And so I've started baking.
Zucchini bread
Chocolate peanut butter cookies
Cornbread
Now I need these lovely little delights to make something I've been waiting for... ohhhhh it's gona be so good!
20.9.10
7.9.10
23.8.10
Scarves
Our dear friend Alyssa, on coming back from the Middle East, has gifted each of us with a cool scarf. Josh's scarf, being, of course, a boy scarf, is a little tricky to put on correctly.
Alyssa helped me put it on, but things went a little wonky... then silly.
12.8.10
Around Town
On our way to a Timber's U23 match, we walked past this.
Josh refused to stop and pose for a picture, so I snapped one when he glanced back.
How can you not take a picture with pretty much anything that's not usually life sized?
9.8.10
29.7.10
July!
Getting up to date!
July started out as lots of fun with outdoor adventures, and turned into less fun and lots of indoor... resting. I have been sick for about two weeks so that means laying on the couch. Not so productive. I still feel like there's lots going on,but I'm sad to be more or less missing it.
Camping - we went to central Oregon for the 4th of July extended weekend with some friends. Saw Saturn's moons and hiked a few rocks.
More soccer - for Josh! He's playing on our church's outdoor team in the local rec league. I haven't taken my camera to catch all the action. hehe.
River - had a sort of hike, sort of wade at a river half way between Seattle and Portland with my girls.
Beach - weekend at our friend Jordan's grandparent's beach house on Lincoln Beach. Met new friends and played lots of games. I have pictures of this but not time to post right now. Maybe later when I update more from July - because there is more fun to come, I'm sure.
29.6.10
29.5.10
May
Ack! All this lack of blogging business is not good. Things have been busy and I've been devoting more blogging time to my floral design blog (even that has been neglected lately!) so this one has just been lacking.To catch up:
May was mostly full of flowers, potting, practicing music for Women's Retreat, and the start of many seasons: Soccer season (MLS), birthday season and farmers market season.
PSU farmers market:
Friend Abbie's birthday party:
Tori and I walking the labyrinth at Women's retreat:
Potted herbs (we have also potted a tomato, lettuce, and a pepper):
19.4.10
Art Projects
Unforntunately I'm too busy for any art projects these days, but thankfully I have many friends who have the time (and classes) to make cool stuff!
Tori made me a sweet plate in ceramics, and also a bowl! I love them.
I used to sort of look on them as too pretty to use, but that's ridiculous.
I used the bowl to whisk eggs for my scrambled eggs on Saturday.
13.4.10
French day!
I love French - the language, culture, food, fashion. ahhhh. mmm. I would have majored or minored in French in college if I hadn't already had a double major.
My friend Tori is starting to study French with hopes for going to France, so we've decided to have French days! We started with just watching a French movie. The moved on to going to a fantastic French boulangerie + watching a French movie. Hopefully next movie night will involve French dinner.
12.4.10
Outdoors and the Weekend
Guess what they now carry at the Portland Nursery that they did not carry two years ago?
Kumquat trees.
Grrr. Oh well, I love my culumnar apples, too.
29.3.10
Catching Up - NW Ministry Conference
Taking a little breather after listening to a comedian for a session - I wish you could see how our faces hurt from laughing.
Sitting in the sun between sessions:
28.3.10
Catching Up - Snow[boarding]
I apologize for how long it's been since I posted a photoblog update. Here are some highlights from March, starting with the Night Church snow retreat.
Hanging out at the cabin in Government Camp:
Snow @ Ski Bowl:
24.3.10
More Re-Reading
I found my last name in a beautiful book I'm rereading! "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok Fawcett Books p169
10.3.10
More Design Drooling
Second only to bathtubs comes my great love of fireplaces. I'm not even sure I can say that - I really love fireplaces. I love them both. Together, I would be in heaven!
Anyway, apartmenttherapy has an incredible fireplace (in an incredible house!) for us today. Incredible. Love it so much. Look at it and drool.
Anyway, apartmenttherapy has an incredible fireplace (in an incredible house!) for us today. Incredible. Love it so much. Look at it and drool.
On Reading and Books
Josh and I tend to read quite a bit.
I had started to feel like all we do is watch tv, but then when I sat and really thought about it, I think we've both read at least an average amount of books (for us), if not more, this year. I wish I kept some sort of running list, but that seems to be too much work.
And while I haven't been to the library in a while, I haven't been neglecting my literary side: I've taken to REreading. And I rather like it!
Cohabitating with another reader has meant a large increase in not only my library, but also my literary influences and range. Josh and I do lean toward a lot of the same books, but we have also have other tastes, so I've spent a lot of reading time in the last year on books that I probably would never have found or read on my own.
Then recently I branched out in a direction Josh will never go (vampire teen fiction - need I be more specific?). That added about oh... 2000 odd pages to my yearly reading. Then, to combat the quality (or lackthere of) of that genre, I read a few notable authors I hadn't tried yet, and then started in on the rereading.
Last week I reread "My Name is Asher Lev" (one of my favorites) and loved it all over again.
This week I reread "Out of the Silent Planet" and started on "Perelandra". It's been a while, but it never ceases to amaze me how much I can forget of a book.
Rereading is exciting. I recommend it.
I had started to feel like all we do is watch tv, but then when I sat and really thought about it, I think we've both read at least an average amount of books (for us), if not more, this year. I wish I kept some sort of running list, but that seems to be too much work.
And while I haven't been to the library in a while, I haven't been neglecting my literary side: I've taken to REreading. And I rather like it!
Cohabitating with another reader has meant a large increase in not only my library, but also my literary influences and range. Josh and I do lean toward a lot of the same books, but we have also have other tastes, so I've spent a lot of reading time in the last year on books that I probably would never have found or read on my own.
Then recently I branched out in a direction Josh will never go (vampire teen fiction - need I be more specific?). That added about oh... 2000 odd pages to my yearly reading. Then, to combat the quality (or lackthere of) of that genre, I read a few notable authors I hadn't tried yet, and then started in on the rereading.
Last week I reread "My Name is Asher Lev" (one of my favorites) and loved it all over again.
This week I reread "Out of the Silent Planet" and started on "Perelandra". It's been a while, but it never ceases to amaze me how much I can forget of a book.
Rereading is exciting. I recommend it.
3.3.10
and THIS
On the design note...
I have this intense love affair with showers and bath tubs (not mine). When I find a fabulous one, or just a really different one, I drool - my heart rate goes up. European deck showers bring me such joy to even just look at, even a 1x2 inch picture in a magazine. Also, I love the idea of copper in the bathroom: sinks, tubs... today apartmenttherapy came through to brighten my day with some sick soaking tubs. Seriosly, I look at them and Long to hop in one.
Did you see the copper one? Copper.Clawfoot.Soaker. Dream tub.
I have this intense love affair with showers and bath tubs (not mine). When I find a fabulous one, or just a really different one, I drool - my heart rate goes up. European deck showers bring me such joy to even just look at, even a 1x2 inch picture in a magazine. Also, I love the idea of copper in the bathroom: sinks, tubs... today apartmenttherapy came through to brighten my day with some sick soaking tubs. Seriosly, I look at them and Long to hop in one.
Did you see the copper one? Copper.Clawfoot.Soaker. Dream tub.
Design
Seriously, I spend so much time on design websites and looking at design magazines. I just love it. I don't really know why just looking at design is so enjoyable. Occationally I think of how much I would like to be actually designing or creating, rather than just absorbing, but for the time being (with my small, rented space and my office job) I just absorb and absorb and absorb - hopefully then one day I'll just squeeze it all out and surround myself with fabulous design.
Here's the design find of the day: it's pretty awesome. I can't actually decide if I love it or hate it - thanks, apartmenttherapy for always having something interesting to feed me.
Here's the design find of the day: it's pretty awesome. I can't actually decide if I love it or hate it - thanks, apartmenttherapy for always having something interesting to feed me.
24.2.10
Shocking, Right?
So, tonight - for the first time in a long time - I was Domestic. That is with a capital D. Dinner, dishes, dessert. And laundry. And FOLDED it. In the same day. 2 loads. Got the mail. Vacuumed the kitchen floor.
17.2.10
Stolen.
If you know me, you know I love hats. I love buying them, looking at them, owning them, wanting them, putting them on, taking them off.
As it turns out, lovely illustrator Garance Dore also loves hats! Here is a hat post I had to steal for you.
I'm still sad my beautiful grey slouchy hat is lost.
As it turns out, lovely illustrator Garance Dore also loves hats! Here is a hat post I had to steal for you.
I'm still sad my beautiful grey slouchy hat is lost.
14.2.10
Valentine's
Josh and I aren't really into the romantic Valentine's stuff. Since we've been together we've gone snowboarding, gone to the beach (in the snow) and gone for a hike. Well, and gone out for dessert. But we do that on other days, too. I think we use Valentine's day as a good excuse to do something outdoors. Maybe it's because Josh seems to consider Valentine's day to be "let Allison pick what we do" day. I'm down with that.
12.2.10
haha
I found this while Josh and I were walking from our parking spot to NW 23rd one day recently.
I enjoy the use of two discarded items to create something new and interesting. Christmas tree + broken urn. I feel like it must be somewhat symbolic, if one were to think about it long enough. And I'm sure whoever decided to put their tree there enjoyed a good snicker.
29.1.10
Two for the Road, Grandpa
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
On Jordan's stormy banks I stand
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land
Where my possessions lie
All o'er those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day
There God, the Son forever reigns
And scatters night away.
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
No chilling wind nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore
Where sickness, sorrow, pain and death
Are felt and feared no more
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
When shall I see that happy place
And be forever blessed
When shall I see my Father's face
And in His bosom rest
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan's fair and happy land
Where my possessions lie
All o'er those wide extended plains
Shines one eternal day
There God, the Son forever reigns
And scatters night away.
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
No chilling wind nor poisonous breath
Can reach that healthful shore
Where sickness, sorrow, pain and death
Are felt and feared no more
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
When shall I see that happy place
And be forever blessed
When shall I see my Father's face
And in His bosom rest
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
I am bound, I am bound, I am bound for the Promised Land
23.1.10
Shopping Surprise!
In the Fall, Janice came down from BC to visit. I love when Janice visits. I love her and also the fun that she brings. Somehow, we usually end up shopping, and usually end up on 23rd. On that particular visit, I hadn't shopped that area in quite some time, and so hadn't been aware a hat store had opened.
I love hats, and I love this hat store. It is fabulous. They do a "frequent hat buyers" card. Yes, they do. And yes, we are almost at our free hat.
I have been saving for a particular hat I found at Goorin Bros for a little while, and we finally went to get it today and it turns out they have a Winter sale!Hat sale!
Needless to say, we bought more than the one hat.
21.1.10
Mt St Helens is Out
In Portland we often refer to days when "the mountain is out", referring to whether or not we can see Mt Hood. Recently, we've had days with just partial clouds where the base of Mt Hood was visit, which mostly counts. I can still see how much snow is on it, and it usually means it's not raining, and there is at least some sun coming through.
But today, while Josh and I were driving across the Marquam bridge, after I had distracted him by pointing out the gravely area just South of OMSI where a scene from Leverage was filmed in the episode we watched last night, I spotted St Helens. Haven't seen that mountain in ages! It felt sort of like seeing an old friend - ah! Mt St Helens, we've missed you! I felt almost like I'd forgotten what she looked like.
Now this evening at work, the sky is blue with pink and grey clouds. I stood up from my cubicle to walk around for a few minutes and spotted her again, this time with a cloud casting a shadow on the top half, but she was not enveloped.
But today, while Josh and I were driving across the Marquam bridge, after I had distracted him by pointing out the gravely area just South of OMSI where a scene from Leverage was filmed in the episode we watched last night, I spotted St Helens. Haven't seen that mountain in ages! It felt sort of like seeing an old friend - ah! Mt St Helens, we've missed you! I felt almost like I'd forgotten what she looked like.
Now this evening at work, the sky is blue with pink and grey clouds. I stood up from my cubicle to walk around for a few minutes and spotted her again, this time with a cloud casting a shadow on the top half, but she was not enveloped.
19.1.10
Re-Reading
Owning books is a strange thing: you read a book and it becomes a part of you, so why keep it? Why re-read? Why buy when the library exists?
For me, I love going to the library, and knowing it's there in case I have a book I really want to read and can't pay for, or am not totally sure I want to read it, but want to give it a try - a temporary try.
Books that I really have loved I want to own. Sometimes I buy books just based on how they look. Sometimes if I have loved a book I want to have it on hand to share with other people.
I think I enjoy re-reading. I don't do it terribly often (with the exception of children's books) and I think I ought to do it more. There is always the push-pull of the desire to read new books and the desire to relive forgotten ones. So many books are out there to be read! And then again, so many books sit on my shelf as if they were never read, either because they were read when I was of a different reading/maturity level and had a different experience of them, because I read them hurriedly for school, or because they were read so long ago I have simply forgotten the words inside.
So I usually opt to not re-read. I figure I should move on to new books.
I recently started re-reading "The Pressure's Off" by Larry Crabb. Last year we read "The PAPA Prayer" for small group and it was pretty impacting and life changing. I read this one while I was at Taurenhoff for our one assigned book. I decided to re-read it because I remember close to nothing about it, and because I know Larry Crabb writes things I should read. Funny that I shouldn't remember any of this book because I'm pretty sure I wrote a paper on it.
Anyway, here is a tidbit I read today that I found poignant (if you find it depressing, I'll let you borrow the book and you can read the exciting, helpful stuff).
"The great tragedy in modern Christianity is that pools of living water are bubbling in the burning sand of our souls and we don't know it. We haven't dug deep enough through the debris of our self-deception, through the strategies we carefully follow to make life work, to drink from the divine stream within. We're drinking polluted water and thinking it's pure. Worse, we're feeling refreshed"
For me, I love going to the library, and knowing it's there in case I have a book I really want to read and can't pay for, or am not totally sure I want to read it, but want to give it a try - a temporary try.
Books that I really have loved I want to own. Sometimes I buy books just based on how they look. Sometimes if I have loved a book I want to have it on hand to share with other people.
I think I enjoy re-reading. I don't do it terribly often (with the exception of children's books) and I think I ought to do it more. There is always the push-pull of the desire to read new books and the desire to relive forgotten ones. So many books are out there to be read! And then again, so many books sit on my shelf as if they were never read, either because they were read when I was of a different reading/maturity level and had a different experience of them, because I read them hurriedly for school, or because they were read so long ago I have simply forgotten the words inside.
So I usually opt to not re-read. I figure I should move on to new books.
I recently started re-reading "The Pressure's Off" by Larry Crabb. Last year we read "The PAPA Prayer" for small group and it was pretty impacting and life changing. I read this one while I was at Taurenhoff for our one assigned book. I decided to re-read it because I remember close to nothing about it, and because I know Larry Crabb writes things I should read. Funny that I shouldn't remember any of this book because I'm pretty sure I wrote a paper on it.
Anyway, here is a tidbit I read today that I found poignant (if you find it depressing, I'll let you borrow the book and you can read the exciting, helpful stuff).
"The great tragedy in modern Christianity is that pools of living water are bubbling in the burning sand of our souls and we don't know it. We haven't dug deep enough through the debris of our self-deception, through the strategies we carefully follow to make life work, to drink from the divine stream within. We're drinking polluted water and thinking it's pure. Worse, we're feeling refreshed"
12.1.10
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