Tonight a little photoshop play

These are some pictures I took about a week ago when I went to Astoria; playing with photoshop tonight--went to Mt. Hood (THE MOUNTAIN IN THE EAST)--I think I drove the LONG WAY AROUND THE MOUNTAIN...sure pretty...went to the lodge covered with snow..talk about white privilege...skiers...teenagers...the lodge is dirty and the views are not that great from the lodge--I did not eat there either...expensive and dirty looking...I did enjoy seeing the Mountain up close...walked over a bridge over a river and took some pictures..I could live in this bookstore---I love all the butterflies all over the place...

good bye

short but sweet...did I say funny?

The Sun Is Totally Out Today

It was HOT TODAY ALL DAY....blue skies, blue river, and hot day...wonderful! Went to UU this morning...the sermon was about children and their gifts...so touching..bought a new lawn chair (folding backwards) and sat on my patio over looking the river and Mt. Hood...a time to take a breath and be by myself and rest up!

Pictures in Astoria

Astoria Mini Trip

Went to Astoria today---100 miles both directions; made a big semi square. Cloudy and grey but still nice...traffic was not too bad...just drove slowly and looked at all the trees, trees, farms, shops, and had lunch in Astoria...sweet place. The beginning of their summer Sunday market--bought a bird house.

Desmond Tutu-A Hero for Our Time

What a wonderful lifetime event--to see and hear Desmond Tutu...in Portland at the University of Portland...what a sweet, kind, funny, truthful, elf like, hero for all of us. Went with L1, h, and d.

Spring into Spring Cleaning

what a day makes...my apartment got a GOOD CLEANING....closets, bathroom, living room, desk, kitchen...then a trip to Goodwill...goddess bless them. It feels so much better to have my drawers clean....winter coats and hats put away...even got my hair done...did some school stuff too...but just needed a DAY to be on my own with my own stuff....a bit less now. yea!

One Door Closed but Others Have Opened

This is where I want to go next:

(all of these pictures are from the following site--http://moroccanmaryam.typepad.com/

My Honda Just Had a Major Operation

and I am glad because now it is ready to go and it was preventive work so I don't end up calling in the night if something reallly bad happens....so basically "goodbye" to my tax return. I am grateful I had the money to give it good service and it actually feels better driving it! Way to go, Tune Rite! (recommended by l1)

New Terms in the Northwest

Listening to the news this morning...someone said..."the traffic is pretty hard this morning due to the SUN GLARE"----like in Alaska they have 100 words for ice/snow but here it is words related to rain and new words for sun.

Good Morning SUN

OMG........what a wonderful sunny day---the river is glissing, sparkling, shining...trees have their dresses on now...leaves...omg it is the sun! if you live in Portland you know what this means...and now I do....too.

Funny trash bin on the 7th floor

We Did It--

It is done! I am done! Finished! Over! Gone! Bye! Adios! Later! Take Care!---until the next time but for now---I can rest a bit...had a wonderful day with the n's...UU was tearful...brunch and movie with l,h,d...more tears...now it is raining...more for the crying theme...lots of relief now that it is done and it went sooooooooooo well; had dinner at k last night and tc told stories about corn girl/woman...sweet evening...really enjoyed myself all weekend long.

c in the new building on the 7th floor...looking east; my office will be looking south...from the 7th floor..up up and away.

Day One Done.....yea

I think it was fairly successful...I am so tired, good nite. c

hi

my dear friend b is not feeling --prayers for her

body is hurting

lots of pain today from head to toe...????? rest, CG---anxious and stress re site visit next week. This is the last night for ER---so many memories of this show and other life situations...I don't know what I need or want these days...just doing my thing and feeling overwhelmed with my new position...I have got to find more balance in my life--an ongoing theme in my world...the pix is n in denver...what a beauty she is.

Good Morning

hi--that's all for now.

It is Up to Me Now

Went to the doctor's today...lots going on but I can take some measures to make myself feel better...one step at a time....carpel tunnel in my left wrist...brace for 6 weeks and see how it is responding...plantar fascitis in my right foot...ice packs and rubbing a tennis ball 2 x day...did it already tonight and it feels much better....the body is amazing...

She Has a Southern Accent_that was a surprise

The "She" I am talking about is Heather Armstrong of http://www.dooce.com I sat in the front row (this is typical behavior of an over achieving ex student type); and I laughed and laughed and laughed even more...than I bought her book...how amazing Powell's did what is was tying to do...GET US TO PURCHASE THE BOOK IN SPITE OF ME TELLING MYSELF..YOU WILL NOT BUY THE BOOK...this behavior is similar to how one owes 2 timeshares...oh well...started reading it this morning....after watching a dvd on race for my class on Sat...I need to laugh that's for sure...anyway, l1don't buy the book I will share it with you, ok....it was fun seeing students yesterday...d and n came by then p...8 days until the site visit...who is counting...????? so, back to work now...I just heard a new term "white space" .....yes, it is all around.

a new quarter will be starting---tomorrow

I am so happy that the winter term is over; spring will be good...first the CSWE visit and all that implies....and my new class of SW539==got my income taxes all done...yea! I am planning on walking more each day...I need the stress reduction==time is of the essence..

Change will always happen

It was a pleasant surprise that I did not cry when I was back in Flag---for some reason I thought I would...old stuff that is for sure...I am happy to be back in Portland...saw Mt Hood this evening...what a mountain that is for sure...went on our friendly streetcar downtown and went to Powells and had dinner at the Whole Foods Market---just fun walking around....started on my income taxes earlier in the day and needed a break...then got home and I think I am basically done with them...the majority that is for sure....thank g for turbo taxes software and their easy instructions....my living room looks like a pile of papers and more papers and files...but I am done, at least I think I am....had a nice walk down to Three Degrees and looked at the flowers and seeing all the people starting to come out..it is getting warmer and the day is staying lighter longer...yea for us. This is me in Phx at the Hyatt. I think I like pink!

Return to Portland

I was happy to get back last night...it is cooler here than Phx...cloudy and cool...so refreshing and gentle. I need more softness and peace in my life...too much rushing around and seeing so many people; so I am home...my new home, Portland...s said to me "You came back to us!"--that was sweet...he is so kind and loving. Yes, this is my home and yes, it was nice being in Flag and Phx but again...I have made the transition and happy I am here with my new friends...and my dear friend l1 et al. My apartment is a mess...stuff everywhere---so guess what I will be doing...also, need to work on MY INCOME TAX RETURN. yes oh yes! --I did see stars in Flag...

Phoenix

Had a wonderful time in Flag with my friends! Now in Phx at the conference; so nice a warm and sunny...meeting new people from around the country re future ideas for BSW programs. 

Signing off for a few more days ===

I am here---FLAGSTAFF

kinda a bumpy ride from Phx to Flag but got here about 1:30...Carol was there---went to my favorite Mexican food restuarant--Salsa Brava....drove by my house; no one was there...hopefully I will be able to get in sometime while I am here....the best is that the sky is BLUE AND MORE BLUE. Now it is cloudy but that will change....Carol's new dog is so cute-Elie Mae..."buddy". Really cute markings, brown and soft grey highlights...she is 7 months old. Wonderful to be "home" ...my home....my previous home...and the parking is free! lots of free parking....ha ha 

last day before I travel to Flag

Yea-------going to Flag in the morning...can't wait....sure will be nice to see my buddies....and see the mountain. L1--have a great day at your event tomorrow...I will be thinking of you, --sure proud of you! Thanks for all that you do for our social work profession and teaching. C

Now that the report is done: a cold is coming on

darn...snezzing, ....tired....sure hope it leaves quickly so I will not be sick for Flag.; lots done this afternoon at least; my class for spring and the one I "accidently" got due to some other reasons; UU was very different; we basically mediated for 45 minutes to dvd of the ocean and falling icebergs...guess you had to be there...then went to lunch with some new friends I am making there; a sweet older man and his wife...and t a new male friend. so just being me....then i went to find a place to make keys...no such luck....so i am still on the hunt! watched a netflix movie "November Moon"; a was story in France with great acting.

Starting to Feel Again...

the report will be printed in the morning so it will be GONE...over with for now anyway...starting to really think about being in az again...almost one year...my self esteem is really down due to my weight gain...oh well...accept my self and see my friends....my very dear friends from so many years...saw a video of a dog sleeping and almost fell off my chair with l1 earlier in the day...I have watched it several  times today...just need to laugh out loud and I did. I am really feeling the pressure getting less...so, now to open my mail and relax. 

It is March

Yea it is March....it is sunny today at least right now...done with the mass majority of the benchmark II report...so now I can start to have a more regular life...like getting ready to go to ARIZONA! I got this pix from ali's sister who lives in charlotte, nc.

An Adopted Pet via the internet

I just adore this dog---she is owned by Posie gets cozy---I love her so much...so I have decided to "adopt her off the net to look at" ---don't fear I will not go get her...just so sweet...

Just Too Much

Thank g this week is over....search committee, accrediation report, faculty meetings, classes, advising, and meetings and more meetings...just toooooooooooo much..........so I am basically really tired today--can see mt hood so that gives me some spiritual energy. three people were in touch with me from wyeast last week...that feels good that I have a beginning community there...playing with my iphone re new applications---watched two movies via netflix last night....sure happy I have that resource to get my mind off stuff....

Just Playing

Just Working on the Accrediation Report

Just too busy working on the accrediation benchmark II report; went to First Unitary Church today and heard the ex president of UU and Amensity International...one of the most significant sermons on justice I have ever heard...it was outstanding; went with l1. Watched the stars get their awards (Academy Awards) tonight at l1 house and had dinner over there...so sweet; just love them. Slumdog won almost everything. So just writing and more writing. Went for a nice long walk yesterday with o + c and their two cute dogs. My life will return to some "normal" after this report is sent in!

"Big Sue"-Read comment

The most expensive picture...see note following--"Big Sue"

From: ARtblog----Lucian Freud has become the most expensive living artist at auction with his "Big Sue" painting. The large naked woman painted on a couch is called "Benefits Supervisor Sleeping" and sold for $33.6m or £17.2m at Christies last week. The sitter is Sue Tilley and she sat for Freud over a four year period.I'm so glad that a painterly painter now holds the title of the most expensive living artist at auction. Big shiny hearts and pill cabinets might be interesting but how can they compare to a painting by a living master?! Of course I'm biased as I'm a painter too, but who isn't biased?The London based Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich is said to be the buyer of Lucian Freud's Big Sue and Francis Bacon's triptych (which sold for $86.3 million or £43 million)>> Lucian Freud News, Art Collecting, Art Auctions

Tues--post already

I tried to write a blog on Tuesday but it is now midnight and it is tomorrow..oh well....

Monday: Let It Be

Let go and let goddess...balance....

A New Leaf or A New Tree or New Mole???

New Software in the Hands of a Minor

Least We Forget: Ode to Valentine Day Goodness

Must I say more? I really don't think so.................of course the lady muse behind all of this is my dearest friend, l....

Becoming a Member at Wy'east UU Fellowship: A Time to Belong

It was wonderful to become a member of Wy'east UU this morning with l,d,h present. Making many new friends and hearing about people's lives that are so different than my own; gets me out of myself....went west on 26th this afternoon and shopped at Best Buy and bought Photoshop Elements 7 for my photos and play...I have to get some play and fun into my life and not just work....I need more balance...This is a picture I took early fall when I just started at PSU at an administrative retreat afterwards we went to Canon Beach...photoshoped! playing around--love the blue colors and contrast with the darkness

It is a New Day

A series of pictures over the last few days-from death to growth to flowers! Yep...the cycle of life---now it is raining!

I am glad it is Sat...HVD

As I have told many people this past week; I am glad I am still standing...it was the hardest week in my total professional career as an educator and social worker...the Talking Circle with cp was the blessing for all of us...grace and love in motion. lots of love and hugs from my friends and charchar was having quite a time with all of her feelings...up, down, and around! a new day has come...literally, it is Sat! good nite charchar...sleep well....and sleep more...and enjoy your walk..into new beauty...remember what everyone has said to you...surround a with love too. it is a new day....listen to sting sing that song!

The Moon is Beautiful Tonight

I love the moon, la luna.--it is white, totally full, surrounded by clouds but visible. I adore the moon...so peaceful...it is night too; I am glad it will be tomorrow really soon.

Crises Week--go forward

danger and opportunity: crises but crises means an opening from all sides for change....talked about my mother to d tonight; she is here--within me today...totally happy this week is over...some resolution later. nicked my middle finger last night---ouch! pay attention to your boby CG

One Minute At a Time

Peace and calm....thanks to all of u who helped me today. C

New Membership at UU

Became a member of Wy'east yesterday...with dancing and new friendships. Don was there and witnessed my signing "the book". Saw "Slumdog..." yesterday afternoon...loved it. Hard stuff happening at work today and the end of last week.

good morning--yep it is 2:00 am

went to bed really early and now I am wide awake...oh well...the fun of aging and over working---my sleep schuedule is very different; so when I get sleepy again...I will go back to bed but for now...here I am. Watching "Is that skunk?" on opb..sure reminds me of flag and living at Ascona...yes, we had the trail for several skunks in flag...some funny and not so funny stories to tell about "living with skunks"--so, now I am getting sleepy...nite nite

A New America

Thank you Obama and Michelle for taking our country into your heart, hands. head, and soul. We have been waiting for you. 

MLK Day

A week------what a long time.  Working on an altered art project re my Portland activities to hang somewhere in my apartment. Finally made it to IKEA yesterday...what a place! Watching CNN re all the activities in DC. Since I am on Facebook now fun to see who else is on it and connecting with friends from my past...sent a message to cl who was a friend of rbh when I was in Phx in the mid 70's....about 35 years ago...my my...so Facebook is making us all connected or "we are all related"----the sun was out yesterday and today...can see Mt. Hood but very windy. We are praying for you President Elect Obama and your family. "Oh Obama is my Homie"--I have been looking for another place to live....sure love my view and the location so it will be hard if I do it..we will see; however...I was going to visit a person yesterday and see her home but I drove by her house and it is too far from where I do most of my stuff...but she contacted me later and said she has a movie group once a month at her house and she invited me to the next one..so I will be going there next Sat...so no new place but better a new friend from the lesbian community. A woman from UU invited me to early breakfast tomorrow to watch the inauguration at 7 am but I think I will be home and watch it from here. Very nice and UU is feeling like a community now. I have got to go do some work! 

Letting Go of a Dream

starting to let go of a sweet dream...oh well....my hp is taking care of me and I have faith and hope and know all will be well....I am happy to be making friends and meeting new people and this will continue. last night at the uu new members meeting there were three members and our minister, susan...she had questions we selected from a chalice; very profound and deep. "What was the most holy event I had witnesses/experienced"; "what will be my spiritual practices as a member of uu"; "what service will be give to both our uu and in the community in general to express my commitment to uu?"---each of us had about 4 questions...it was a wonderful way to get to know each other in a deeper more meaningful level...maybe we can have "spiritual circle suppers". Work was a day full of meetings and more meetings. CSWE site visitor will be here April 8-10...so the report is due to them by March 8th...I will be taking a short vacation via my trip to Phx for the BPD meeting...either before or after...still need to figure it out. I am happy to have a job but it is certainly a lot of work...nite nite

Walking Tour of Portland

Went on a walking tour of Portland with a new friend yesterday. Walked 14,500 steps! Learned a lot about buildings, fountains, historical sites, library, monuments, statutes, landmarks, stories and just had some fun and laughter all around. So basically today my feet hurt! Went to UU this am and the sermon was from a Jewish UU member who has been a UU minister for 45 years on "Black representation in the bible"; very interesting and stimulating. Glad I attended even if I did just get up at 9:40 am before the 10:30 service. Stayed for the veggie lunch and meet more people...I think this is the UU community I have been looking for. Now at the office trying to get prepared for a big week of meetings! hope u feel better, l1.

I think I need a break

I know the term just started but I am so frustrated with meetings...I am not very tolerant of others right now...those who are not around then decide to critic me (or that is how it feels); that is my own stuff but they are my feelings; have to be "on" lots of the time so I need to get more balance in my life...a theme that keeps appearing in my life; on another note...just bought a goLite which is a small computer driven 5 x 5 in cube which illuminates a "blue light" to assist those who live in the darkness in the winter...that is me. so i will see if it helps me at all...i have to have it face me for about 30 minutes in the evening or morning..so I am doing it right now. just saying thanks to all those who show their love for me...you know who you are...so "let there be light" is taking on a new meaning to me now. prayers for ck re her loss today. nite nite

My computer is fixed!

Thank goodness for professional computer geeks....I sure needed one! He worked on my home computer mess for 2 hours and finally took my computer with him re the hard drive stuff; so now I have my laptop re wireless and my netflix connected to my wireless....so, now I can watch movies to my heart content...now to fine the time...oh well! Maybe it will snow again in Portland!

Beauty Around Us

Candles lite this morning and the twingling lights outside with the gleaming river was so peaceful looking...praying for peace within and all around. Acceptance. Non-violence. Namise.

Acceptance of All

The UU Chalice is simple and profound. We are all related. I am grateful for all the beauty all around me; below me; above me; and in all four directions. Tomorrow is the beginning of the new term and I hope all the students and faculty get back safely. It is snowing now. Portland is certainly turning out to be an interesting place. Good nite Mt. Hood.

To pharaphrase my friend, l: yikes

well C you did it this time: connected my Kodak camera (zoom digital) to its docking station and connected to my computer---did have about 120 pix I am trying to download and I can't download them nor can I find them at all now...so presently i have several computer connection problems: 1. Kodak docking station; 2. my netflix to my tv; 3. my mac to the wireless; 4. my netflix to the wireless; 5. the router to the comcast! So the Geek rep will be here on Tuesday and they will have their hands full...oh I forgot: my wireless to the modem. I am grateful I still have my connection to the Internet however and my iPhone is working. What a complex world this is and this is only one individual and her desk top computer! I guess "patience" is still trying to teach me to be "patient". So, YIKES. One a brighter note I have tickets to see "The Color Purple" this afternoon. I am really happy about this one! So a balancing act for me today.

Sun--just a tiny bit this morning

Yes, the sun actually came out this morning for a few minutes...this is a big deal here and now I know why...

More Living in a Rural Environment

This is the same place. I have a story about my growing up in northern Phx when my parents and I lived in a canvas tent...context is everything! This looks a lot more fun.

Sure looks like a fun place to sleep

good morning...can't sleep so here i am...looking at the snow outside. Found this picture at the MaryJane's site in Idaho. She has a farm, cute cooking stuff, and very sweet rooms to rent. Floating dreams...just looks like fun.

A new adventure.

Spent the last day of 2008 touring the Chineese Garden in Portland. Magical place in the winter. Lovely day.

I heard a litte rumor that it is: NEW YEAR'S DAY

Good afternoon everyone...including c who is sitting at my desk. My dear friend e from pa called this am and we talked a long time....called another friend in flag, b and we talked and talked..it is raining outside (much better than raining inside I always say). this grey sky is more like a "hazel grey today"; like in the artic there are over 800 words for ice--well I think there over 100 shades of grey in Portland...not that I am missing BLUE SKIES. So, brought in the New Year very softly and gently...candles lit and sweet thougths. Listening to all the cd's l gave me for Christmas. Staying home today and really enjoying being with myself. So, hello 2009 and thank you to 2008. May everyone around the world walk in beauty, c