company puts on a performance to celebrate the "New Moon". It is held at a different location in the city. It is to celebrate the moon...and dreaming ..and the whimsical. They don't advertise so people learn of this through others.

That night was amazing. Everything is done in white. They had lights inside the balloons....canoes out in the water with stars that lite up inside. They have rabbits, clocks, owls, mice and horses for costumes. It is all done with music and dancing.....movements...no words. I was just speechless the whole performance. I love the creativity that just flows here in Seattle....it just takes your breath away.

I have included a link with pictures off the website from that evening. Please take time to look through them.....

http://lucianeare.org/galleries/lm7/lm7.html

Here is the website..it gives you a description of Lullaby Moon

http://lucianeare.org/lullabymoon.htm

Here is the picture I got last week. Not great..... but I just LOVE the horse costumes......couldn't help myself.

A little of this and that....

2009-06-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Velvet brick made a comment to me the other day...she said " you need to post more pictures of things you see in Seattle". It is true... I tend to post so many nature pictures because well ~ I think it is SO beautiful here. Yet Seattle is a funky town and I do indeed need to share some of the randomness that I see quite often.

So Seattle is the city I live in....however there are several neighborhoods that make up "Seattle". My neighborhood is called Fremont. It is a funky, artsy, hippie ~ tree hugging kind of place. I LOVE it here. I mean truly enjoy this neighborhood. I have always been drawn to art, photography and music.....I beginning to think there might be a creative person trapped inside of me. So this place just feels like home. My neighborhood is lined with cool art shops, coffee houses, restaurants, book stores and quaint boutiques. The creativity just oozes in this neighborhood....it has so much energy!

This past weekend was the Summer Solstice Parade and Fremont Street Fair. The parade is to celebrate summer. I knew I had moved to the right place when I heard about it ~ celebrating summer....well sign me up! You mean you can actually DO stuff in the summer?? It isn't boiling hot like in AZ?? You can go outside...wow! I missed the actual parade this year due to another obligation, which is a bummer because my parents were in town and well this parade is know for it's nude bicyclist....yep you read that correctly.....there are about 100 people that ride nude on their bikes in the parade. I should state they do use body paint and make creative designs ...but at the end of the day naked is naked.

The Fremont Street Fair is several blocks long and has tons of booths. They have all kinds of crafts....political....food.... you name it they have it. So many local artist come and bring their work to the fair to sell. You see some pretty amazing stuff. They also have live music and a giant slide. They had one exhibit that I thought was so cool.....and most certainly unique. They had a showcase of cars.......cars that had been decorated....theme cars. They were so unusual I had to take some pictures.

this car is covered in dentures and old tubs of toothpaste

so many toys!!

some funky people hanging out by their car

this is my FAVORITE one..... it was filled with all the items woman use to make themselves "look pretty" the hood of the car was covered in black lace bras!

this one was covered in shoes

this place is sooo political......it is great...but that is of course because i share the same views...people are always walking around with signs .....I happen to really like this one

here is someone playing on the street corner....aside from the fact that he is playing all of those instruments himself...my truly favorite part of this picture are the kids dancing up above him.

My mom thought everyone was weird......I laughed so hard when she said that as I thought....hey wait aren't we all a little weird?? and who decided what is considered weird and what is normal? Well Fremont just might be a bit weird but I will take this environmentally aware, politically vocal, coffee drinking, canvas shopping bag using, dog loving, Subaru driving, craft making, organic food loving, teva wearing, outdoorsy place!

I chose Authenticity

2009-06-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am always in awe of how the universe works. With my entire heart and being I believe that everything happens for a reason..... and with that situations unfold at precisely the right time. When one door opens another closes. I have learned that you have to be aware...paying attention to see the subtle and sometimes not so subtle clues that are being presented to you. I am currently "seeing someone" to do some much needed work on myself. Each weekly visit is amazing and I leave there with this mixed feeling of joy and excitement and yet also sadness. Sadness because I feel like I have wasted so much time ~ spent so much time not feeling ~ not being truly present in each and every moment. So much time with walls up to protect me...yet in the end they are holding me back. I try to not stay in that space for too long as in the end I know I am on the path I need to be on and exactly where I need to be.

I left yesterdays appointment and I had all these feelings......feelings I have such a hard time communicating not only verbally but written. Today I was blog surfing and I stumbled across this website that had a pledge/promise/prayer/ manifesto about Authenticity. I immediately was filled with emotion...the kind of emotion that starts in your stomach and rises all the way up ..coming out through your eyes. This manifesto...this is how I was feeling last night. These are the words I wanted to say. Ahh.... I stopped and sat in amazement of just how the universe works. How things are presented to you just when you need them the most. Below I have rewritten the manifesto to share with you. I am going to use it as a daily affirmation while I am working on being more open.....and not letting what others think get in the way. I hope you enjoy!

Authenticity is a daily practice. Choosing authenticity means cultivating the COURAGE to be emotionally honest, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable; exercising COMPASSION that comes from knowing that we are all made of strength and struggle and connected to each other through a loving and resilient human spirit; nurturing the CONNECTION and sense of belonging that can only happen when we let go of what we are suppose to be and embrace who we are.

Authenticity demands WHOLEHEARTED living and loving ~ even when it's hard, even when we are wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we're afraid to let ourselves feel it.

Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul searching struggles is how we invite GRACE, JOY and GRATITUDE into our lives.
~Brene Brown Ph.D

Ballard Crawfish Boil

2009-06-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friends Brett and Barbara threw their annual Crawfish Party. This is the 4th year they have hosted the party ~ however this is the first year I have gone. I can't quite remember why I haven't made it the past two years .... but I was able to make it this year. Oh boy was it just TONS of fun. I mean you can't go wrong with a party where the main theme is eating! They fly the crawfish in fresh from Louisiana the night before. They cook them up....along with green beans, sausage, corn on the cobb and potatoes. Throw all the food onto the table.....and everyone just stands at the table....picks the food up and eats it! No plates...no forks.... it was awesome. Even better is that they serve up 3 rounds of this delicious food. Each batch getting a bit spicier than before. It was a wonderful afternoon/evening of good food and fabulous friends. All of my favorite people were there ~ and once again I had this amazing sense of gratitude for my life. I am one lucky girl!

The first batch.......so much yummy goodness

Julie and Gravy with their very tiny pieces of meat ...I do have to say it is alot of work to get those open for a very little amount of food!

All of the ladies...... I was a bit bummed that my eyes are closed!

me and Jojo

I am already looking forward to next years party!

That time of year .......

2009-05-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

Teaching is a wonderful profession. I realized today that I am getting ready to complete my 8th year! I never thought I was going to make it past my first year but I did....and each year I keep coming back. Not only have I taught for 8 years....but I have only ever taught in a self-contained classroom ....teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. WOW! If someone would have told me in my early 20's that is what I would be doing with my life I would have laughed at them. I certainly never saw this as my path....but as I have learned time and time again.. that is the beauty about life it takes you down paths you never would have envisioned for yourself. Truth is I love my job ~ yes I have some crazy days....and more than once I have heard from other teachers ... " I don't know how you do it"...... and sometimes I am not sure how I do it either. I know that I adore my students....I know that I learn as much from them as they learn from me......I know they make me laugh and make me see life through a different lens....I know that I can experience a range of emotions from happy to sad and everything in between all within one day...I know that I am so fiercely proud of them and their accomplishments no matter the size.....I know I admire them.....their uniqueness...their compassion....their ability to be open to all experiences and people. Yes I can truly say I love getting up and going to work.....always have......and I think I am pretty good at this teaching thing too! :)

The funny thing about being a teacher and working in a school is the ebb and flow of the year. I need to start collecting data on it. It is truly amazing the levels of anxiety how there are peaks and valleys throughout the year. Right now we are heading into the transition time......school will be ending in 6 weeks and now is the time all the "major" decisions are getting made. I have to say even after 8 years this is by far the most difficult time of the year for me. I believe it is for many teachers. You would think after awhile you would get use to this time of year...all the change....many times all the uncertainty. I have to say for me it hasn't gotten easier. I cringe when we start talking new student placement for next year. Although up here I have more input than in my last district about student placement.....I still don't hold the trump card! Therefore I always end up with a student or two who just shouldn't be or don't fit in the program.......but what does that mean?? Aren't we suppose to educate all children...who am I to say they need to arrive in a nice neat package. I realized today that the program I teach is changing......and I can kick, scream and yell all I want........but it will still change. Due to budget cuts and lack of funding...we have no money for new programs so we have to change and expand existing ones. That is the reality...and even though we know it is not ideal it is our only option. It makes one feel defeated....and yet I know it will all work out next year...I know this because it always does. We adjust and adapt......we will arrive next year with new found energy and optimism...a fresh start....positive attitude......as teachers this is what we do.

For now......it is that difficult time. An ending...maybe that is why it is so hard. It will be time to say goodbye to many amazing teachers...some who are leaving because of where their life journey is taking them and some because we just can't keep them with the new budget. On some levels an ending is good.....it means there will be a beginning. But endings are tough.......knowing that the staff will change next year......colleagues that you have made friendships won't be coming back........the lunch group will be made up of different people ( yes we teachers care deeply about this) the classroom community that you have built with your students......the unknown challenges that will come the following year...many, many factors. Maybe that is why it is so hard...so many unknowns. I truly hope in the coming years that this time of year gets easier for me......that I stop having so much anxiety about the "unknowns" of next year and trust that I have what it takes inside of me to handle all that comes my way. That I will become relaxed...and at peace with myself...confident and emotionally neutral. I will show up and do the best I know how to do with what I have been given and taught....and release the need to determine how things "should" be.

I guess I have my work cut out for me......better get started! :)

(picture is from the Japanese gardens in Portland, OR)

Birthday happiness!

2009-04-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from my birthday....I know...I know....it has been 3 weeks! I had a wonderful birthday. I took the day off from work....had a yummy lunch with my wonderful friend Hope......then headed out that evening for dinner and drinks with Joanne, April, Julie and Erik. The next night I was lucky enough to do it all over again this time with Meg, Tracey and Christy at my favorite place Ray's! Yummy Salmon, wine, a fire going in the fireplace and an amazing view of the water........ I am a lucky lady!

I truly feel blessed. Moving to Seattle was the best and also hardest thing I have done. Leaving my friends and family behind has been difficult and many tears have been shed over feelings of loneliness. At the same time I love being here....it is so strange to feel both so intensely. I am proud of myself....... and I think it has taken until this year to fully appreciate what I have accomplished since I have moved here. I have a wonderful group of friends and a great support system. Thank god for Joanne and Erik...my family here in Seattle. Moving here has really taught me to open myself up to people....put myself out there......get outside my comfort zone. It has been challenging but I find myself constantly trying new experiences.

So I feel blessed......blessed that I finally moved somewhere that my heart has wanted to be for a very long time......blessed that I have made some amazing friends who constantly challenge me in all the right ways......blessed to have such an amazing job.....great people to work with ( wasn't sure that would be possible after Gilbert el) and of course wonderful students ......who teach me something new everyday........ blessed to live somewhere so amazing! Glad I took the leap.....thank you VB for being my biggest cheerleader...... I have learned so much about myself since being here and I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing where it takes me!

Rattlesnake Ledge

2009-04-08T19:44:00.001-07:00

It's Spring Break........mother nature was kind enough to bring us some amazing weather.......well at least the first 4 days ( hey I will take it!). I spent each day playing outside.....soaking in the sun......enjoying tanks tops and flip flops......it is really amazing how much better the sun makes you feel. I swear people were even friendlier than normal.....I guess you just can't help it......sun and 70 degrees....what is better than that??

I went on a hike yesterday.......thought i would share some of the pictures I took and found interesting.......enjoy!

Hamburger Buns???

2009-04-05T22:29:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday evening. It has been a beautiful day here in Seattle......high 60's and SUNNY! I spent most of the day outside.......I met my neighbor for coffee and we sat by the water...drinking, talking and soaking in the sun. Later I went on a fabulous 2 hour walk. Once home I started to think about what I wanted to eat for dinner.......several options went through my head....all involving the grill....cuz hey let's be honest not sure when we are going to have another day like this one. So I finally decided on Turkey burgers and veggies. Off I go to the store......I grab my veggies......grab the turkey burgers...get sidetracked in the bakery at the yummy desserts......then last but certainly not least I go to get the hamburger buns......... I walk to wall that holds all the hamburger and hot dog buns.......and the whole thing is EMPTY. I must have stood there for a solid minute with my mouth open just staring. What?? There are NO BUNS at all?? How could this be? I mean.. 4 shelves...empty. Of course it is not the first time Safeway hasn't had something......so I decide no biggie....I will drive over to Trader Joe's and grab them on my way home. So off I go to store #2.....I walk in go right to the bread aisle........and wait.....no .....it can't be.........there are NO HAMBURGER BUNS........ I start to look around as if maybe by some off chance they have a new home that nobody has informed me about....maybe they are on display somewhere........I look around........nope....nowhere.......I grab a bottle of 2 buck chuck( at this point I am thinking I will need this later) and head out to store # 3. Now there is a part of me that was ready to say forget it....I can eat a turkey patty with no bun......but I was intrigued by this. I went in to store # 3 walked quickly ( because by now obviously there is a huge need for hamburger buns) I mean a quick pace through the store could make the difference between getting some or not. I arrive at the bread and bun aisle........only one other person standing there( thank goodness!).... looking at a several very empty shelves.......but wait.......there are 5 hamburger bun packages left.......that's right ONLY 5. I grab the one closest to me and walk away just as quickly as I had arrived. Ahhhh......dinner is now complete.

Driving home it hit me.........it's a nice day......high 60's and SUNNY........OMG.......everybody in Seattle had the same idea I did.......Let's Grill!!........and apparently they did. To think that 3 grocery stores were sold out of hamburger buns is crazy......but I am not surprised. That is Seattle...a perfect example of what I love about this city. A nice day comes along and everybody takes advantage of the weather and makes the most of being outside. That includes grilling! :)

Spring is here!

2009-03-30T10:52:00.001-07:00

Ahhh Spring.......Nature's gift to you for making it through the Winter months......when it is cold and dark. Spring I have decided this is what keeps you from going crazy......all those months inside, bundled and keeping warm. Yes Spring is the gift.......the hint that Summer is coming. The flowers and trees begin to bloom.........the fragrance of Spring is in the air. If you are lucky the sun comes out and the temps being their climb upwards. The excitement begins.....you can start planning camping and hiking trips........sitting outside on the patio and grilling. Flip flops...t-shirts and dare I say skirts...fun frilly skirts not the wool ones you wear all winter long. You get to look forward to daylight taking up 18 hours of the day.......it still be light out at 10pm. Ahhh yes......Spring is the gift nature gives you to hold on those last few months until Summer.

Oh no she didn't.......

2009-02-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

I woke up last night at about 2am just dying of thirst, that kind of thirsty that not only wakes you up but also has you consuming 2 cups of water in the middle of the night.....yes that was the one.

As I was walking into the kitchen...and mind you I was half asleep......I looked up and saw Chloe standing on my kitchen counter....... WHAT?? I rubbed my eyes......I must be seeing things.......Abby ...she is the princess, the one who walks wherever she pleases......kitchen counters, dining room tables......coffee, end tables and dressers. I have seen her on every surface. Yes I have tried to teach her to not do that and after a year......I gave up and decided that is just the kind of cat she is. But Chloe........she is an angel........I have NEVER and I mean NEVER seen her in 3 1/2 years on any surface other than the couch and bed. It's what I love about her.....she follows the rules.

I finished drinking my water...went back to sleep. When I woke up Chloe and Abby were there to greet me as usual......but wait.......Chloe was standing on the dresser!! UGH! I couldn't believe my eyes......could Abby's behavior have rubbed off on Chloe?? Has Chloe just always done this and I have never seen it? I am so perplexed........and now feeling like I need to start some behavior modification on these cats. You just can't have 2 cats crawling all over every surface .......it's just not right!

Snowshoeing!!

2009-02-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday I tried Snowshoeing for the first time......... it was so much FUN! It just like hiking...in the sense that you are walking......I can do that! I am taking on a part time job this winter by being what they call "Hill Rep" for the Bellevue Ski School. So for 8 Saturdays we go to the mountain.......so far I haven't been out to do anything. Everyone says to down hill ski.......but it has been years since I have done that and well to be honest I am a little scared I might hurt myself!

We started out and instantly I was blown away by the beauty and scenery. I realized instantly that snowshoeing and cross country skiing were going to be more of "my thing". It was quiet and oh so lovely out there. Ok....so the snowshoes were a bit noisy....but it was nice ....the sun even made an appearance. We ended hiking about 5 1/2 miles.......and by the end I was sore but it was worth it. It was nice to get out and get some fresh air...oh yes and some good exercise!

I went with my coworker Karen, her daughter Amanda and some of Amanda's friends

me!

on the trail

look at that view!

It was simply an amazing day.........and I am so glad I tried something new.......I will be putting this on my list of preferred activities.

If it was only that easy......

2009-01-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

This card sits on my desk.....I'm actually going to put it in a frame I love it that much. Working with students who have High Functioning autism has it's challenges. Just today I was thinking how amazing it was that this is my 8th year of teaching........I still love it. The students never cease to amaze me daily. They are so smart and oh so funny. They have taught me just as much as I have taught them. People say......."you must have so much patience".......... today I didn't feel that way.........I have that feeling many days. Today was a day spent in meetings.......the paperwork side of things. Sitting, discussing, brainstorming....talking about problems that need a solution........of course those are the problems that never get solved in one meeting...and sometimes they just don't get solved at all.

Today was a day where way more of my energy, effort and attention went into meetings and talking to adults.....instead of to my students........where it really belongs.....where it is much needed. It's days like these I go home feeling defeated.......feeling like I didn't do my best....give it my all. It's a day where interactions with my students was limited.... only a phrase here and there........ a comment or a reprimand. Instead of encouragement, support and most importantly praise.

It is hard to juggle all the aspects to teaching. In a perfect world it would be me and my students with unlimited resources and we would give every student exactly what he/she needs to be their best. However we are working with limited budgets, problems that need solutions........we are all doing our best.....the best we can with the resources we have. Sometimes.......it just isn't enough. As a teacher at end of the day you go home feeling like the weight of the world has been on your shoulders......so much to do....so little time.

So i keep that card close by because......it makes me smile........and if I did have a cape and a nice tiara..........I really do think I could save the world!

Change is coming.......

2009-01-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

Today I am proud to be an American............

Coffee.....they like it strong up here.....

2009-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

So today is my first day back to work in almost three weeks. I decided to head to the staff lounge and get a cup of coffee since I felt like I needed a boost today. We just got this new coffee machine.....I don't know much about it.......I think it is a Bunn.........anyways it brews and serves one cup at a time. So I went it and started looking through all of the coffee selections......I think there is about 8 choices for coffee...... 3 or 4 for tea. Anyways I start to look and I notice that almost all of them are marked Bold ( meaning strong). Now when I moved up to Seattle I was not much of a coffee drinker....and if I did have coffee it would have to be doctored up with lots of cream and sugar. But since I have been here I understand why we are the coffee capital......... in the winter months you just plain need it. I have noticed that my coffee consumption has not only increased over the years.......but it has also changed.......I now don't need all the cream and sugar. I do like a little soy milk in it but that is usually it. So when I was looking at my choices this morning I had to laugh that there was only one option for a medium blend coffee. I picked it up and brewed my cup and enjoyed it. Funny how such a little change seemed so apparent to me this morning. A few years ago I would have just walked away and not had a cup.............does this mean I am turning into a true Seattlite??

and so it begins......

2009-01-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

I'm back in Seattle.....visiting my favorite coffee shop...enjoying my favorite Chamomile tea........under dark grey skies. And so it begins........ winter! From now until oh I don't know June.....it will be grey, rainy and cloudy. It is such a double edged sword when I go home to AZ to visit.......I get to soak up the sun and on this trip the 72 degree weather ( yes pure heaven) but I have to come back and take in the adjustment of the Seattle winter weather. It always takes me a couple of days......... to get use to it but I always do.

This year traveling for the holidays took on a new meaning as Seattle got blasted with 10 inches of snow and brought the city to a complete stop. What it meant for me was spending my first Christmas away from home. It was really hard and lots of tears were shed.......but my wonderful friend Joanne rescued me and I was blessed to spend Christmas with her and her husband and their family. It was really wonderful of them to allow me to share such a special day with them. I did finally make it to AZ but not until the 26th. We had Christmas on the 27th ( thank you family for waiting for me!). Here are a few pics.....none of the girls....sister's rule no kid photo's on the blog!

My dad and Dalene

Ryan and Jennie

Ryan got Zoey and Charlyse a tattoo kit for xmas...... Charlyse was so excited she got right to work on applying them all over her body. She found this tattoo that matched her "Uncle Ryan's" she came up and whispered in my ear....."Can you take a picture of our matching tattoo's".......oh it was just too cute!

I hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday Season...........I am looking forward to a wonderful 2009!

Cabin Fever!

2008-12-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

It is day 3 of no school........and I think cabin fever is beginning to set in. I have cleaned all the dishes, washed all the laundry, cleaned the bathroom, baked banana bread, have been reading Breaking Dawn ( almost finished), walked down to the market and local coffee shop 2 times.....oh yes all the while striking up conversation with complete strangers as we all try to get down the hill without falling. It really is funny how something like an icy hill and the lack of human contact can make you feel compelled to become friends with someone you don't even know. I have made several friends the past couple of days.....not only the fellow friends trying to get down the hill.....but my friends at the coffee shop,the market and oh yes my neighbor Tara. Thank god she came by last night and asked me to go with her to run some errands....all on foot of course. We even stopped into a local bar and had a drink. I actually have some shows to watch on Netflix....I have been saving them....who knows how long this will last. I did think about getting on the bus to go downtown today but the news was reporting that if you didn't have to leave the house you shouldn't....even buses were not doing well with the ice. So hopefully I will be able to take the bus tomorrow.

As I was leaving to head to the coffee shop today I watched a Jeep Cherokee go down my street and lose control.....OMG.......the damage it did not only to the car but the sign and tree it hit while it was spinning down the hill. At that moment it was confirmed I am not going anywhere in my car! As my good friend Velvet Brick knows.....I have a difficult time navigating up hills in the middle of summer....the passenger side of my car is proof of that! So it will stay safe in my garage where it has been since Tuesday. So I will embrace the season of winter and the hunkering down that comes with the snow and cold.........tis the season of rest. So i will make tea, wrap myself in a warm blanket and just be.

Let it Snow...Let it Snow.....Let it Snow

2008-12-15T10:31:00.001-08:00

Saturday night Seattle received it's first snowfall of the season......... it was beautiful. Huge snowflakes came down it was such a sight. I always love it when it snows in Seattle....not only is it pretty but it doesn't stick around long! Hey a girl has got to be honest! I love the snow but on a superficial level......I am not good with digging out cars, shoveling sidewalks or deicing cars. So Seattle is perfect because not only does it not snow that much......we are not really a snow city ...so everything shuts down for the day! How did I get so lucky??

Unfortunately, we have school today....I was hoping for a snow day, who knows we still might get one this week. It is cold, cold, cold outside..... but the sun is shinning, making it seem so bright outside. Snow and sun mixture.....it is incredible....and to be quite honest incredible to be seeing the sun this time of year. I feel like I live somewhere else today!

If we get more snow.....I will post more pictures......... Have a Happy Monday!

Angels in the Dust.......

2008-12-08T12:10:00.000-08:00

I watched this amazing documentary this weekend....... it is about this women Marion Cloete who has dedicated her life to helping children with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Currently she educates and shelters over 550 orphaned children.

It is said that by the year 2010...... 100 million people in Africa will have HIV/AIDS.......26 million children will be orphaned because of it.

Africa alone has 6 million adults and children are infected but the government has turned a blind eye to it.

If you get a chance....... you should watch this movie....it is truly amazing to see the devastation happening to children in Africa.

Thanksgiving Weekend!

2008-12-05T11:57:00.001-08:00

I love Fall and I love the Holidays........even more I love living in a place where it is not 85 degrees during the Holidays. But......... it is this time of year where I really start to miss my family and miss having such a strong support group made up of friends that I have had for several years. So I was thrilled to hear that my friend Susan was going to come up and visit for the Thanksgiving weekend......and boy am I glad she did. At the very last minute all of my plans had fallen apart and I had come to realize that for the first time in my LIFE I was going to be eating my Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant! To make it even worse........I was going to Chandlers Crab house........YES you are reading that right....... a crab house for a turkey meal.

I picked Susan up from the airport on Wednesday. We woke up Thursday morning made breakfast, took a 6 mile walk and got ready to head out for dinner.

To my surprise.........it was WONDERFUL! Of course that is in part to the fabulous company...... but the dinner was delicious. We got to have a window table, looking out to Lake Union and all the very gorgeous boats. The dinner was 4 courses....I chose to have prime rib instead of turkey...... I know....I know.........truth be told I am not a huge fan of turkey.

After the 4 courses, along with a couple of yummy beverages......Susan and I had to practically be rolled out. We were stuffed.....and we had a nice box of leftovers to take with us. So the pros to eating out.... 1. don't have to cook 2. don't have to clean 3. still get to go home with leftovers! I just might be a convert to restaurant eating for Turkey day dinner!

Here are pictures of some highlights of the rest of our weekend. We did a ton of stuff.......and our weekend theme was: "Living the Life".........more on that in another post!

At Pike's Place Market

A band playing in front of the Original Starbucks

A couple getting a carriage ride downtown

The carousel....this is also downtown

Susan and I downtown right before the tree lighting ceremony

So this group was downtown on the street corners with their signs and passing out fliers. I had to laugh! I believe they were poking fun at Black Friday.......love this place!

and then the other protesters....... the religious freaks! Yes they are usually out every weekend in downtown Seattle......but were in larger quantities on Black Friday and with mega phones...... I love the sign...."Fear God"........that's America for you.....

The downtown Christmas tree and Macy's star......this is an annual holiday tradition here in Seattle..........you can see all the people .......

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend as well!

Random thoughts .........

2008-11-24T12:16:00.001-08:00

It is the week of Thanksgiving.......this means only a 3 day work week and I have to say I am so excited about that! Work has been crazy busy and of course with the end of November comes the start of cold and flu season........so I feel as though my body is beginning the battle....... I hope it wins.

I had an amazing weekend filled with an abundance of friend time.....which is always much needed this time of year when the feeling of missing loved ones back home starts to seep into my system.

Yesterday was the perfect day. It started with Meg and I meeting for breakfast.....my absolute all time favorite meal of the day. We went to this place called Portage Bay Cafe........oh my goodness........it is filled with yummy, organic, local food. It is like dying and going to heaven.......or what I would imagine it would be like! After breakfast I met up with Hope and we went for a walk around Greenlake. These are some pics from the lake........one of my favorite spots. It was one of those most perfect Fall days.......cool and crisp ( only 49 degrees) and sunny.........not hazing sunny which we get here in the NW quite a bit.......but clear, blue skies sunny. Get out your scarf and wool hat kind of days. One of the gifts about living in the NW and what I just love is that unpredictable weather.......you just never know what you are going to get. Well let me correct that starting in November and lasting until June.....we get rain and lots of it.........but we also gets those great gorgeous days......the kind of days that we don't tell visitors about.........because......well we want everyone to believe it is always rainy here. But that is just not true. The wonderful thing about Seattle is that when you have one of these wonderful days.......everyone come out to play. I don't know if you can see it in this picture but there are alot of people walking at Greenlake.

It is so energizing to see everyone out.....either walking, biking, running and even kayaking. I love living in a place where the motto is......when it is nice outside....ditch all previous plans and head outdoors!

You have to of course......because you are not sure when the next "nice day" is going to come. Keeps you living and thinking in the moment. Even on days when all you want to do is lay on the couch.....you find the energy to get up and do something active outside.

Here is my self-portrait! I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend...............

Morning Reflection........

2008-11-03T10:27:00.001-08:00

The Universe works in perfect order and therefore......right now your life is unfolding exactly as it is meant to be........

I have believed in this phrase/philosophy since I was 19. It is what drives my choices and decisions. This weekend a dear friend called to say this to me....to tell me that she believes she is right where she is suppose to be. It was so nice to hear her say that.......to actually feel the belief behind it. It brought a smile to my face Saturday morning........and also a gentle reminder for myself......as just like everyone else I have my moments of doubt........my moments of "am I ever going to find someone" or "why do I live so far away from my family".......and once in a while the thought...."I have no friends here in Seattle". I try to push these thoughts away.......because according to Eckart Tolle ......this is your ego talking.....your ego trying to hold you back with negative thoughts. I believe that. It is our inner voice that can be our biggest enemy at the end of the day. It can hold us back from what we want or believe.

I saw this phrase this morning in an e-mail another friend sent to me......and I just stopped.....took a big deep breathe and really absorbed those words.....that meaning.........and took a moment to realize that yes indeed.....I am exactly where I am meant to be........and you know what it feels good!

Washintion Park Arboretum

2008-10-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those amazing Fall days......cool crisp air, lots of sun and people out everywhere. Now I believe Fall is my far the best season here in the Northwest. However we are starting to head into that much dreaded rainy season. So when these days come along you must take advantage of them. So although I have a chore list a mile long........I decided to head outdoors for the day.

I decided to head out and explore the Washington Park Arboretum. The arboretum is located right in Seattle...next to the University of Washington. Although I did not get to explore all of the arboretum, I did explore a good portion. I walked around Foster Island and spent some time watching the water and the constant stream of boats going by. I also took some great pictures...or at least I think they are good. I might be getting the hang of this. Enjoy!

Wallace Falls

2008-10-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my friend Meg and I set out to go on a marvelous Fall Hike. The weather was perfect....sunny and crisp 56 degrees. Tonga Ridge was the hike that we set out to find. It promised spectacular Fall colors. Now I should give you some background information about how outings go when Meg and I get together........ well let's just say we never end up where we wanted to be but always have a good time and see something new. Well yesterday was no exception. We headed out the door at 10am with coffee's in hand and fleeces on. We drove just 20 miles from Steven's Pass and were so excited when we found the Forest road that we needed. We headed down the road only to find.......it was CLOSED!! So plan B.......well we had passed a sign for Wallace Falls....so we decided to turn around and head back. On our way out we passed this train track......I took this picture for my friend Velvet Brick.

Isn't this neat! It's one of the many things that I love about this great state.

Now neither Meg nor I have ever been to Wallace Falls and to be honest we have never been interested in going.........mostly because it is right off the highway and a big tourist spot. But oh my.......it was lovely. We hiked 5 1/2 miles and enjoyed every second of it. Here are some pictures from the hike.

This hike was so lush and green!

Here is the waterfall. It was beautiful..........the picture on the right is a part of the trail.

This is my friend.....Miss Meg.......yes I do actually have friends up here! Of course yours truly on the right.

This quote greeted you as you started the trail to Wallace Falls. Let nature be your teacher........I love that! What wonderful things we can learn from nature. I know that every time I get to spend my day outside in nature it is always a good day......no matter what. I feel blessed to live in a place that is so beautiful....so rich.....so full of nature. Today was a good day!

Happy Fall!

Home Sweet Home

2008-10-05T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post a few pictures of my apartment. Now it's no cute white and black house in Mesa, AZ but it is where I am currently living. This is a picture of the front of my building. I do have to say I love the street I live on.......and I will post a picture once the trees all change colors. My apartment is located in a wonderful neighborhood called Fremont. I will most certainly be posting pictures of my neighborhood soon as it is so unique.

Here my living room/dining area. I know it is so plain......I need to hang up some pictures and decorate a bit more. I was also able to get my girls in the picture. That is Abby and Chloe's favorite spots.

Here's the kitchen.....don't blink or you must might miss it! It is tiny....so tiny that you can NOT open the dishwasher and fridge at the same time. Oh my! I have to keep reminding myself that yes indeed I chose to leave my cute somewhat spacious house to move to Seattle.....and experience apartment living again. I have moments where I do feel I am going backwards in life. But....someday I will own a house here and it will be a cute house....old and full of charm......but until then this is the place I call home.

Happy Friday!

2008-10-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

I decided to capture a part of my morning routine today. Every morning I take a shower and every morning Abby waits faithfully outside the door for me to get out of the shower. As soon as I open the door she bolts into the bathroom and leaps......yes she leaps into the WET shower and sits in there. She loves to lick the water off of the shower curtain. Is this normal?? Do I have a special needs cat?? That would be just my luck.........well nonetheless......it makes me laugh every morning, which is always a nice way to start the day.

Happy Friday........

Autumn.....

2008-09-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

According to Chinese Medicine, the season of Autumn is associated with the element Metal, and is a time for letting go of the old. It is the time for gathering fruit and vegetables before getting through the winter. As Nature prepares to retreat, leaves are turning golden colour and starting to fall form the trees. For us too, Autumn should be a time to slow things down, take the time to take in the fresh the fresh revitalising air of these bright crisp Autumn days and letting go of what isn’t needed in our lives.

I LOVE Autumn! I think I enjoy it more than summer and well that is saying alot from a girl born and raised in Arizona. I enjoy so many things about Seattle......but by far I love living somewhere that actually has seasons. I enjoy the crisp air......the excitement of watching the leaves and trees change before my very eyes.... and the colors......they are just beautiful.

A few years ago I was introduced to 5 Element Acupuncture from my friend Autumn ( yes that is her real name) who was studying Chinese Medicine in New York. I really enjoyed reading about the seasons and what they mean......what I most enjoy about Autumn is that fact that life will be slowing down......we will start drinking tea, eating yummy soups, wearing scarfs and wool socks. Wrapping up in a blanket at night while snuggled on the couch reading a book. It is a time to give our bodies permission to "rest" to slow down for a bit. To recharge and nourish ourselves.....I love living in a place where I can be in sync with nature.

Snow Lake

2008-09-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I FINALLY went on a backpacking trip! I really enjoy backpacking and was looking forward to getting back into it once I moved to Washington..........2 years later........and my first trip has happened. I went with a fellow teacher/friend.......Tracey.

We went to Snow Lake.......it is up in the Alpine Wilderness Area. It was only a 3 1/2 mile hike in........BUT with an 1800 ft elevation gain. It would be putting it mildly that I was a bit slow. Poor Tracey was a trooper as she is Miss Mountaineers and I am sure felt like she was backpacking with her 3 year old son.......but she kept a smile on her face and talked about where we should go next summer........thank you Tracey!!

This is the view from our camp site

Saturday morning we got up had a little breakfast and headed out for some more hiking and exploring. We hiked another 3 miles to Gem Lake. This is a picture of Gem Lake........I need to work on my photography skills as none of my pictures look as amazing as it did in person.

a view from the trail......love the Alpine Area....

What I love about backpacking is it's simplicity. Carrying everything you need on your back......cooking all meals out of 1 pot.......wearing the same clothes for 3 days straight.......sleeping in the fresh air......... no frills or fluff just the very basics. It is nice to be reminded of how very little we really need when it comes right down to it. I really needed this trip.....my soul really needed this trip and it came at the perfect time. Fall is around the corner and I have a backpacking trip planned for the end of September......from what I hear it is Fall that is the perfect time to camp and backpack. I am looking forward to my next trip!

Strike A Pose

2008-09-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 1st, 2008.........the Bellevue Education Association went on strike!! Yes that means instead of teaching students this week, I am out holding a sign for hours each day on the corner by my school. Now those that know me......know that I did not want a strike and actually voted against it. However one thing I have learned about this great state I call home, is that it is very much a union state. I am a member of the union......and that means I stand in support of my colleagues and walk the line with them. What are the issues?? They are compensation, Health care and the curriculum web.

me and Tracey with signs and smiles

Mary and Jillian striking a pose

Sarah taking her job seriously

What has been great about this week is spending time with fellow teachers that I don't usually get the chance to visit due to schedules and locations in the building. The community support has been wonderful.......I really expected to get yelled at.....possibly a tomato thrown at me.......but we have received constant honks, waves, thumbs up and shouts of "we support you". Students have been constantly coming by bringing us homemade cookies, cakes and coffee. Even one of my kiddos came by and brought me some water. It is really touching to know that you are supported so much by parent and students. It is great to watch them stand behind us on our issues.......for those who are fellow teachers you know how difficult it is for us....teachers.....to make this kind of stand. It is against our nature to stand up for ourselves.......we are use to giving ourselves to our profession.... to the kids......it feels wrong to not be in the classroom ........teaching. But if we don't stand up for ourselves ...what we need and what we think is best for kids.........who is going to??

P.S. A HUGE thank you to my dear friend Velvet Brick for all of her help and inspiration on my blog......and the idea for this post name!!!

After Awhile

2008-08-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

I read this and just had to share it.........

After a while you learn the subtle difference Between holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning And company doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts And presents aren't promises
And you begin to accept your defeats With your head up and your eyes open,
With the grace of a woman,Not the grief of a child
And you learn to build all your roads on today, Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile you learn that even sunshine Burns if you get too much
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And you learn that you really can endure...That you really are strong And you really do have worth, and you learn and learn...With every good bye you learn.

-Veronica Shoffstall 1971

The Troll

2008-08-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

So next to my apartment complex is the Aurora Bridge. One of the top suicide bridges in the country but that is a story for a later time. Under the bridge lives this troll. It is a major tourist attraction in Fremont and well quite honestly a pain for me at times when trying to get out of my neighborhood by car. Hundreds of people flock to the troll to take a look, climb on it and even take pictures with him. I am always so surprised to see how many people come to see the troll.....they are just fascinated by him. Even the Seattle Tour buses make a stop here. I always laugh as I think the troll is a bit scary.

I decided to go online and see what I could find out about the troll. Surely there is so sort of history as to why he exists.......well unfortunately there is no great story. He was sculpted in 1990 by 4 local Seattle artists, commissioned by the Fremont Arts Council. He is 18 feet tall and is crushing an old style Volkswagen Beetle. Every October 31st they pay tribute to the troll with a mobile "Trollween" party. It is an artistic party that starts at the troll and winds into the heart of Fremont. The neighborhood wanted to have a community event that was a bit different from the usual tradition of this night. I have yet to spend October 31st in Fremont but I hear it is so fun. All the businesses are open and the streets are crowed with families. I will make sure to attend this year!

Glad to be back home!

2008-07-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the most perfect day. As many of you know I have spent the past two weeks in AZ, dealing with my house and battling the heat. I am now back in Seattle and spent the day with my friend L. We went on an amazing hike to Talupus Lake, in the Alpine Wilderness Area. It was a perfect 4 mile hike and we got to sit at the edge of the lake and indulge in cherries. Afterwards we went to L's house and sat in her backyard drinking some wine, eating Raspberries off of her Raspberry bushes in her garden......absolutely delightful!!

On a side note....I am on the hunt for a camera so I will soon be adding photos!!

Welcome to Seattle!!

2008-07-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog! So in just a few weeks I will have "officially" lived here for 2 years now.......boy does time fly! I decided to start a blog so I can share with my friends and family all the many things I love about this place. I hope you enjoy!