Face Cream...

House is not fully decorated because there were other things that needed to be done...grocery shopping and buying face cream!

A few things are up.  well, the wall wreath is up.  The storage container had the red ribbon from our old tree that we enjoyed for all those years plus the two spools of gold beads that were strung on our tree since our Homer days.  made me nostalgic.  The Nativity from the office is now sitting on the piano.  Actually that is about it.

looks faded but it's really deep and richly colored.  so enjoy seeing it.

tree topper from big old tree!

our old strings of gold beads.  so enjoyed them!

in office all year round!

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Our Ward is doing a reading of the Book of Mormon in 90 days.  We decided to read it together.  Now that presents a real challenge because we can only read for so long without hacking or losing our place or running out of steam so....we are doing the absolutely most marvelous reading...ever!  We went to LDS. org and they have it set up to where you can listen to it being read.  We read along on the screen and it is fantastic!!  The readers create magic with their expressions.  It is the most beautiful reading and most interesting and most exciting ever heard!  The book just comes alive and we can listen a lot longer than we can read out loud.  just had to share.  We finished listening to the last General Conference and now we are thinking of doing another listening of The Book when we finish this time.

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I did buy the Boot No. 7 skin treatment.  I think Gold Bond skin products are amazing... if you want an affordable exfoliate for your legs and feet and arms...try their Rough and Bumpy skin care.  Gold Bond has been around for 100+ years and they put guarantees right on their containers.  Now you have to be able to back that up so they aren't fooling around.  They have an entire line of creams for everything and I'm so impressed and yet I bought this other one!  I bypassed Gold Bond!

A son saw a show about Boot No. 7 and he knew I've been looking for a skin cream so I bought his sales pitch.  I can take it back if I don't like it.  when I was young, I was a Noxzema girl.  Nary a bump or blemish.  After years and years of that I moved to a night and morning cream and was very faithful in doing it.  no skin problems at all.  Now my skin is aging and I'm biking-nowhere but hoping my size decreases and what will happen...me? prune face?  Is there any elasticity in skin stretched out for so long?  is it in cement size wise?  Will I look like a beagle face?  I have no answer BUT I am going to put cream on my face!!

Speaking of which.  In my looking for a fragrance free/hypoallergenic cream-- this is what happened.  an ad popped up from Costco (I'm sure that is who it was.  just certain.)  If I ordered then-- I could get a jar of very expensive ($100?) face cream and just pay shipping.  I knew there were creams that costly and they would never be listed on my shopping list.  So I ordered it.  Another pop-up said I could order another kind at the same price which was shipping.  Later they informed me...we got your orders...we shipped your orders on November 2nd...your orders should arrive on such and such a date.  And then I jumped out of my skin when it read, something like this....your extracted snake venom face cream will be delivered on such and such a date.  Snake venom???  I abhor the word and any pictures and any movie scene and any nature documentary that uses any reference to snake.

Did the boxes arrive?  well, yes.  Yes, they did.  Have I opened them yet?  well, no.  NO, I haven't. That is how terrified I am of even the thought.  Hubby wants to know if I think there is some sort of viper that will come to life when the box is opened.  such a smart-aleck!  Jeanee is coming in January and I will document her opening the boxes and share with you what the contents are.  She, by the way, can't believe how I'm acting about it!  Did she laugh at me and say I was acting ridiculous?  Surely not.

Really...rubbing snake venom on your skin!!!  shudder.  shiver.  being creeped out!!

Do asps hibernate in boxes and come to life when exposed to light and air?

my two boxes of face cream!

reading the label gives me the willies!!

Well, looky here!

I'm enjoying this Christmas season and technically it's not even here!  It's in my heart.  I want low-key...relaxed...Christmas lights and music.  oh, and cold weather.  A ground covering of snow?  Yes, please.  Not a few feet of the powder but heavy enough for a covering that lasts for awhile.

I'm celebrating my first gift of the season...4 months of sitting out in the garage and pedaling on an old bike.  Fitting and appropriate.  Old bike and Grandma!  I do not feel old.

So this is quite a big milestone for me...4 months!!  5 days a week.  40 minutes per ride.  The best thing I ever did for myself?...making the decision to roll out of bed and don my old robe and head to the garage.  I still wear the old robe as it's like a full length coat.  no buttons.  just snaps.  and it's warm!  With winter weather bringing cold temperatures I've changed what I wear.  I now wear a heavy t-shirt and heavy sweat pants and socks and gloves and a hat.  First I wore a Romney for President hat.  I didn't like the hat because the sweat band was marked and it wasn't me.  Then I remembered a black baseball type hat (cap?)  with red writing...Got Fudge? That seemed more appropriate for me plus it's brand new and it's mine.  I bought it in Leavenworth, on a sister trip with Dixie.  Seemed the right thing to wear!  Once or twice I've worn a John Deere black knit hat. 

There was a time in Alaska that I walked with friends and we'd walk out the Spit.  It didn't matter what the weather (unless it was foggy).  we walked with no excuse.  I now bike with no excuse.  I know I look zombie-like with bedhead and my "sports gear" but really?, does it even matter?  No.  I'm assuming if someone did see me they would give me a thumbs up!! 

Today I'm giving myself a thumbs up and a high-five and a gold star....for determination and consistency.  Yay, Me!!!

Do I look any different?  I've made no effort to look different so therefore...no.  No, I don't.  I look the same outwardly as I continue to wear the same clothes but inwardly there are changes.  There are outward changes that only I know.  Fattie's, for the most part, wear pants that stretch.  they stretch out and they shrink back.  I could do with some new pants that fit.  When inner thighs go down a bit then pant legs get baggy.  Chubbie's also wear a shell of some sort under a blouse and then they leave the blouse unbuttoned.  I wear the same blouses and sometimes with the same shells (do people call them shells?) I can now also wear them just buttoned up. No shell.  I could do with some new tops/blouses.  My hair is always a challenge.  I don't want to color it.  If I did...I'd go Auburn.  Maybe more focus on my style?  Not on my list yet!   I don't wear hardly any jewelry and I really should get my ears re-pierced as I promised Dixie I would.  That would be more spiffy for sure.  I could do with a dab of jewelry!  

I've always liked skin cream and I'm in need of some.  I'm going to splurge and buy Boots No. 7.  That is going to be my 4 month prize!  A new skin care line!  I'll keep you posted on that purchase.  Over a period of time I will take care of the other things I mentioned.  Not now.  Skin cream.  Oh, and I need a new foundation so maybe that also.  Some new lipstick?  Maybe some OPI nail polish?  This will be a great reward!!

Food...my appetite has decreased quite a bit...my familiar sugar craving/addiction kicks in as my comfort food, when things get harried in my life, but sugary food is no longer my go to food.  (I have a friend that senses when I need a dose of high-quality chocolate! She delivers!)

I am stronger.  I can walk easier.  I'm not as tired.  I'm not a fireball but maybe a small firecracker?

I'll just keep on keeping on. 

Thanksgiving....

Yes, I knew Thanksgiving was coming and Yes...I knew family was coming and Yes...I knew I needed to get ready BUT  I felt like I never really and truly got ready or was ready!!  Yikesters!!

I picked up the house...got the beds ready for Dave and family. Tried to turn one of the girly bunk beds into more of a guy bed!

Murphy bed for Dave and Jen

Girly bed for Gracie

Transformed GirlyBed to GuyBed.  I forgot the rose heart on the wall.  he took it down. 

Knowing they love dogs I bought little dogs for them....not real ones!!!

They arrived as planned with 2 dogs in tow... uh...real dogs!  I don't enjoy dog licks or their BodyParfumeDeOdor.  I have family and friends that love dog smoochies.  I'm not one.  Don't throw stuff at me or end our friendship because of me being Cruella Deville!!  It is what it is.  I do have 2 grandpups next door and I admit to loving them but they don't come for sleepovers with CrankyGranny!  Dave complimented me for my behavior!  I probably need some sort of obedience training!  One dog was huge and one dog was small.  At least they were not barking and jumping all over the place.  I'm not saying they just sat in one spot but they were rather calm.  They had nice temperaments.  I spoke nicely to them.  None of us bit each other.  Anyhow...it was wonderful to see the entire kit and caboodle!  Dogs and all!

Princess (really.  that is her name!)

Sammy the man!

Dinner was a traditional turkey feast, with way to much food, but don't we all love leftovers??  Pies were specially catered by Marie Callendar & Costco & Patty LaBelle.  I missed my Sissy like crazy!!  She would have loved that I bought the Patty LaBelle Sweet Potato Pie.  She had told me all about them being available seasonally at WalMart and to be sure and get one.  Last year I couldn't find one but in Dixie's honor, this year, I bought some of MissPatty's pies.  They were okay.  You get your mouth all set for pumpkin, as that is what it looks like, and it is very smooth but I'd say cloves dominate as far as spices.  Nothing that I'm ohhhing and ahhing about but it was fun to think of Dixie.

Razzleberry/Dutch Apple/Pumpkin/Sweet 'Tater

I respect you.  Really I do, GirlFriend!!

I didn't plan any fun things to do.  I was DudWoman!!  Turned out fine as they were glad to just unwind & kick back and nap/relax and they did drive around seeing things.  Sam and Grace enjoyed doing art projects with their Uncle Kip....playing board games with me...coloring in one of those art books...watching some aliens visit the earth type shows on TV with Grandpa.  Just stuff!

The Artist at work!

family time

Dinner at a Mexican Restaurant, in Toppenish, was a real treat.  I thought it was the best ever and was happy the family enjoyed it also.  I'd never eaten there, under the new ownership, and it was scrumptious!

Family enjoyed walking all 3 dogs!

Kip-Dave-Sam-Jen-Grace  & Princess-Sophie-Sammy

And visiting and napping and dancing....

Kip-Princess-David

Jen-Sammy-Dave

Terry & Grace with pups

Daddy - Daughter Dance

So Thanksgiving is over, now onto what I've been so eager for...Christmas!!  For some reason this year I would have settled for decorating before Thanksgiving.  I'm not usually like that but I'm just looking forward to Christmas and decorations.  I think of Christ with Christmas decorations.  Not in a tacky way but it's just such a source of beauty and light and joy and happiness and giving and love and gratitude for so much in my life and of course, His Birth.  I don't get caught up with the ...but it wasn't really December etc. etc..   This is the date we celebrate and I'm fine with it.  I'm a Merry Christmas person and not a Happy Holiday/Seasons Greetings and that sort of thing.

You might remember, sadly for us, that we pared down our many village houses and even our huge tree that we enjoyed for years is now gone!  The lights had burnt out in the mid-section but beyond that, it was just to big a project to do.  The box was huge and heavy and Terry just couldn't do it.  With lights gone...well, it was time to let it go. 

I went to Hobby Lobby last year and bought a gorgeous tree.  sort of a decorator wintry tree.  brought it home and it just wasn't us.  So I ordered a tree last year for this year.  Got it on sale, after-Christmas sale, and it is just perfect for us.  7' tall but not proportionately large at the bottom.  it has 600 lights all pre-lit.  It is up and Gracie decorated it and we are so happy with it!!!!!

How a ballerina decorates a Christmas tree!

Doesn't do such loveliness justice.  it is just so pretty!!

Today I received a red Poinsettia.  Gorgeous small one with the darkest of green leaves.  One of the prettiest I've ever seen, made all the more beautiful, as it's a love gift!

Tomorrow we will finish the decorating and that warms my heart. 

So much going on in my life that at times are frustrating and overwhelming and yet so much goodness and growth at the same time and I'm soaking it up!!

The Path

The last couple of days have been amazing.  When you feel and know that prayers are being answered?....nothing better!  I've been blessed with insight and understanding and assurance of the Lord's awareness of me.  Nothing to really share as to specifics because how do you describe things of the Spirit, to where the reader feels the same?  I'm at a loss on that.  The stillness...the quietness...the thoughts in my head, at least right now, are not easily flowing from into my finger tips.  Endeavoring to lay my list aside, and striving to hear/do His List, has blessed my life dramatically. 

Is it noticeably to others?  Is it manifested in my physical self?  I peek in the mirror.  Probably not.  But the feeling I have is gratitude/thankfulness/amazement.  I look exactly the same but I feel glorious within!!  Even if that marvelous feeling never surfaces, I will be thrilled if I can figure out how to  maintain it!!

Maintenance?  Now there is the trick!  I have learned to enjoy the ride and perhaps, lack of faith?, causes me to deeply savor the happenings, as the odds are I can't forever walk this tightrope.  But...I'll try.  After all I've been biking to nowhere consistently.  Maybe just maybe?  Let go and let God as they say in AA!

Speaking of tightropes.  we were speaking of that weren't we?  Well, segueing from tightropes to narrow paths that are also straight.  The Gospel walk.

We, as a Ward are doing a quick read of the Book of Mormon.  the 90 day one.  I was so impressed with this sentence... Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him.  (Taken from 2 Nephi 9:41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.)

Using the conjunction but makes it sound like...yes, it truly is a narrow path BUT don't forget it's a straight course.  It made it sound like easier travel on that narrow path as the straightness has no 90 degree turns or hairpin turns or constant curves.  Nothing unexpected.  It's just nice and straight towards the gate and there within vision at the gate, is the keeper of such...the Holy One of Israel.

I do believe I can left foot/right foot, plod along...tweaking bad habits as necessary, and at times painfully, in a progressive way...slowly improving within, and without (at some point) with changed behavior.  Yes.  I am a believer in that narrow path that allows no wandering or wavering because it truly is very narrow and it's straightness, with no nonsensical behavior, is just totally straightforward. 

desiring more...

I'm still biking and have not missed my goal of 5 days a week/40 minutes.  I'll just report from now on when I've hit another month.  I would say I now have the habit and being consistent has paid off.  I realized that when one day I thought, all stretched out on the bed daydreaming after a nights sleep...well, I can just as easily go sit and pedal instead of just stretched out here....and I got up and did it!  I also know I could plummet to the depths of despair by skipping a few times.  I would be as low as I could go, maybe never recovering, and I can't afford for that to happen.

I still have the goal of health, by July 24- my one year goal.  I opted out of the daily smoothie.  Just not my thing.  occasionally but not daily at least for now.  so I'm still drinking Kivass and biking and baking bread. 

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For quite awhile now as I look at my life ladder of daily living, I've felt off kilter.  The rungs are clearly marked by my list.  Not always singular...sometimes multiple lists.  I'm thinking my ladder is propped against the wrong wall!!  or perhaps the rungs are mismarked.  I've decided to lay the ladder down.  not destroy the rungs which would make the ladder unusable but to just take it down and lean it against the prop wall. 

I feel something amiss within me.  I think I'm leaning unto my own understanding and sort of endeavoring to use force with my demanding lists (that never change with endless tasks-assignments).  And I seldom if ever end up where I thought I would or accomplishing what I wanted.

Proverbs 3
5 ¶^aTrust in the Lord with all thine ^bheart;
and lean not unto thine ^cown ^dunderstanding.

6 In all thy ways ^aacknowledge him, and he shall ^bdirect thy ^cpaths.

So I'm going to go on a faith journey.  I will give it all I've got for one month and see how I do.  I'll write down appointments to be kept on my calendar.  I'll keep a running list of errands/groceries whatever.  End of planning days and making schedules of days.  One month...December 12th.  oh, I may as well just go to January 1st!!  Leaning unto my own understanding has not gotten me very far.  It feels like forcing and not flowing.  I want flow!

What do I have to lose?  face?  well, I tossed the daily smoothie and maybe I'll toss this.  after all...how faith filled am I? when I admit the ladder with its marked rungs is just propped on it's side at the base of the wall I desire to scale?  Maybe I need to just throw it away?  remove the safety net?  Just really trust Him for direction?

Gone.  I can't do it half-hearted.  I'm either going to try to live a more divinely directed life or not.  I read all of the marked footnotes in these two verses.  I need to do this.  Ladder gone. 

Costumes

Within the last couple of days I've seen two productions...one - our local high school production of You Can't Take it With You.  It's so old and I remember seeing it when I was in high school! 

The other production was from the adjoining Selah Stake-- A Musical review... A Night on Broadway-- featuring 21 Acts!  I could go on and on with what they did!  Unbelievable!!!

I love looking at costumes and staging and every element of any drama.  The High School play had great costumes and set.  The musical review was amazing with detail surrounding every inch of space from the time you entered the building.  Clever costumes on waiters/waitresses that added to the festivities.

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I imagined some clever person in Hillary's camp-- costuming her in a black jacket with a PURPLE extra-wide lapel and a matching PURPLE blouse (was that satin?)and Bill in a PURPLE tie and the veep's wife in a PURPLE dress.  I could imagine someone saying to Hillary....combining blue and red makes purple and you can use this by saying you represent everyone!  clever for sure.  didn't work out but clever nonetheless.  well, my take on it anyhow.

Oh, my...

I still have two more Vignettes and sort of stopped to vote!  Now I'm stopped in my tracks by the reaction to the results of the voting.

So many young people out protesting!  Protesting before the January Inauguration.  What on earth are they thinking will be accomplished????  Did they miss a chapter in school about when the polls close and votes are counted and a winner is announced...then the signs are removed and the ads stop and the dust settles and life resumes.  And we do what we can to help our country to move ahead.  We go to work!  We don't walk and wail!!  It is what it is!  Let's all be adults!  Anger and breaking a store window or burning our beautiful flag is not going to cause any change to the outcome.

Today I was dismayed when I saw a young woman that I know, probably late 20's or early 30's by now, post on her FB-- #Not My President  I felt so bad to know that is her mindset and also I see the faces of other young people and even a high school gathering against the people's choice.

I thought today of how the Church impacts me.  I've learned what it means to be LDS.  I've learned the code of ethics/ the expected behavior/ the importance of covenants.  I've also learned the order in the changing of leadership and what is expected of me.  On those callings I can sustain or object by raising my hand.  It's not going to change anything as far as someone not receiving the calling but my voice will be heard.  I have indicated that I will not sustain or support that individual or I've affirmed that I will sustain/support that person.

The calling that creates the most controversy is the calling of a Ward Bishop and that is followed by the call of a Stake President.  It used to be that these men were called for an unknown amount of time.  Nowadays, I think, a Bishop usually serves 5-6 years and a Stake President for 9 years.

A new Bishop is selected from the Ward Congregation, and I've mentioned before--why people are surprised when someone from the Ward is called is a mystery to me, as who else can it be?  it has to be a Ward member. 

The Ward is filled with humans and we all have our hen house ways!  We are flawed and sometimes we get ticked off and we remember some grievance from days past and we judge and deem them unworthy and maybe we gossip or maybe we cut off our nose to spite our face and say...I will not step foot in the building until he is released!!  Never!

The saving grace of a lay ministry is...eventually they will be released.  They are not a king.

Same can be said of President of the USA...they will be released at some point...either 4 years or 8 years but they will be released. 

Our government is set up in that splendid way.  Nothing is forever as President. 

I have been taught so much about sustaining and supporting people in Church callings.  Unlike politicians they don't campaign but they accept the responsibility and do their best.  Some people do fantastic and accomplish a lot.  Others may slide along or totally neglect what they said they would do but again...they will be released.  Being kind and not judging is a trial and test and growing experience for us as they march along or sit down but it's not forever.

All of this chatter, for me anyhow, leads to feeling the same about elected Presidents.  It doesn't matter, in the end, who I voted for.  What does matter is how I conduct myself after that decision has been announced on the winner. I can work to make my country better whether I'm thrilled or not thrilled with who the President is.

It is actually a part of my religious faith to sustain the laws of the land!...

Article of Faith-- #12 We believe in being ^asubject to ^bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in ^cobeying, honoring, and sustaining the ^dlaw.

Also Section 134  5–8, All men should uphold their governments and owe respect and deference to the law. 

Some wording from that Section 134, totally taken out of the whole, but to make my point...

5 We believe that all men are bound to ^asustain and uphold the respective ^bgovernments in which they reside, while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments; and that sedition and ^crebellion are unbecoming every citizen thus protected, and should be punished accordingly.

Sedition: (a noun) words or actions that make people rebel against the authority of the government.

6 ...and that to the ^blaws all men owe ^crespect and deference, as without them peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and terror....

There is so much of worth and education in Section 134 regarding our role in our country.

Well, that is about as preachy as I'll be stumping along, after the fact, on the political trail with it's gates now closed!

I was so in hopes that everyone would be settled down and focus on our beautiful land of liberty and stop the squawking and protesting but maybe this is how government in the last days is going to be?  Silly me...thinking we were going to have a reprieve!

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I share again what the First Presidency said and this will be my guidance in handling the upheaval.

Following the presidential election, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released the following statement on November 9, 2016, on Mormon Newsroom:

We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.

We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to join us in praying for the president-elect, for his new administration and for elected leaders across the nation and the world. Praying for those in public office is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints. The men and women who lead our nations and communities need our prayers as they govern in these difficult and turbulent times.

We also commend Secretary Hillary Clinton and all those who engaged in the election process at a national or local level. Their participation in our democratic process, by its nature, demands much of those who offer themselves for public service. May our local and national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

Etch A Sketch moment!

Last night I stayed up until 3:30am watching history take place, right before my eyes and hearing all of the speeches and comments, in a Presidential campaign like no other!!  It was fascinating to watch.  Only in America!

I decided early on to not state my choice when I voted.  To keep my thoughts to myself.  I do not like conflict!!  I'm to thin skinned to be a politician!!  But it was great to vote!!

Did you or your children have an Etch A Sketch?  My children did.  they would start off endeavoring to draw something with the two buttons- one for horizontal and one for vertical.  and slowly it would deteriorate and end up scribbles all over.  Then..Hesto Presto...a shake and the screen was cleared.  Hours of entertainment and challenge...fun and frustration...temper and calmness--all sorts of emotions.

I can relate this effort/work to the intensity of the political campaign that has resulted in a historic event...a non-politician will be our new President.

After the final decision, powerful people made heartfelt supportive speeches, in trying to garner civility, in way of treating/respecting, this novice...The Speaker of the House/the opposing candidate/the winner himself and the current President.  It was only took a few hours later and the citizens ignored those requests and proceeded forth with opposition.

My well used Etch A Sketch political screen is now cleared and packed away. 

I hung our American flag for all to see, to which I do pledge alliance- under God- and will now proceed to support our new leader as he and his team work to improve our country.

The vitriol of politics filtered down to using today's social media to unfriend friends is so shocking to me.  Really?!

I think that Article of Faith #11 really gives us the guide for politics in addition to religion!

I support the Church leaders....

Following the presidential election, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released the following statement on November 9, 2016, on Mormon Newsroom:

We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.

We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, to join us in praying for the president-elect, for his new administration and for elected leaders across the nation and the world. Praying for those in public office is a long tradition among Latter-day Saints. The men and women who lead our nations and communities need our prayers as they govern in these difficult and turbulent times.

We also commend Secretary Hillary Clinton and all those who engaged in the election process at a national or local level. Their participation in our democratic process, by its nature, demands much of those who offer themselves for public service. May our local and national leaders reflect the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to them by the American people.

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Fascinating facts about the invention of the Etch A Sketch by Arthur Granjean in 1959. ETCH A SKETCH®
Its bright red frame isn't showing signs of gray.  Its silver-gray drawing surfaces hasn't lost its shine.  Its width still measures a trim of 9 ½ inches… but the Etch A Sketch Magic Screen® is almost 40 years old.  It seems like only yesterday when the first Etch A Sketch® toys were produced on July 12, 1960.  Here's the story…
In the late 1950's, a man by the name of Arthur Granjean invented something he called ``L'Ecran Magique", the magic screen, in his garage.  In 1959, he took his drawing toy to the International Toy Fair in Nuremburg, Germany.  The Ohio Art Company saw it but had no interest in the toy.  When Ohio Art saw the toy a second time, they decided to take a chance on the product.  The L'Ecran Magique was soon renamed the Etch A Sketch® and became the most popular drawing toy in the business. In the 1960, Ohio Art used television to advertise the Etch A Sketch®.
The response was so incredible that the company decided to continue manufacturing them until noon Christmas Eve 1960.  The Etch A Sketches® were then immediately shipped to the West Coast so people in California could buy Etch A Sketch® on Christmas Eve and have them for Christmas.The Etch A Sketch® has changed very little over the years.  In the 1970s, Ohio Art offered hot pink and blue frames.  But people still wanted the bright red frames that were so popular. The print on the frame has changed slightly, but the inner workings have remained exactly the same.  The screen's reverse side is coated with a mixture of aluminum powder and plastic beads.  The left and right knobs control the horizontal and vertical rods, moving the stylus where the two meet.  When the stylus moves, it scrapes the screen leaving the line you see. The knobs have changed slightly. The new shape has a different edge for easier handling and turning. What makes the Etch a Sketch® so popular? It has influenced a generation of artists who have made a road for themselves to press; magazines, newspapers, and TV.  The Etch A Sketch® club often features these artists in its newsletter.  The Etch A Sketch® Club was formed in 1978 and has an average of 2000 members, ranging from age two to eighty-two.

Power of light...

Years ago we moved from Anchorage to Homer.  We ended up down in the woods and could walk up to the Church when the roads were to bad to drive.  It was not easy peasy to drive it or walk it much of the time.  Was it a mile?  I can't remember!  It was far away!

At  the Church I was putting the finishing touches on a classroom to present the first ever Standard Night the next day.  It took a lot of time and a lot of stuff hauling to create the beauty that I wanted.  I worked hours (and enjoyed every minute of it!) 

My 4 children were home and our 13 year old son was taking charge of them. 

Finally I was done and realized it was really late and very dark.  It was dark most of the time anyhow so that was no surprise.  There were no lights anywhere when I stepped outside.  I had a flashlight with me but I knew it would just give a small beam so I decided to stand still and let my eyes adjust to the darkness until faint starlight emerged.

Trudging through the darkness, I was reliving the enjoyment of that preparation I'd completed and thinking about my children at home.  At the very darkest part of the road, a 90 degree turn, and coming to a straight stretch before a curve...a huge brilliant light, held skyward, was coming at me.  I was so startled.  I heard a concerned young voice...Mom?  Mom? Is that you?  I answered...yes!  yes.  It's me!  He said...I was so worried Mom.  You were gone so long.  I thought maybe you were hurt. 

He had made a torch out of rolled up paper, and I forget what else, and uneasy in the dark himself, swallowed his fears to rescue me.  so tender.  even all these years later.  so tender. I remember the hugging and holding him and the thankfulness I felt for such a tender son.

We extinguished his torch and headed into the dark eventually seeing home lights.

In the midst of pure darkness a light never seems brighter.

Our world seems filled with darkness and the Gospel is shining brighter and brighter.  There is so much chaos and confusion and calamities but never has the Gospel felt more peaceful, more safe, more comforting.

Today is election day.  God... Bless America!...Please.

Our innateness...

Vignette 1- The Bud

Recently I've given so much thought to the power of women...our collective strength...our individual strength.  It's way to much for one blog post so I'll start with this......

Our great-granddaughter recently celebrated a birthday and I was reminded of one of my favorite pictures of her.  She was about 18 months old and a visiting puppy was concerned about a dog barking across the street and was up, paws on ledge, checking out the happenings and the in-house doggy was whimpering.  Ava came over to him and you could see and feel her concern for his distress. She just stood by so valiantly.  You could feel her compassion.  She stayed hovering until the outside dog left and the inside dog was no longer whimpering.  It was precious and I loved getting a picture of it.

Another favorite picture was her trying to make life easier for the pup by spoon-feeding him!

She loved all of her dollies and they each had names and she knew them and referred to them by those names.  They were frequently put through ceremonially being dressed/undressed and taken for strolls.  They were arranged in a certain order on her bed.  They were precious to her.  She loved them.  She had a huge collections of dolls.  oh, yes...of course she carried a purse!  a large one!

Sometimes she could not contain the love she had and would just squeal and squeeze her babies beyond belief.

She also loved the beauty of nature and rejoiced in it.  She enjoyed life as a little girl!

Now at an older age...she is still like that.  A daughter of God with divine attributes filled with compassion...caring for others... loving.

She is a testament to what the Prophet Joseph Smith taught--

It is natural for females to have feelings of charity. 

He also said, when Relief Society was organized....

You are now placed in a situation where you can act according

to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms.

It is plain for all to see that Ava arrived in mortality true to her divine nature.  Yes...she has been treated kindly and loved and has had examples of love BUT these pictures witness the joy and delight and compassion of this very young female. She acted on her natural sympathies and no one prompted her to enact any of these pictures.

Fun Times!!

When I see pictures of the homeless or people standing on corners or sitting on sidewalks holding signs expressing their need of goods or money...I wonder...do they have a circle of friends?  I value my friends, no matter how involved or un-involved we are.  They add richness to my life with their individual uniqueness.

Sharing life experiences makes for a richness of shared experiences.  Tales when told and relived bring to life our memories.  We don't necessarily have endless memorable experiences but we have enough of the sharing and we then fill the rest in with seemingly ordinary life but it's accentuated by our friendship.

You know that I've tried to be a better friend in reaching out to those in my past and have done a fair job in that task.  A friend recently reminded me, something I already know but somehow feel immune to it!, that staying in touch is a two way street!

Some Alaskan friends recently took a road trip to see people/friends that lived in Homer at one time and are now in Washington and Oregon.  My friend, Pat, is my oldest friend in age and length of time we've known each other.  Jamie and Geneil, are a fantastic couple that we met when they moved to Homer, him fresh out of BYU and taking his first job as the Homer High School Counselor.  He stayed clear through retirement! They now live in Utah.

Pat lives, in a small attached log house to her daughter Lorrie, and her husband, Bruce.  They are in Medford, Oregon.

The driver of the RV was Pat's son Monty.

My heart melted when I saw them!  What joy I felt!

We talked and talked and talked and reminisced about shared times and then got caught up on all the happenings in our individual lives.

It was fun to talk about the strength we gave each other and also the Church things we did in bringing the fullest program possible to our area.  The stretching and growing and challenges of that time are evident with that lasting impact in our lives today.

Terry was Geneils "favorite Bishop".  When she saw him, she sweetly said, as she hugged him...Oh, Bishop!  Terry had a great time that evening visiting.  The next day wasn't so great for him healthwise but he sure enjoyed that night!

Pat is still sharing the story, from what seems a million years ago!, of her dislike of me that turned to love and Geneil said they heard it on their trip...again!  Some day I'll share that saga!  She's even borne her testimony about it!!  We have been friends since late '60's!! 

We talked about when I was choir director and some of those hilarious times (a story for another time!)

All 4 of us had been Seminary teachers.  And we enjoyed that phase of our life.

I was ill-prepared in many ways to have them come visit.  I ended up buying lasagna from Cash & Carry...turned out delicious even when burnt a bit! 

They arrived mid-afternoon and I had planned for evening so I wasn't spiffy like I wanted to be.

The house wasn't fixed the way I felt it should be.

All of this stuff that a Co-d person can bring to life!!

Geneil,  so tenderly made the sweetest comment about loving the feeling in our home and the comfort and coziness of it.  Something like that.  I need to get that written down.  It was just the balm I needed.  She had no idea of my struggling within.  Things have been so extremely hectic here and out of control on so many levels and that was music to my ears!!

I love my old time friends and my new friends and also...you!  Friends that know my heart from reading my blog.  You are loved!

Sweet Pat.  83 years old!!  Me (I hate pictures of me being taken!)

good grief...a cinnamon roll on a plate in my hand??!!  (thanks- Linda White!)

Geneil (precious friend!)  Pat and you know who!

our son Kipper-Geneil-Jamie- Pat

Monty (Pat's son)-The Ballentines and Pat

Jamie and Geneil did several rotations for the Church in going to China and teaching English as a 2nd language.  It was fascinating to hear how they did that and absolutely could not mention the Church or a single word of religion.  I think they went 5 tours- a year each.  I'll have to double check that.  they maxed out and won't be able to go anymore. 

All of you would enjoy my friends!  They are fascinating!

MyLife

Things are backed up here in my little blog arena.  I keep thinking of things I want to share and then think...that is way to long...there is no time etc.etc.  So I'm just going to start again to share my heart and MyLife.

Surely there should be a parade of some sort or a festival in honor of ME!!  Really- someone my age and size today broke some sort of record...12 weeks of pedaling!!!  yes!!  3 months today!!!!  have not moved an inch...just sitting a moving my legs.  doing a few, very few, resistant band/steps, but nonetheless...5 days a week...40 minutes. 

I have added peeking at the WOW and eating some daily grain.  I'm not embracing/hugging the WOW but the Prophet did say that section 89 is still in effect so I decided to be a bit more consistent.  Being as how wheat for man seems to be the grain of the hour...I have continued to bake WW bread.  Give us this day our daily bread.

along the way I've added a Beet Kavass (?) tonic.  basically it's beets allowed to ferment and you drink 1/4-1/2 cup a day.  Our son makes it and is my dealer!  I have no idea nor interest in making it.  He is really into fermented foods, which seem to be the thing nowadays, and this is one that he makes.  I agreed to drink a small amount 2x a day and he agreed to be the supplier.  I'm new in that department.  no jury verdict yet.  I do believe in the need of a pro-biotic but I'm not a purist on any of this.  but I will sip/gulp my beet juice drink!  I'm not interested in pills etc.  I'm trying the WOW and this is one of the ways, along with bread.

Today, in desiring to pick up a new habit that I can consistently do, I'm now committed to a sensible sized daily smoothie made up of fruits/veggies etc.  it will vary but my commitment to make sure I have a least some fresh fruit and veggie daily.  I know I eat it etc. but I want to be consistent and this will make sure that happens.  I will also add 1T potato starch and 1T chia seeds.  I read a lot about potato starch and just want to have some.

So there you go.  Me baring my soul.  Again!

I have learned that I need small doable things that I can consistently do in order to succeed.  and that is why I'm putting these small things in my plan.  In one month...I'll see if I want to keep on or change things but for now...I've shared my plan.

3 months!  Changes?...I am stronger.  I picked up a 25# bag of wheat and showed off by holding it with one arm on my still ample hip but I did carry it and open it and pour it into my bucket in the kitchen!  fireworks for such a success seems a small thing to ask!!  Actually Terry applauding me was the best roman candle ever!  So I'm stronger...that is one thing.  It's easier to walk.  I have a stronger stride and more ease of movement.  IF I get a decent night's sleep (at least occasionally!) I am more alert/awake/active during the day.  Physical changes?...still exact same shape but I know it's a smaller version.  I have not become a small person just a layer of two peeled off.  I think when fatties are trying for health and know that eventually size will diminish...it is sort of like peeling saran wrap off in how noticeable it is...you have to peel a lot of layers, pretty invisible to the eye, but felt by the loser of that layer!! 

I'm not interested in adding anything else at this point.  Will hold steady and just keep on pedaling. 

12 weeks!!  3 months!!  5 days a week!!  40 minutes!!  no misses!!  Oh, sorry...I guess I mentioned that braggart comment earlier.  It is worth me doing cartwheels!  well, that isn't going to happen but I'm sure happy!!

I gave up wishing on stars but am hoping this gal will work her magic and I can eat a steady diet of fine chocolate and be amazingly healthy instead of pedaling in my bathrobe with bedhead!

Come on...I need your help!!! 

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I decided to not be so lazy and found a wonderful recipe place for the Beet Kvass...maybe you want to make some also?  here