Thursday, April 30, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #30
Today I am grateful for being grateful. This has actually been a rather hard month what with my uncle dying, finishing school, casting a show, work trauma, etc. So it really has been helpful to focus on what I am grateful for this month on top of all that has been going on. I have found that there really is a lot to be thankful for in my life. I have a steady job, where some do not; I have a very loving family each of whom I know I can count on no matter what (final score: team sprinklers 13; team mud 20); I have friends who always have my back and tell me how great I am (it's true... LOL); I have many gifts from God that let me know I always have a loving Heavenly Father who cares about me enough to give me so many blessings. While this has been a hard month, I am grateful I chose to focus on the positives.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #29
Alone time.
When I was a nanny I used to give my kids time-outs as needed. D was a pretty active child and hated being away from people so time out for him was really bad. B was very inquisitive and liked to look at things so his time-outs were done with his nose in a corner so he could not see anything, torture to him. I did not have to give these kids time-out often because frankly they were pretty good kids. My point of this story is that I am not so very different from them. I really like to be around people and I enjoy an active room where there is a lot to do and people to talk to.
That being said, there is something awesome about spending all day alone away from people. I really like alone time where it is quiet and I do not have to spend any energy on anyone else if I do not want to. For this reason I am planning a trip alone (I promised my mom that I would check in often via text message so she did not worry about me and I have my GPS so I do not get lost!) I want to take a few days (and this will be at the end of summer) alone to just get focused again on me. To take time to read a book and relax. I am grateful for alone time!
This last Sunday I was asked to read a story about Thoreau. What an amazing account of spending alone time to find simplicity in ones life.
"It was in March of 1845 that Thoreau decided to move out on the banks of Walden Pond and spend two years trying to figure out what life was all about. He settled on a piece of property owned by his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. He purchased an old shanty from a railroad worker, and tore it down. From the lumber from the shanty and the lumber from the woods, he constructed his own cabin. He kept meticulous financial records, and he concluded that for a home and freedom he spent a mere $28.12. He planted a garden, where he sowed peas, potatoes, corn, beans, and turnips to help sustain his simple life. He planted two and a half acres of beans with the intent of using the small profit to cover his needs. Small profit indeed: $8.71.
Thoreau lived quite independent of time. He had neither a clock nor a calendar in his little cabin. He spent his time writing and studying the beauties and wonder of nature that surrounded him, including local plants, birds, and animals. He did not live the life of a hermit—he visited the town of Concord most days, and he invited others to come into his cabin for enlightening conversations. When the two years ended, he left his cabin behind without regret. He considered the time he had spent there a proper amount of time to accomplish his purpose—to experience the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. He also felt he had other life experiences ahead of him. It was time to move on and explore other opportunities.
From his experiences at Walden Pond, Thoreau determined that there were only four things that a man really needed: food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. I would like to expand on each of these four basic needs of life, as well as the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle."
When I was a nanny I used to give my kids time-outs as needed. D was a pretty active child and hated being away from people so time out for him was really bad. B was very inquisitive and liked to look at things so his time-outs were done with his nose in a corner so he could not see anything, torture to him. I did not have to give these kids time-out often because frankly they were pretty good kids. My point of this story is that I am not so very different from them. I really like to be around people and I enjoy an active room where there is a lot to do and people to talk to.
That being said, there is something awesome about spending all day alone away from people. I really like alone time where it is quiet and I do not have to spend any energy on anyone else if I do not want to. For this reason I am planning a trip alone (I promised my mom that I would check in often via text message so she did not worry about me and I have my GPS so I do not get lost!) I want to take a few days (and this will be at the end of summer) alone to just get focused again on me. To take time to read a book and relax. I am grateful for alone time!
This last Sunday I was asked to read a story about Thoreau. What an amazing account of spending alone time to find simplicity in ones life.
"It was in March of 1845 that Thoreau decided to move out on the banks of Walden Pond and spend two years trying to figure out what life was all about. He settled on a piece of property owned by his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. He purchased an old shanty from a railroad worker, and tore it down. From the lumber from the shanty and the lumber from the woods, he constructed his own cabin. He kept meticulous financial records, and he concluded that for a home and freedom he spent a mere $28.12. He planted a garden, where he sowed peas, potatoes, corn, beans, and turnips to help sustain his simple life. He planted two and a half acres of beans with the intent of using the small profit to cover his needs. Small profit indeed: $8.71.
Thoreau lived quite independent of time. He had neither a clock nor a calendar in his little cabin. He spent his time writing and studying the beauties and wonder of nature that surrounded him, including local plants, birds, and animals. He did not live the life of a hermit—he visited the town of Concord most days, and he invited others to come into his cabin for enlightening conversations. When the two years ended, he left his cabin behind without regret. He considered the time he had spent there a proper amount of time to accomplish his purpose—to experience the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. He also felt he had other life experiences ahead of him. It was time to move on and explore other opportunities.
From his experiences at Walden Pond, Thoreau determined that there were only four things that a man really needed: food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. I would like to expand on each of these four basic needs of life, as well as the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle."
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #28
Modern technology and advances. I had an interesting conversation with a friend recently about pioneer heritage. Please do not misunderstand this in any way; I am really grateful for the pioneers who came before me to pave the way for my life. I know their struggles were great and there is a reason a germ-phobe like me was spared having to live in the dirt and push a wagon, or sail on the ocean and live (or die) with a myriad of diseases. The thing is, these pioneers did all of this for a better life for themselves and future generations. As a "future generation" of wonderful pioneers, I am grateful they paved the way so I could live in a world with so much technology.
I think the best way to honor ones heritage is to take full advantage of the advances allowed in today’s society. Does this mean I need the newest and the best forms of gadgets? Not even a little. But it also means that I do not have to eat out of a dutch oven unless I choose to, it means I do not have to make all of my clothing unless I feel the need, it means that I can scrapbook using the computer if I so choose. The thing about this is I am a pioneer in that respect for those who will come after me. My goal in life should be to leave it better than I had. I want my nieces and nephews (and any future children I might be blessed with) to be able to have life easier than I do now, just like my life is easier than my parents, grandparents, and so on. So when people ask me if I am honoring my pioneer heritage, my answer is absolutely. I do not have to wear pioneer clothes or cook like a pioneer in order to honor their memory. I honor my pioneer ancestors by living a life worthy of their heritage, not by living their life. I am grateful that I live in a day when I can type on a computer my thoughts and many friends/family can read it instead of my writing letters to everyone individually. I am grateful that I can remember I forgot to call my eye doctor to make an appointment and whip out my cell phone and call right then, no matter where I am. I am grateful that I can fall asleep to a large screen TV if I want to. I am grateful that when it all gets to be too much that I can turn all of the gadgets off and take a drive in my car with the sun roof down up the canyon. I am really grateful to live in the day and age I live in and look forward to the wonderful technology advances that the next generation gets to live with; may their lives be easier than mine.
I think the best way to honor ones heritage is to take full advantage of the advances allowed in today’s society. Does this mean I need the newest and the best forms of gadgets? Not even a little. But it also means that I do not have to eat out of a dutch oven unless I choose to, it means I do not have to make all of my clothing unless I feel the need, it means that I can scrapbook using the computer if I so choose. The thing about this is I am a pioneer in that respect for those who will come after me. My goal in life should be to leave it better than I had. I want my nieces and nephews (and any future children I might be blessed with) to be able to have life easier than I do now, just like my life is easier than my parents, grandparents, and so on. So when people ask me if I am honoring my pioneer heritage, my answer is absolutely. I do not have to wear pioneer clothes or cook like a pioneer in order to honor their memory. I honor my pioneer ancestors by living a life worthy of their heritage, not by living their life. I am grateful that I live in a day when I can type on a computer my thoughts and many friends/family can read it instead of my writing letters to everyone individually. I am grateful that I can remember I forgot to call my eye doctor to make an appointment and whip out my cell phone and call right then, no matter where I am. I am grateful that I can fall asleep to a large screen TV if I want to. I am grateful that when it all gets to be too much that I can turn all of the gadgets off and take a drive in my car with the sun roof down up the canyon. I am really grateful to live in the day and age I live in and look forward to the wonderful technology advances that the next generation gets to live with; may their lives be easier than mine.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #26
Art (like to look at, not Garfunkel)
My cousin's son is moving to Chicago for the summer and I was telling him my favorite places to go there. Oh man do I miss the Art Institute of Chicago. The art there is amazing to see in person. It got me thinking about the various artists that I love and why. The majority of these images are found on the Art Institute's website
Seurat - Sunday on La Grande Jatte. To see this piece in person is totally different than seeing in a picture on a blog or in the movie Sunday in the Park with George. When you stand at the back of the room you can see the full painting. If you move close to the wall (and it takes an entire wall) all you see are dots and a mess.
Rothko - Orange and Yellow. I could not decide which of my favorite Rothko paintings to put here so you get three. Rothko actually was introduced to me on a cruise and then again at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). I look at his stuff and I think "I could draw that." I totally could not, but it makes me think I could. His lines and colors are amazing. That is the part I do not think I could do: pick the colors.
The above 2 Rothko paintings are some I like but do not know the names for.
Pollock - Greyed Rainbow. This is actually my very favorite painting of all time. I love the chaos. I could look at this painting all day. The yellow bits at the bottom appeal to me and frankly I cannot tell you why. I love this painting.
O'Keefe - Yellow Hickory Leaves with Daisy. I think people either really like or hate O'Keefe. Her colors are vibrant for the most part and what ever her paintings represent, they are beautiful.
Monet - Branch of the Seine Near Givemy. Monet is one of my favs too. I like his use of color and I really like abstract work. While his water lily and haystacks are great, this piece is very calming to me. At the AIC there is a Monet room with various water lily and haystacks and this painting. When you leave the Monet room there is a quaint painting of two girls in summer dresses at the beach. I love that painting too but do not know the artist or the name of it.
My cousin's son is moving to Chicago for the summer and I was telling him my favorite places to go there. Oh man do I miss the Art Institute of Chicago. The art there is amazing to see in person. It got me thinking about the various artists that I love and why. The majority of these images are found on the Art Institute's website
Seurat - Sunday on La Grande Jatte. To see this piece in person is totally different than seeing in a picture on a blog or in the movie Sunday in the Park with George. When you stand at the back of the room you can see the full painting. If you move close to the wall (and it takes an entire wall) all you see are dots and a mess.
Rothko - Orange and Yellow. I could not decide which of my favorite Rothko paintings to put here so you get three. Rothko actually was introduced to me on a cruise and then again at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). I look at his stuff and I think "I could draw that." I totally could not, but it makes me think I could. His lines and colors are amazing. That is the part I do not think I could do: pick the colors.
The above 2 Rothko paintings are some I like but do not know the names for.
Pollock - Greyed Rainbow. This is actually my very favorite painting of all time. I love the chaos. I could look at this painting all day. The yellow bits at the bottom appeal to me and frankly I cannot tell you why. I love this painting.
O'Keefe - Yellow Hickory Leaves with Daisy. I think people either really like or hate O'Keefe. Her colors are vibrant for the most part and what ever her paintings represent, they are beautiful.
Monet - Branch of the Seine Near Givemy. Monet is one of my favs too. I like his use of color and I really like abstract work. While his water lily and haystacks are great, this piece is very calming to me. At the AIC there is a Monet room with various water lily and haystacks and this painting. When you leave the Monet room there is a quaint painting of two girls in summer dresses at the beach. I love that painting too but do not know the artist or the name of it.Saturday, April 25, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #25
Music.
I wish I understood music better or had more musical talent, but I love love love music. Besty introduced me recently to a great new talent in the Broadway world: Scott Alan. If you get the chance watch this video of Shoshana Bean singing Home or this video Stephanie J Block singing Never Neverland (Fly Away) (fyi Shoshana swears a swear while introducing Stephanie.) Scott Alan is indeed a talent.
Music is playing constantly while I am in my office.
Some of the music I love:
Barenaked Ladies. Okay so Steve has left the band and they need to find their new sound, but I think the Ladies will bounce back from it.
The music from Lord of the Rings is what I listen to when I have a bad day and need something calming. I know not all of the songs are calm, but for some reason it really calms me down.
Adele has such a great voice. I personally think she has a rich sound that she will only improve on.
Similar to her I adore Jennifer Hudson's voice. Did you catch Dreamgirls? Oy vey that girl has a set of pipes.
My female crush cannot go unmentioned: Queen Latifah (aka Dana Owens) I admit I do not like rap, but to hear her soulful voice, oh man!!
So while I do not watch American Idol after the Sanjaya year (puh-lease!) I do admit I really like Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, and David Archuleta's voices.
Fountains of Wayne, My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mika, The Fray
Broadway Soundtrack favs: Little Women, Jane Eyre, Hairspray, Wicked (of course), Spelling Bee, Curtains, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Spamalot, The Boy From Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone
For a really funny and witty show: Look up Dr. Horrible (no Dad it is not a disease sailors get in the Phillipines... duh)
Today I am grateful for music and for those who were blessed with this talent. Name your favorites ...
I wish I understood music better or had more musical talent, but I love love love music. Besty introduced me recently to a great new talent in the Broadway world: Scott Alan. If you get the chance watch this video of Shoshana Bean singing Home or this video Stephanie J Block singing Never Neverland (Fly Away) (fyi Shoshana swears a swear while introducing Stephanie.) Scott Alan is indeed a talent.
Music is playing constantly while I am in my office.
Some of the music I love:
Barenaked Ladies. Okay so Steve has left the band and they need to find their new sound, but I think the Ladies will bounce back from it.
The music from Lord of the Rings is what I listen to when I have a bad day and need something calming. I know not all of the songs are calm, but for some reason it really calms me down.
Adele has such a great voice. I personally think she has a rich sound that she will only improve on.
Similar to her I adore Jennifer Hudson's voice. Did you catch Dreamgirls? Oy vey that girl has a set of pipes.
My female crush cannot go unmentioned: Queen Latifah (aka Dana Owens) I admit I do not like rap, but to hear her soulful voice, oh man!!
So while I do not watch American Idol after the Sanjaya year (puh-lease!) I do admit I really like Kelly Clarkson, David Cook, and David Archuleta's voices.
Fountains of Wayne, My Chemical Romance, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mika, The Fray
Broadway Soundtrack favs: Little Women, Jane Eyre, Hairspray, Wicked (of course), Spelling Bee, Curtains, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Spamalot, The Boy From Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone
For a really funny and witty show: Look up Dr. Horrible (no Dad it is not a disease sailors get in the Phillipines... duh)
Today I am grateful for music and for those who were blessed with this talent. Name your favorites ...
Friday, April 24, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #24
Today I am grateful for Special Needs Mutual. I work with a group of wonderful people with special needs in the Midvale/Sandy Utah area. The group as a whole range in age from 12 to 80's. The special needs range from physical to emotional. I have girls in my class who have Downs, autism, developmental brain issues, physical developmental delay issues, and one who is special as a result of an accident in her youth. These women are so great. Every Thursday night I get to go be with them and feel of their wonderful spirit. These women teach me what it is like to be near perfection. While they have physical delays, they are spiritually so much stronger than I am. I am grateful for this calling in church. Each year I really have to decide if I want to go back again, but after two years... well it is hard to say no. (granted it is hard to do this AND teach Gospel Doctrine, but I digress...)
This month we are working on the Roadshow. Those who know me well will know I dislike greatly the Roadshow idea. But I understand why it is done at church. For those who have no clue what a Roadshow is: it is a small play that traditionally is taken on the road from church building to church building. The youth typically get the chance to perform in these short plays even if usually they would not have the chance to do so in a school or community production. Great concept, so why do I dislike them? Well because they are a huge competition in our stake (or have been traditionally) and I think it loses sight of what the purpose is. Well the Special Needs Roadshow allows these kids the chance to perform in front of their parents and loved ones. It really is a fun month. The acutal performance is next Thursday and the kids have a blast!! I love my Special Needs friends.
This month we are working on the Roadshow. Those who know me well will know I dislike greatly the Roadshow idea. But I understand why it is done at church. For those who have no clue what a Roadshow is: it is a small play that traditionally is taken on the road from church building to church building. The youth typically get the chance to perform in these short plays even if usually they would not have the chance to do so in a school or community production. Great concept, so why do I dislike them? Well because they are a huge competition in our stake (or have been traditionally) and I think it loses sight of what the purpose is. Well the Special Needs Roadshow allows these kids the chance to perform in front of their parents and loved ones. It really is a fun month. The acutal performance is next Thursday and the kids have a blast!! I love my Special Needs friends.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Today I Am Grateful For ... #23
SPRING!!!
Remember last weekend when it snowed? Remember that? Remember how one day it was almost 70 then the next day it was snowing? Well now it looks like Spring has finally ... sprung? (Colleen can I get a rulling on this one?)
This is my second favorite season (the first being Fall because of the wonderful colors and no allergies.) Spring makes me happy because everything is so beautiful and people seem to snap out of the winter blah. Flip flops are dusted off (unless you are my brother and sometimes me, then they really are worn as frequently during the winter months as is possible.)
I will start walking again with Carrie, I will be able to put away the quilt and sleep under a sheet only, the sun roof is open (woot), and the jackets go away. So one year as I was putting away my jacket I slipped in a $20 bill to each pocket so that in Fall I would be surprised when I had to put them back on. That was a fun year.
Welcome back Spring, stay a while!
Remember last weekend when it snowed? Remember that? Remember how one day it was almost 70 then the next day it was snowing? Well now it looks like Spring has finally ... sprung? (Colleen can I get a rulling on this one?)
This is my second favorite season (the first being Fall because of the wonderful colors and no allergies.) Spring makes me happy because everything is so beautiful and people seem to snap out of the winter blah. Flip flops are dusted off (unless you are my brother and sometimes me, then they really are worn as frequently during the winter months as is possible.)
I will start walking again with Carrie, I will be able to put away the quilt and sleep under a sheet only, the sun roof is open (woot), and the jackets go away. So one year as I was putting away my jacket I slipped in a $20 bill to each pocket so that in Fall I would be surprised when I had to put them back on. That was a fun year.
Welcome back Spring, stay a while!
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