Africakid and the World

Playing Around With Photos

2011-11-14T03:46:00.003+01:00

There are different types of free image editing software available online--specifically, I've heard a lot about GIMP and finally decided to download it this week after reading yet another positive review.

So I've been playing around with the GIMP filters. I especially like one application called "Cubism." It reminds me of pictures we made in grade school by glueing a bunch of colored tissue paper squares on a larger piece of paper--in a face shape or nature picture or even just a cool pattern.

See what you think:

Here's another photo taken at Salmon Creek this week with the fall berries and seasonal colors:

Let me know--what types of image editing software do you use, if any?

Murphy of the Living Dead

2011-10-31T20:07:00.002+01:00

After seeing Dooce's recent photo of Chuck, I knew my Halloween picture of Murphy would include multiple rolls of ace bandages. Meet Murphy of the Living Dead, just in time for October 31st.

p.s. Murphy only looks mournful because he wants his treat NOW. I promise no pain was involved--just much cajoling.

Happy end of October!

Twenty-Four Hours in Newport

2011-10-10T04:22:00.001+02:00

Just returned from time at the Oregon coast with my Dad & Mary, Beth, and the Odells. As you can see, the rain cleared for awhile and we even got to stroll down the beach.

I can't resist taking photos of the tide pools and especially sea anemones!

We hopped around giant rocks and tried not to step on too many barnacles in the process.

Me and my shadows.

A Spider Poem

2011-08-30T04:17:00.001+02:00

A noiseless, patient spider,
I mark'd, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;
Mark'd how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,
It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;
Ever unreeling them--ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,--seeking the spheres, to
connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form'd--till the ductile anchor
hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

--Walt Whitman

Bring a Moleskine Next Time

2011-07-21T06:33:00.001+02:00

Visiting with an eighty-ish missionary man I knew from early years in Burundi, I mentioned my nephew's recent wedding, complete with DJ and lots of dancing afterwards.

Mr Wheeler smiled and told me, "I grew up in an age where a Quaker wouldn't dance unless someone dropped an ice cube down his pants."

He also said many other funny things I wish I'd written down. Lots of raw material for an interesting character.

jónsi

2011-05-12T05:20:00.000+02:00

jónsi: Concert Timelapse at The Wiltern Theatre from Henry Jun Wah Lee on Vimeo.

One of the most beautiful music videos I've seen.

Bless Your Heart & Gizzard!

2011-05-11T07:30:00.001+02:00

This phrase popped into my mind yesterday. I can almost hear Mom's lilting voice telling me, "Laurie, bless your heart and gizzard!" when she was especially tickled about something I'd done or said.

I wonder where this saying originated. Any thoughts?

Ben & Jerry's Extravaganza

2011-05-08T06:27:00.006+02:00

Don't you just love this big green bus? I wanted to hijack it and drive it across the country.

Sillies! We visited the Ben & Jerry's factory in Burlington, Vermont. This was our favorite city from the trip back East, not just because of the ice cream (although that helped). Vermont is gorgeous. I think this was the first time I ever set foot in the state.

Jeff told me his family used to drive through Dairy Queen and buy vanilla cones for themselves, then one for their German Shepherd, Mister. I think we need to fly Murphy out to Ben and Jerry's for their doggie cone day.

Misadventures

2011-04-29T23:23:00.000+02:00

Me to Danielle:

"I had a misadventure with the lawn..."

Danielle:

"With the law??!"

That second option sounds so much more intriguing.

An Afternoon at the Met

2011-04-16T06:38:00.001+02:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T21:46:00.008+01:00

St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland -- 2006

Outside the Guinness factory in Dublin.

How Doth the Little Crocodile

2011-03-16T22:29:00.004+01:00

"How cheerfully he seems to grin,
How neatly spreads his claws,
And welcomes little fishes in
With gently smiling jaws!"
-- Lewis Carroll (from his poem "How Doth the Little Crocodile")

The toothy smile reminded me of Carroll's poem. Love those painted jaws. I'd enjoy driving around town for a day in this van, just to see people's reactions.

Justice Conference

2011-03-08T06:21:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago, Jeff and I drove to Bend, Oregon for the Justice Conference 2011.
While we listened to the various speakers, an artist in the back of the hall worked on this picture. Nice, eh?

That second morning, I shot a photo of the sunrise from the patio of the house where we ended up staying.

I'll try and post about the speakers and what stood out to me in their presentations. The weekend got my mental and spiritual gears turning faster and faster! Now I just want to take the initiative to live out some of the results of my internal pondering.

Im Frühling

2011-03-05T04:49:00.005+01:00

Im Frühling (In the spring), we start to see more birds back in the Northwest. Unfortunately, the squirrels return in force too! Today, I came upon a frisky brown critter digging around in my hanging planter -- no seeds yet, but he held high hopes. An entire band of squirrels already ransacked my eighty crocus bulbs. Guess I've been too complacent since last year, when the bulbs bloomed untouched...And it's not as if we've endured a frozen winter, unlike Iowa and Connecticut and several other Arctic states. Go find food elsewhere, you little beasties!

Anyway, I came home today and decided to make a Frühling collage. Several weeks ago, I browsed through a new store on Mississippi Avenue in Portland, and found a picture I wanted so badly--the artist had glued old newspapers to create a songbird shape, then matted and framed her finished picture. But the price? Oh, a mere forty-five dollars. Gulp. I thought to myself, "I could do that at home." And this time, instead of forgetting about it, I took glue stick to paper. No antique newsprint around, but even better, leftover road maps from our time in Europe. Combine large dose of sentimental with a dash of thrifty and the result's addictive.

Zenga Song--Noy Alooshe Remix

2011-03-01T22:08:00.003+01:00

Heard the DJ who remixed Gaddafi's speech into a hiphop song interviewed on BBC's The World yesterday. Libya's suffering under Gaddafi--and I say "Zenga, Zenga."

Here's another commentary on the massacre in Libya (from Technorati's website).

Now That's An Idea

2011-02-23T21:24:00.002+01:00

Jeff just returned from a relative's wedding in Vegas--I'd planned on going, but caught a horrendous cold/deathly ailment, so didn't tag along.

One of our nieces is pregnant, and her little girl has already decided what she plans to name the sister when she arrives...

(I predict it will end up on the Most Popular Name for Baby Girls List for 2011)

Wait for it...

"Puppy-Kitty!"

Wish I'd thought of that when we were agonizing over names for our two daughters.

Winter In The Vineyard

2011-02-01T05:36:00.004+01:00

I have a photo in Catapult Magazine, titled Winter in the Vineyard.

We gathered for family time at the Maresh Vineyard Retreat in early January, and I wandered down to the rows of grapevines below the retreat house. At the end of each row, Martha Maresh had mounted a bird house--not just any old bird house--each of these are unique, decorated by different clay faces.

Martha tells me there are sixty-plus birdhouses, used by both the violet green swallows in spring, and by bluebirds year round. These birds act as gnat-catchers while they're living among the vines. Good way to cut down on insecticides!

Quotes Painted On A Wall

2011-01-21T23:58:00.004+01:00

Saw these quotes today. Someone had painted the lines on various walls at a SE Portland business. They're worth passing along.

"You must DO the things you fear you cannot." -- Eleanor Roosevelt

"If you want to be happy, practice compassion." -- Dalai Lama

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

"In searching for truth, be ready for the unexpected." -- Herakleitos

Another thing I liked about this place? They provided every imaginable flavor of Stash tea for sipping while we waited! I tried the mango passionfruit blend. Yum.

What The Wild Goose Knows

2011-01-21T05:47:00.003+01:00

I occasionally find little scraps of paper at odd locations in our house, where I've written down bits of conversations and phrases and words that interested me. Yesterday I came across a torn-off fragment, with something Mom said to me last year: "No one knows what the wild goose knows." So I started wondering, was it a line from a poem, or an old saying, or what? Can't ask her anymore. When I googled the words, this is what came up.

Cry of the Wild Goose--Frankie Laine

"My heart knows what the wild goose knows,
I must go where the wild goose goes.
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?
A wanderin' fool or a heart at rest?

Tonight I heard the wild goose cry,
Wingin' north in the lonely sky.
Tried to sleep, it weren't no use,
'Cause I am a brother to the old wild goose..."

Thinking about geese reminds me of a guy I knew in high school. He liked to tease, and often called me "you silly goose." Since then, I have a soft spot in my heart for geese, even if they're usually cranky and try to bite people's ankles.

Another thought--if you haven't read White's essay, "The Geese," it's worth checking out--and can be found in his book, Essays of E.B. White.

MLK's "I have a dream" Speech

2011-01-18T04:14:00.000+01:00

I listened to this speech on NPR today, and even though I've heard it three or four times, it's still just as powerful. Thank you, Martin, for telling the truth and calling us to a better way.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T04:39:00.002+01:00

For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
--T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"

People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas.
--Author Unknown

On Extremism

2010-12-14T05:10:00.002+01:00

Thoughts on Standing Beside a Bomb in a Crowded Square
These words by Donald Miller resonated with me--instead of lashing out against Muslims, why don't we realize that extremism in any form is dangerous?

Anticipation

2010-12-08T06:33:00.002+01:00

Murphy doesn't mind being wrapped in colored lights...as long as the promised liver treat is forthcoming.

Note to Self

2010-11-23T05:35:00.001+01:00

Meeting my oldest daughter's boyfriend for the 1st time tomorrow! I'll try not to call him Ian or Ethan (it's Evan)...

LITERAL Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trailer Parody HD

2010-11-18T04:14:00.000+01:00

This trailer is beyond awesome! With the next Harry Potter movie almost upon us (yes, my teen is going at midnight to watch it, but I'm choosing sleep), here's a little teaser.

Costa Rica Adventure

2010-11-14T05:23:00.004+01:00

Last month, my father took me and my sister Beth to Costa Rica with him. We went during the rainy season, but fortunately, didn't see much rain until the last two days.

A morning at the butterfly garden. Every color you might imagine, airborne.

Did I mention that we visited the mud baths?

Cartwheel painting is a tradition here.

The crocodiles at Tarcoles River--we stayed our distance. No messing with these critters.

Sau Guna by Aradhna

2010-11-12T16:46:00.003+01:00

Sau Guna Trailer from AradhnaMusic on Vimeo.

New music from one of my favorite groups--Aradhna. I love the mix of cinematography, voices, and instruments. Makes me feel like I'm visiting India for a day.

Masquerade Corgi

2010-10-26T05:33:00.002+02:00

Murphy wishes you a festive October!

I think he likes dressing up.

At Zell's Cafe in Portland

2010-09-08T16:19:00.002+02:00

My lunch companion said, " I should write a sonnet about these scones..."

Goodbye Mom

2010-08-09T08:10:00.004+02:00

Today we said goodbye to our dear "Mama-We."
Here's a link to the video tribute put together by a grandson, Andrew, and his wife, Rachel (after we all emailed photos and music suggestions).

It seems surreal to think that I can't just pop over to see my Mom and sit down for a cup of tea with her. She was a feisty, fun, loving, stubborn, adventurous, intelligent, curious, godly woman.

On Retreat

2010-07-23T15:43:00.003+02:00

Just wanted to say--I have a photo in Catapult Magazine online--under this month's theme, "On Retreat."

Check out the rest of Catapult while you're there!

It's Been Awhile

2010-07-22T03:18:00.003+02:00

Well, it's been awhile since I last posted...life gets moving and I neglect the blog.

My mother suffered a stroke about a month ago, and I'm driving to see her (and Dad) about 3-4 times a week. Mom's also dealing with cancer that's metastasized, so I want to spend as much time as possible with her. Your prayers and caring thoughts are appreciated.

Fortunately, my parents' town is only about an hour away--not an ocean away! I'd be flying back and forth a lot if we were still in Germany.

Speaking of oceans, we just returned from a weekend trip to Bandon, Oregon. Time on the beach, yay. Here's a quote from Anna:

‎"What's the beach for, if not squinching toes?"

I agree. My vacation wouldn't have been complete without a little squinching of toes in Bandon's lovely sand.

Still in Love

2010-05-28T19:30:00.004+02:00

Mom and Dad--at a Mother's Day Brunch a few weeks ago put on by my sister Susan.

I'm so grateful to be living near my folks this year. They're still in love with each other and it makes me happy to see them together.

P.S. Can you tell that we Broses are a food-loving family? Quite a spread. My steamed carrots with honey and ginger felt underdressed next to the brie & pinenuts in puff pastry, smoked apple frittata, and dessert tray with chai cupcakes and mini cheesecakes.

Good Advice from Hank Jones

2010-05-19T17:16:00.003+02:00

Hank Jones, jazz pianist, died a few days ago at the age of 91. NPR replayed an earlier interview with him and this is what Hank said about playing piano (as closely as I remember--I was driving the car while listening and wrote his words down after I got to my destination):

"I try to be conversant with the piano... You have to be on good speaking terms with the piano, or the piano will rebuff you."

Seems as if this advice also applies to writing and other art forms. Unless it's an ongoing conversation, not just an occasional thing, the writing will rebuff us too. Daily writing, here I come.

Thanks, Hank! You'll be missed.

Can You Guess?

2010-05-12T00:39:00.002+02:00

Can you guess where this picture of Jeff and me was taken?

Ch-Ch-Ch-Change

2010-05-06T22:47:00.002+02:00

More than a few changes going on with our three children these days...

This July, Danielle moves back to the US to attend law school. She's worked in Heidelberg, Germany, with Malachi Ministries for three years, helping to support youth groups and youth projects for children of the military. We're proud of Danielle's involvement overseas and interested to see what happens next.

At the beginning of June, our son David marries his fiancee Emily in Grand Rapids, Michigan--the two met during college, and will be moving to Iowa for work and further studies. We're excited for this big step in their lives and eager to gain a great daughter-in-law.

Anna is researching schools and thinking about college scholarships. She lives one more year at home and then off she goes. I'm realizing it will be a big adjustment to say goodbye to our youngest! Jeff and I might need to adopt an international student or something. Truly though, we're happy at what an independent and thoughtful young woman Anna's turning out to be.

P.S.
Oh, and in case you wondered, contrary to some dire predictions (ahem, Jeff), Murphy survived the sixteen hour trip last year on Lufthansa airlines and is currently chasing squirrels and assorted birds in our Washington backyard. He takes pain pills for his joints, but is doing remarkably well for an eleven year old pup. Not bad for a dog whose death has been foreseen multiple times.

I Found A Reason -- Cat Power

2010-05-04T05:49:00.000+02:00

South to Sunshine

2010-04-06T17:52:00.004+02:00

Last week was spring break here in Washington, so we headed to southern California with Anna for a few college visits and also a requested trip to Disneyland.

Reminds me of the flowers in Burundi--very tropical and bright.

Surf and sand at Venice Beach.

Are your eyes doing funny things? No, just Van Gogh.

Yes, some cliches about California seem to be true!

In A Flash

2010-04-05T05:58:00.003+02:00

In a flash, at a trumpet crash,
I am all at once what Christ is,
since he was what I am, and
this Jack, joke, poor potsherd,
patch, matchwood, immortal diamond,
is immortal diamond.

--Gerard Manley Hopkins

Wisdom from Winnie the Pooh

2010-03-11T22:35:00.005+01:00

"Some people care too much, I think it's called love." Winnie the Pooh

Too Succinct

2010-03-08T06:23:00.002+01:00

TV Click's description of the movie Forrest Gump -- "a slow-witted Southerner experiences 30 years of history."

Excuse me?

Black is Beautiful

2010-03-06T06:40:00.002+01:00

It's been so long since I've posted a sign photo. This is one I found in Amsterdam about two years ago. I guess I need to go sign-hunting around Vancouver and Portland. The other day down on Burnside by Voodoo Donuts, I wanted to photograph the "Keep Portland Weird" sign but had forgotten my camera. Good excuse for another trip downtown.

Murphy Monday -- Hiking at Whipple Creek

2010-02-23T06:39:00.004+01:00

Yesterday was so gorgeous, I told Jeff we needed to get out and hike. At first, I wanted to go to the Columbia Gorge, but we ended up closer to home after googling various parks in the Vancouver area.

Murphy thoroughly loved the trail, especially with the abundance of horse smells and muck. Several horseback riders passed us at different points and our dog behaved himself. One horse reared back when he saw Murphy, but finally walked past after much persuasion.

Hard to believe much of the US is still under a blanket of snow--another reason to spend spring in the Northwest!

Twitterific

2010-02-02T20:58:00.007+01:00

Have you looked at Twitter lately? I've started my own page, and thought I'd link to some of the other Twitter folks whom I enjoy following:

Bridget Strevens Marzo -- an illustrator in France

Andrew Weil, MD -- lots of preventative health tips

Laura Boston-Thek -- a photographer in Germany

artwiculate -- fun with words

epicurious -- good recipe and foodie links

frugal traveler -- offbeat travel ideas

Sally Lloyd-Jones -- author/illustrator in NY

Sylvia Beach Hotel Snapshots

2010-01-28T07:03:00.004+01:00

View onto Nye Beach from the Mark Twain room.

Edgar Allen Poe room. I wouldn't want to sleep under this blade! There's a raven on the dresser (out of the photo).

The Dr. Suess room -- one of the more colorful rooms at the hotel.

Tennessee Williams room.

Nye Beach Angel

2010-01-24T05:50:00.004+01:00

I've always liked this angel, assembled from a hodge-podge of metal pieces: gears, grates, and random bits of iron. Last night, the sunset cooperated and I'm happy with the silhouette that resulted. The angel is on a cliff overlooking Nye Beach in Newport, Oregon. By the way, the weather was miraculous! No coat on the Oregon coast in January. How often does that happen?

Arachnophobia

2010-01-10T21:36:00.004+01:00

For those of you with arachnophobia, this isn't the playground you'd want to visit.

The Sign

2009-12-28T06:35:00.005+01:00

I just read a Christmas poem by Rachel Held Evans that I think I'll print out and carry with me each day of this next year.

Here's the first stanza:

You will find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes
Wrapped in flesh
Wrapped in blood
Wrapped in bone
Wrapped in the calloused hands of a carpenter’s son
Wrapped in scandal
Wrapped in genocide
Wrapped in poverty
You will find Him

Read the rest at Rachel's blog.

Celebrate It!

2009-12-23T20:36:00.000+01:00

Anna -- "My family is full of freaks..."
Grandpa -- "Celebrate it!"

Things to Do in December

2009-12-20T23:52:00.006+01:00

* Enjoy sparkly lights everywhere--on trees, houses, even boats (in Portland, there's an annual Christmas ship parade on the river)!

* Drink plenty of warm cider, peppermint mochas, hot buttered rum, and of course, Echinachea Plus if it's cold and flu season.

* Sing a few festive songs and carols -- we did that today with people from Crossway Church at our local Salmon Creek hospital.

* Hug someone who needs an extra hug or two.

* Take an action that's a little out of your comfort zone -- maybe throw an open house for neighbors or volunteer to watch a child for a single mom while she takes an evening to herself or anything else you might dream up. And then tell me in the comment section what you did! I'll let you know what I end up doing too.

* Write a poem about winter or God or candy canes or anything even remotely connected with December. Read your poem to at least one other person!

* These easy Cinnamon-Roasted Almonds make a tasty gift:
1 egg white
1 teaspoon cold water
4 cups whole almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Oven @ 250 degrees. Lightly grease 10 X 15 inch jellyroll pan. Beat egg white; add water & beat until frothy but not stiff. Add nuts and stir until coated. Mix sugar, salt, and cinnamon, and sprinkle over nuts. Toss to coat and spread evenly over pan. Bake for 1 hour in oven, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool & store nuts in airtight containers.

Those are my ideas. Feel free to add more.

The Leaves, They Are A'Falling

2009-11-30T05:10:00.004+01:00

Almost all the leaves are down and we've mulched the garden with several barrel-fulls of poplar leaves. However, these fiery fall colors come from a tree on the Seattle Pacific University campus. Anna and I visited last month, since she's not yet sure where she wants to attend college. Other options include California or Florida, but I'm not sure how many out of state visits are in the budget.

Murphy loves having a front lawn again! Every time we come back from a walk, he rubs his face in the grass and then rolls around in the soft green.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

2009-11-14T20:50:00.000+01:00

Cinque Terre

2009-11-12T04:52:00.003+01:00

Looking back at photos from March 2008, I realized didn't really post any from our Italian trip to Cinque Terre. Jeff and I hiked between the five cities--all built on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and connected by walking trails. We stayed in the middle city, Vernazza, in a small B&B. I ate fresh calamari at least four times! Lots of fish, pesto, and good wine, as you might imagine.

Frankfurt Book Fair 2009

2009-10-18T16:39:00.005+02:00

I'm in Germany visiting our oldest daughter, who lives in downtown Heidelberg. Earlier this week, I drove to the Frankfurt Book Fair and spent the day. My favorite part of the visit: watching the exhibitions put on by China, the guest of honor for 2009.

This dancer changed masks about fifteen times, I kid you not!

Lion dancers -- One guy for the back section of the lion, another for the front section. Talk about coordination.

This man played beautifully. A simple stringed instrument, but quite a range of sounds.

The California Redwoods

2009-09-16T16:32:00.003+02:00

On our trip up the California & Oregon coastline last month, we drove through the redwoods. I can't remember ever seeing them before. Although my father told me we saw the trees when I was younger. Must have been the aborted trip to San Francisco when all four of us children misbehaved so badly that our parents threatened to return home early if we didn't shape up. I didn't believe them (neither did Dan, Beth, or Susan) --but Mom and Dad kept their word! So I must have been sulking on our way through the big trees... Note to younger self: sulking never helps.

A gorgeous sight. Glad I got another chance!

Win A Copy Of "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years"

2009-09-01T16:38:00.002+02:00

If you visit Michael's website, you can try and win a copy of "A Million Miles In A Thousand Years."

Donald Miller Interview

2009-09-01T16:38:00.001+02:00

Don Miller has a new book out--here's a good interview about it with Michael Hyatt.

Murphy Monday--A Little Swiss Flair

2009-08-24T21:34:00.002+02:00

Murphy's showing extreme patience. But he realizes extra treats may come his way if he poses.
The red cap is from Switzerland. Don't you think it suits him?

Eye Candy

2009-08-11T22:48:00.002+02:00

Go to this link to see some gorgeous book covers.

Wish I could figure out a way to talk Powell's into giving me the leftover book promotion posters--that's what I'd use to wallpaper our house (not necessarily kidding)!

Yaquina Bay -- Contrasts

2009-08-08T19:27:00.003+02:00

Happy Siblings

Emo Siblings

Crab Leg Still Life

2009-08-08T03:49:00.000+02:00

Wrathful Bridesmaid

2009-08-05T16:55:00.003+02:00

Clicked on "A Dress A Day" and found a wealth of silliness, especially today's post: Wrathful Bridesmaid.

If that's too insane for you, check out the vintage dresses and various accessories.

PS. Just found the zipper dress on the same site, made from a one hundred yard long zipper. And it's actually pretty!

Seattle With Emilia, Javier, & Jaime

2009-07-30T06:50:00.004+02:00

David is here for a week with Emily, and I drove them up to Seattle yesterday for them to check out the U of Washington. On the way, we made sure Emily got up close to the Pacific Ocean (ok, Puget Sound, but that qualifies). Another high point: the Seattle Public Library! It's an architectural marvel.

Gomez : See The World

2009-07-17T02:39:00.001+02:00

This band is in Portland on July 28th. Great sound!

Het Cadeau (The Gift)

2009-07-16T03:37:00.004+02:00

This morning I found a brown package on my doorstep, containing the Dutch copy of my picture book! Anno Domini sold the rights to publishers in the Netherlands, and so I expect it will be out there this winter.

Now all I have to do is take a quick course in Dutch... Betsy, maybe I should call you up?

Triple Murphy Monday

2009-07-13T22:56:00.003+02:00

Well, I know it's been forever since I posted, so here's a triple bonus.

Believe it or not, I'm still unpacking boxes. This morning, going through an old box of my children's dress-up clothes, I came across this pink feather boa and couldn't resist.

Firekites AUTUMN STORY - chalk animation

2009-06-16T06:35:00.001+02:00

Strangely Mesmerizing

2009-06-16T05:55:00.002+02:00

Check out Dictionaraoke -- Where "audio clips from online dictionaries sing the hits of yesterday and today. The fun of karaoke meets the word power of the dictionary."

My favorites:

Celine Dion -- "My Heart Will Go On"

Robert Frost -- "Stopping By Woods"

The Buggles -- "Video Killed The Radio Star"

The Geek Within

2009-06-11T03:53:00.004+02:00

OK, I realize I'm revealing the total geek within, but I love old letterpress machines and boxes of metal type! This photo is from the 2008 Frankfurt Book Fair. One entire building was devoted to photo and art books, with a display of old printing presses, handmade paper, engravings, and paintings on the top floor.

Do any of you know what kind of type this is? I wish I'd asked more questions at the Book Fair. Too late now.

Cake Wrecks

2009-06-09T04:28:00.011+02:00

Cake Wrecks recently featured various cakes based on picture book characters. I'm partial to the Babar creation. Although this "Wild Things" cake is wonderful too.

Photo from Coco Cake Cupcakes

Wow

2009-06-06T01:28:00.001+02:00

A guy who can empathize with women!

Congratulations!

2009-06-04T07:03:00.005+02:00

Our son, David, graduated from Calvin College on May 23rd with his biology degree. He plans to stay in Michigan and work for the next year.

Here, David with Grandma and Grandpa Cutter, who've driven cross-country to each of their grandchildren's graduations. The Cutters still have one grandchild left to go (our youngest, who won't be out of college for six more years). At least they get a breather in between.

War Horse

2009-06-02T01:07:00.003+02:00

This play, WAR HORSE, uses intricate horse puppets, requiring 3 people to operate each one. Watch how they move--quite miraculous.

Shades of Pink And Ivory

2009-05-20T18:50:00.002+02:00

This is one of my favorite flowers. I've forgotten the name, but it reminds me of grandmothers and lace.

It's been fun discovering the varieties of greenery in our new yard. Ferns, hosta, rosebushes, rhododendrons, azaleas, day lilies, water plants, and more.

And there need to be herbs around, so I've already planted lavender and rosemary. Basil is next. Because pesto = food of the gods.

Making Connections

2009-05-13T00:39:00.004+02:00

I'm trying to find other people who write poetry in the Vancouver area, so last Thursday, I attended a Poet's Workshop at Fort Vancouver public library. About 9 people showed up and the leader gave us 2 different prompts:

1. Write a six word poem.

2. Fill in the blanks in a poem where most of the words have been removed. This sounds simplistic, but it's actually a good method to add some surprise to the writing. I just forgot to ask which poem the leader cut up--it'd be interesting to compare.

Afterwards, many of us went out for a drink or dinner at a nearby restaurant. I enjoyed connecting with the varied bunch of folks. Quite an age and personality range, from a boisterous high school teacher to a retired pirate type guy who used to cruise around and look for gold in the Caribbean.

While I'm on the topic of poetry, did you know that President Obama is hosting a poetry party at the White House? Good for him!

Also, the Poetry Daily site posts lots of excellent poems.

What's Going On In Vancouver

2009-05-04T05:01:00.003+02:00

Just a brief update:

* It's barely over a month since we moved into our north Vancouver neighborhood. The house now has a new roof and I'm still finding roofing nails in odd places like the shrubbery and slats between deck boards. No bare feet outdoors.

* A duo of frogs has taken up residence by the fish pond in our backyard. At first, their "ribbett riddee" sounded quite charming. Now we're getting a bit tired of the constant barrage from their froggy throats. But the funny part -- Murphy thinks a HUGE creature must be making all that HUGE noise -- so when the frogs start up their nightly chorus, he rushes outside to see if he can ambush monsters. If he only knew; these frogs are hardly an inch long!

* I saw my nephew Austin play in a rugby game yesterday. Rugby rules are still unclear to me. But how can the bottom person in the pile (I think it's called a scrum) survive all that squishing?

* People actually say "hi" to strangers here on the street. Almost fainted the first time that happened, after living in Germany for four years.

* There is no good English word to substitute for stau (traffic jam).

* I found some potential walking partners and take my first walk with them tomorrow morning. Yes! After several months of hotel stays and restaurant food, exercise is a priority. Unpacking boxes might fit into the category of aerobic exercise, but I need a little more intensity. Plus it's fun to talk and walk.

* That's all I can think of for the moment.

Further Croatia & Slovenia Photos

2009-05-01T23:41:00.004+02:00

A Few Photos of Croatia & Slovenia

2009-04-29T01:27:00.004+02:00

Jellopalooza

2009-04-26T19:39:00.003+02:00

The strange ways of engineers.

Jeff's work group has declared Monday to be a Jellopalooza day. This means they need to bring in all types of Jello dishes--the weirder, the better. One of the guys Jeff works with has a favorite recipe for Jello mixed with bits of Spam.

See what I mean?

He asked me if I had any ideas for Jello creations, but I have vowed to never eat Jello again--must have overdosed on it in my youth. I do remember pouring an entire box of the stuff over vanilla ice cream and eating it. Thought it a delicacy back then. Ugh!

Any thoughts are welcome. Jello jigglers are a possibility. But not Jello shots; they need to finish the work day in a sober frame of mind.

This Speaks To Me

2009-04-23T19:19:00.002+02:00

You need to click the little arrow in the bottom left corner for the video to run...
I guess what hits me so strongly is the thought of helping to "heal our world." And I love his accent!

Hyperlexia Journal

2009-04-19T18:37:00.002+02:00

For the past week, I've been unpacking boxes in our new house (circa 1972) and trying to become an official Washingtonian; ie, get my state driver's license, among other things--complicated because my passport is issued in my pre-marriage name, Laura, and our long-absent marriage license cannot be found to prove otherwise--so Vital Records, here I come.

Anyway, it's time to post! The Cutter family hasn't dropped off the side of the earth or morphed into some new dimension, regardless of what you might think.

I have another poem out in a brand new literary journal, Hyperlexia. They post "poetry and prose celebrating the autism spectrum." Take a look.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

2009-03-21T05:48:00.003+01:00

Happy 40th anniversary to "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle!

Many a bedtime was spent reading this picturebook to our children and waiting while they poked their fingers into each hole the caterpillar had nibbled. I think they used to know the text by heart.

Bright sunny colors, collage, and whimsy--Carle's artwork in a nutshell.

Here's a video of the illustrator and author talking about the making of his well-loved book.

Clementine

2009-03-16T23:24:00.001+01:00

I liked the animation on this video for Megan Washington's song, "Clementine." Lovely voice too.

Found it on Lenzi's blog:

http://christylenzi.blogspot.com/

Reflections

2009-03-15T02:54:00.006+01:00

"Little Venice" in Colmar, France

Staatstheater in Stuttgart, Germany

Odd Warnings

2009-03-14T00:16:00.004+01:00

In our instruction manual for a newly purchased hair straightener (one that heats up after it's plugged in):

"WARNING -- NEVER USE WHILE SLEEPING"

I assume the company's afraid buyers will sleepwalk and then electrocute themselves in the midst of beautifying. All while still deep in sleep, of course.

Fire

2009-03-09T23:04:00.004+01:00

"A kind heart he hath. A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart."
--William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor

"Poetry is either something that lives like fire inside you -- like music to the musician or Marxism to the Communist -- or else it is nothing, an empty, formalized bore around which pedants can endlessly drone their notes and explanations."
--F. Scott Fitzgerald's letters to his daughter Scottie

"You are ice and fire the touch of you burns my hands like snow"
--Amy Lowell

Strength In What Remains

2009-03-04T20:48:00.004+01:00

You can bet I'm snatching this book up the day it comes out from the publisher.

Deo grew up in the mountains of Burundi, and survived a civil war and genocide before seeking a new life in America. In New York City he lived homeless in Central Park before finding his way to Columbia University. But Deo’s story really begins with his will to turn his life into something truly remarkable; he returns to his native country to help people there, as well as people in the United States.

Strength in What Remains is a testament to the power of will and friendship, and of the endurance of the soul.

Murphy Chicken-Legs

2009-03-04T02:23:00.005+01:00

One of the family nicknames for our dog is "Murphy Chicken-Legs." If you look even briefly at his photo, you'll see why. Murphy has such cute drumsticks!

Don't know if he's double-jointed or what--but it makes me chuckle when Murphy spreads out on the floor like this. Our tabby cat, Seashell (God rest his soul), used to do it all the time, but I didn't know dogs were as flexible.

Maybe he should take up yoga.

And just because I think it's funny, a bonus link for you:
"A Cure For Chicken Legs" from Men's Fitness. Found it when I googled chicken legs.

Another website offers Gummy Chicken Legs Candy. I quote their ad: "Nothing hits the spot more than a hearty candy chicken leg!" Uh-huh.

OK. That's enough.

Overheard

2009-02-28T06:56:00.004+01:00

Overheard in a conversation about the school nurse at our daughter's high school:

"She's allergic to latex. Oh, and she hates needles and doesn't like blood."

The Singer of Strasbourg

2009-02-26T01:47:00.007+01:00

I have an essay online at The Banner -- The Singer of Strasbourg. My piece was accepted awhile ago and then sat in the files, so I was surprised when a friend emailed me today, "Congratulations on your article!"

Nice surprise.

* The stained glass window photo is from inside Strasbourg Cathedral.

Proof

2009-02-25T05:26:00.005+01:00

A few photos to prove that the sun does indeed shine in the Northwest in February. Although today, we're back to sheets of rain.

These sculptures stood in the courtyard between a hospital and the medical clinic I visited a few days ago. Vibrant red--a fittlng color for any health facility, eh?

The Open Table - Donald Miller - Sample Clip

2009-02-24T05:45:00.001+01:00

I watched this clip and found lots of good stuff to think about. Especially the comments people make re: their perceptions of God and Christians. Funny and sobering at the same time.

***
A couple years ago Donald Miller interviewed about twenty-five friends and asked them each five questions.

1. What did you think of God/Christians before you became a Christian?

2. When did you realize there was a dark or hard side to life?

3. When did you realize there was a dark or hard side to yourself?

4. What did it look like when God broke into your world?

5. What does your life look like now?

He says, "We put together a little book that takes a similar journey, just processing the idea of Jesus from an outsider's perspective. The book is called “The Open Table” and so is the DVD...I hope they end up being used by folks who have questions about faith and specifically Christianity."

Here's a clip from the DVD, answering the question “What did you think of God/Christians before you became a Christian?”

See http://www.jointheopentable.com/ for more info on the project.

THE GREAT CALL OF CHINA by Cynthea Liu

2009-02-19T21:20:00.001+01:00

I really enjoyed this book trailer by Cynthea. During her childhood in Oklahoma, people always asked her "Where are you REALLY from?" That question resonates with me too, as an American child who spent her early years in Africa.

Great video for a multicultural book!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-16T03:30:00.004+01:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you -- from Murphy and his household.

Since he wasn't allowed to sample the chocolate, we treated Murphy to a few extra bites of his doggie kibbles.

Did you do anything special for Valentine's? I got together with my extended family in Newberg, Oregon. So nice to drive an hour to see them, instead of taking a long Lufthansa flight and all the other hassle!

I do miss Danielle and David, our 2 oldest children, off in Germany and Michigan respectively. See you both in May and I love you guys.

Drummers of Burundi

2009-02-10T18:14:00.006+01:00

I had the chance to visit with many Burundian refugees at a church event in Oregon this Sunday -- and that got me thinking about my first home.

This clip gives a glimpse of the Burundi Drummers in action. I especially liked the older drummer at the start and the group's amazingly athletic performance 5:25 minutes into the video. Watch for the littlest drummer -- he looks to be all of 4 years old and steals the show!

* Photo from Encyclopedia Britannica (Bruno De Hogues—Stone/Getty Images)

Yes, I'm Still Alive

2009-02-09T19:11:00.003+01:00

Contrary to what you might think, I am alive and kicking. Had an awful cold/flu for the first few weeks after arriving in Vancouver. All those people hacking on the plane did it to me, I think.

But now I've re-joined the land of the living! I like being able to breathe normally again.

A few first impressions from the day we landed:

* How weird to walk into a store and understand people's conversations, without even trying.

* Nobody clapped when the plane landed safely. I like that European custom!

* Free water in restaurants. A novel concept.

* How can there be an entire row in the grocery store dedicated to various types of salad dressing?

Venice in the Winter

2009-01-19T15:39:00.006+01:00

We took a short trip to Venice at the beginning of January. I couldn't believe that streets in the center of town were still crammed with tourists! My advice: don't try visiting in the summer.

Betwixt & Between

2009-01-15T06:03:00.002+01:00

Sorry I haven't updated in ages. We moved into a hotel a few days ago and are in the midst of cleaning the rental house and shipping our van and a thousand other tiny little details. So when I get to Washington state I'll post more. I fly on January 26th.

Hope you had a happy New Year!

Winged Balloon Stampede

2008-12-29T16:24:00.001+01:00

When you combine wings and balloons, what do you get?

I plan to attend this event!

A Christmas Poem

2008-12-25T14:17:00.010+01:00

Notice the little clay hedgehog in the circle of animals around Jesus' manger. I picked him up at a German flohmarkt (flea market). He reminds me of a stanza from the Anglican hymn -- "All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all."

Excerpt from THE HOUSE OF CHRISTMAS

To an open house in the evening
Home shall men come,
To an older place than Eden
And a taller town than Rome.
To the end of the way of the wandering star,
To the things that cannot be and that are,
To the place where God was homeless
And all men are at home.

--G.K. Chesterton

--Painting is in the Speyer Dom