Creative Excitement

It's the weekend and DA and I are in full motion.

I gathered some nail polish, glitter glue, yogurt containers and glow sticks

We used the giant coloring book for a protective surface, sort of...

I decided that we would call this cake decorating and the glow sticks are the candles.

Black bean brownies. Recipe at All Acts of Love.

I am actually taking these to work to share. I am so excited. They looks and taste like fudge.

DA has already licked her fingers. Checking for more.

Yesterday we made Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake. Posted under Add-ins. Thankfully my son came along to take some away. It's nice to share.

The baby is asleep, so I've actually had time to investigate formatting my novel for Kindle. Seems I am stealing moments to edit these days. I did hear about a break book I want to read. Check it out - Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon. Excellent interview with the author on NPR.

Day is done!

Like a Good Neighbor...

Due to excessive claims and economic conditions, Millers First Insurance Companies have pulled out of my state. Sadness of sadness!

As a result, I have been searching for new home coverage for the last month. I have talked to a lot of agents, answered lots of questions and learned much more than I knew before. My home and auto policy deductions were $100 and $250. It seems companies these days start home deductions at $1000. Boo!

Miller's set the standard for great coverage and customer service. I switched to Millers when I didn't get a renewal from my last insurance company. That was more than twenty years ago. My agent shined better than any TV commercial actor ever could.

One morning I was driving along the main drag when a red truck pulled out from a side street. Another car swerved to avoid collision with it. Instead, the car plowed into my front end, spun around and hit the passenger side, leaving me twisted and abandoned on the road. I called my agent, Will Cornelison, and he drove out to the accident site. After assessing that the car was not drivable, he drove me to the car rental company and set me up in a vehicle. He called the tow truck and had it carried away for the adjuster. Though shaken and distressed, I continued my day.I have had several accidents since then and while he didn't drive out to rescue me, he was always available to support me through the process. One day her retired and Miller's went to a toll-free customer service. They are just as helpful - understanding and compassionate.

I've chosen a new company. They are WAY more expensive. I have been living by grace at the prices I paid. This agent seems really nice. He looked at me strange when I shared the story above. I have high standards for my insurance company.

I have some issues with the company politics, but I will let go and see how this year goes. I have set a reminder for 08.01.13 to reconsider. Let me say, I hear lots of people do well with online quotes and distance insurance companies, but I am still looking for a personal connection.

Miller's was a fabulous company. They went through some changes before and I hope that during this reorganization they will continue to provide quality insurance coverage and value to their remaining customers.

{Collective *sigh*}

Cool Friday!

Along with the drastic change in temperatures (80 to 59)- we have jumped into fall weather here, there is a change in the music player just above. Soul Massage has released their debut album. Check out the song. Buy the eight track album for $7.

It's been along week with work and applying for additional jobs. I'll post on Far More Interesting about that adventure. However, I discovered a yummy coffee treat.

It looks decadent, yet only required stirring the coffee and shaking the half and half. Pour into the whirl. A little extra something for my morning.

Here is a brief look at my new gadget. Taking a decent picture was more challenging than I planned.

I have compared it with my HTC phone. I am an avid Kindle reader. I travel with my phone, but read my tablet at home. They are both nice for reading in the dark and easily adjust both font size and background color. I was hankering for the name brand gizmo, but found the I-view for $79. I've provided the link to check out the product. I am a Newegg fan, but they are out there elsewhere as well.

One more goodie. I recently picked up a no contract cell phone from Ting mobile. While you have to buy your device, the monthly charge is only $6 and you can choose the plan that works for you. Plans start as low as $3 for 100 minutes and $3 for 100 text. Buy what you need or nothing at all and they will adjust your bill as needed. We started with no plan and have found that $5 for 1000 text will probably serve us fine. Go to the site and compare what you're paying now with the possibility of saving more than 60%.

If you'd like even more savings. Here's a link to save $25 on the purchase of your device. Have fun!

Let me know what you think.

And, make today a great day!

Day is done. Busy and a bit over the top, but there was a box waiting for me when I got home and this was inside.

Capresso H2) PLUS Glass, Cordless, Safety Water Kettle

I redeemed my points from Zoom Panel. This is an item I have wanted for years and when I searched the catalog I had more than enough points. I participate in several survey panels and for the most part, it is more than worth it! More on recent cash ins at Far More Interesting... Later.

No Kiss Dating...

Or, why I am single.

No matter how I look at my current unattached situation, it's as clear as crystal on a sunny day. My romantic calendar remains open. There are reasons...

• I love being with myself.
• I love my stuff, exactly where it is - all the time.
• I am freakishly controlling. I row my boat and am clear I can roll your boat better than you can.
• I have three children, two grandchildren, friends, two jobs, nine blogs, a book to edit, one to write, chores I diss, home repairs to get at, movies to watch, and the first reason.
• I am kind of particular about a few things - food, money, household items - toothpaste, toilet paper, cloth napkins. I prefer natural essences (rather than commercial), the lights off and space heat rather than central. 

If I meet the "right person" I might adjust, but later I would be pissed off and resentful. The list of things I can't stand and would not tolerate grow daily. As I get older, there's less shit I am willing to put up with.

This is my current list of bits I can't stand. It only applies to romantic connections, rather than dating or friends. However, while I might actually date someone with these elements, it would end there.

• People who leave the car running in park.
• Soda (or alcohol) as daily fluid intake versus water.
• No clue about prices - food, gas, housing
• Unwilling to walk for 30 minutes at a stretch
• Doesn't care for being out of doors - parks, trails, farms
• Requires artificial environmental controls - heating/AC
• Wasteful or non-recycling
• Drinks minimal plain water
• Teatottlers
• Non-reader/writers
• Poor at electronic communication - text and email etiquette
• Early over-disclosing/TMI
• Smokers
• Closed minded/Tunnel vision

The first list was formed after being in relationship with people who have embodied all elements of the second list. The second list are things one could observe easily or on the first date/meeting. Of course, there are deeper issues to explore, but relationships fail because of the nit picking, pet peeves, and needling annoyances that occur daily.

Relationships are hard work and deciding to spend our lives with another person takes deep commitment. Today I am clear about who I am and what I am willing to endure. There is no point in pretending I can put up with things that bother me just to indulge my passions/obsessions. Which is why I will not date someone I can't kiss.

Been there. Done that. There are plenty of reason to avoid swapping slobber. I accept them, but not in relationship.

Live authentically!

At Week's End

Authentically me!

It's been a long week and seems like I just couldn't catch a real break. After all the time invested in my friend's wedding, I collected my grand-daughter for Sunday night through Tuesday morning. We stayed busy and didn't even bake cookies or ferment anything. We did however, make seed bead jewelry and a mermaid tail. You gotta know, mermaids in the house are messy.

On a sad note, my insurance company, of twenty plus years, is pulling out of the state and has sent out non-renewal letters. Therefore,  much of my spare time during the day has gone to searching for new coverage. I found out that I have been woefully under insured on my home and my new policy will be almost twice what I have been paying. I guess I get to recognize I had 19 years of grace. This when the lender was lowering my mortgage payment beginning October. One step forward...

Jobs, jobs, jobs, and just over broke. I am working my call center job and still training for the the direct care position. One more training session next week and I will be able to begin the in-house shadowing. Next, the actual over night hours. But, guess what? I have yet another interview with the state agency that has twice chosen differently. I have decided that perhaps my mission is to interview and show up authentically. I'm no longer interested in working for or with this particular organization. I do like to interview.

Great news! I have a few leads on working at home. I will be checking them out over the next few weeks and will post on my findings. I still owe a post on my new gadget which I am loving, and I have worked up a post on why I am single. Plus, I am thinking around November's novel. This year is zooming along.

See you next week! (Unless I get a burst of energy.)

The Wedding Gift

The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

After another night of rain, I drove back to the farm expecting to meet a morning crew prepared to continue the work of the day before. There were still numerous tasks to complete before we lost the bride to the hair artist and the guest began at arrive.

At the announcement from my friend that she was getting married and the question of my attendance, I told her, "Of course. I have to sleep with the bride before the wedding." I decided Saturday that the better gift would be the shift of my intention. She thought M would appreciate that as well. 

Then began my thinking/angst around offering a gift - that I could afford. I came up with a couple of choices, but not quite how I see myself. However, I believe in tithing time, talent and treasure. I filled my gas tank and made that trip three times to get ready and attend the celebration. 

It was a fabulous choice. I was mislead regarding the number of people who would arrive to work Sunday morning. Yet, the work got done...

Before the straw there was mud and weeds

Table clothes and center pieces - Sunday morning

Table setting complete for reception after the wedding

Getting the party started

It was a beautiful ceremony, excellent food, and great music. There were elements of simplicity and bits of extravagance. The favors are first harvest local honey and mint.

The Wedding Party

After a summer of drought, Issac brought the rain. Rain, rain, and more rain. So much of a good thing...

Today was the gathering for flower arranging for tomorrow's wedding. It sounded like fun and was a huge push for me to move beyond my home and socialize with new and interesting people. Besides, my friend is getting married. Let's go see...

Fresh picked organic flowers from the farm and neighbors

The table of completed center pieces with an artist still at work.

The musicians and officiates for tomorrow's ceremony

My creation. You're going to see a lot of this as I posit ideas about the arrangement.

Another table of arrangements.

After we finished, we had the flower parade and took photo with our creations

We were given the greenery, clippers, and thousands of flowers to create our master/mistress pieces. There were refreshments available - beer, sparkling water, cheese, hummus, crackers and pita chips. The musicians played as we worked, talked and socialized. It was a fabulous way for family and friends to met and share time and space.

However, because of all the rain, there was even more work to get ready for a farm wedding...

Inside the tent we spread straw to cover the muddy ground. Later we set up the tables. Tomorrow, we will arrive early to hang decorations, set the tables and prepare for guest. I was not actually planning to return before the wedding, but if you had seen the sad look on this guy's face when I said that you would understand why I will.

This is good for me. I am strong, capable, and competent. I may as well get out of bed and go help all the other people who showed up have a fabulous day. They came from Iowa. Me, I'm just thirty minutes down the road.