Mountain Bliss Chai

Here is today's blend for anyone that just so happens, or merely to remind myself someday!

1 Jasmine
1 rose hips
1 earl grey
1 roobios
2 raspberry
1/4 orange zest
1 pod cardamom (crushed)
1-2 dash bitters
1 sliver crystal ginger

Steep in 2-3 cups clear water brought to boil then removed for a minute or so from flame. Just enough to drop back on "fury" of boil! :)

I steep until cooled significantly, then press with my most excellent french press. I usually add honey as a sweetener and have even today used some special honey I bought. Raspberry honey! Yummmmy!

In a shaker I add ice 2/3 tea, a shot of french vanilla creamer and fill with milk, cover and shake, pour into a BIG tall glass and step out to the deck with a fantastic chai! MMMMMMM.....

Makes enough for several glasses, just save in fridge for next day! Keeps fairly well for 1-2 days. But do not add cream or milk until ready to serve.

Spring Is In The Air!

Poking my head out I could not help but feel drawn to the out doors. So I doned my favorite sweater and grabbed my walker. I strolled around like a queen looking over her lands, wishing my dang camera was working. I really had a wonderful turn, looking at all my little sprouts and buds just starting to peek out to see if the coast is clear yet! The amazing weather and glorious surroundings are such a feeling of inspiration!

I have really been in the studio the last few days, making up for my down time! I am on an "up" cycle, so I'll take it! I will keep 'er rockin til I roll! HAHAHA! On the floor that is! LOL Anyhoo... I have been working on a couple of really fun projects, trying some new things and having happy "accidents"! I really like a couple of my new pieces and will be posting pictures as soon as I find out what the heck is wrong with my camera!

Self Reliance!

That is the meditative consultation put forth today! Hmmm... what the heck can that mean?

I think I have been waiting for someone else to take my particular "bull by the horns" so to speak. This could be how it is put in front of me, to make me see it that way?

I guess I should just pony up and GED! That stands for GET 'ER DONE, for the not so Red Neck inclined!

How Magnificient To Look Out And See Such Wonders!

I cannot believe how beautiful it is looking out on the lake! (And how lucky I am to be here to appreciate it!) The sun sparkling on the water is better than a string of diamonds! Listening to my favorite sounds, XM 856, standing out on my deck and sipping on a freshly brewed recipe of chai, I am perfectly aware that I am living really, REALLY large! LOL! It could not possibly be any better! If I was a multi billionaire this could not be any more wonderful, you cannot pay for this kind of feeling!

O' Me O' My I'm Always Late!

I have the darnedest time trying to keep up with myself! You would think that I have nothing to do and yet I am always running around like a chicken.... well you know the rest! I an original attention deficit disorder poster child!



I just read that the Fair is gearing up! OMG, I do not even have this years entry formulated in my brain yet! Di spite of course, the opinion by some that, "It seems like a monkey could throw some stuff at the canvas and call it "Abstract Art", my 7 yr old could do something like that!", it actually takes some thought and considerations! more



This years entry is a planned gift, I would be soo delighted if I could do something as to earn a placement at the Fair with it first! I won a First and Second place last year, so I am hoping to come up with something that really puts some icing on that! WooHoo!

Meanwhile, I am off to assemble the goodies to make my Hunny some taquitos for dinner tonight, as well as his lunch for a couple of days! I am currently broasting some chicken, then I have to put another coat of finish on a piece, sew up a couple of things after laundry and try not to antagonize an already threatening Herky Jerky!



Here is one I finally took off my bench today to give it a home out in my world!

Redding Should Be An Artists Mecca!

As wonderful as Redding is, I can't help but feel like there is a certain lack of enthusiasm towards the "Arts" here bouts! I am an artist, saying that to anyone during a conversation almost always solicits some pretty odd responses. Usually though, along the lines of "too bad you can't find a real job!" Not in those exact words mind you, but it is definitely implied by all means! I find I am defending myself in no time flat! Somehow, within a few moments of the conversation, I find myself stammering something about not being able to work any more and that I can barely even get to my artwork. Admitting to being an artist is tantamount to saying "I am just too lazy to try to work for a living" as far as most people here seem to feel.



I lived in Monterey when I started taking Art classes. The "Art" atmosphere there felt quite different. If you tell anyone you are an artist in that area of the land, you are apt to feel more like a Dr. at a dinner party! "Really? Oh my gosh, I have a wall that I need to do something with! What kind of art do you do? I would love to see your work!" If you say you are an "Award winning artist" you are a treated as if you could walk on water! I was thrilled to explore art in such a vibrant and enthusiastic environment!



I can say that in my honest opinion, Redding has by far, much more of a potential draw for artistic souls than even the finest "scene" offered on the coast. We have some of the most spectacular sights, inspirational opportunity and soul capturing ambiance that can be had! Ask any Reddingite, once the red dirt gets in your veins, you will always return! I can visualize Redding as an artistic hub that would make some other "Artistic Meccas" look like dried up wells!



Alas, it is all in the attitude. There must be an appreciation for the abilities of an artist, at the very least some feeling of respect! I belong to a local art group and they are constantly struggling to keep enough people interested to keep even a small semblance of the "Art Culture" alive here in these parts!

Up To My Neck In The Suds!

I'm quite sure that if you ask someone in sales about handing out samples, they will say that they really do work. I am a sucker for a good sample. The key word here is "good"of course. If I try something that I really like, I will go out of my way to obtain it again.

Recently, I found a small bottle of Meyers Dish soap, Geranium scent to be exact, at one of my favorite hunting grounds. I know that manufacturers give up goods to these discount places as a way to get rid of the merchandise they need to "dump" for whatever reason. I really don't mind that though, I just love a good bargain, hence my frequent trips to every bargain bin in our area. Anyway, so I bought this same said small bottle, mostly because I know of the brand from previous life experience and knew it was a great bargain. (I once was a nanny for a well-to-do couple, the lady of the house insisted that I shop where she dictated. Her credit card, I shop where she tells me to!) I only bought one bottle because of my tight budget and figured that if I liked it I would try to get back and get some more on payday. Well as it goes in my world. I LOVED, loved, loved the stuff and when I got back to the store, it was all GONE! AAARRGGGHHH!!

So now I have nearly used this small 8 oz bottle up, even though I have been as snigly as possible to achieve as much use out of it as possible. Now I had to go the extra distance and actually find a way to get my hands on more! So the people that make this magnificent product would be happy to know I just ordered a whole case of this product, to get the best deal possible, on it's way to uplift my spirits while immersed in my pile of dishes!

I know it sounds silly, but let me say, this stuff is really, no I mean really GREAT! It smells sooo good, I have investigated perfumes with "geranium" tones! How bad is that? I have to say, it even cuts the grease as well as my beloved Dawn! I have been preaching Dawn to my friends and family for years, even bought it for them to get them going! I can say though, if they want some of my Meyers they better whip out the credit card, I have the web site on my desktop, they even have free shipping! LOL! :)

Chili Yesterday, Tamales today!

I guess I must be on a roll, cause I have spent entirely too much time in the kitchen the last couple of days! My Hunny sure likes all the home made goodies. Unfortunately for me, after 25 years, he no longer feels like it is too much of a big thing. He has a reaction like you would to a TV dinner on Friday night! Uh, yeah thats okay, put that in my lunch tomorrow! That is the highest compliment my Hunny can dole out! Of course, if I try to serve anything not "home-made" I never hear the end of it!

We stopped at a local fast food place, on way home from night on the town, "Why can't you just make something when we get home?" "No dear, it is already 10:30 at night, I am not going home to cook!" "I don't like this chili, don't buy it ever again, why don't you make some? Tomorrow!"

Trip to winco later, I make a KILLER pot of chili! Then...

What the heck is that? Did you buy tamales? Why can't you just make some? What is even in those? I bet those are full of junk, probably not even good for me! I don't want any of those, just fix me a sandwich or something!

So today I forced my BF to come on up to my mountain and help me make some tamales! I am hoping they are successful. I have made them before, but again, nobody is perfect! EXCEPT MARTHA!

Another Dinosaur Down

Today was the day that my JC Penny microwave, that we bought brand new for our first apartment back in 1984, decided it would wave no more! I knew for awhile that it was feeling a little "under powered". I had to turn everything several times for even heat. It did not have a turntable, that was not available yet when we bought the "deluxe" model. But it did offer one of the first touch pad control systems, of which I was dually impressed at the time. It cost an arm and a leg at around $450 or so, but no home was complete without one!

My daughter has been telling me it was a relic for 10 years or so. You would think she would have some respect for the instrument, she was not even in school yet when we bought it, she has 4 kids of her own now! If everything we bought would last that long, money well spent! We have been through about 1/2 dozen cars since then!

I'll miss it, but I have to admit, one of those ones that turn automatically would be nice! :)

Winning With Attitude At Winco

I admit, I knew in advance that going to Winco on Saturday was in itself the original bad idea here, but sometimes you just have to do the nasty chores. I was on a roll though because I had stopped off at my favorite little Thrift Shop to browse and had found a couple of trinkets and whatnots and was feeling pleased with myself. I had to make a dash on Wally World first and even though my basket cart wouldn't go more than 3 feet per minute, I was still in and out without too much ado. At least I had a cart, which was not the case by the time I got to Winco.

I trolled the parking lot for a minute or two looking for a cart (motorized) in case there was one incoming. I was not so lucky. I parked about mid aisle which was not so bad, but there was not a chance of a cart showing up, so I bit the bullet and started hoofing it. I only got as far as the produce section before I had a Herky-Jerky and scared the bejeebers out of everyone. At least the produce guy is used to me and stopped anyone from calling an ambulance!

As I made my way through the mass of people for thier choices I was reminded of when My Hunny was in the Army. On payday, the line for the Commissary started forming by 6A.M., there would be people lined up as far as you can imagine, all the way around the parking lot by the time the doors opened. They would only allow groups of 20 to enter at a time, if you were smart you had someone to get in line as soon as you got inside, so you could go shop. The lines would form and zig zag down every single aisle. If you got there after 9 A.M. or so, there would be very little selection, by noon you were lucky to find half of what you needed. That was even worse, because then you had to go do it all again somewhere in the "civilian" realm!

After selecting all my pampered little goodies, I smile a little smile and just lean on my cart and relax as I pull up my meagerly loaded cart behind a guy ranting and raving about the long lines, slow cashiers, too many people, etc... It is not even a blip on my scale, he has half a cart and the one in front of him was unloading. Just a stroll on the beach my dear!

It Is Not A Mullet!

....Okay so maybe it is! But I don't care, I like it! I think it looks very neat, sheek and has just a touch of sass! That is how I want my hair cut. "No Mom, you can't get a mullet, only freaks, wierdos and throwbacks walk around in a mullet!" They say if the shoe fits....
Wait till she sees the color! LOL!
Oh, the extra bonus points for embarrasing my daughter do not count, mostly because I didn't intend to! Kinda takes the thrill out of it you know! :)

Oh Happy Happy Joy Joy!

My slim hope was fulfilled! My Critter Kitty Came back home! She is alive! My Hunny proclaims she is too good to be caught, I know she was lucky! Whats more, so does she! She was covered with pieces of debris from where she burrowed in, and she is terrified of every little thing. She is VERY skitttish and jumpy so I know she barely escaped something. For the second time too I might add. She did the same thing when her sister disappeared last year. I am still saying my thanks for her safe return, both times! I sure will be keeping her close to home for awhile. I wonder how much one of those tracking things cost? :)


I spent all day shopping Saturday, what an experience that is from my new prospective on life. I am sometimes so amazed by humans that do not know how to act civil. It scares me to see the barbarism in thier faces as they knowingly do something rude or obnoxious. They are literally daring someone to stand up to them, and in this case the tiger has been declawed so all I can do is shake my head in pity with aquiescence to thier physical superiority. I pity them because I understand the damage they are doing to thier own energy. Thier negative life only draws even more negativity into thier world. Like a blackhole in thier universe, most will never recognize it nor recover in time to save themselves from an eternity spent ....I just try to steer as far clear as I can, as I do not wish to subject myself to thier forces!


What a lovely and smug little day I had with my Hunny on Sunday. We went out to the Flea market, stopped here and there around town and had a really nice time. I love those days, just gazing into the horizon, touching hands and feeling so grateful for all the good things in my world.


Todays energy focus: Making New Friends

As the circle of life moves in and out of our plane, it brings with it opportunities to establish new friendships, learning, celebrating and developing spiritual connections. Today's studio shot, Paradise II

Horror On My Mountain!

My precious kitty Critter disappeared last night! This morning my neighbor reports he is missing one of his kitties and his other one is all freaked out hiding in the house! After some investigation, he reports finding some "BIG" cat tracks just around the bend up the hill in the snow! I am not surprised, there is a lot of snow, the big creatures get hungry first. I tried to get her in as soon as I saw her dart out the door, but she wasn't having it. I knew she was feeling cagey after being penned up for the last week so I didn't chase her, there was plenty of time before dark. When I started calling her for dinner and she didn't come I knew we had a problem. I do hold out a chance she is holed up somewhere, terrified, like she did when her sister got snatched last year. She didn' come out till two days later that time, even though we were calling her and everything.

I did not make it into town today, I spent all morning looking for my kitty and crying! My poor kitty! Dangit! I will not get any more kitties. I am going to have a hard time even letting my little kitty outside ever! I am going to get a dog to guard her!

Attack Of The Cat! Hair That Is!

I spent most of my funchy moments today picking cat hair out of everything I put a paint brush to! AARRGGGHHH!!! I guess that will teach me not to start futzing around until I make a sweep of things! One time, TK even stepped in a paint spill and had it all over the room before I could catch her! Now where is a good camera-jockey when you need one? LOL!

Tomorrow is my big shopping day, I will of course be making the tri-facta run as my BF calls it. Walmart, Costco and Winco! All in the same day, it takes some real shopping stamina! I don't usually try it anymore, but I really don't have that much to buy, so it is a wimpy run at it! :0

My positive energy focus of the day: Laughter

If you can stand back and try to refocus and see the lighter side of a bad situation it can enlighten you and heal your energies, allowing for creativity and joy!

My Uncle D Died Today

That is really sad, he was a pretty good guy! I didn't know him that well, and it makes me sad to realize that it will never be. He fought a good battle with a bad disease. My heart goes out to all those in pain at his passing, may they find repose in knowing he suffers no more.

Today is a quiet day for me, I tuned into my "Audio Visions" channel very early this morning and have spent most of the time in the studio. I was straightening up more than producing though! My mood is too somber to feel creative and my physical self is feeling too whiny to be pushed around.

Doing the chores and putting things in order can be very rewarding to your soul!

A Day In The Studio

I finally have a day that I can make it into the studio for awhile. Wahoo! I have actually already been in there playing this morning for a few. I still had to dress the part, but it is substantially warmer, more tolerable and friendly with lights and everything! :) I am currently waiting for paint to set enough to play with it a little more. I will post some pictures later. I have been trying out some new ideas and pushing some pieces around but I haven't really finished anything yet. I have several pieces going at the same time, which is par for my record. When I do finish something, I'll have 3-4 done in the same line of thought.

The snow is melting, although quite gradually because it has been freezing every night. We are located on the side of the mountain that dosen't get much morning sun, so it takes awhile to warm up.

Here is something I have been up to lately, I am awaiting the means to mount this and she will be ready to go. So to speak, she has no destination at this point! :)

Returning To The Civilized (?) World!

Wow, what a time we have had! We lost power sometime after lunch on Saturday and we just finally got powered back up this afternoon, Monday, just before 5 p.m. Oh my, we have not been enjoying that! I pulled the oil lamps back out, put an extra down comforter on the bed and we were once again so very happy to have a gas stove. You would be surprised how well a couple of burners from the kitchen work to keep you warm enough, (with a couple of extra layers of outer wear)! Well praise to the PGE were back on line now! WOO HOO!

We did get into town to try and hole up somewhere and watch the Super Bowl. But alas it was not to be. First we went to a nice pizza parlor, after we get inside and ordered a (expensive)pizza and a pitcher of beer, we look around for a seat as we realize there is NO TV AT ALL! WHAT? Yes that is right, a nice pizza, cold beer and no TV anywhere! They should be sued! So we leave the pizza place and decide to head down to the local indian gaming establishment. We couldn't afford to stay there long enough to get past the first Quarter. We dropped more bills than we ever intended and then quickly left while we still had our shirts!

Yet Another Snow Day!

Okay, so I am wayyyy done with the winter wonderland thing now! I have watched the same two DVD's until I am ready to scream! If it would at least stop for awhile my Honey could make it out to the dish and knock off a couple of inches. But alas, wishing in one hand...

I am one of those people that have never seen the value of "owning" a movie I have already seen. I can watch some movies over a couple of times as long as the viewings are spaced out just a little. The main criteria though is that I need to have at least liked the dang thing the FIRST time! Which is not the case with ONE of the two we do own! A friend gave it to us because my Honey likes it, but I do no really care too much for british humor.

I have lived in Redding since 1989 and it has NEVER snowed this much before. I was without power for some hours a couple of days ago. THAT certainly brought back some old memories, filling my oil lamps, cleaning the globes and trimming the wicks. I may not really be quite that old, but we moved onto property that did not have running water or electricity for several years of my youth. Trust me, that is enough. It makes you really appreciate what you have a lot more when you get it back!