Today I tore down and rebuilt the nature wall across the back property access left by the tree cutters. I didn’t build it well before, so I pulled all the bamboo down and layered it proper.  The wall started out with a frame similar to this shown to the right but using bamboo rods. I secured the rods with living grape vines and then overlaid with palmetto stumps, fronds and potato vine. I forgot to leave a space for me to sneak out of.

Nothing that happens in the world needs to affect our happiness. During a storm, the small, slim willow bends in the wind while the giant oak may break and fall. A storm may rage on all around us, yet we be completely safe and untouched where we are.

I’m turning into my mother. For months I’ve been haunting yard sales and thrift stores for a couple of pole lamps. Yesterday I had the bright idea to just go to Home Depot and buy them new. We’re only talking $24.97 each. I now have full bright light capability in every room. I kinda like it. I usually keep lights dim and sounds low when I’m not working, finding it more restful. The brights though are invigorating.

To everyone who’s not thrilled with the election results, this too shall pass. Think of today as a good lesson in surrendering, going with the flow and offering it up. Remember that whatever happens is the will of God – and if we’re in the midst of God’s will — like it or not — how can we not rejoice? It doesn’t end here. The best is yet to be.

RELATED:  Life after the election: It’s up to me what I experience because it’s up to me where I choose to place my focus

Lots of people are unhappy with election results.  But that’s always the way.  Lots of these people didn’t vote. But that’s always the way.  At times like this we are encouraged to practice knowing that nothing that happens in the world needs to affect our happiness.  It helps to remember that during a storm, the small, slim willow bends in the wind while the giant oak, firmly rooted, may break and fall.  A storm may rage on all around us, yet we be completely safe and untouched where we are.  Entire neighborhoods may be devastated in an earthquake, yet that one lone house on the cliff remain intact.  Continue reading →

Chuka Soba Curly Noodles

Dig the texture of instant ramen noodles, but not the 17 grams of fat and 1,800 mg sodium?  The instant noodles have an ingredient that, when eaten too often and built up in your tummy, will slow your digestion down to a crawl. A healthy alternative is chuka soba curly noodles. Only three minutes to cook and much better nutritionally than instant ramen.  Sure, it’s 20-30 times more expensive than the instant but that’s just $2 to $3 a package.  Http://www.kame.com/products/ingredients/noodles/curly-noodles  I love the instant ramen noodle texture and bite but when I discovered they were pre-fried and almost plastic coated, I really dig having a healthy alternative. Once a couple of years ago, I had instant ramen for lunch and also for dinner the same day.  I never used the spice packet, I always added my own sauce and spices. It was very slow to digest and felt very heavy moving through my system. I researched why and now am glad there’s a healthy alternative.

A friend sent a group Facebook message this morning to several of us seeking referral to those who could help produce a fundraiser.  He graciously included a line at the end that he’d understand if any of us left the conversation. Since I had no referrals for him, I left the conversation. I almost instantly felt a twinge, as though he might take it as a snub.  Not taking the time to soul search why that was my first thought, I went to his Facebook wall to see what he was up to.  As soon as I saw his post about seeking a dinette set, I knew that I knew someone who had one for him.  I didn’t know who it was but knew there was someone.  I was right.   Continue reading →

Suzuki Shunryu said of frogs sitting, “I always admire their practice. They never get sleepy. Their eyes are always open, and they do things intuitively in an appropriate way. When something to eat comes by, they go like this: Gulp! They never miss anything, they are always calm and still. I wish I could be like a frog.”