10 Things I Know Today

1.  Once you get a job, start looking for another job.
2.  Once you have a job, start looking for a second job to compliment your first job.
3.  No car + more walking = rapid weight loss
4.  You can always play it safe by wearing black and white.
5.  Judge Judy is classy and smart and wonderful... and a little addictive.
6.  I like pure milk chocolate best.
7.  The PNW has the most beautiful and peaceful sunsets.
8.  On clear and sunny days like today, the mountains make my heart rejoice.
9.  Andrew McCarthy is fun and inspires me to be a citizen of the world. 
10. You tube is a wonderful source. 

Fremont, Seattle

One neighborhood I haven't explored much is Fremont, so I decided to change that today.  What a great neighborhood full of interesting little cafes and shops.  There are also beautiful homes with shady trees and lush flowers.  I loved the wide archway of this building...

 

 

I was on a search for the troll, and I found him! Fremont's Troll Bridge...or the Troll under the Bridge...

 

 

Do you see the VW?

 

 

I had to pose with the handsome fella..,

 

 

and then I walked more, breathing in the beautiful Spring day...

 

 

It was so peaceful and relaxing.  Such a fun little neighborhood and right behind the water... (something I use most every day)

 

 

It looks like a cool building, but it definitely can't compare with being outside.  A day like today reminds me that the best things in life are free as I watched people sit by the water with a book, take a nap, or walk with a friend.  I savored the sunshine, even touching sweat beads on my face, thankful for this thirty something body that's able to move and walk.  So many blessings!  

 

A little bit about food...

This evening I did a little future dinner planning, which took me to my own personal heaven.  I love to eat and cook and share and create.  I feel like cooking and serving is a high expression of the most necessary love, and I find myself growing more bound to it as I grow older...

I have volunteered to cook every Tuesday night for the family I live with now.  I have planned meals for May (lemon chicken, pot roast, shepherds pie, and crockpot mac and cheese).  I'll keep you posted on how it turns out...  As a single woman, I welcome the opportunity to cook for others.  I was so proud of my experiences in Maine, especially those in which I opened my humble apartment and cooked a meal.  It was always with so much gratitude and love.  Living in Maine was wonderful because I had so many opportunities to grow in this way.  I attended a weekly fellowship group every Wednesday night for years where we gathered around a big round table and shared a meal.  It was often the highlight of my week.  We had delicious meals as Kathy is a great cook and so are some of the others.  Xin taught us how to make Chinese... do I remember? I learned about red dogs, marshmallow salads with fruit, apple crisps, blueberry pies,  fiddleheads (yum!), and homemade whoppie pies.  I also learned about what everyone in my group likes.  I learned that Rachel likes bacon and even though she's a health instructor, she's not big on her veggies.  Go figure! I learned Katie loves macaroni and cheese, B usually asks if there's dessert before dinner is through and so on.  I loved soaking up what each person brought to the table as far as their culture and background was concerned.  My budget was always so tight and I don't remember sharing as much as I'd liked, but I do remember baking and bringing cinnamon mini-muffins and everyone raving about them.  It dawned on me that cooking is an act of love but so is the receiving.  All of their compliments affirmed me and my simple heart. 

I feel like in the last few years my love of cooking boomeranged.  Not only did I have the fellowship group, but I had Tom's friendship and open door to me.  He let me come into his home whenever I wanted to, even when he was away.  He knew how much I enjoyed trying new recipes.  He also knew that I was struggling to eat, but he never made me feel underserving.  He always welcomed me into his home for a meal in front of the fire.  He is a fantastic cook, although he would say he just cooks the same things all the time.  I would have to argue that at least he doesn't reach for Hungry Man or Lean Cuisine.  The very thought instantly upsets my stomach.  T prepared scrumptious meals like fish chowder, sausage links with a vegetable, stir fry, shepherds pie, butterscotch brownies, chocolate mousse, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, beef stew, and so forth.  He taught me how to separate an egg from the yolk, how to whisk an egg with a fork, and even how to make the perfect mushroom omelet.  I enjoyed reading through his cookbooks and soaking up the comfort of a warm meal in a caring home.  I also cooked quite a bit.  I made cookies, brownies, pumpkin pie, granola, apple crisps, cupcakes, muffins, banana cream pudding, fruit torte (shown below) Those are the things I can remember...

 

I think of all the jobs I've worked as well, and I have had my share of restaurant experience.  It's true, I've normally been on the serving end, but it's still a connection with food.  I guess I have had some experience working with food, too.  I remember making big batches of tuna salad when I worked at Lenny's Deli.  I also washed and prepped a lot of veggies when I worked at Sunshine Grocery.  I've worked in Mexican, American, Italian, Greek, Southern, etc., and currently I'm working at a Mediterranean bistro.  It all adds to the experience.  I'm not exactly sure in what quantity or quality, but it has been a big part of my life. 

 

A couple winters ago I also attended a donation based cooking class held at the Common Good in SWH, Maine.  The recipes were very unique and not necessarily ones that I would keep in my repertoire, but it was still an exciting adventure.  It was a basic healthy sharing meals class, and it felt freshly satisfying and necessary to cook.  All things I believe. 

 

Last summer I worked on an organic farm for six months called Triple Chick Farm.  I would not be exaggerating to say that almost every day we had a conversation about food.  I think that was our link and what draws everyone to the farm in the first place.  We are growing good, colorful food full of nutrients, flavor, and so, so, so different from what you buy in the store.  It's hard not to become passionate about food in that environment.  My budget again was tight, but one benefit of the farm was the surplus of food.  I learned to cook beet greens and love them, kale, roast cauliflower and fennel, enjoy many of the vegetables raw, bake potatoes, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.  The best meals, I learned, were the simplest.  I learned to really appreciate food. 

 

 

Another huge thing that has been part of my love of food is having a space and place of my own.  When I lived in South Carolina- this is the first time I remember really setting up house.  I fell a little more in love with cooking with each recipe I tried that awakened my senses.  I remember making homemade applesauce and thinking it was the best thing I had ever tasted.  It was truly that climatic of an event in my life.  I also made lots of banana bread and soup. 

My college years were more lean, and I confess to questionable eating patterns when I haven't lived on my own.  It's hard to make yourself at home in someone else's kitchen.  After killing one of my old roommates antique cast iron skillet, I think I was scarred.  But then I had a place of my own again and the cooking got up and running.  I made lots of soups- broccoli, lentil, kale and sausage, chicken and dumplings, and so forth.  It was enormously nourishing.  I loved it.  I started having people over, too, which was fun but a little nerve wracking at first. 

 

And then I went away and came back and finally got my own place again.  The cooking again started back up and this time with even more creativity as my budget was seriously tight.  I made so much vegetarian chili and turkey chili this past winter - wow! I also made myself a lot of grilled cheese sandwiches dipped in tomato soup with milk (only good with sourdough bread- trust me!) and I ate a lot of eggs.  The reason for this was because I had a friend that traded eggs for rides from me.  I made omelets, scrambled eggs with jam, hard boiled eggs, deviled eggs, quiches, egg salad, and it was actually a lot of fun.  I was really keen on how to eat on a budget but still be relatively healthy.  One time I broke down and made myself brownies from scratch.  They were oh- so good, but it's dangerous to be in a snowed in apartment alone with a pan of brownies.  Just sayin'!

 

 

So that's a little time line of my food history.  There is a much deeper history, though, and it's too long to go into right now.  But I will leave it at this.  I think sometimes when you do without, you appreciate what you have in a deep way.  I feel that to be my case with food and cooking.  There is family history and that ties into years of not treating myself well as a young adult.  Again, that is another blog, but I deprived myself of food because I didn't feel worthy enough. 

 

The honest to God truth is that while I don't have a food rich family history, I can look back and see that I had this in me all along.  One of my childhood memories is being so excited to have a small little gray file box.  I filled it with little 5 by 7 cards and started writing out all kinds of recipes in them.  Even as a youngster I was very curious about how food came together and what was involved.  I was curious about the creation and excited about the possibility of sharing. 

 

And this leads me to today... Grown up Krista...

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Goals

It's hard to believe, but it's almost May.  My goal is to be in a place of service by the fall, but for now, I'm in Seattle and working to fulfill the purposes in my life now.  I've decided to set some summer goals for myself.  I'm happy to report that I have officially been hired at the Olive and Grape, which means I will be serving three lunch shifts and bussing on weekends.  I start my training this week.  I think it will be a fun job, filled with culture, interesting people, and new foods.  I will finally be making some money- thank You, God!


Goals Summer 2014:

1) Be a blessing to the family.  I have a gardening project to work on which includes digging up blue flowers in the backyard, and I have agreed to cook for the family one night a week (Tuesday nights).  I am planning on focusing my meals around comfort, so I want to make things like shepherds pie, pork chops and applesauce, kale and sausage soup, chicken and rice, etc., ) I am really looking forward to this- it will give me an opportunity to experiment, have fun, grow as a cook, and show some love!

2) Explore more of Seattle.  I lived here for six months not long ago, but there are still things I did not get to see or do.  I hung up a free map of North Seattle from the library the other day and have been studying it.  I have learned that whenever you move to a city, utilize the library's resources.  There are usually maps, events, brochures, magazines, etc.,  Among some of the things I still want to check out include

(the Freemont Troll Bridge)

- visit the Freemont Troll Bridge
- walk around Green Lake
- hang out at Northgate mall
- visit the EMP (Experience Music Project) downtown
- tour the Smith Tower
3) Join LA Fitness again.  I've missed my zumba and it's a pretty good deal/membership.  I want to get back into my zumba classes, especially the ones with Xavier.  They are so much fun.

4) Read great books.  There are a few books here at the house I want to read but I also have a membership at the library.  I want to stay hungry for stories and life.  Reading fills my soul.  This one is at the top of my list...

5) Work hard and save some money while learning about other cultures in the process...

Jesuits & Robbie, my first Seattle friend

I just browsed my last post about marriage, "If No One Marries Me."  Well, one wonderful thing about not being married is that life can be filled with opportunities one couldn't embrace otherwise.  I have applied to various service organizations for the fall: Arts for All, Jesuits of the Pacific Northwest, and several others... Jesuits of the PNW only allows singles to apply.  I learned more about the organization today through an hour and a half webinar.  I'll be honest, it first scared me.  I don't honestly feel like I am entangled to the world of technology as much as most people, but should I even compare myself to most people? I would have to say, I'm still entangled.  I like catching the news, especially Kathie Lee and Hoda.  They are my imaginary friends that I like to sit with each day or catch up with at the end of the day.  I am addicted to the show Parenthood, and I like the occasional facebook post to describe a recipe I blew or a recipe that wowed.  I love this blog because it feels like a creative testimony of my thinking and feelings.  I love my phone- quick and easy access to my friends, particularly T, whose voice comforts, makes me laugh, understands.  I like browsing the news, and I enjoy reading Pioneer Woman, Hollywood Housewife, Dinner: A Love Story...

Could I live in community, sharing my funds with others, trusting and negotiating, and living on $100.00 a month on my own for a year? Would that mean no phone? Would I be able to put my student loans on hold? And what about my child that I sponsor with Compassion?
The answer is yes, I think I could.  Yes, I think I should.  The reason I feel like I should is because I'm scared, and usually when I'm a little nervous and scared it signifies that something good is in the work.  I want to grow, after all, and I want to live richer and deeper.  I know that technology has ruined so much of our ability to communicate with each other in real and wonderful ways.  I want to grow in understanding what a truly rich life consists of... and I believe this year of service with the Jesuits will provide help in the discovery.
Have I had an interview? No.  But I am still hopeful, and I am still considering it in a serious way.  I believe this organization is very different than the other ones I applied to, because there is more community, spirituality, and reflection.  I will keep you posted on what evolves, but if accepted into the program, my training would begin in Portland, Oregon the beginning of August. 

In the mean time, I keep exploring other options (many irons in the fire) and I have been officially hired at Olive and Grape Mediterranean Restaurant part time.  I'm living with a family that I want to bless, and I'm looking for ways to do so in practical and tangible ways.  It's fun to clean the children's chairs and do so with such love.   I'm walking and reading and drinking too much coffee.  Sunday I went back to the Lutheran church right up the street and saw Pastor Julie again.  And I saw the homeless man that I used to see all through the winter that sits in his "office" (bus stop) on 125th Greenwood.  Yesterday I was at the library and he came and sat across from me.  We talked for over an hour, and he continues to be in my mind.  Robbie's my first friend that I feel like I've made in Seattle, separate from my already made friends.  We talked about his life, 20 years in the military, a drill Sargent in the Marines, and about his homelessness, cancer, and son that's getting married.  The thing that got me was his sense of humor and positive outlook on life.  I asked him if ever sleeps, and he said, "not much".  That hit me hard.  I confess one of my greatest pleasures is a comfy bed, and I love a good nap, some downtime in bed with a book, and the rest it provides after a long day of work.  We talked about Seattle and how strange people think you are if you smile and look at them here.  We both have lived different places and see Seattle in similar ways.  I noticed then that he has a richness that so many people don't tap into.... He sees the world, he sees people, and he has the ability to converse with others.  Sometimes I think we all have so much to learn about what's really important. 

Marriage

"If No One Ever Marries Me"


(Friends, I want to share this old 19th century poem with you.  Natalie Merchant has recorded it in her musical genius.  This weekend I watched her Ted Talk, featuring various 19th century poems, ending with her hit song Thank You.  Thank you, Bob Gates, she sang.  I am a huge Natalie Merchant fan- her on stage presence is unusual and captivating.  Her voice is one of my favorites of all time.  She wrote one of my anthem songs, "Where I Go"- "go to the river to soothe my mind, ponder over the crazy days of my life.  Watch the river flow..."
Now I can't get another song out of my head.  It touches me at a deep level of hope, sadness, and peace.)


Well if no one ever marries me
And I don't see why they should
Nurse says I'm not pretty
And you know I'm seldom good, seldom good

Well if no one ever marries me
I shan't mind very much
Buy a squirrel in a cage
And a little rabbit-hutch

No one marries me
If no one marries me
No one marries me
If no one marries me
Well if no one marries me

I'll have a cottage near a wood
And a pony all my own
A little lamb quite clean and tame
That I can take to town

When I'm really getting old
At twenty-eight or nine
I'll buy myself a little orphan-girl
And bring her up as mine

No one marries me
If no one marries me
No one marries me
If no one marries me
If no one marries me
Marries me
Well if no one marries me
Marries me
If no one marries me

imagination and dreams

I think sometimes I forget to dream, to get out of my little box of thinking.  This is why I love having people in my life that help me think beyond my narrow vision.  Within their safety, I have the freedom to dream.  Imagination is a wonderful thing to nurture, and I want to give myself more time to imagine and dream.  What keeps me from dreaming and imagining? Fear.  Shame.  Not feeling good enough or worthy enough.  Truly.  I want to ask you... What helps you recognize your dreams, discover and nurture them? What might be blocking you from dreaming?
I thought I would use my blog as an experiment in dreaming.  I've decided I will boldly declare five dreams I have today. 

1.  I want to own a bicycle that has a basket.  A simple dream, right, but it's an important dream to me.  I want to be able to bike and deliver, carry, and transport.  I don't think there would be anything more awesome than having a bicycle with a basket.  (Mary Kate is living my dream!)

2.  I want to reconnect with my friend Toya.  I'd love to visit her in D.C., and she talks about coming to Seattle.... We also talk about planning a trip together at some point, but we have yet to make it happen.  She's a very important person to me, and I dream of having her continue as a treasured part of my life forever. 

3.  I dream of home- sunny kitchen, outdoor chapel, bird houses, lots of books, an old antique desk, a little garden, an old fashioned radio... lots of personal things on the wall....
4.  I dream of family.  Adopting.  I haven't given up on the hope that I might one day marry, and I can think of nothing else better than a home with children... outdoor adventures, books, singing...
5.  I would like to return to Haiti.  I haven't seen much of this world, and true- I dream of visiting Africa and Europe and the other four continents, but right now, I dream most about returning to Haiti.  I loved the people.  I dream of going and connecting more.  Even though I don't speak Creole, I dream of holding more babies and playing games with the children.  I want Haiti to stay on my heart!  Pendant showcased courtesy of Etsy... a fun browse!

I'm in Europe

Last night was my "second interview" at Olive and Grape, but it included work which felt like an in to me.  I worked for 2.5 hours.  I came in to the place with my black skirt, white shirt and red cardigan on, but within about twenty minutes I had to take the jacket off.  The space is small, and I'm often working behind the bar which is right beside the chefs flaming up enormous fires.  I really enjoy the work; greeting people with a warm welcome, taking them to their table, filling up their waters, and taking empty plates.  I worked but enjoyed being transported to another place, feeling as though "I'm in Europe!"
I love the environment of the place- there is a garage door up front that opens in the summer.  There are beautiful paintings, balloons hanging from the ceiling, and all kinds of interesting food and smells!
I learned that my boss is from Turkey, married to an Air force guy from Illinois.  There were only four or five people working, and all the chefs were from another country.  I loved it.  I loved the smell of the Turkish coffee, the beauty of the Greek salads, and the way Paola savors life.  I heard her talking to a man about enjoying food, slowing down and savoring it. 
She told me that she likes me and will be in contact with me in a couple days for a schedule.  She said I fit well.  She also let me order a meal, so I tried lamb from Northern Turkey with tomatoes and pita bread with various sauces including a yoghurt.  Glorious, my friends.  She also gave me a tip for my work bussing, and I was on the clock.  It's good to have a job.
The other thing I notice, and this may be my transition from Maine to living in Seattle, but there are so many interesting couples out there.  Japanese woman with a Spanish man, African American woman with a Caucasian... I like it.  And maybe people that step out of their culture naturally enjoy going to restaurants to experience another culture. 

Peacemakers and so forth

"Each encounter with Jesus changes our lives".  Pope Francis


I love that Pope Francis is on twitter!

There are lots of little things going on in my brain today.  Monday I moved to Seattle, Tuesday I started the job hunt, Wednesday I went in to an interview downtown, and today- Thursday- I checked back with a few places with resume in hand. 
I've worked in a lot of different restaurants.  Maybe it's my age or maybe it's just who I am, but I don't like the environment of so many establishments.  I hate dark, den like environments with huge televisions or posters advertising beer.  I've applied to some of those places, feeling very strongly in my heart that those places don't really resonate with me. 
Today I focused on two restaurants that I thought would be interesting.  Yanni's is a popular Greek Restaurant that Gordon Ramsey visited a few months ago.  I've worked for Greeks before, and I love the food and culture.  I sat waiting to talk to someone, but I had an interview so I had to leave before anyone showed up.  In the process I sat and observed three Greek men sit with their coffees and chatter away in Greek.  It was very funny to me, because after all the foreign language, one of the men said "see you later" finally in English before he left.  Slowly more well dressed and older Greek men came and joined in a larger circle, talking, laughing, shaking their heads, talking with their hands.  I love how they greet each other with a kiss and closeness.  There is such warmth in their manner.  The more I kept watching them, the more I thought... I need to go to Greece.  My manager back at the Greek restaurant I worked at in South Carolina always told me I reminded him of the women back home.  I took this as a compliment, and I supposed it meant that it was because I wasn't very flashy. 
I had my interview at Olive and Grape, a cute little restaurant that blends Italian, Turkish, and  Greek food.  All cultures I love! Best of all, there was no online application but a face to face meeting, and tomorrow night I will work for a couple hours bussing tables and so forth.  She's giving me a chance.  I have an in, and that's all I really want.  It can lead to more work as I show that I am dependable and hard working.  I enjoy working for family run places, and it's great to experience another culture, too.  This, I believe, is going to be one of the coolest restaurants I've ever worked.  Here's to a super summer in Seattle...

I tried to reach out to someone recently and make peace.  I sent a letter and spoke my peace.  I spoke words of understanding, and I wished this person happiness, while letting her know that her children had been such an important part of my life.  The letter was returned.  I wasn't completely surprised, and I suppose I was a tad bit disappointed.  But now I'm grateful.  I tried.  I sent out peace, and sometimes that's all you can do as a person.  I can still pray for peace and that this individual understands her worth in God's eyes, and I can remember her children in my prayers- that they also grow to understand God's great love for them.  But being a peacemaker doesn't always mean that people accept your peace...Sometimes people find it easier to be in denial, maybe raising the roof, drinking, or traveling to see Dave Matthews.  I get it- why does life have to be about anyone but yourself?

I am relaxing tonight.  I spent a good part of the day walking around in the rain, waiting to talk to someone, and I came home with soaked jeans up to my calves.  I feel suddenly sleepy but grateful and excited.  So thankful to be living this resurrection life, with God's love banner over me.  May I encounter Jesus more... and be changed!

Still on the job hunt...

I'm calling it an early evening.  I'm already in bed.  So many transitions, and I feel worn out for some reason.  I'm grateful to be back in Seattle, but the process of navigating a city by foot, investigating jobs, applying, keeping track, and interviewing wears on my psyche.  Am I too much of a baby?
So I end the day feeling productive for getting out there and making contacts and so forth, but I feel relieved that tomorrow will be a new day.  Oh, and I really have to start eating healthier! And back to zumba someday soon.
I had my second interview with Arts for All today.  It would start end of August, and I would work through Americorp with this organization that promotes art in children and adults with and without disabilities.  The interview went well, and I am being moved forward.
I am still waiting to hear from the Jesuits of the Pacific Northwest about a possible job with them.  They have everything but are still waiting on my college transcripts.  Hurry up, Berea. 
And here in Seattle, I desperately long to be busy and useful, among people and physically active.  I have an interview with Diva Espresso tomorrow downtown, and then I have an interview Thursday at Olive and Grape, a Mediterranean Restaurant.  Both jobs feel interesting to me.  I also want to try Yanni's again...
It is a process, constantly looking for work even when you have a good solid job.  I wish I had been born in a different era, truly, but for some reason, God has me here for this time and place.

What should I be and other foolish fixations

I confess that I shouldn't be writing right now, but I am writing to keep from falling asleep.  I took half a muscle relaxer this morning and the other half about thirty minutes ago.  As soon as I ate my burrito on the bus, I fell fast asleep on the road from Portland to Seattle.  I am now in Seattle, at Diva Espresso, waiting for J to come get me so that I can get into the house.  The muscle relaxer is working its magic at  relaxing me again, but I'm hoping that I get a second wind of life to unpack and get settled tonight.  (and also that the kink in my neck is gone...)
I was sad to say goodbye to M today.  It's rare to find people in your life that make you think and feel broader and better, and I'm grateful for her friendship. 
Last night we were talking about the pressure Americans have to be successful, to make it in this world of ours that screams for credentials, degrees, money.  When you meet someone brand new, so quickly the conversation revolves around what each person does to make a living... not what they do to make a life. 
And personally I've always been a little confused.  I've admired my friends with distinct and deliberate career paths and passions, whether it's in nursing or teaching or being a spy.  I've tried to figure out something specific for myself only to grow more and more confused.  I still don't have a clue what I want to be when I grow up.
But M encouraged me to be okay with it.  That me being me and a part of this world is enough.  I've decided to try to stop my train of thinking, what I will be to make a living for myself, and focus more on the life I want to create and live.  I've decided to embrace my road, rugged and original, the one less traveled by but the one that resonates most with me.  I want to work hard and bring forth good, but I don't want to be dictated by a profession anyway.  I want my life to a reflection of love, from the extravagant love of God, fragrant, overflowing, and diverse. 
May my life never be ruled by a career or profession but by the moments I take to notice the loneliness around me, the friends I could encourage, the prayers I could abide and dwell in, and the opportunities I have to get out of myself... and share and give and live. 

Portland, Oregon in a day

and then another wonderful dinner of kale salad with steak and beet dressing with my friend, M.  It was a full day, and I am exhausted.  Good night, ladies and gentlemen.

Facebook

Among my friends (and non friends), there is a lot of facebook talk and discussion.  Every person ascribes to their own idea- facebook is stupid, superficial, a waste of time, drama ground, a show and tell fest, limited, ridiculous, pointless, and numerous other things.
And here's what I feel... I completely agree, but I also see another side. 
I think facebook is a directory to my friends so that I can reach out to them wherever I might show up. 
Today is my next to last day in the Vancouver-Portland area, and I happened to see that a friend I met in Yellowstone Park maybe five years ago just moved here.  I sent her a message via facebook and told her I'd love to get together with her this weekend, and then she called me today and we met up face to face for lunch and some catching up.
It was wonderful! It was great to see a familiar face and how she had changed, how beautiful her daughter is, and what is going on in her life.  I loved it. 
I have a lot of other stories I could share with you about how I have connected to people through facebook, but I will leave it at this.  Without facebook, I would not have seen these beautiful faces today. 

First hike in the PNW

Yesterday was my first hike in the Pacific Northwest.  M and I drove out to Multnomah Falls and took a hike up the Gorge, along the Columbia River, to the backside of the Falls in Oregon. We ended up hiking a good ten miles.  It was beautiful- every switchback led us to a new stunning view of falls, different moss, sun, forest smells, budding flowers. 
I admit very early on I was wondering if I could make it, but after a granola bar, my energy was renewed.  I let winter make me a little soft, but I now feel inspired to get out and be in the beauty of this incredible part of our country.  M was more prepared, and I made a mental note to always carry snacks, water, and a pair of socks on every hike.  Also a camera, journal, pen, and phone. 

Afterwards M took me to Edgefield, which is like a little town in and of itself.  It has all kinds of really cool little bars, spas, restaurants, and gardens.  We got a beer at Jerry's, a little pub reflective of Jerry Garcia, and then we ordered a pizza. We told stories and laughed.  It was a great day.  M's spirit is infectious.  I love how our lives have intersected and crossed over the last 15 years. 

my own damn cookbook!

Last night I started writing out recipes in my new Blank Cookbook.  I am so excited about this book.  I can carry one simple book of recipes everywhere I go and have immediate access to the recipes I love to make and share. 

I've been told I don't have the neatest handwriting in the world, so I'm working extra hard to make it legible, which takes a lot longer than I thought.  But I am enjoying my project and know that I will love having one book full of my favorites.  There are 165 recipes that I can use in this book, and I plan on filling every page in time.  Here is the index and the five recipes I've completed. 

It's a beginning, right? Today is glorious, another beautiful Spring day.  I was thinking last night about the recipes I made this past winter in Maine.  I made lots of chili (I went through two chili powder bottles!), soups of all kinds, and grilled cheeses  I love that Spring is here, and I'm craving all things refreshing and cool.  I just made a big pot of iced tea and a nice egg tuna salad with onion, celery, mayo, salt, and pepper.  I ate a little cottage cheese and pear as well.  Delicious!

Today is going to be a good day.  I'm packing and getting organized for Seattle, I'm writing out recipes, and I'm spending time with a friend off to new places and hiking!

Here's to more iced tea, salads, and recipes of my own.  :)

 

Summer in Seattle

I leave for Seattle again on Monday via the good ole Bolt bus.  I found a ticket today for 15.00.  Can't beat it.  M will take me, and A will pick me up.  The following day I will have a job interview.  I am already feeling hopeful about job prospects in Seattle.  I'm envisioning myself as a barista by day and a server by night and days off by the sea, exploring the city as the sun shines bright.  Once you live near the water, you are forever ruined.  I'm also looking forward to reconnecting to some old friends, A and G, Sarah, John, the Pastor at the Lutheran church on the corner...
My goal is to work a lot this summer in Seattle and serve in August with Ameri corp.  I updated some information but am very interested in the Jesuits, Arts for All, and Habitat for Humanity in Hawaii...
:)
My brain is still over packed, but it was a slower day.  I did laundry, took a nap, cooked, and took a walk.  Tonight I am settling in for a movie.  I am Sam.  I love reading, but sometimes you can't beat a good movie.  I love great movies. 
I am filled with excitement about returning to the city where there is so much going on, so much to do, and many types of people and culture.  I have four more days in Vancouver to enjoy. 

Corona Light

Today I tried to be ultra productive.  I put on my striped dress, threw my walking shoes into my purse and took off on a mission.
And many hours later, I came home, after walking in circles around a town I'm just getting acquainted, and I developed something called a let down.  I have been doing some serious overthinking... all day.  I have been waiting to speak to managers with boldness, earnestness, zeal, and it's felt like just another robotic reply.  I've hit up fabric shops, sun tanners, sandwich makers, fitness centers, restaurant managers, Target workers, and I've called Starbucks ladies and unemployment centers... Oh my heavens.  And then I've researched service organizations, emailed more people for references, and I've walked roads where trucks honked at me.  This is the only time I desperately wish I had a car, to avoid the honks of men that notice a faint glimpse of someone with curves.  And then I think of my pocket book... I'm running on empty.  Should I have bought that last coffee?
And then I hear from the ONE person that replies from all my applications, and this person is in Seattle at my favorite little coffee house, Diva Espresso.  She wants me to come in for an interview tomorrow.  And then I think about moving back to Seattle for the summer, emailing a possibility, shuffling out more details, and it feels like a gigantic whirlwind.  Vancouver- Seattle.  Summer- Fall.  Jesuits- Arts for All- Boys Hope, Girls Hope.
I lay down to try to calm my mind, but it can't be calmed.  So I sit down in M's sweet little kitchen, at the small table where I can look out at the birds and vibrant pink bushes with daffodils poking in between, and I bring my Bible close beside me, and I sip a Corona Light with abandon.  I look up the verse I found this morning, the verse I felt the need to read again and again, the verse I felt might carry me for a long time.... And I realized it is the verse I need right now.  I need this verse because I am in a period of unrest, unsettled, unsure, a sojourner, a traveler, a roaming child of God...
"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.  For I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you."  (Genesis 28:15)
My heart is holding on to this- God will keep me wherever I go, He will bring me back to Himself, He will not leave me, and His promises remain.  He is keeping me wherever I go.  Yes, I will say this again and again...

compliments and crayons

I woke up this morning in Vancouver, quieter than Seattle with vivid flowers in bloom in the backyard.  I don't know why but I felt gross this weekend.  I forgot some clothes and was a little disorganized in Seattle.  After a cup of coffee, it felt amazing to take a shower, shave my legs, and lotion my body.  I threw on a skirt and hopped back on the job hunt.  I checked in with Starbucks, Ross, Hancock Fabric, and Target.  It was semi successful- I have an interview at Hancock Fabrics tomorrow.
I was given compliments today by my friend, friend's mom and a complete stranger.  A sweet woman walking into Ross held the door for me and said, "You look cute!" It was incredibly nice and I felt as though heaven were encouraging my spirit forward.  What can I say? A complete stranger made my day. 
While I was at Target I stumbled upon some things.  Money is tight, but I could not resist the urge to buy a birthday card for C, stickers for my nieces, and a coloring book and crayons for myself.  Yes, that's right.  I feel a strong urge to color.  It's relaxing to me, and I have secretly been planning a crayon box purchase for days.  I decided on Dora and a basic 24 crayon box. 
I may not be extremely worldly ambitious right now, but there are a few things I'm aiming to accomplish.
1.  More sun... More walking, exploring... both Vancouver and Portland
2.  Coloring
3.  Card sending
4.  Recipe collecting in my new blank cookbook that will help me be organized with recipes I love
5.  More bird watching
6.  More listening to music
7.  More reading
8.  More looking at the world
9.  Get M to plug in Rosetta Stone Spanish and do it!

Bulls Eye Egg

This morning I learned how to make Bulls Eye Bread, otherwise known as toad in the hole.  It was delicious.  J showed me how, something she has grown up making and eating.  First butter the bread on both sides, use a round object to make a hole.  fry the bread on med high, crack the egg into the middle, watch it and turn it as it is getting brown, flip it and cook.  Then fry the middle piece.  Serve and enjoy dipping the small round piece into the runny egg.  Delicious. 
Why have I never heard of this? I don't know.  Is it a western thing? Maybe...But now it is one of my things. 

Art

Friday morning I got in the car with M and took off to Seattle.  Well, I got in the car a little earlier.  We left at around 10:40, but I had a scheduled interview at 10:30.  I got myself packed and seated, ready for the interview at 10:15 or so.  And then M looked around for a few things and we took off.  I started to grow nervous and uneasy because no one was calling me.  But just as I was breaking into a panic of wondering if I should have called him, I got the call from Arts for All.  This is the AmeriCorps program in Arizona that I am most excited by.  The interview went well, and it prompted my thinking about how much art means to my life.  How I long for creative depths, play, and how I see the value of art in giving confidence, understanding, healing, and so much richness to our lives.  M was off for an interview, so I was dropped off downtown Seattle for a few hours.  Since I had time on my hands and it was a beautiful day....

I walked all around Seattle, a city I have grown to love a lot.  I stumbled upon  Seattle Art Museum, and I was torn with whether I should go to it again.  I still don't have a job, and this felt like a huge extravagance.  I went last year and enjoyed myself immensely.  The exhibit was on Women in Art.  The exhibit right now is Miro, The Art of Seeing.  I hadn't heard of him, but I know very little about art.  After just thinking about art and play, I felt I needed to go inside and explore it again.  I am here, why not?

While I may not have a cultured eye, I thought I would share some of my favorite things.  I obviously could not photograph Miro's work, but I did enjoy the presentation I stepped in on about Miro.  I learned a small bit about his unusual, subjective, surrealistic approach. 

Here are some other things I loved. 

The mouse freaked me out... I am not a big fan of mice.  I worked a couple years as a mouse wrangler, and let's just say, I'm still a bit traumatized.  I loved how it threw me, though.  I was so busy looking at the mouse that I didn't see the bed with a sleeping person.  I was enthralled with all the baskets, just as I had been last time, and this dress made out of cedar...

And this French lady... I loved the roses on her dress, her plain, simple face. 

the history, intricate design, and beauty of the kimonos...

ceramics from a long time ago...

a huge room, inspired by the Porcelain Room in Berlin, contained shelves and shelves of the most delicate, colorful, and interesting porcelain.  I loved the colorful designs most. 

There were also rooms of devotion, and I did not know what to think of many.  Most of them needed more of my time. 

I liked these...

and this one...

I believe that looking at beautiful things is sometimes simply enough.  Right now I am gathering up as many experiences as I can, but truly, that's just how I'm aiming to live my life.  It was a wonderful weekend in Seattle- after the art museum, I stopped for a fish taco in the Market and enjoyed the sunshine.  The rest of the weekend was pizza, Vietnamese out with the family, playing with the kids, watching Disney movie Frozen, and laughing.  I feel grateful that I can enjoy all these people and things so much.