Ways to Save Money.

Earlier today I talked to my dear friend Naomi on the telephone and she told me that I should write a book on saving money.  I honestly don't feel like I'm that great with my money, but I have learned how to make do with little.  It's something I'm constantly working on.  What can I live without? How can I cut back? What is essential? I would like to share occasional tips I have found in being content with little and still enjoying life. 

1.  Go to the library.  This is a no-brainer to me.  Libraries are filled with resources and in whatever city I've lived, I've found them extremely useful.  Helpful librarians, map information/community dinners/events, books, DVDS, magazines, and sometimes a wonderful view of water (Somesville, Maine) or a warm, cozy fireplace (Berea, Kentucky).  Berea library even had a community garden.  Use your library! There are sometimes book readings by authors (Elisabeth Strout in Seattle), how to presentations (how to make a winter lantern/winter solstice walk- Southwest Harbor, Maine).  Here in Tucson I have noticed that there are even fitness classes, nurse visits, and a multitude of helpful resources.   Whenever I settle into a new area, I find the library immediately.  The libraries of Seattle also benefited me a lot when I was a nanny as I attended multiple story times- a fun outlet for me and a stimulating time for baby.  Stop buying on Amazon and go to your library!

2.  Eat eggs.  Eggs are one of the cheapest foods out there, and there are so many ways to utilize them.  Eggs salad, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, fried eggs, eggs in a hole.  Eggs are amazing!

3.  Have friends that also care about saving money, finding a deal, and living simple.  Believe me, with like minded individuals, ideas will be stimulated and you will be great sparks to each others.  I've had friends that dumpster dived while I drove (adventurous) and friends are also a wonderful source to share clothes, have swap fests, and obviously- share dinner!

4.  Decorate the way you want to.   I've hung fairly cheap maps in my apartment (U.S. and World), but they really are useful and fun.  When I hear about what's going on in the world, I instantly find it on the map and feel a better understanding.  You don't need to follow trends, follow what you like.  I also bought a very old painting of birds flying together over a swamp (6.00).  I like it.  I'm sure a lot of people would not- just like my very old lazy boy that has a vibrator with it, but I love it.  Comfort matters to me and having a chair that is comfortable is more important to me than trendy things.  Plus, I got them at the thrift store across the street that gives me great deals all the time, delivers for free, and supports a great ministry.  Win, win! Recently I decorated a wall in my bedroom with postcards I've saved from friends.  Keep it simple, friends.

 

5.  Get out in nature.  The more that you get out and swim, walk, or hike, the better you will feel, and the less you will be spending on movies, restaurants, etc.,  Appreciate sunsets, the moon, different types of trees, and let these things make you feel rich, because they are the things that are truly worth experiencing. 

First Hike in Arizona

I joined Meetup.  It's a great, FREE way to connect with people that share your hobbies all over the world.  There are hosts of groups- yoga, learning Chinese, hula hooping in the park, etc.,  The group I joined is the Tucson Hiking Group.  I joined way back in Seattle and get updates on all their hikes.  I miss hiking and have been craving it something fierce, so I decided to ask if there was anyone close by that I could bum a ride with to the location of the hike.  I got a response.  Someone named Tony responded and gave me his phone number.  It was great.  He picked me up and I learned about his life- a military family (every member of his family), Colorado/AZ kid, and his interesting flight with killer bees.  He is intense into fitness.  I thought he was nice. 

Once we got to Sabino Canyon, I jumped out and caught up with the group.  Mr. Tony would be flying up the mountain on a run of some sort and said he'd find me later.  Okay, sure! So I tried to catch up with the group, and after catching my breath, I turned and said hello to the lady beside me.  Well, that hello extended to a walking partner, a little therapy session for both of us, and phone numbers/emails exchanged.

I confess I was not that excited about the hike at first.  I knew it was going to be HOT and that I might be in PAIN.  I haven't hiked in awhile.  I also thought that it was going to be 15 miles, but it was just 7.5.  It was not a strenuous hike by any measure, and it was beautiful.  I was soaked by the end of my hike.  My shirt, clothes, and hat were wet, but it felt so good to be out under the expanse of the heavens, being still, in the wide openness of sky, cactus, land.  We heard frogs croaking, saw bats flying, and were soothed by the water flowing.  I loved looking up at the brightness of the moon, the cactus at the top of the mountains.  I liked studying the shapes of the various cactus- some were bowing, dancing, happy, resting.  It was such a wonderful experience, a great first hike in Arizona. 

 

 


 

Smoothie and Swimming/ AmeriCorps

I have everything completed except a visit to the doctor.  That will come in time.  I am so thankful I had a few weeks off to adjust, acclimate, get organized, and breathe a little.  Besides cooking today, I took a nap and upon awaking - made myself a smoothie and went for a nice long swim around sunset.  I thought about going to zumba, but as often as I ride the bus, a day off from the bus can be refreshing to my spirit.  Plus, swimming is great exercise.  It completely soothes my body.  I swam a few laps and then came home, put on my pajamas, made some tea, and feel utterly content. 

Tomorrow is AmeriCorps graduation for the members last year.  I think all the new members are going and it will be a chance to talk to the old members and see what's up! I am very excited about starting my job Tuesday.  I am looking forward to meeting the people that I will be working with this year- young and vivacious folks.  Today I was in the office and I saw all kinds of people with a wide spectrum of disability.  It touches my heart how overlooked and undervalued these folks are to our society.  I feel excited to discover the ways my heart is going to expand and grow through this year of service.  I have no idea what to expect.  I know there's a month of training and a concentration of arts.  I have gotten a tour, and I was impressed with the large facilities for music, theatre, ceramics, art, computers, etc., I also know there are "outings" and buses.   My friends across the street encouraged me that it can be very fulfilling but nothing of the self, and it's a call to true servant life.  They also encouraged me with gifts of hospitality and cheer.  He reminded me that sometimes people can't change, can't respond, and don't remember you, but you keep pouring yourself out in love.  This kind of love is the servant heart Jesus had for all of us. 

My prayer is that God will tender my heart with deep love for everyone in this program, that I will serve with joy, and that this year with AmeriCorps will be a big expansion of my heart and soul.  Let there be love! May there be laughter, too, and a daily appreciation for the gift of life. 

Resting and Relaxing

I finally completed all my to-do's for getting settled in Arizona and with the new job.  Now I'm burrowing deep and relishing home. 
Today, after a short meeting with my Director, I returned home and started baking/cooking.
First I baked these brownies from scratch.  I threw in some extra M and M's for good measure.  I gave them to the guys across the street.  I hope they tasted okay.

Then I made another black bean salad, even though I was missing a red onion and Red Delicious apple.  I like improvising.  I decided to add a little white onion and use up my leftover chicken. 

I had some cucumbers that I picked up at Trader Joe's- Persian, seedless ones, and I decided to make a refreshing cucumber salad for later.  A little bit of vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, parsley.  Thanks, Betty Crocker. 

Then I was craving something warm and hearty for myself.  I decided to make a big dish of tuna casserole.  In four days I'll be a working girl again, and I figure I could freeze some of it for later.  It's so nice to make something so delicious for yourself.  So good.  And very cheap and fairly healthy, too.    Now I'm ready for a nap. 





 
 
 
 
 

San Xavier Mission

Next week at this time I will have begun my work with AmeriCorps.  I'm actually starting to get very excited about it.  But since most of my errands are done, I decided to do some sightseeing of my new town today.  I took the bus all the way down to the transit and then caught the shuttle that takes you out to San Xavier Mission.  It's an Indian reservation south of Tucson with their own health clinic, school, cemetery, etc.,  The shuttle ride was peaceful.  There were many Native Americans.  I was the only white person.  Pictures often times speak louder than words, so I will let the pictures do the talking.  I was impressed by the beatify of San Xavier Mission and Church, also known as the White Dove of the Desert. 

There were lots of candles burning. lots of crosses, many cactuses on the hills, and a broad stretch of land.  There was a small museum, gift shop (all items are tax free on the reservation), and even a little snack bar.  I stopped to try my first Indian fry bread soaked in honey.  It was worth the trip in and of itself!

Showers, Kitchen/Baking, Expansion

I was so totally delighted to read on Pioneer Woman's blog this week that she, too, doesn't enjoy showers that much.  I've been thinking about this and wondering if something is wrong with me.  I worked with a guy last summer who showered at least two or three times a day.  Mind you, I have worked some very strenuous and physical jobs that involve sweat, hotness, etc., but I would rather not bother most of the time.  Am I sounding like a hippy?

I've had a little time off this August- not working- and I have enjoyed it immensely.  I was made for this kind of life! I have noticed how frequently I think about showering but then decide- it can wait or even better- I'll just jump into the pool later for a little refreshing.  Showers take time, and I would rather be doing other things.  That's how I feel about showers.  Soon I will return to work, and I imagine I will be more diligent with my showers.  It really feels good to take a break off from them, though.  Maybe if I had a husband things would be different.  Maybe this is why I don't have a husband.  Ha!

I love being in my kitchen.  It's small but it's getting cozy.  I kind of have an orange theme going on.  Here are some pictures:

I baked banana bread this evening (as a gift) and I screwed it up! So frustrating, but the thing is- we all make mistakes.  The more mistakes you make in cooking and baking, the more you're doing and exploring.  I hadn't baked the bread in awhile and forgot to let the bread cool in the pan first before attempting to pull it out.  The bread fell to pieces, so I will have leftovers for myself for awhile.  I will bake more bread later this week! It filled my little apartment with such a warm and homey smell.

I have one last week before my work with AmeriCorps starts.  I have, believe it or not, more errands to run connected with settling in and so forth, but I am thinking more about expansion for myself.  I've joined a hiking group.  They often car pool and so forth.  I have a list of churches to visit and am hopeful of finding one in time.  I'm exploring more of downtown Tucson.  I found the best coffee house/ beer garden the other day on 4th Avenue.  I will definitely be returning to that place, and I hope to share some pictures with you.  The ambiance is incredibly lovely and interesting.  The owner, from Germany, has fabulous taste.  I was impressed with all the little rooms and the variety of German beers offered.  There are museums I am planning on attending when the free day is offered each month.  This week I aim to make it to San Xavier, a mission on the south side of town.  I can't wait to see it.  It's free to attend, but apparently, a truly historic and beautiful spiritual place.

Wishing you all a wonderful week of love, laughter, trying again, and expansion!

Alopecia Areata and Stress

I wasn't sure whether or not I should write about alopecia areata, because it feels like a superficial thing.  It is something personal to me, though, and I am hopeful that someone might relate.  While it is considered an autoimmune disease, it doesn't have any impact on my health.  In fact, from what I've read, people that have alopecia areata are often times very healthy individuals.  It's not contagious, and you're not sick, but it does have an effect on you psychologically.  Women and our hair, well, we love our hair. 

Here is a definition I found from New England Journal of Medicine:

About Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
Alopecia areata affects approximately two percent of the population overall, including more than 6.5 million people in the United States alone. This common skin disease is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person.






I have not had total hair loss, but I have had round, large patches of baldness on my scalp.  It has happened to me four different times in my life.
The fist time was when I was sixteen years old.  I was looking in the mirror to see if my ponytail had any lumps in it, and I found a tennis ball shaped bald spot.  It scared me.  I thought I might have cancer, and I wondered what was wrong with me.  I remember seeing a doctor, and I can recall him asking me if I was under much stress.  I casually responded, "No, not really."  Fast forward some nearly two decades later... honey, I was under so much stress.  I was internalizing everything around me, my dysfunctional family, my friends, and I was not eating well on top of it. 

The second time I had this experience was when I was 20.  I had just moved into my first apartment, living alone, and I was struggling.  I didn't want to tell anyone how much I was struggling, but I was having a hard time having money for food, working ridiculous hours, and not very confident in the future.  I'm sure there was more.  I found a bald spot during this period of time.  I knew my worries had gotten out of control.

The third time I experienced a bald spot was when I was 30.  Last semester of college, working two jobs, my ceiling caved in, family conflicts (a reoccurring theme), no idea about the future because I had no time to plan, studying, trying to do a lot of things at once.  I found a bald spot.  I started wearing more hats, and I dealt with it. 

The fourth time I found a bald spot was just a couple weeks ago.  I think there are many factors in what caused it, but I will admit I have been more stressed than usual.  This past winter was one of the most stressful periods of my life.  It was as if everything collapsed at once- an important relationship, my apartment, my job...  Then I moved a couple of times and the process of looking for work is one of the most stressful experiences to me.  I lived with a family that were friends, and I tried to save to get to a different place in my life.  I took a job with AmeriCorps in Tucson, Arizona, found an apartment and made the big move alone and knowing no one.  Lots of hairs, and now there are more hats. 

I saw a quote recently that said something like "Mother Teresa didn't talk about her fat thighs."  In the same respect, I feel like my bald spots are not that big of a deal.  They scare me initially, but then I realize that my body is signally the stress I have been under.  I need to slow down, breathe, and take better care of me.  That's what these bald spots do for me. 

I don't hear much talk about this disease.  Recently Miss Delaware drew attention and awareness to the disease, appearing bald and speaking openly.  I haven't known anyone personally that has had this experience with bald spots, but I would be curious to know how much of others balding is connected to stress.  As with most things, it's always nice to know you're not alone. 

People and Food

Today I was out and about running errands, and I happened to run into some very interesting people.  Even as I am sitting here reflecting on my day, these encounters make me smile.  It's true what I've heard people say, "If the world was filled with people like me, it would be a very boring place."

I visited my favorite thrift store to check on deals this morning, and an 89 year old Korean veteran walked through the door.  The first thing he said that I thought was funny was an observation.  "Why is everyone into leopard these days?" Then as we were talking, he randomly started talking about prison uniforms.  He asked if they are still black and white, or are they orange? He asked if we knew if there was a difference between federal and state prison uniforms.  This cracked me up! I loved this guys curious train of thought, and I confess I ended up going home to research prison uniforms on the internet.  yep, I did.  As he was walking up the flight of stairs to more stuff, he asked the manager if there were cameras in the store.  It was a funny connection with the previous prison uniform. 

Later in the afternoon I got on the bus and of everyone on the bus, the man turned to me to tell me his jokes.  "What kid of tea did Moses brew on the mountain?" I don't know, I said.  "He- brew".  The man had more jokes up his sleeve, but I had to get off the bus.  I spent a lot of time on the bus today- going to my bank, searching for Trader Joes, and taking in new sights.  I looked out at the beautiful University of Arizona campus, downtown, new areas of town, and I watched people.  I wondered about the depressed looking man with the Tao of Writing checked out from the library in his hands.  What are his dreams, I wondered? I saw a youngish looking guy with baggy jeans, nothing on him but a black and white checked notebook.  I was curious what he was writing.  It's so rare to see people writing on the bus.  So many people on their phones, even here in Tucson.

I am trying to make sure to eat.  Don't get me wrong.  I love food, and I have a definite sweet tooth, but sometimes, I just forget to take care of my health.  Breakfast becomes a latte, lunch is a bag of chips, and maybe a few snacks through the day.  Snacking is okay, but I've been making a conscious effort as I settle into my new home to cook really well for myself.  Not only do I love cooking and benefit from the nutrients of a home cooked meal, but I am also reminding myself that I am valuable each time I prepare a meal.  I also have to admit that I love cooking and baking for others, but it can be such a gift to cook for yourself.  Other people can be so picky about their food- too much of this, too little of that, but I don't care.  I'm cooking for myself, and I'm happy and delighted with the love and care I give to my preparation. 

Here are some simple meals I've been making lately!

Eggs in a hole or Bulls Eye.  So easy.  So good.  And my first smoothie- banana, strawberry, kale, and Greek yogurt.  yum! That was my Sunday brunch... oh yeahhhh

A simple salad with kale, chard, spinach, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, celery, cucumber, and homemade croutons.  I also cooked a corn on the cob, but I confess I didn't like it very much.  The white corn felt heavy and starchy.  I think I'm used to sweet corn.  I drizzled balsamic vinaigrette on top. 

 

 

 

I made another quiche! I don't make pie crush (not yet anyway), so I had another pie crust in my freezer to use.  I decided to use up some kale, tomatoes, feta, mozzarella, leeks, milk, and I have no idea how it will taste.  But I hope it is good.  I like quiches because I can eat them for three or four days afterwards, and they are pretty darn easy to make.  And the option is also there, that if I'm utterly bored with quiche, FREEZE it, baby!

Maybe it's weird that I post pictures about the food I make for myself, but I like doing this.  I am not sure why except that I think cooking like photography and writing are creative expressions that I find enormously fun. 

Sunset thoughts

Sunset has become my favorite part of the day.  I love sitting at my desk and looking out at the changing colors.  While I have been realizing that I don't necessarily live in the safest part of town, I feel enormously blessed by the beauty out my window.  The foothills are right in front of me to the left and on the right there are a few palm trees scattered in the distance.  It's beautiful.  I love walking barefoot onto my patio deck and feeling the hotness under my feet.  Tucson is hot, of course, but it's not as hot as I imagined it to be.  What I'm realizing is that I really enjoy the heat.  I used to think I loved winter- layers of clothes, lots of throws, a warm fire, but I am also comfortable with less.  I don't mind wearing shorts, a swim suit, and sandals.  It feels good! I pace myself in the heat of the day, and tonight I cooled off with a swim at the pool behind my apartment.  I swam a few laps and floated for awhile, looking up at the palm trees- studying their design and the sky expanse.  Staying hydrated is the biggest thing to remember, and many people stop at Circle K for their cheap 85 cent drink special.  The sunsets here are spectacular.  Every night I look forward to watching the sky!

I visited my thrift store across the street, and I found two more amazing finds.  I purchased an Oster blender (it looks brand new!) and a really nice roasting pan.  I am so excited about all the great things I've found there.  Thrift shopping, I believe, is the way to go! It's such a gift to settle in some place and feel comfortable and at ease.  I've been looking up smoothie recipes and am looking forward to good times with my blender! yes! The guys at the thrift store are a bunch of really sweet men- so fun to talk to each time I visit.  I made them chocolate chip cookies the other day, and Kim asked me what I was going to bring in next.  I now have someone to bring goodies to, which is something I really enjoy doing for people.  I think I might bake some banana bread or snicker doodles next.  :)

Tomorrow starts a new week, and I've been reflecting on the things I want to accomplish before my work starts in two weeks.  Tomorrow I'm visiting a church in the northwest part of town.  It took me awhile to figure out churches close by and how to get there, but I am looking forward to going.  I'm also meeting with a girl I knew from my college days in Kentucky.  Libby is now attending the University of Arizona, but we both went to Berea and graduated a few years ago! I am looking forward to seeing her again- a familiar face and it's helpful to learn about Tucson from others.  She's a really neat lady, and it's going to be a treat to see her again.  I remember the yurt she made and stayed in while a student at Berea.  Interestingly enough, she was also the person I sat by at college orientation.  Small world., eh?

What else do I have going for the next two weeks? There is so much out there to explore! I have made a list of museums and the days in which they are free to the public.  I'm also very interested in painting, zumba, hiking, getting a bicycle, swimming, and experiencing more of the culture here.  I am looking forward to checking out downtown- the famous 4th street and the inexpensive football games everyone keeps mentioning.  I'd also love to get involved in a Bible study, spend more time reading, watching a movie or two, writing, cooking delicious food and watching the tutorial Latoya got for me on writing a children's book.  :) It's wonderful to have a little time off.  It feels good to rest and relax, but I also hope to accomplish a few things as well!

Obsessions!

I have a few obsessions right now, and because they are all so good, I will share them with you!



1.  I am absolutely obsessed with this DELICIOUS black pea salad.  It's so easy to make, so refreshing, healthy and light, and truly delightful.  I will confess that I did not invent the recipe- I snagged it from Maria Menounos! Here's the recipe if you'd like to try it yourself:

Black-Eyed Pea Salad

1 16 ounce can black eye peas, drained and rinsed
1 small red onion, diced
1/2 cup green pepper, diced
1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced
1 red delicious apple, cored and diced
1/2 cup almonds, chopped
3 T olive oil
2 T lemon juice
1 tsp. salt
2 T parsley, minced (optional!)

Mix ingredients in large bowl and serve.  It is so easy and yet so flavorful!

 

 

 

 

2.  My second obsession is maps.  Recently, while browsing at Target, I found a world map- something I've wanted for such a long time.  I guess it's back to school celebration, but I was tickled pink to hang it in my living room, right next to my desk.   I spend so much time looking at it- dreaming, thinking, praying...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  My third obsession is from the Bible.  It's verses  7-8 in Psalm 121.  It says, "The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.  The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this day forth and forevermore."  Recently, my neighbor informed me that I live in the "hood".  She told me about the prostitute wall across the street, the half way house up the road, the druggie motel on the corner, etc.,  I can't say that it made me all that scared or fearful, but I'm trying to pay attention.   I'm a fairly adventurous, fearless person, but I have been thinking about so many senseless evils in this world.  I've been thinking about Gabrielle Giffords and the shooting that took place, the lives lost and changed.  I've been thinking about the hatred of one nation toward  another nation... and many other heavy things.  I don't like walking the streets alone and hearing whistles, catcalls, noises.  It feels like an assault.  I like being friendly.  I'm truly interested in peoples lives, but I'm trying to be careful and cautious.  My Grandma used to tell me she prayed this verse over my life, and I'm praying it over myself here in Tucson... and wherever I go. 

 

 

Not a Manic Monday! hurray!

Life almost feels too sweet... This morning I took a dip in the swimming pool right behind my apartment.  I was the only one in there, and I swam a few laps and lounged around for a bit.  I looked up at the palm trees and felt my body relax.  Gosh, I love swimming!

My apartment is really feeling like home.  The internet guy came this morning to hook up my cables for wireless.  I'm buying  the cheapest package, but I still have wonderfully fast service! yay! The thing I have missed the most is Pandora! I also love watching the Kathie Lee and Hoda daily talk, even if I'm a few days behind.  They are funny.  I have made my homepage BBC news in my humble attempt to try to stay more current. 

I went to the thrift store across the street (again!) and found a few more things- an electric mixer which I've been hoping to find, an old wood kitchen table, a chair, and a round table.  I don't have any super comfy chairs in my apartment- no big fluffy chairs or couch.  I have my bed for that, and I like that I have a desk to work, write, and so forth.  I also love that I have a kitchen table to host and create.  The table reminds me of an old farm table, and I find it so endearing.  It's growing on me every time I look at it.  I'm not sure yet if I should sand it... finish or paint it?

I stopped into Arts for All and there is more paperwork I have to do for them.  So much paperwork, but little by little, I'm getting things done.  I have learned that I will be in a month of training and will most likely be working with adults with disabilities in the day program. 

Tonight I baked chocolate chip cookies, and I listened to some old country music.  I took my bra off, walked around in my lavender painted toes, in some comfy pajamas and just enjoyed being home.  I sat at my desk watching the sky change colors, every so often stepping outside to breathe in the air and walk a little further out.  God is magnificent.  The skies tell such a story.

Sunday Morning...

Well, I'm writing this morning from a coffee shop and thinking about the church worldwide worshiping right now.  I am more than excited to start exploring churches, but I have unfortunately not figured my way around the city very well yet.  So I'm working on that... I have a map and a list of churches and next week I will start searching.  I'm getting my bearings, though, and taking the bus and exploring is a great start.  I can't wait to be a part of the Body again.  I am hungry in my soul for it.

Friday night I went to a Michael W. Smith concert at Calvary Chapel Tucson.  I bought a ticket to see him months ago while living in Seattle, Washington.  Well, let me just say, I'm really glad I had the opportunity to attend this concert.  It was one of those rare, special concerts that truly ministered to my heart in such a deep, pliable way.  There was a wonderful group that led worship beforehand.  They were great! Joshua Havens, a worship leader and member of the Afters, looked familiar to me.  I had bought a trash can from Teen Challenge that morning, and I'm almost certain he was the one to ask me if I had bought my trash can from TC at the cross section.  I said, "yes, I did- I shop there all the time!" He said thank you and went on his way.  I felt so proud to be supporting the ministry that does so much good in my small way.   I was proud, also, that these men have become my friends.  Actually, my first friends in Tucson! Joshua shared how his brother had a meth addiction for over ten years, but that he is now clean and free.  The message was simple- don't give up on people!

The last time I saw Michael W. Smith in concert I was probably 16.  I remember that he challenged me as a teenager to preach without words the message of God's love.  Friday night he challenged and encouraged me again.  Worship is transformative.  As I sat in my seat, tears just poured and poured, and I was drawn again to my First Love.  The music was incredibly beautiful.  I loved the instrumental piece he played.  I love how the piano can be played and convey such emotion by itself.  He played all the classics (Friends, Place in this World, Awesome God), but I loved the new worship songs most.  I loved Sovereign, Christ Be All Around Me, Healing Rain.   Michael talked about how the American churches struggle with the concept of GRACE and how if we could just grasp how much Jesus loves us... And how much He is for us.  He talked a lot about the Father heart of God, which of course, also ministered to me very much.  Recent events in my life have been hard, and I could feel my heart building up some bitterness/anger.  I was able to let those feelings go as I remembered how much Jesus loves me, and how He is able to be both my father and mother.  Another thing that blessed me so much is hearing how the church is ALIVE around the world.  This excites me tremendously.  It's good to hear and think about...

I will also add that Michael W. Smith is a class act.  I like that he came on stage simply and humbly.  I love that there's no fancy band- just him and his piano.  It's hard to believe he's 56 years old.  As the lady beside me commented, "He hasn't aged".  I would have to agree.  He's charming and fun and down to earth. 

For all these reasons and more, I'm really glad I finally found the Calvary Church in Tucson and even though the bus ride home was less than enjoyable, it was worth it!

This was me on my way to the concert! I even wore a cute daisy skirt.  :)

And here is a picture of Tucson that I took while walking around and getting lost before the concert. :)

Cooking Again!

I am a serious home lover.  I'm back to cooking in my new place, setting up a kitchen from great thrift store finds across the street.  I still lack an awesome kitchen table (I'm waiting...) so I've been using my desk for now.  I've found amazing things- Japanese dinner plates, a wooden bowl, blue glass dishes... There's nothing more relaxing and soothing to me than puttering away in the kitchen, nourishing myself and or others, listening to music, and creating new things. 
Last night the first meal in my new apartment.... Mushroom and Leek Quiche with goat cheese...
It was delicious, and it's a wonderful thing to have for left overs. 

 

This morning I made a refreshing black bean salad filled with veggies, apple, almonds, lemon, olive oil.  Oh my goodness- it's more satisfying than I dreamed.  It's very healthy, crisp, and light feeling. 

 

 

 

 

It feels good to be making such healthy meals, doing zumba again, drinking water, and doing some self- care this month.  As I have made the change into a new apartment, I have thought about how my life style reflects so much of who I am and where I am going with my life, so I'm working to be organized, healthy, simple, creative, spiritual, and at peace. 

May we all have sanctuaries that fill our hearts with such nourishment. 

 

 

Hello, Arizona

Hello, friends! I'm in Arizona.  It's  strange to realize that I haven't even been here a week, and I'm already feeling so at home.  What a blessing.

The adventure began at the airport in Seattle.  Garner picked me up in North Seattle and took me to the airport.  The view of Mt. Rainier was incredibly stunning that day- it literally took my breath away as it felt like we were almost driving into the mountain.  Goodbye, Sweet Seattle.  At the airport, Garner (a pilot) encouraged me to weigh my suitcase down to 50 and he and Amanda could ship me the rest at a cheaper cost.  (very kind and thoughtful of them- good friends!) Well, I walked over to a Delta worker and asked if she might have a plastic bag so that my friend didn't have to trance through the airport carrying my colorful pink and purple clothes.  She didn't have a bag but she told me to get over there.  She proceeded to check in my bag at 52 lbs and tell Garner to throw all the clothes back in after it was weighed.  The way Garner quickly shoved everything in and closed it made me laugh hysterically combined with the way the Delta lady was talking to me through her teeth.  I loved the start of this trip!

Seattle and Portland were busy and crowded, but Salt Lake City was calmer as was Tucson.  I arrived in Tucson with drops of sporadic rain falling on me every ten seconds or so.  I loved feeling the hot air and taking in brand new surroundings. 

I quickly settled in and felt so fortunate for the blessing of everything beside me.  The bus stop is literally right in front of my apartment, and a really wonderful thrift store (connected to a fantastic ministry to men with drug addiction- Teen Challenge) is across the street.  I have gotten most of my things from them, and they delivered my bed and desk for free.  I absolutely love the desk!

I have found really cool things at the thrift store like a straw hat (1.00) and these really cool K coasters (also only 1.00).

 

I love thrifting and building a home for myself.  My spirit has needed some respite, some soothing, and just a little bit of self care.  I realize that it's actually a really good thing that I have some time off between the Space Needle job/ Seattle and Arts for All/Tucson.  In the last week I have gotten familiar with close surroundings- I've found the post office, my mail box key, the Tucson mall, a close by gym (zumba!), thrift stores, the pool and laundry room.  I still need to get an Arizona license, check into a bus pass, explore Internet options, find churches, visit Arts for All.  By the way, Arts for All is only three buildings down from my apartment.  This is also awesome!

 

 

This is the most modern apartment I've ever lived in, and I'm enjoying new luxuries like a bathtub, dishwasher, walk in closet.  I also have great air conditioning.  Tonight I'm grocery shopping, stocking up on essentials and am looking forward to cooking once again. 

 

So far, there have been some beautiful sunsets and rainbows.  I was taken aback a bit by the buzzing sound in the trees, my all Spanish Zumba class, but I'm enjoying it all so much.  It's fun getting to know the people right around me, and I feel  thankful for so many people and things.