My cat is posessed

Help me.

Three things I really like

Things I really, really, really love:

The kindle:

I Want a KindleThe iPhone:

I want an iphone

This house (but in the woods near C-ville):I love this house

Longwood Gardens Spring 2009

Little D and I went to PA on Saturday – it was a beautiful, hot, sunny day. Longwood was beautiful – complete with tree houses and an Arbor Day celebration. The water gardens were under construction though – and we were sad to miss it. It was also a bit early in the season so the idea garden was just beginning to sprout.

All-n-all it was a beautiful day and provided inspiration for us all…

Robert the Penguin on Zazzle

So little D has been writing a series of graphic novels for about a year now, based on her character Robert the Penguin. Today she decided to take create a line of clothing as well. I used to use cafepress for this sort of stuff but I got annoyed at the less-than-optimal website performance, so I moved over to Zazzle.

Now I have a store called GeekPress (of course) with a few extremely geekified shirts. Robert the Penguin lives there with my own very geeky creations.

Recipe time: Ravioli with spinach and bacon

ok – this one not so healthy… but absolutely delicious – and quick!

Takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

  • 1 pound cheese ravioli (fresh or frozen)
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 9 oz. or 2 large bunches of fresh spinach, large stems removed
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Grated Parmesan or Romano

Cook the ravioli according to directions – al dente is best. Drain and put in a large bowl

Cook the bacon on high heat until crisp, drain on paper towel-lined sheet. Crumble.

Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel then add the olive oil. Heat on medium, then add the garlic and cook until golden. Add the spinach, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Cook until wilted.

Stir the bacon and lemon juice into the spinach. Spoon the mixture over the ravioli then toss. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese. Server immediately.

Things I love today

My latest obsessions – reminding me that sometimes it’s the little things that bring big enjoyment out of life.

1. dwell magazine. Having always been obsessed with magazines – this is my latest craze. Full of ideas on architecture and interior design, all with a ’sustainability’ edge. This magazine keeps me focused on how I want to live.

2. Fage nonfat strained greek yogurt. This amazing product packs a powerful nutritious punch while making me feel like I am enjoying a sinful and decadent treat. It is thick enough to spread on anything (close to cream cheese), I also have been known to pretend that this is whipped cream. I eat it with everything – berries, nuts, even cocoa powder. Six ounces is only 90 calories, 0 fat, 7 carbs and 15 grams of protein! It is a bit pricey (compared to run-of-the-mill yogurt) at about $1.79 for a 6 oz container, but well worth it for the enjoyment it brings to my life!

3. J-41 shoes. I now own 3 pairs and absolutely love them. Focused on “lifes adventures” these shoes are lined with Jeep memory foam – yes folks, it’s the stuff they line actual jeeps with! The soles have a roadmap in them that represents lifes adventures. While all of that is very cool – they are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. I love the Journey, Troy, and Barcelona .

Nick’s Hope: A Vigil of Prayer and Encouragement

It was 1 year ago when  Nick Freeman, a popular, well-liked, teenager in my community took his own life. You can read more in my post from last year, here.

Here is a tribute to him posted by a friend last year shortly after his death:

Beginning Tuesday, March 31st – two local community churches are holding a 24-hour vigil of prayer for teens and young adults in crisis. I was invited by a friend to partner with her between 4 and 5 am on the morning of April 1st – which is the 1 year anniversary of that day.

Please join us during those 24 hours for prayer and/or meditation, in Nick’s honor, to help teens and young adults in crisis. Let me know if you are participating, and I will write more about it here.

If you would like more information or to get more involved in the cause, you can find out more from AFSP – the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Urban Outfitters: What are you thinking?

I recently received an urban outfitters catalog in the mail.

In the 80’s, I was a huge fan of UO so I was excited to see what they had to offer (I LOVE the 80’s).  After looking through the catalog – and then visiting their online store, I find myself pissed-off on several different levels. Here are just two images from their catalog and online store.

Beauty or dysfunction? You decide:

u-3

Image from Urban Outfitters spring catalogue

beautiful or eating disorder?

beautiful or eating disorder?

To take it a step further – look at this picture form Forever 21 – another popular clothing store:

From Forever 21 - a popular clothing store

From Forever 21 - a popular clothing store

My question to both Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 is: How do these photos help my daughter and young girls everywhere with their body image? Do these images represent a healthy lifestyle?

Beauty or Dysfunction? Dysfunction – hands down.

Will you help save Imago Dei Middle School in Tucson

My sister teaches here – they are a private, tuition-free middle school that provides a nurturing and safe environment for low-income kids to excel academically and in life. It is fantastic program with a student-teacher ratio of 10-1. They are privately funded and, like many, have been hit hard by our struggling economy.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of donations, they may have to close their doors for good – within weeks. I have met some of these children, many coming from broken homes and tragic backgrounds, and they humble me. They are inspiring and gifted – and against all odds are able see the possibilities of who they are and who they can become. Imago Dei helps them along this journey.

Imago Dei is a 501c3 charitable organization, so your donations are tax deductible. Will you help?

Contribute online (they use Groundspring).

Learn more about Imago Dei (their website)

See them in action:

More Outlander Excitement

Due to be released sometime later this year:

Cover Art for Diana Gabaldon's "Echo In The Bone"

Cover Art for Diana Gabaldon's "Echo In The Bone"