Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry Christmas
So again, link to link checking some more, I had one person in my mind and I kept searching. Then I found a common blog that so many seem to read. I found my next door neighbors blog, her friends blog, this and that blog, my old gymnastic instructors daughter's blog and so forth. Wow, this blog world was a ride down memory lane..though we moved away from the real Memory lane in Holiday in '01. (ha ha) I saw her name, and I swear I checked it and it wasn't her. But "goofer" that I am,(heh I'm loaded down with too much info 'cuz of school and mommy dome), I really must not have actually looked at the name link as I thought I had. And to add insult to my distractability, she has an uncommon name, so that gave me a huge chance that if her name was on someone's name list, that it would be her. Plus one always runs a good bet of having that 6 degree of separation due to the small circles of the "mormon" world. I noticed that Kristen lived in the northwest part of the world, and again knowing how small "mormon" circles are, I asked her if she knew Vanessa. Yep, she did. My friend Vanessa. Vanessa and I were always trying to cause mischief @ university and when she took off on a mission, she used to love it when I would call her in the middle of the night (right!-ha ha) "Hi Vanessa". "KATHERINE!!!!"
So the world just got a little smaller and we get to exchange Christmas cards again! Yipee, since the last card I sent came back. So kudos to Karen for introductions to her blogging list. Which begat my blog entrance, which begat my introduction to Andrea's cute blog and her list(V. and Andrea know each other too). From which begat Kristen's, to where that blog begat my finding someone else's pedestal blog and begat the last piece of the puzzle, a significant find, my friend Vanessa. It's Christmas time, so the biblical timeline seems applicable
Now on to my next reflection. For years I have thought about getting in contact with those who had been highly influencial on me as a youngster...whether it be school, extra-curricular etc. I wanted to write them a letter letting them know. I think it is important to let people know that you appreciate what they did for you in your life. I ran into my old English teacher@ the gym a few years ago, Mrs Bester, I told her. My conversations with V. thus far have hopefully been a reality of what our friendship meant to me and hopefully will continue to get stronger and expand over the years even while our fam's right now are priorities.
Then there was Shayne. She was my gymnastic coach. I saw her several times a week for 4 to 5 years. She was perfect to me, inside and out. She was fun to be around and she would take us on little excursions from time to time. (I get to claim that I rode around w. her in S. Young's old jalopy of a car, before he was famous and made millions) She introduced all of us young girls to the world of fantasy, whimsical weddings when she had hers up at Sundance, with la creme de la creme of society, it seemed. Plus, I will spit on my hand and swear on my grandma's dead dogs grave, that she liked our small group of gymnasts the best of any she had. If any female "mentor" left a positive influence on my youth, it was her. And most of all, she was just plain kind to me. Well, in finding her relative, I was able to find out how to contact her. So this holiday season I intend to send her an "appreciation card" as such, letting her know her impact.
I look at what an incredibly warm and wonderful ward I live in now, and the potential of mentors to my own sons. I hope that they too, will look back someday and want to let someone who has played a positive role in their youth, know what they did for them. I am grateful for this time of year, where one takes extra pause of oneself through others.
Their is nothing like seeing our nation's tradition, of decorating for Christmas, as one drive's through the snow from house to house, street to street, city to town, town to city and then lastly from town to your town, to your street and then pulling up to your own winter wonderland creation. In a pondering manner, I'm allowed into the scene: a blinking of color here, at this home. A bright swag of crisp, clear icicle lights, at that home. The moon balmily overhead, a touch of soft snowy flakes and the sight of our own towns herd of (rein)deer moving absentmindedly, through the calm, deserted streets of our quaint picture-book, alpine town.
I am so grateful for my challenges and successes, the growth that it's given me and for the opportunity I am granted in raising two beautiful human beings (lady killers that they think they are too). This is the time of Christ, of past miracles and modern accomplishments. To all my friends and family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! See ya in 2009!
Friday, December 12, 2008
a Christmas chorus concert rundown
Last class, of the last day, of the last part, of the semester!
Monday, December 8, 2008
..a little soap box
Friday, December 5, 2008
..of course, it was love at first sight.
Happy 13th birthday today.
I adore you and am honored to be your mum.
..to you, love me.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
thanksgiving leftovers
Thursday, November 27, 2008
bubbles after r.e.m
Monday, November 24, 2008
...christmas blues
the Chronicles of Narnia
Friday, November 21, 2008
real bridges don't fall or move to arizona
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
quaint little shops
Okay, then of course, I had to take a trip to the country christmas store and go see what was going on at Scrooge and marleys. again, it's hard to be disappointed when you go there. All the wonderful smells of candles make it warm and cozy. plus it's an old house full of crooks and crannies. I still think the customer service there is the PITS but it's a good store. grandma P. would have loved it. Hooked rugs, knitted rugs, wrought iron this and that. quilts and their old barn full of overstock, out of season and big furniture items.
....i've also checked out Hip and HUmble up on 7th and 9thish for the holiday season. They've combined with a clothing boutique. Fun stuff, but frankly I preferred there old location off of 21st and they're inventory seems more trendy than it used to.
Actually, I think Artichokes and Co. in sugarhouse is closer to what H&H used to be like. I think this was my first visit there, and it was sweet as sugar. the decoration of the store was decked out in white feathers hanging down gingerly from the ceiling. Maybe reminicent of icicles? They have some good girly gifts. Here's their link to see http://www.artichokesandcompany.com/artichokes/
..so many more shops to visit. still need to visit highland garden shop, and............ohh, ooh need to get to Modern Display, always has beautiful Christmas decorations...I did make it over to Modern Display....don't let their disappointing Christmas display on their front yard turn you off. Inside, they do indeed have some amazing Christmas trees that will only put you back a few thousand dollars. And oodles and oodles of ornaments. They also have the ever precious christopher Radko glass ornaments and they have authentic German Nutcrackers, so none of the junkie ones made in China. (no offense if that is what you prefer)
They seek him here, they seek him there......
Last night I took the munches to see the Scarlet Pimpernel @ L.P.H. Connorack man did great. He caught on and I think he liked it. But Seingine was a grump and tried to pretend he didn't like even though I caught him laughing over Percy's effeminant ways. A fop he was indeed(Percy, that is). Seing kept begging to leave 'til I said "fine, let's go" and then he sang a different tune and wanted to stay! Go figure.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
yes to good lawsuits
...and what is it with all the big business' going "out of business"? today i passed mervyns, linen and things on my way to harolds. all three going out. i'm thinking it was a good thing i ripped my calf muscle and couldn't go back to work for mervyn's. i had actually asked the manager who hired me, if they were going out of business because i could tell they weren't getting the same merchandise thru their buyers that had been staples for years. it's that inner feeling on so many things, and it is amazing how right i turn out to be on things. it felt off then and now i see why....who know's what would have happened.
Friday, November 14, 2008
my homage to harold's--bye-bye
you filed for one of those sections.
does thou not know the alternatives
that have been left to us your true loyalists!
there is oklahoma, texas, cali, utah, southern, northern and
many states between. Harold powells to many, to us
just Harold's. I should have noticed more
that the email's stopped short mid October.
And then today, such shock when the email said
"after 60 years we're going out of business."
you've been good to us over the years, catering and
friendly service. It is so fun to hear one's name with a bright
smile each time one enter's the shop from employee's.
Friendships have been made. "style's have come and style's have gone", but
as for you, you were a constant. But now, perhaps it's the economy,or perhaps it's just
time to let go. Any which way though, thank you for
the experience. Adeiu to an old southern charmer. Bye Harold's.
Love you, love me-kate
since I'm in poetry in my Lit. class right now, I'm trying it out.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The world according to two old, well traveled people..gramps and grams
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The candlelight meals in africa.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thank you laura, I loved the tv series too.
Monday, November 3, 2008
narcasist abound..my pop culture word of the year
Also, here is a link to a 60 min piece http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/26/60minutes/main4546199.shtml that I think is very important to watch. It is amazing how the history of civilization keeps repeating itself over and over......
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
what i do when i've got a cold
-Ernest Dimnet
The top 100 most powerful women in the world. http://www.forbes.com/business/2007/08/28/biz-07women_all_slide_60.html?thisSpeed=30000
So, Connorack came home from school via the Peppermint place candy shop, with gelato in hand. An hour later, he had Seingine in tow, and they were off to the http://www.kencraftcandy.com/Peppermint shop for a 1st time trip for the latter kid and a second go around of gelato, for the former kid. It takes them 3 mins to scooter over to the shop. They are lucky I don't feel so great today. They are getting away with a kids sugar covered heaven because of it!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
the connorack man's fav pop culture for the moment
click on the Title of this posting to link to the music. And this ain't your mama's muzak!
hungry girls healthy cooking savors
TOP ATE Calorie-Saving Cooking Swaps!
1.
Nonstick cooking spray instead of oil (for stovetop cooking)
2.
Canned pumpkin instead of eggs & oil (for baking)
3.
Light vanilla soymilk instead of milk or cream
4.
Fat-free liquid egg substitute instead of eggs
5.
No-sugar-added applesauce instead of butter
6.
Ground-beef-style soy crumbles instead of ground beef
7.
Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granular) instead of sugar
8.
Butternut squash instead of potatoes
Today, October 28th, is National Chocolate Day.
the press biased, imagine that?
Monday, October 27, 2008
a toast to purity of acting
Fortunately, for my want of good dreaming, I chose not to go see "NOSFERATU" about vampires. Instead, I went with my cute neighbor to Hale Theater haletheater.org and we saw AIDA. It was the musical, not the opera. It has been too long since I have been to a live theatrical performance. And, these type of performances, are what true acting is about. It pulls you into the scene and makes you part of the setting.
The way the theater is set up, in a round circle, gives the actors a 360 degree stage. It gave me a slight kinked neck. But, it also is such a small venue, that you have such an intimate relationship to the whole production. It was a fun production. Now I will have to see it again, in a bigger playhouse someday. Tim Rice and Elton John writing a muscial together. I knew it would have to be something quirky with those two and it was just that. I was thinking it had to be similar in style to Jesus Christ Superstar. And, yep that is what it reminded me of...very contemporary and colorful. However, if you had to die, with your lover, I do think being buried alive together in a tomb, in Ancient Egypt, is a bit harsh. But, then again, they could have been alone. Suffication, almost as bad as alone at sea, surrounded by sharks. No that's much worse, the sharks. EEEK!
I have been to so many great performances. There was performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in Stratford upon Avon, where we saw Much Ado about nothing. It was an amazing performance, where in one brilliant impromptu, the actor playing Claudio sneezed. Then all of a sudden someone in the audience sneezed, so the actor instead of ignoring the sneeze from the audience, pulled the noise into the scene. His comment was "it's quite catching, isn't it". That, of course made us, the audience, all apart of the play. Everyone loved it and all were laughing in that surreal moment.
I saw Ian mcKellan, as King Lear in London, before he was known for not much more than the Scarlet Pimpernell in the U.S.. I got to see Midsummer's night dream, surrounded by the animals of the London Zoo. An outdoor theater is an extra enhancing experience. And professional acting companies are incomparable, as well as, extrordinary.So now with all these thoughts, I get to complete my paper. Break a leg, right!
my thoughts, your thoughts and visa versa.
express it" (Lichtenberg)
....my sentiments on life exactly. That statement, just goes to prove that if you have thought it, someone else has or will, too.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Boys of Fall 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The land of Falling Down House, otherwise known as, Bear Lake country.
the lovers are losing....sounds like a Thomas Hardy novel
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
"in thine own self be true" or "truth will set you free"
Second block started today, and I went to my English literature class. I have already met my english requirements but I needed another class, and I plan to take creative writing next semester too. So it continues. Side note to self: Maybe a double major or Integrated studies, just a thought.
Anyway, I was listening to my instructor after being a bit taken back by her introduction that her emphasis was poetry. What instantly came to my mind?
Instead of fondly remembering the romantics that I had studied while we lived in England; of artists who wrote as they lived in rose covered cottages and played about the magic of the lake district. Or, of course, there were the thatched roofs of Shakespere's Stratford-upon-Avon and half timbered homes that I could have looked back to inspire a nod to poetry. What about Paris and its art district. How many poets have strolled through the garden at Rodin's, or been truely awed by the melted and brillant colors at the L'Orangery, as Monet's gigantic murals gaze down upon you. They had all once penetrated my mind. Indelible strokes of artistry.
Nope, those memories did not surface. Panic hit fast and hard. My mind, instantly went back to my introduction to poetry in high school. The inductor was Mrs. M. She was my nitemare in high school. She was the upper division english teacher. I am sure my brothers were top students in her classes, but I wasn't. I was the antithesis of what she wanted and she let me know it, especially in poetry.
So with that wound surfacing today, I seriously thought of dropping the class. But then, a softer, glistening of suprise, subtly knocked my brain. My instructor made the comment that she despised those teachers from high school or of the teaching world, who told their students what the "true" meaning of a poem was to be... Instead of, allowing for ones own storming of ideas. She directly stated, that all poems are open to interpretation. That is their purpose. They are abstract. Ideas and feelings entertwined.
So I bravely raised my hand, and confirmed what I thought she had just said to us. I then confessed that I did not look upon poetry favorably and told her why. Though it was a long time ago, it had leeched into the depth of a developing teenage mind and stayed twenty years, until today. I was one of those who had been wrongly attacked in idea by a former teacher, my h.s English teacher.
In defense of those sensored in their growth, my prof called my former h.s. teacher a metaphorically, rude word and I felt exhonorated in my work and ideas! So "plehwy" to those along the way who have tried to stiffle anyone's creative thoughts. They are your talent, fight for them.
I don't know the author to the following, however,
"And the day came when the risk to remain, closed in a bud, became more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
note to selfhttp://www.blurb.com/
..that contest they made up on a cold winters night to see who could come up with the best scary story
Anyway, I've got to see a production this week. And I think I am going to do the easy move and go to U.V.U's production of freakiness .....http://www.uvu.edu/theatre/events/eventsthree.html. Ugh, at the play though, I might have flashbacks to that freaky scene in 'Interview with a Vampire', where the audience unknowingly is watching freaky vampires do freaky stuff. Freaky, is the only word in my vocabulary right now that describes my freakish fright for Fall friday nites of fictional fables. Wouldn't it be kinda fun to get a fog making machine and tell freaky fables by the fire!
Friday, October 17, 2008
memory of a modern day jane austen scene
So I visited Rachel Ashwell's web site http://www.shabbychic.com/. She gave a beautiful homage to her mum. She lived near Hampstead Heath, which is a beautiful area outside London, that you can take a bus ride to visit it. One of the places you can visit, that is, (of course), set in true English landscape is the Kenwood House. The gardens are beautiful. English Landscape Architecture at its finest. So the thought of Hampstead Heath sent me back in memory.
If you remember the scene in Knottinghill, the movie, where Julia Roberts is set in Victorian costume. Well, the big white estate in the background is Kenwood House. I remember seeing Gainsborough paintings there, how refined and gentile they looked.
I was supposed to go to a big classical concert there, when we lived in London. It was Tchaikovsky's 1876 overture, with the big cannon's at the end and they were to have fireworks as well. Sadly, I missed it. It was a big rainstorm and I didn't feel like going all the way out to Hampstead.
However, I was at Queen's Club watching a great match, though rain delayed. So, instead of the concert, I stayed at the tennis match. I was so torn. There was major consolation though, when at the young, impressionable and sweet age of 18, I got to sit next to an oh -so- very, dashingly- handsome, single, young 30ish in age man. When it started to sprinkle, he kindly offered to share his big english umbrella with me. Such an Englishman. ...with that accent, it gets you everytime.
That was long before Hugh Grant was ever known. This gentleman was more Cary Grant than Hugh Grant anyway. What a nice, romanticized memory. It was a modern day Jane Austen scene, if not for just a few hours.
...avec ruban toile
So what can you do with ribbon, you ask?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
up-for-24 hour stints, are made for twenty-year olds, amen.
The connerack man actually made it to a full day of school without being sick. Yahoo! his 4th full day in 3 weeks.
Monday, October 13, 2008
tales for the unsuspecting
me, miss crazy maud girl. And what women in her right mind chooses Cnstr Mngmt. answer:
me, again. It can be so intimidating, but I will keep pulling myself back and refocusing. Do not give up. It is about endurance. I am learning most things in life are about endurance.
The maud squad right now is in the midst of disorganized existance, yet slightly one half- step down from total chaos.
While driving and of course right when it is time for bed, the boys mouths open and out rush their words, as fast as a spring run off. So during such a drive, the Connerack man informs me that he luckily got to know his french and english teacher even better in 4 weeks than he got to know his principle of 4 years. I am at a loss on what that means. So that brought up one of our fav stories of the kids former principle:
Last year, Seingine was in 2nd grade and friends with the principle's son. I came home one afternoon to my boys, and was promptly told that the Connerack man was mad at Seingine. I was asked not to get upset at Seingine, of course by Seingine. Okay, what happened? Seing proceeds to explain that during the day, the princpl had come to spk w. his class. Seing knowing the prncpl pretty well bcz of his son, had then gone up to the prncpl after his talk and happily let the princpl know that his big brother,(the Connerack man) did not like him. And not only did he not like him, but he had made an outline of the prncpl's head (of styrofoam) and posted it on his wall. At this likeness of the prncpl, many, many airsoft balls had been shot at the target and it was well worn. (But, he also had some of the girls faces that Hen-picked him w.their bossiness x'd out from his class pic too.) So, he wasnt just picking on the princpl!
Poor Connerack man came home and told me that he caught the principle following him all day long. He stated that he was beginning to feel quite paranoid as to the fact. And at some point he was pulled him the princpls office, and asked by prncpl, what he could do better as a principle for the CM. Poor kid! I asked Seing why he went out of his way to tell the princpl about CM's fun target?...and his response was that he wanted to see what would happen to the Connerack man. Poor kid! I can't imagine what kind of pranks they will play on each other as they get older. I don't do the story justice, but it was so funny then and still is funny today.
It must have been catching because 2nd graders taking on 6 graders became their theme. The boys then preceeded to tell me a new story of how boys will be boys.
So again at school, the Connerack man and his buddies decided to put a KICK ME sign on one of their friends. They then managed to get anothr sign on him that said HARD. So out of the blue, some little 2nd grader comes up and kicks the kid HARD! Oh course surprised and baffled, he wants to know what is up? Then he is shown the sign by the 2nd grader. All the buddies bust out laughing. And the little 2nd grader is lauded as a little stud for being so brave to go up to a 6th grader and kick hard. Now as I remember, if this had been a bunch of little girls, it would be seen as passive/aggressive. But, those boys, all of them thought it was the funniest thing that day, including the kid who was the butt of the joke for a day! You have got to hand it to the "boy" mentality.
Boys are the funniest creatures ever. They drive me nuts. They thrive on getting me into hysterical laughter or total frustration. And they love their mum and they are going to be unbelieveable men. Most fortunate for me. I am so lucky to be their mum! ....and many have concurred.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
organization s.o.s
However, learning to let go and simplify, simplify, simplify is hard but good. good sites are out there to help. One such site Flylady. http://www.flylady.net/index.asp It's great. .. or http://www.getmyselforganized.com/I've read some really good ideas. And that's one of the problems. What ideas may sound easy or "DUh" to most, somehow are lost to me until I can have them pointed out in precise detail. But I can pick apart things to the smallest detail in ideas or a blank canvas and create something. But organizing is so difficult for my overimaginative brain. I am so right brained.
Here's Yvette's take on kids and chores: ' It teaches them basic life skills so that they can care for themselves when they leave home.
- It teaches them consideration for others.
- It teaches them responsibility.
- It teaches them that their parents are not their personal servants.
- It teaches them to appreciate what you do for them.
- It gives them a sense of pride and is good for their self esteem.
- It teaches them a basic work ethic.
- It gives them a sense of belonging.
- It brings the whole family closer together.
- In encourages them to take pride in their own home.'
yvette langmaid-buttery from Get Myself Organized Newsletter 31st March 2008
Again, this can be so hard at times, but I'll keep working along on it all.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
the boy that could be stumped
Connor was dumbfounded!!! It's pretty funny when you have him stumped.
Oh, the teenage boy/girl thing is coming in for a big landing. Guaranteed he is eating up this new found world of boy meets girl in junior high!!!
it's starting, that holiday feeling, it's in the air
I have to go to some live performances for my Intro to Theatre class. The Connorack man also has to see a couple of live performances for his 7th grade choir class. We both have to do papers on them.
Then from that point, my mind is all over on making up fun Halloween yard decorations...which leads to more holidays..etc. and so between those idears, I'm led to ballet. Mix that with holidays and....I love to see Christmas ballets. Of course the Nutcracker. I say every year that I'm going to take the boys. We've yet to go. This year is a must, unless it's some weird modern take on the classic. But I remember one year when I got to see both the Nutcracker and Babes in Toyland. I used to love dressing up and going to the productions in downtown SLC. I remember seeing the b/w movie when I was a kid, and it's one of those vague but cozy memories from childhood. So I went online to see if any productions in Utah this year. Yep, the Childrens Theatre in SLC. And sure enough The New York TIMES /http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/3542/Babes-in-Toyland/trailers decides to write an article about it posted today's date. What timing!!! Plus it's Laurel and Hardy.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
bonkers!!! no other word needed to describe.....
However, our neighborhood is so wonderful. Kids are all over outside playing. The kids is our last neighborhood, which was a cul-de-sac, rarely were outside as a big neighborhood group. When I was growing up we always were outside. Those were the funnest times. Don't you all remember some good times in your neighborhoods growing up? Funny how Alpine is just so different than Highland, yet the two cities melt into each other at points. It is so small, and quaint here. Love it! But off course, it is all about what you make it!
It only takes us 7 mins. to walk to my sis' house so all the boys can rough house together. And Seingine can scooter to the door of his classrm at school in 4 mins flat. As my sister pointed out, it actually is kind of a neat experience for your child to be able to walk to school so accessibly.