Monday, August 20, 2007

bread



a little better shot of the top of the braided bread

different kinds of food


A young fan watches as


Mom, Dad and their friend Cindy play hammered dulcimer and guitar at Potwin's Night Out Against Crime. I'm sure the criminals turned and ran at the first strains of traditional dulcimer music!

my viola and the sheet music I'm currently working on


The bread I baked my very own self from scratch! I am not world's most domestic person by a long shot, but there was something positively spiritual about making that bread. I made three loaves, one traditional, one round, and one braided.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Stardust

I saw Stardust last night. I absolutely recommend this to anyone, especially anyone who enjoyed the Princess Bride. I was completely enchanted.

I am now a student at Fort Hays University's online program. I've enrolled in 2 classes this semester: History of Ideas 1870 to the Present and Current Topics: Forensic Psychology. I'm excited and a little scared. Lord, please don't let me screw this up...

On a lighter note, is it a coincidence that the day I enroll in school again I wrote my first poem in months and months? I'm thinking no.

Friday, August 10, 2007

oh sure, he looks cute



...but let me tell you, this is a vicious beast. A Godless Killing Machine, also known as a groundhog, wrested himself from my grasp and inflicted a horrible wound on my left shoulder today. Ok, it was more like a little nip, but why let the facts ruin a perfectly good story? I love my job!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Prelude

Spent some time today working Predude from Bach's Suite No.1 for unaccompanied cello. Fortunately, some wonderful person transposed this piece for viola and put it up on a viola site that lets you print off sheet music for free. The first part was easy, it's a familiar tune (I'll see if I can't find it and put it up here sometime) and moderately simple to play. But the second section I'm not so familiar with. And it ends in treble clef. A violist's natural language is alto clef. I've learned some treble through the years out of necessity, but it's kind of like my Spanish. I can make it out, but it takes a while. It's such a pretty piece, I think it will be well worth the work, though.

So here's an odd thing. When I first did my pre-interview for Hill's, they informed me that I would be recieving an email in about 2 weeks telling me whether or not I would be "moving ahead in the process." Within 2 days, they had called me to let me know they wanted to arrange a face-to-face interview. Then they called back and said their time slots for interviews were all filled up and they would call me later to make arrangements. Then I didn't hear anything. Then, just when I was about to call them, I got a form email saying that they 'regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position.' I'm honestly more puzzled than disappointed. I mean, the bump in pay and benefits would have been nice, but I really enjoy what I'm doing now. The whole process just strikes me as a bit chaotic and bizarre. Oh well, que sera, sera!

Rolling River God
Little Stones are smooth
Only once the water passes through
So I am a stone
rough and grainy still
Trying to reconcile this river's chill

But when I close my eyes
and feel you rushing by
I know that time brings change
and change takes time
And when the sunset comes
my prayer would be just this one
that you might pick me up
and notice that I am
just a little smoother in your hand

~River God, Nichole Nordeman

Monday, August 6, 2007

spider pig, spider pig...



...does whatever a spider pig does. I'm never going to get that out of my head.


I spent a good part of the day picking out various hymns and praise choruses out on my viola. Poor thing, I've been neglecting her for a while. It was very nice to be playing again. My Mom's mandolin teacher, who works with quite a few local musicians, seemed very interested when I told her that I play viola. Maybe I ought to see about taking lessons from her as well. She teaches...just about every stringed instrument. Don't think she's ever played viola, but she's a classically trained violinist. I think I mostly need someone to hold me accountable for regular practicing. I'm sure she could give me some great pointers on my technique, and if she could help me network with the local traditional music community, that'd definitely be a plus.

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Meyer's-Briggs

I've gotten the same result every time I've taken a Meyers-Briggs survey. (I actually had to take one for work once)

The Idealist

As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves

INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better place.

Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.

INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.

INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.

INFPs do not like to deal with hard facts and logic. Their focus on their feelings and the Human Condition makes it difficult for them to deal with impersonal judgment. They don't understand or believe in the validity of impersonal judgment, which makes them naturally rather ineffective at using it. Most INFPs will avoid impersonal analysis, although some have developed this ability and are able to be quite logical. Under stress, it's not uncommon for INFPs to mis-use hard logic in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst.

INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.

INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkard and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.

INFPs who function in their well-developed sides can accomplish great and wonderful things, which they will rarely give themselves credit for. Some of the great, humanistic catalysts in the world have been INFPs.

because I'm bored

Beliefnet quiz results

Are you comfortable being single?
beliefnet says...

You are fairly ensconced in a comfortable single life, although you have your moments when you pine for that special someone. Take heart--your ability to go with the flow only makes you more attractive.


What element are you?
beliefnet says...

The Water Person I added my own comments in italics
The Water person feels first and foremost. "Thinking never solved anything-only our hearts should be our guides!" (that doesn't work so well in medicine!) She has a great facility with feeling; she is compassionate, caring, and a great listener. Water people can be wonderful therapists. They "go with the flow," but don't flit about like Air people. Their movements have a definite path, albeit an often unexpected one.
The Water person's open heart makes her generous, and her empathy can make her quite social, although not all Water people are "bubbly." She is often very dreamy, and can be mystical. Among magical folk, Water people might meditate, light incense, take steamy baths, wear consecrated herb bags, and so on.*gasp* how did they know, why I'm wearing my favorite consecrated herb bag at this very moment! @@ Water people are often artistic as well, and are especially found among painters and musicians.
Water people often move with a sensual grace that reminds one of their element, and often have wide, open eyes, the kind that look deep and liquid. Hee! not so much Very Watery people often dress in flowing clothes or have flowing accessories. They can have a mysterious quality that is compelling to those around them. yup, I'm a special, special snowflake...just like everyone else! Some Water people are dark, brooding, and perhaps even silent, an inward rather than outward Water manifestation.
Romance comes naturally to Water people; aaaahahahahahaha! they give and receive love easily. Some share themselves effusively, and some are very secretive, withholding information while being open with emotion. Perhaps surprisingly, not all romantic Water types are particularly sexual; many find the physicality of sex to be a distraction from love's emotional and spiritual nature.
All that feeling can lead to its share of problems. Depression and addiction are Watery illnesses, and flowing with dark, negative feelings can make some Water people irrational, or even psychotic. More likely, the Water person will simply be prone to tears, often needing to "get serious" at moments when others would prefer to be lighthearted. sounds like fun! yay! They can be as inconsistent as the tides, changing their minds the way Earth people change their socks. Their wonderful sensitivity can go overboard, making them perceive every offhand remark as a major emotional statement.
The Water person can choose to balance herself. Water needs to be offset by rationality, decisiveness, and groundedness. With some balance, the Water person can follow her flowing nature, and be happier for it. glub

Find your spiritual path
(a camping related quiz)
beliefnet says...

Nuts About NatureYou love camaraderie and campfires, but it's nature that's your spiritual space. Many groups practice in nature and incorporate it into their daily spiritual lives. Get out there and get involved!

Blogthings' World's Shortest Personality Test
Your Personality Profile
You are dependable, popular, and observant.Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness.In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do.
You are unique, creative, and expressive.You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while.And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Kevin's job

This is my baby brother Kevin at work. He and his fiance are travelling the country doing sea lion shows at fairs.
The lovely Jessica, soon to be my sister-in-law.

Minnie, Sparks and Zoe...I think.


Isn't she precious?



anger and forgiveness

90% of the time my boss is a great guy. But sometimes he throws temper tantrums. Yesterday I happened to get caught up in one. He yelled at a group of employees that happened to include me, then he followed me and and yelled at me personally. Needless to say I was upset, and still am. I know he's already over it. I really want to hold onto my anger and call it righteous. But anger makes for a dangerous pet. The more you feed it and protect it, the more it steals your peace and joy.
I looked up "forgive" at BibleGateway.com, an online concordance. There were 122 results. I copied and pasted the ones that were the most helpful to me.

Matthew 18:21-35

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[f]

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents[g] was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[h] He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Mark 11:25-26

25 And whenever you stand (A) praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive (B) him, so that your Father (C) in heaven (D) will also forgive (E) you your wrongdoing 26But if you don't forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your wrongdoing."


Luke 6: 27-42

27 "But I say to you who listen: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (X) 29 If anyone hits you on the cheek, (Y) offer the other also. And if anyone takes away your coat, don't hold back your shirt either. 30 Give to everyone who asks from you, and from one who takes away your things, don't ask for them back. 31 Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them. (Z) 32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. (AA) 33 If you do [what is] good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? (AB) Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do [what is] good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. (AC) For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (AD)

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. (AE) Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (AF) 38 Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure;pressed down, shaken together, and running over;will be poured into your lap. (AG) For with the measure you use, [g] it will be measured back to you." (AH)
39 He also told them a parable: "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit? (AI) 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. (AJ)
41 "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but don't notice the log in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck in your brother's eye.

Friday, August 3, 2007

Picture Post!

Three of my five 'children'.


Miss Ellie
I adopted Ellie out of the Norfolk SPCA when I worked there. I met her when she was still in quarantine. She never made it to the adoption floor, it was love at first sight!

Chase
I was thinking about whether or not to get Sweetie a friend in 2002, when a friend of mine who was running Sweetie and my obedience class showed up with Chase in the back of her SUV. She said, "I just got him out of the pound. If you don't want him, you have to help me find him a home." He got his name because he took off like a shot and we spent most of our class time chasing him down.

Sweetie bug

Sweetie was supposed to be a show pug. But she ended up in the hands of someone who didn't appreciate her, so her breeder took her back and then gave her to me. She's 11 years old now and enjoys spending her time snoozing and trying to get me to feed her a little sooner every day.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

am I blue?

yes I'm blue

I was supposed to be flying to Orlando at the end of the week for a brief but much-needed visit with my cousins, Emma and Cora. After their Mom, my aunt died in October of 2005, I helped their Dad take care of them. I essentially co-parented them for about a year. Then, last October they moved to Florida and soon after I moved home to Kansas. I know I did the right thing. I don't like Orlando. I don't much like the heat of living in the South. I did a lot of healing in Kansas that I don't think could have occured as quickly anywhere else. But I miss those girls every single day. Sometimes I miss them so much it hurts. But due to some unforseen expenses earlier this year, I won't be going to visit this week.
I will see them in October when we go to my brother's wedding. It will be almost exactly a year since the last time I saw them. We still talk and text pretty often. But it's not the same, of course. I never understood when someone said that their heart was elsewhere with another person. I do now, all too well.