I'm all excited about the new look of my blog! The new play-pretties are from shabbyblogs. com (There's a link in the upper left hand corner)
All free, easy to install, don't have to know how to code...Something I reeaelllyyy appreciate after fighting with the code on VioletCrownSoap.com for most of yesterday and half of today....What a treat! Thanks, Shabbyblogs! I love my new look!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
nostalgia. 5/25/10
with the recent flurry of activity on FB of old high school chums/friends/acquaintances/classmates...and making familial connections with here-to-for unknown relatives, listening to "old" music...waxing quite nostalgic. Not wishin for the good old days, but almost feeling wrapped up in what was. Or what I remember, not necessarily the same thing. But it feels good...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Billy Sunshine
I had a fantastic afternoon today. I drove to San Antonio and had a 4 hour lunch with four "girls" I knew in high school and junior high. I've know one since elementary school. We haven't talked in many many years but have "reconnected' on Facebook and decided to connect up close and personal. It was amazing, and I'm so glad we did it.
One of the first things I was asked was "What about Linda?" My friend Linda and I were so close in junior high and the first part of high school.
In high school - 10th grade, probably - Linda saw a boy in the hall. She had a crush on him but didn't know his name. Somebody told her it was Billy. To us, he became Billy Sunshine. I wrote her/them a poem:
His name
is Billy Sunshine
It fits him
better than William or Bill or Willy
Billy
goes good with him
Sunshine has to
We made it for him
Because that's what
he is for us
brightens our days
a little here
a little there.
And makes them more enjoyable.
And so from the bottom
of our hearts that you have warmed
more than just a little
we thank you
Billy Sunshine.
High school was many, many years ago, but I still remember the poem. I'm pretty sure that's the way it went. It was a kind of a clap poem - we clapped and said it in rhythm. His name was Tim. They married later and had a beautiful daughter.
My dear friend Linda died from breast cancer in January 2008. We had not been in touch in the last few years, and I read about it several months afterwards. I miss her, and the friendship we had so many years past. I am sorry I didn't make the effort to stay in touch.
When the opportunity came to actually see people who I knew so long ago, and rekindle old friendships, I jumped at it. How could I not?
Linda is, was and always will be one of the most important people in my life. She was an amazing, beautiful person and I was blessed to spend the time I did with her and her family.
So take a minute and make a call. Write a note. Go for a visit. Find that old friend. Make a new one. Put yourself out there. Live, laugh, love.
Peace and joy,
Lea
One of the first things I was asked was "What about Linda?" My friend Linda and I were so close in junior high and the first part of high school.
In high school - 10th grade, probably - Linda saw a boy in the hall. She had a crush on him but didn't know his name. Somebody told her it was Billy. To us, he became Billy Sunshine. I wrote her/them a poem:
His name
is Billy Sunshine
It fits him
better than William or Bill or Willy
Billy
goes good with him
Sunshine has to
We made it for him
Because that's what
he is for us
brightens our days
a little here
a little there.
And makes them more enjoyable.
And so from the bottom
of our hearts that you have warmed
more than just a little
we thank you
Billy Sunshine.
High school was many, many years ago, but I still remember the poem. I'm pretty sure that's the way it went. It was a kind of a clap poem - we clapped and said it in rhythm. His name was Tim. They married later and had a beautiful daughter.
My dear friend Linda died from breast cancer in January 2008. We had not been in touch in the last few years, and I read about it several months afterwards. I miss her, and the friendship we had so many years past. I am sorry I didn't make the effort to stay in touch.
When the opportunity came to actually see people who I knew so long ago, and rekindle old friendships, I jumped at it. How could I not?
Linda is, was and always will be one of the most important people in my life. She was an amazing, beautiful person and I was blessed to spend the time I did with her and her family.
So take a minute and make a call. Write a note. Go for a visit. Find that old friend. Make a new one. Put yourself out there. Live, laugh, love.
Peace and joy,
Lea
Linda then and always
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
NEW ROOF
I am VERY excited that we are getting the roof replaced today! Mr Roofer is doing an excellent, noisy job of ripping of the old, bad roof and replacing it with a new, beautiful, non-leaking roof. It is very noisy inside, though. Cats are hiding, except for Oreo, who is protesting. He has such a little tiny meow for such a big cat, and he rarely "talks" to us, so his protests are rather amusing. A few minutes of reassuring hugs settled him down, but he's still not too sure about all the commotion.
I am thrilled, though, despite the racket. Ellis is working diligently to make some rafter repairs and I will be called upon shortly to assist with fascia board replacement. I am also in charge of making sure he has coffee. Couldn't ask for better weather (maybe a few degrees warmer, since Ellis is working in the back where it doesn't get sun til late afternoon) BUT it looks like the men on the roof are comfortable (Shirt sleeves - it's about 45 degrees right now at 9:45).
Every now and then there is a very loud thud up overhead - don't know what that's about - I just hope nobody falls through a soft spot.
I am thrilled, though, despite the racket. Ellis is working diligently to make some rafter repairs and I will be called upon shortly to assist with fascia board replacement. I am also in charge of making sure he has coffee. Couldn't ask for better weather (maybe a few degrees warmer, since Ellis is working in the back where it doesn't get sun til late afternoon) BUT it looks like the men on the roof are comfortable (Shirt sleeves - it's about 45 degrees right now at 9:45).
Every now and then there is a very loud thud up overhead - don't know what that's about - I just hope nobody falls through a soft spot.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Got my blogs back!
Somehow I did something to lose access to my blogs, but thank heavens I save every email about registrations and was finally able to dig up my verification code! I am confused, though, about what name to log in as...but here I am!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Trips, home repairs, new glass classes...
I am excited about so many things today that I find myself pacing around the house...not knowing where to light!
We are planning an August vacation to Washington State and I am really buzzed about that. A couple of days in Seattle/Tacoma and then on to the wilds...over to Mt Rainier first and then upstate to Skagit Valley, Cascade Loop, the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island... everytime I sit down I make the mistake of looking at the travel guide put out by the state, finding some new website to explore. Planning and anticipation is really a big part of the joy. But I'm glad it's not too far off or I'd pop.
Also very excited that DH Ellis finally patched the hole in the porch roof. And he fixed both faucets (kitchen and bathroom). I think his spurt of home repair energy is prompted by the impending visit of his sister for her sister-in-law's wedding in early August. Whatever it takes! I've been after him forever to fix this stuff. Thank you, Erica!
And a new bead class starts tonight. I am always excited about making beads. One of the places we plan to visit in Tacoma is the Museum of Glass. How cool will that be? I have to focus when I make beads, so that will help me center a bit and maybe I'll settle down. Or not!
We are planning an August vacation to Washington State and I am really buzzed about that. A couple of days in Seattle/Tacoma and then on to the wilds...over to Mt Rainier first and then upstate to Skagit Valley, Cascade Loop, the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island... everytime I sit down I make the mistake of looking at the travel guide put out by the state, finding some new website to explore. Planning and anticipation is really a big part of the joy. But I'm glad it's not too far off or I'd pop.
Also very excited that DH Ellis finally patched the hole in the porch roof. And he fixed both faucets (kitchen and bathroom). I think his spurt of home repair energy is prompted by the impending visit of his sister for her sister-in-law's wedding in early August. Whatever it takes! I've been after him forever to fix this stuff. Thank you, Erica!
And a new bead class starts tonight. I am always excited about making beads. One of the places we plan to visit in Tacoma is the Museum of Glass. How cool will that be? I have to focus when I make beads, so that will help me center a bit and maybe I'll settle down. Or not!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Why I can't run...yet
I had my annual check up and am incredibly healthy. I did ask my doctor about running and why my knees hurt (especially my right knee) and if I should go to a specialist. She looked at my incredibly gorgeous legs and told me my right quad is smaller than my left and my knee would hurt until I built it up.
SO I will continue bike riding and walking and get my tail back to the gym and do leg presses with one leg at a time and maybe eventually I will be able to run.
SO I will continue bike riding and walking and get my tail back to the gym and do leg presses with one leg at a time and maybe eventually I will be able to run.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Eric's coming home
Eric's coming home from scout camp today - and, yes, I am excited about that! He's been at Camp Hale in Oklahoma for the past week. This picture shows him working on his Rifle Shooting merit badge.
He and his dad were gone for several days last week to visit Ellis' parents in Baton Rouge, so I haven't seen much of Eric for two weeks.
I'll probably be ready to send him off again by Monday evening. Not.
Monday, June 15, 2009
More Glass Bead Classes
I am taking a shaping class at Blue Moon Glassworks. It's a four-week class and we've met once so far. Using the oxygen-propane mix is very different than the propylene setup I have...trying to convince/coerce E3 into cleaning off the back porch (screened in) so I can set up an oxygen=propane rig out there. Better ventilation. The mixed gas gets so much hotter and it's quicker and easier to get the glass melted for the base beads.
Until that day, I'll keep working away with my hot head torch, and maybe rent some torch time at Blue Moon when I feel the need for working hotter. I'm still fascinated by this whole process and can work at my torch for a couple of hours without noticing the time go by. I work in the mornings before it gets too hot to open the windows - it's just now noon and already 86.
Can't wait for this week's class. Lisa is a great teacher.
Until that day, I'll keep working away with my hot head torch, and maybe rent some torch time at Blue Moon when I feel the need for working hotter. I'm still fascinated by this whole process and can work at my torch for a couple of hours without noticing the time go by. I work in the mornings before it gets too hot to open the windows - it's just now noon and already 86.
Can't wait for this week's class. Lisa is a great teacher.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Lampwork Beads
I took a bead-making class from Molly of Heritage Glass in New Braunfels. This is more fun than ... well, lots of things. Working with a torch, molten glass...I gravitate towards dangerous crafts. I am not particularly good at this yet, but I make a few beads every couple of days and my technique is definitely improving. One day soon I will take and share pictures of some of my better efforts.
Blue Moon Glassworks here in Austin also offers classes, and they have plenty of supplies. I met Rose and Lisa this week when I was picking up a few more glass rods. They are very friendly and helpful...not to mention all they know about this stuff.
There are so many different types of beads, special techniques, cool tools and wonderful finishes to try! I look forward to many happy hours working at my torch.
Blue Moon Glassworks here in Austin also offers classes, and they have plenty of supplies. I met Rose and Lisa this week when I was picking up a few more glass rods. They are very friendly and helpful...not to mention all they know about this stuff.
There are so many different types of beads, special techniques, cool tools and wonderful finishes to try! I look forward to many happy hours working at my torch.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Running: Week 2
I splurged today and bought a new pair of running shoes. Went to RunTex and actually got fitted. Guess I shouldn't consider this a splurge; rather, I should think of it as an investment. Anyway, spending the money meant that I had to run today, even though I was pretty pooped after my gym session.
BUT I DID IT. This is week two, and started the run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes phase of the plan. My knees hurt -both in the same place - the inside, but they hurt before so I know it's not the shoes. It's not really joint pain, probably where the tendon or ligament or whatever joins to the bone or some such. I'm icing them, and that feels very good. From what I'm learning from my trainer Erica, this may be because the muscles on the outside of my legs are tight. Some ow-time with the foam rollers may help.
Towards the end it was very much just a slow jog, and I had to laugh - as I start my last 3-minute run, "I Will Survive" shuffled around and started up on the iPod.
And I did survive, and I know I'll live to run-walk again on Wednesday.
BUT I DID IT. This is week two, and started the run 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes phase of the plan. My knees hurt -both in the same place - the inside, but they hurt before so I know it's not the shoes. It's not really joint pain, probably where the tendon or ligament or whatever joins to the bone or some such. I'm icing them, and that feels very good. From what I'm learning from my trainer Erica, this may be because the muscles on the outside of my legs are tight. Some ow-time with the foam rollers may help.
Towards the end it was very much just a slow jog, and I had to laugh - as I start my last 3-minute run, "I Will Survive" shuffled around and started up on the iPod.
And I did survive, and I know I'll live to run-walk again on Wednesday.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Learning to Run
Today will be my third installment in my first week as a beginning runner. I bought the Runner's World Complete Book of Running, dusted off my running shoes, and am happily following the recommended run-walk schedule. This week, it is run 2 minutes, walk 4 minutes - repeat 5 times for a total of 30 minutes. The goal is to run 30 minutes solid in 10 weeks.
Why did I decide to do this? For one thing, I am looking to continue to improve my overall health and maintain my weight. Taking off (almost) 40 lbs isn't something I want to do again. I would like to lose another 10 lbs, though. I think running, combined with my improved eating patterns (I hate to say diet) and strength training should do the trick. I want to be like the 70-something skydiver in the V8 commercials. Except maybe not skydiving and definitely not a man. And not until I'm 70...
Anyway, the REAL reason I am doing this is so I can run in the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot this year with my 12-year old son, Eric. We talked about it last year, but I knew I couldn't run it, and he wasn't interested in walking it. So we made a pact to run it in 2009. The race is held here in Austin in the morning. A perfect way to start Thanksgiving Day.
Monday was the first day out, and I actually thought I wouldn't make it through that first 2 minute run. But it got incredibly easier each time around. And Wednesday's run segments were easier still. I tried to take longer strides. I'm not winning any speed records, but I'm moving.
I will be heading back to the gym tomorrow after two weeks out. I miss my leg presses! I hope I'm able to balance weights and running. I really enjoy strength training. Well, maybe not always when I'm doing it, but I appreciate the difference in my energy. Not to mention my mental outlook. Or my hip measurement.
Enough writing about doing stuff. Time to run/walk.
Why did I decide to do this? For one thing, I am looking to continue to improve my overall health and maintain my weight. Taking off (almost) 40 lbs isn't something I want to do again. I would like to lose another 10 lbs, though. I think running, combined with my improved eating patterns (I hate to say diet) and strength training should do the trick. I want to be like the 70-something skydiver in the V8 commercials. Except maybe not skydiving and definitely not a man. And not until I'm 70...
Anyway, the REAL reason I am doing this is so I can run in the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot this year with my 12-year old son, Eric. We talked about it last year, but I knew I couldn't run it, and he wasn't interested in walking it. So we made a pact to run it in 2009. The race is held here in Austin in the morning. A perfect way to start Thanksgiving Day.
Monday was the first day out, and I actually thought I wouldn't make it through that first 2 minute run. But it got incredibly easier each time around. And Wednesday's run segments were easier still. I tried to take longer strides. I'm not winning any speed records, but I'm moving.
I will be heading back to the gym tomorrow after two weeks out. I miss my leg presses! I hope I'm able to balance weights and running. I really enjoy strength training. Well, maybe not always when I'm doing it, but I appreciate the difference in my energy. Not to mention my mental outlook. Or my hip measurement.
Enough writing about doing stuff. Time to run/walk.
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