This space has needed a proper name for a while now; it has not been happy with Absolutely or The Journey, and will try on this new name to see how it wears. I am reviewing earlier comments about the economy and foreclosures, and softening my stance in the deepening depression with so few financial options. We are suffering greatly.
People on TV seem to promote the idea that the American people were duped into getting themselves deeper in debt than they realized and that is the root cause of this entire mess. Credit was cheap and easy to get, but something doesn't equate. Are they trying to say that consumers didn't understand as they wore out those credit cards and took purchases to their cars that they would have to pay for them at some future point? Seriously?
However, California real estate is a different animal altogether. For a non-coastal state, it is hard to explain the 'expected' and rapid increases in value and how it puts families nearly unable to afford homes and apartments because landlords take advantage of the opportunity to continually increase rent.
In crazy California, as hard as it is for a family to justify committing themselves to a mortgage that is beyond their reach, there comes a point when they realize they are being priced out of the rental market, too. Add to that the feds encouraging home ownership with tax shelters, and all that is left to do is find a sympathetic lender before diving right in. We now know there were big, and I mean BIG, financial incentives to entice unscrupulous lenders to make credit available to just about anyone, but that does not relieve the consumer of their heavy burden for signing on.
Sep 8, 2010
Crafty great grandmother mends broken hearts - with glue gun
Written by Marc Acito, September 7, 2010
"So many people need someone to talk to," says Reva Hoewing of Poolesville, Md. "I just listen."
The 76-year-old owner of Crafts-a-Plenty does a lot more than that. The mother of five, the grandmother of 12 and the great-grandmother of eight, she still works five days a week in the crafts shop she opened over 30 years ago.
Back then, Hoewing worked as a teacher in a program for underprivileged children. Her crafts lessons proved so popular that locals in her small town of 5,000 began asking her for classes.
"So many people need someone to talk to," says Reva Hoewing of Poolesville, Md. "I just listen."
The 76-year-old owner of Crafts-a-Plenty does a lot more than that. The mother of five, the grandmother of 12 and the great-grandmother of eight, she still works five days a week in the crafts shop she opened over 30 years ago.
Back then, Hoewing worked as a teacher in a program for underprivileged children. Her crafts lessons proved so popular that locals in her small town of 5,000 began asking her for classes.
Sep 7, 2010
Cover Yourself
We were gone a week and there were changes. The stay of layoffs and cutbacks hitting everywhere eventually caught up with a little successful business near the top of the heap. Randy's job is still safe, thankfully, but not all were spared.
We said goodbye yesterday to a friend who has owned the vintage State theatre in Woodland for over a decade. The State was one of our first dates; we loved the faded glory of this grand old gal that charged just $5 for first run movies, and bought concessions from Mike in appreciation of that.
So many things to be thankful for.
Take for instance this morning's fender bender. We were getting gas ... had just pulled in to Arco and I was fishing for the credit card ... when an impatient Dodge truck behind us didn't realize the front pump was non-operational ... and tried to squeeze by ... at the precise moment Tim swung open the passenger door to step out ...
We said goodbye yesterday to a friend who has owned the vintage State theatre in Woodland for over a decade. The State was one of our first dates; we loved the faded glory of this grand old gal that charged just $5 for first run movies, and bought concessions from Mike in appreciation of that.
So many things to be thankful for.
Take for instance this morning's fender bender. We were getting gas ... had just pulled in to Arco and I was fishing for the credit card ... when an impatient Dodge truck behind us didn't realize the front pump was non-operational ... and tried to squeeze by ... at the precise moment Tim swung open the passenger door to step out ...
Sep 5, 2010
Readin' Up
Just starting the House of Mirth. But before I do ... let me say ...
Eat Pray Love was a wonderful flick. I am surprised the movie (and book) can't stand as a different perspective on life and its spiritual interpretations without eliciting such a strong reaction. But maybe fine movies do that, no matter which side of the fence you're on, and the discussion that follows is the really meaty stuff worth discussing.
We both enjoyed the movie, the Democrat Cat and Republican Dog, enough to go out the very next day to pick up the book and see it again when there was an opportunity. (For those unfamiliar, it is the story of a woman's miserably failed life and her decision to tackle the issues head-on. The book chronicles her explorative year long journey: four months in Italy, four in India and four in Indonesia, to help her heal.)
Eat Pray Love was a wonderful flick. I am surprised the movie (and book) can't stand as a different perspective on life and its spiritual interpretations without eliciting such a strong reaction. But maybe fine movies do that, no matter which side of the fence you're on, and the discussion that follows is the really meaty stuff worth discussing.
We both enjoyed the movie, the Democrat Cat and Republican Dog, enough to go out the very next day to pick up the book and see it again when there was an opportunity. (For those unfamiliar, it is the story of a woman's miserably failed life and her decision to tackle the issues head-on. The book chronicles her explorative year long journey: four months in Italy, four in India and four in Indonesia, to help her heal.)
Aug 31, 2010
Walkabout
Currently on a walkabout ... will report back to the hive when we return on Saturday. It was a wonderful time. The walkabout turned out to be primarily along the coast from home base to San Luis and back, temps in the 70s and away from the near triple-digits inland.
In Cambria we met Jim the surfer dude turned father and husband turned chiropractor turned world traveler turned innkeeper. He entertained us with great stories of traveling in Turkey for rugs and of his oldest son who bought a round-the-world ticket after he graduated from UC Santa Barbara and met the girl of his dreams in Australia and settled there with a computer engineering firm. We lived in a room in this 19th century inn overlooking a little street of shops and restaurants and had a Cinderella Lladro on a sitting room table. We dined at the Sea Chest, in a dark and business-card-stapled low ceiling of a restaurant just steps from the beach that was bursting with locals and fresh catch items on the menu.
In Cambria we met Jim the surfer dude turned father and husband turned chiropractor turned world traveler turned innkeeper. He entertained us with great stories of traveling in Turkey for rugs and of his oldest son who bought a round-the-world ticket after he graduated from UC Santa Barbara and met the girl of his dreams in Australia and settled there with a computer engineering firm. We lived in a room in this 19th century inn overlooking a little street of shops and restaurants and had a Cinderella Lladro on a sitting room table. We dined at the Sea Chest, in a dark and business-card-stapled low ceiling of a restaurant just steps from the beach that was bursting with locals and fresh catch items on the menu.
Aug 26, 2010
The Tube
Today is about movies, after seeing EPL (Eat Pray Love) again yesterday with a friend. It was even better the second time probably because I'm reading the book, and also for the subtleties you pick up the second time around. I've never understood why people criticize movies made from books, saying it's not like the book, but is it ever? There's no way to transcend the depth and richness of hundreds of pages into a 2.5 hour movie.
But I think EPL came close. It came close the way The Secret Life of Bees came close and Jurassic Park came close, which is to say not close at all but close enough to hit the highlights so the audience experiences the idea of it, the moral of the story. I usually read the book and watch the movie. It nourishes my imagination and fills the gaps in the movie when necessary.
But I think EPL came close. It came close the way The Secret Life of Bees came close and Jurassic Park came close, which is to say not close at all but close enough to hit the highlights so the audience experiences the idea of it, the moral of the story. I usually read the book and watch the movie. It nourishes my imagination and fills the gaps in the movie when necessary.
Aug 25, 2010
Breaking the Record
When I started writing the blog in 2007, that first year there were eighty-six entries. And today marks the eighty-seventh entry for 2010 and it's only August. Here! Here!
It's been healing and good to have a way to express the things that typically don't come up in normal conversation, thoughts and ideas swirling around inside that need somewhere to seep out and root. And although it would have served the same purpose to keep the blog private, there are some who check it out regularly and topics do spring to life from time to time in the form of debates that are lively and fun. I love when that happens.
It's been healing and good to have a way to express the things that typically don't come up in normal conversation, thoughts and ideas swirling around inside that need somewhere to seep out and root. And although it would have served the same purpose to keep the blog private, there are some who check it out regularly and topics do spring to life from time to time in the form of debates that are lively and fun. I love when that happens.
Aug 24, 2010
Turning In, Turning Out
An interesting idea emerged from recent readings, and there is nothing better than a conversation with an author coming to mind as you move through your day doing other things. This author put forth the idea of using one word to name a place or an experience.
At first I thought she meant something similar to naming a child but realized that isn't a good comparison because when you name a child you do it for personal reasons and it doesn't initially mean anything more than a label. A child has to become its name, like Aiyana did for instance, a beautiful little person who blossomed into such sweetness that it made our lives more beautiful. Aiyana's nature was in perfect harmony with her name.
At first I thought she meant something similar to naming a child but realized that isn't a good comparison because when you name a child you do it for personal reasons and it doesn't initially mean anything more than a label. A child has to become its name, like Aiyana did for instance, a beautiful little person who blossomed into such sweetness that it made our lives more beautiful. Aiyana's nature was in perfect harmony with her name.
Aug 23, 2010
Atlantis, Italian Style
I spent yesterday thinking about Venice, most likely because I'm on page 120 of EPL (Eat Pray Love) and the author's experience there was anything but the one we had. She detested the city, pulled from it what she called its sinking melancholy and asserted she wouldn't have gotten off antidepressants as soon if she had decided to live there rather than Rome. 
Well, nuts to that. What she saw as ugly 'peeling and fading facades' we saw as an unbelieveably beautiful and evolving patina of life that has flourished here for centuries. What was scoffed at in its 'tested endurance of this 14th century science experiment' to us was magnificence of seeing an Atlantis that survived.Were there no magical moments for her at the Bridge of Sighs and the joyful casting off of all hope of doing anything but wandering down narrow, deep, impossibly disorganized streets that went deeper into the city than the canals?
Did she not lay in bed with the windows flung open and cool air fluttering the drapes and listen to the sounds of clothes flapping in the wind and the city coming alive? We hopped up on aching calves from hours of walking up and down all the steps and bridges, celebrating in another day of the same. I mourned having to leave Venice.I loved looking into the eyes of the people and seeing no secret truth they keep for themselves when the last light is turned off for the night. Venice is what it is and it makes no claim otherwise. We found that to be incredible.
Aug 20, 2010
the debate
PERSONAL OPINION
ground zero and the cultural center
this is a complicated issue.
it is important to acknowledge that many regard the space on and around ground zero as a cemetery and place of worship for the American people. the crater stands as a testament to the American spirit.
freedom of religion is an important right. but is that what we are really talking about?
ground zero and the cultural center
this is a complicated issue.
it is important to acknowledge that many regard the space on and around ground zero as a cemetery and place of worship for the American people. the crater stands as a testament to the American spirit.
freedom of religion is an important right. but is that what we are really talking about?
The Time Out Chair
PERSONAL OPINION
Americans are hungry and anxious to know what is going on. They want to understand what all of it means and how to participate in the healing process. And it is obvious even more now than ever, that unbiased and accurate news is hard to find.
Why is it the battles in congress aren't televised where we can see how some of our representatives stand up and pound their fists on the podium in protest for spending money we don't have? It would be good for us to know who toils endlessly on our behalf, to push for forced restrictions on the rogue wall street and banking industries.
Maybe we would be better voters. Maybe with better outcomes. Maybe not need those signs on our lawns that say 'Nov 2010: Throw The Bums Out.'
Americans are hungry and anxious to know what is going on. They want to understand what all of it means and how to participate in the healing process. And it is obvious even more now than ever, that unbiased and accurate news is hard to find.
Why is it the battles in congress aren't televised where we can see how some of our representatives stand up and pound their fists on the podium in protest for spending money we don't have? It would be good for us to know who toils endlessly on our behalf, to push for forced restrictions on the rogue wall street and banking industries.
Maybe we would be better voters. Maybe with better outcomes. Maybe not need those signs on our lawns that say 'Nov 2010: Throw The Bums Out.'
Aug 18, 2010
Sense of Direction
We saw Eat Pray Love at the first showing on the first day. It was refreshing to leave the theatre not having been killed by something, assaulted by bad language, or exhaused from sex. Even Rman liked it, and for a chick-genre movie, that's a good report. I picked up the book at Costco and am on page 38. Holy cow, this is my kind of movie.
It's interesting when a movie resonates with how people think and the limits they put on themselves. I can't refer to everybody obviously because I only know a few thousand well enough to understand who is on the same wave length and when they struggle with intimacy and fulfillment. Am I crazy here to think that men typically don't live in that space in their head that holds them back from risks and dreaming big in every direction?
It's interesting when a movie resonates with how people think and the limits they put on themselves. I can't refer to everybody obviously because I only know a few thousand well enough to understand who is on the same wave length and when they struggle with intimacy and fulfillment. Am I crazy here to think that men typically don't live in that space in their head that holds them back from risks and dreaming big in every direction?
Aug 5, 2010
Portion Control
I've been learning how to cook. I know! It's exciting for me, too.
I have known for a long time that more wholesome, natural foods are better in countless ways but lacked the discipline to follow through. But recently I've picked up some books on nutrition and all the benefits of staying away from refined and processed foods, and I am a convert. It's time to take action to improve our health and well being, and to feel younger and stronger. Friends are having serious health issues and the healthy lifestyle is no longer an option.
So we are onto healthy and leaner, better quality food that deserves to be prepared well. Giana and Ina and the Neelys spend afternoons with me at the gym. Menus are explained and techniques are modeled as they prepare all sorts of dishes that help me focus away from the treadmill and onto menu ideas. It's ironic, but it works.
It is very cool that they explain why the ingredients blend together and how marinades and seasonings should be paired. There are all sorts of shortcuts and tips, like cutting raw bacon with a kitchen shears, or why a gazpacho is better when it is not completely pureed, or the best way to extract the flavor from herbs.
Recipes are right on the web for things like the best St. Louis ribs this side of ... St. Louis, and heavenly mac and cheese. There is feedback, too, from the you-n-me's who have tried the recipes, made substitutions and recommendations. Sometimes the recipes tank but you hear about that, too.
You know I really thought if you have a couple of signature dishes you do well, and a great dessert, you're good to go (kind of like having a little black dress for any occasion). But learning how to cook a lot of different things well, with a great variety, helps the time on the treadmill whiz by and now the boys come home with a curiosity about what's for dinner.
All that's left to nail down is portion control. God help me.
I have known for a long time that more wholesome, natural foods are better in countless ways but lacked the discipline to follow through. But recently I've picked up some books on nutrition and all the benefits of staying away from refined and processed foods, and I am a convert. It's time to take action to improve our health and well being, and to feel younger and stronger. Friends are having serious health issues and the healthy lifestyle is no longer an option.
So we are onto healthy and leaner, better quality food that deserves to be prepared well. Giana and Ina and the Neelys spend afternoons with me at the gym. Menus are explained and techniques are modeled as they prepare all sorts of dishes that help me focus away from the treadmill and onto menu ideas. It's ironic, but it works.
It is very cool that they explain why the ingredients blend together and how marinades and seasonings should be paired. There are all sorts of shortcuts and tips, like cutting raw bacon with a kitchen shears, or why a gazpacho is better when it is not completely pureed, or the best way to extract the flavor from herbs.
Recipes are right on the web for things like the best St. Louis ribs this side of ... St. Louis, and heavenly mac and cheese. There is feedback, too, from the you-n-me's who have tried the recipes, made substitutions and recommendations. Sometimes the recipes tank but you hear about that, too.
You know I really thought if you have a couple of signature dishes you do well, and a great dessert, you're good to go (kind of like having a little black dress for any occasion). But learning how to cook a lot of different things well, with a great variety, helps the time on the treadmill whiz by and now the boys come home with a curiosity about what's for dinner.
All that's left to nail down is portion control. God help me.
Aug 3, 2010
Jul 27, 2010
Power to the People
I've been absorbed in this house/loan/what-to-do issue and, after discovering free financial spreadsheets to personalize, I have math whiz powers. No, really.
It was superfun. The 2010 spreadsheet is currently a complicated series of categories that explain how we spend and on what. It sprang to life over days and days of pulling information from who-knows-where and adjusting it so it reflects what we do. And for a second I sat back with a satisfied smile and lorded over all the subcategories with vertical and horizontal totals and interconnected worksheets.
It was superfun. The 2010 spreadsheet is currently a complicated series of categories that explain how we spend and on what. It sprang to life over days and days of pulling information from who-knows-where and adjusting it so it reflects what we do. And for a second I sat back with a satisfied smile and lorded over all the subcategories with vertical and horizontal totals and interconnected worksheets.
Jul 12, 2010
Hang Onto That Hat
Well the news is in, and it's not so good. The home appraisal, the one we knew would come in so we could refi and get out from under this terrible-awful-no-good-very-bad loan came in. Really low. Too low. So low in fact that we wondered what exactly was wrong with the appraiser. Did she miss the beautiful carpets and the remodeled kitchen and bathroom and yummy pool?
Not only that. The comps she used were for unimproved homes in the neighborhood and all of them currently underpriced and on the market in foreclosure. Have you heard of such a thing?
Not only that. The comps she used were for unimproved homes in the neighborhood and all of them currently underpriced and on the market in foreclosure. Have you heard of such a thing?
Jul 8, 2010
99 Weeks
IN THE NEWS: "On Wednesday, June 30, the United States Senate rejected a bill that would extend the expired unemployment benefits that have been keeping approximately 1.2 million unemployed Americans afloat. Known as "99ers" (which refers to those who have received 99 weeks of unemployment checks), many are desperate to work but cannot find a job."
Need Washing?
There is an Inspirational internet story to share. Hope you enjoy it. (Anonymous)
"A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
"A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.
Jul 6, 2010
Our Little Part
Saturday was a beautiful day and Steve and Barbara were over. As we were moving lunch to the outside table, there was a hawk sitting under the awning right by our door. It startled us; it startled him, and he flew up to the umbrella and kept looking at us.
We never see hawks around here and couldn't figure out what would motivate him to go so close to the house. Eventually he flew to a distant tree and then went elsewhere. And about an hour later when we watered the plants we discovered a little Dove huddled behind one of the planters, and she rushed out and over the fence to safety.
Last year the Blue Jays got one of the nests under our awning, so we were glad to see she made it out okay. Pretty smart bird (she let us run interference).
We never see hawks around here and couldn't figure out what would motivate him to go so close to the house. Eventually he flew to a distant tree and then went elsewhere. And about an hour later when we watered the plants we discovered a little Dove huddled behind one of the planters, and she rushed out and over the fence to safety.
Last year the Blue Jays got one of the nests under our awning, so we were glad to see she made it out okay. Pretty smart bird (she let us run interference).
pH for the Soul
I've been studying up on pH in our bodies and ordered a couple of books. It's fascinating to think about the relationship between pH and good health and how foods can help overall health, strength, endurance and longevity.
Did you happen to catch Stephen Colbert last week when he interviewed Nicholas Carr about his new book The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains. (??) It is one of a body of emerging works about the molecular changes that occur in our brains by being bombarded by a vast amount of superficial details. It will be interesting to read how he proves the thesis that prolonged exposure to such fast-paced technology damages our long-term cognitive, social and introspective brain functions.
Did you happen to catch Stephen Colbert last week when he interviewed Nicholas Carr about his new book The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains. (??) It is one of a body of emerging works about the molecular changes that occur in our brains by being bombarded by a vast amount of superficial details. It will be interesting to read how he proves the thesis that prolonged exposure to such fast-paced technology damages our long-term cognitive, social and introspective brain functions.
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