contemplations and decisions

Anticipating the future is sometimes comparable to expect a root-canal or an operation. Knowing it will improve your life doesn't necessarily make it more appealing or favorable.

This is perhaps when stronger men and women than me speak of bravery, faith and forging ahead.. however I don't share those virtues or qualities of an obvious hero... The unlikely, reluctant, stumble-into-and-it-works-out-in-the-end kind of anti hero is more me..

So what to do then... when plans needs to be made, decisions need to be settled upon, and heart, might and mind wont come together and agree... and there's no heroic characteristic to be found in oneself....

For me, it's not the "big" things I have a hard time fighting for.... it's the small "maybe"'s that I have a hard time with... and for someone who is as stubborn as I am, it is quite impressive really, how "flip-floppy" I can be!!!!

midsummer's eve

This afternoon finds me doing one of my favorite past-times... reading a book, under a tree, in a warm Central Park, on a lovely summer's eve.

A few yards away, a theater troupe is going through sword fights, and readings... then start practicing Henry the V for a performance (or so I presume.).. Across the way, some children are playing on a large rock, whilst horses hooves and bike bells jingle softly in the background.

It is summer in Central Park.

Others hasten by, to or from work, there are your typical tourists and families out to enjoy a nice summers eve, and people walking their dogs... but I find comfort in my pages, and the birds chatter around me. Though the theatre troupe intrigues me and catches my attention as well....

This is bliss... 

This is "that men might have joy" And in this moment.. I have joy. I am content.

As the sun sets behind the horizon (aka. as the high buildings along the Hudson), we will all move on to our various destinations... but in this moment, we are one. We are together. And in cold winter eves I will remember this moment. This snapshot of a summer in New York. 

NB. Thanks to Tom Hiddleston and his truly amazing and awesome performance, I am now intimately familiar with Henry V. And also now have the ability to truly enjoy the performance before me.. THANK YOU Hal (aka. Mister Hiddleston)

The most beautiful ride I've ever taken...

someone posed this question to me a while ago, and the first thing that came to my mind was the train trip from NYC to SLC three years ago, through the Virginias, Kentucky, cutting the corner of Ohio and into Indiana before stopping briefly in Chicago for the second leg of the trip which counts a westward journey through the Midwest and all it's glory..

Heading out, south of New York City into New Jersey on to DC early in the morning, I got some great "raising sun" moments and views, but the sun rising above the gorgeous Botanical Gardens and the Smithsonian institute was just amazing...

The trip offered unforgettable views of the Southeast's stunning natural beauty. I got to see gently rolling horse country, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the wild white-water rivers of West Virginia as they can only be seen by train. Heading westward, the train rolls along the banks of the mighty Ohio River — from the quaint towns of Ashland and Maysville, to the skyline of Cincinnati. From there, my journey continued to Indianapolis, and then northward to Chicago.

Part two was on AmTrak's California Zephyr.. Experienced travelers say the Zephyr is one of the most beautiful train trips in all of North America. As you climb through the heart of the Rockies, and further west through the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas, you may find it hard to disagree.

The Zephyr runs daily between Chicago and San Francisco, coursing through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco.

Scenic highlights include:

• Rocky Mountains
• Sierra Nevadas
• Moffat Tunnel
• Colorado's Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons
• Winter Park

I have taken the train between SLC and NYC a total of three times now, and it is far and beyond my favorite way of traveling!!! I would encourage EVERYONE to take a train trip even if it isn't all the way cross country, go travel, explore this gorgeous country and meet some of these fantastic people who inhabit it and makes it so great!!

Home is....

where your heart is... or so the saying goes at any rate...

For the past two months or so, my heart and my home has been in chaos and upheaval... but as of two weeks ago, I found a new place to make my home, and my heart and mind have been able to settle down again.

It is incredibly stressful to not have a space of one's own.. Upsetting in so many ways, mentally, emotionally and not to mention physically... there is something really powerful in having one's own space... even if it is as small as a locker or something bigger like a house.

So once the moving dust has settled and my boxes have been unpacked or stored away... I know a huge sigh of relief will escape me... it's already started with small bubbles of joy (a cubby for my art boxes, a genius way of creating extra storage in a "wasted" space)..

Home is where my heart is again...

Winter in NYC

We didn't have hardly any snow this winter here in the Big Apple, but in the beginning of February, we did have a fantastic great snowstorm that dumped enough snow even to make it last for two days!!!

I was "dog-sitting" for some friends who went to India for a wedding, and the pooch and I had fun in the snow....

This is Lenny... not looking too excited,
but believe me, HE WAS!!!!

Lenny with some of his favorite friends!

A few skiers were out as well (made me feel quite at home! LoL)

They had so much fun these guys, it was hilarious to watch!

Smelling the snow before eating it... always a good rule to stick by!!

Creativity Burst

Someone else's bag that I used for inspiration

I've had some time on my hands this winter, and something I've gotten into these past months are these awesome "patchwork quilt tote bags"... which basically is a bunch of squares sewn or embroidered (by hand) with different items within a "theme", and then one attaches all these squares and make a bag/tote.

It's awesome because one can do so many things within a theme, and no one bag will ever be the same...

Being the geek that I am, and having the geeky friends that I do, I've worked on three of these "patch-totes" this winter....

One bag's theme was Marvel/Avenger's Loki (a comic book figure made popular by a few action movies the past few years, and his gorgeous British portrayer; Tom Hiddleston)

The two other bags were Doctor Who themed.
Doctor Who is a British Family oriented Science Fiction show, that has run for over 60 years and have seen an upsurge of popularity lately. Since it's been running so long there are a lot of characters, items and phrases to choose from, so by far I think that's made these the easiest ones to pick squares for...

Following are some photos of these projects in various stages... I'm not just a little proud of them, I'll admit!!

"Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey Stuff"
is a phrase from Doctor Who

Rose Tyler is a character from Doctor Who

A very creepy Angel!!! A monster on Doctor Who

This is called a Dalek, it is a monster on DW

A take on exploding stars, kind of like Van Gogh

Gallifrey, an alien planet
also from Doctor Who

parts of The first bag, Loki themed

And last, but not least, for Christmas I made some rather cute (I thought at any rate) bead snowflake ornaments...

For Ann, with Love ;)

It's been a cold and rotten awful winter for this Norskie here in the Big Apple and I've been sick more times and ways I care to count.... Therefore my poor blog has suffered as result, because honestly, how many blog posts about sickness, and coughing and snot can one handle? I mean I got bored even trying to compose them... so, here's to a happy new season, SPRING!!! (though it also brings it's own challenges *achoo* *sniffle*)

So to sum it up: Winter = a lot of illness

Job-wise, I have yet to find a new full-time position, and it's starting to get dire. But I charge on, and send out as many inquires and resumes as I can. I am lucky to have great friends in my church who hire me to babysit occasionally so I've been able to scrape by so far... Hopefully something will give soon though, and the perfect fit will come through..

My darling Primary children have been sorely missed through the time when I've been sick, so that is another area I am looking forward to getting back to. It is surprising to me how gratifying it is to be in Nursery, even though we have a huge group of kids (so big we've had to divide into two groups)

Even "star-catching" has been low this winter, though they did film parts of an episode of Elementary up the street from my house and I was able to renew a friendship made last summer with some crew members. I didn't get up close to the two "main" stars, (Lucy Liu and Johnny Lee Miller) but was able to watch them film a scene inside the building... Exciting stuff, though I sorely missed my sweet friend, Areum, whom I went "star-catching" with all last year..
(FYI: Elementary is a modern take on Sherlock Holmes set in our day, and usually runs on CBS)

So there's the latest from me for now, hopefully this is me, "back in the saddle again" as the song goes... xoxoxo

One of my favorite (so called) reality shows have for many years been NBC's "The Biggest Loser". As someone who's had weight and self worth issues almost her entire life, it's been inspiring to me to travel on this journey with these amazing and inspiring people. A new season just started, and the toughest trainer is back... Gillian (just the name sends a shiver down my spine...)
As I am watching the first episode of the new season, a thought occurs to me... I could never do this, because I will ALWAYS take the least painful, easiest, non emotional way out of a situation... These people are truly amazing to stick with it... I'd never last a day!!!! So as I contemplate how I react to situations, and ponder on why [that] is and, if I want to/how to change it... I'll just give a shout-out to those people who stare challenge in the face and strive on... You are my hero's!!!!

Now when it comes down to courage, I know that it is a many layered "onion" (lol) and it comes out for people in different ways, at different times and in different situations... and I'm sure I can philosophize on that subject many many times and come to a variety of answers... and I'm sure cleverer people than me have... but for this moment in time... I had a tiny light-bulb-moment...

New-York'alicious!!!

Today I'm grateful to live in a city which has so much going on and so many things to experience, and many of them for very little money. :)

Antibiotic cure 2.0

I've started another cure of Antibiotics to get rid of the pneumonia. My doc gave me a prescription and this time it'll "hit" both the lungs and the sinuses.... so hopefully I will be able to get well before the Christmas Holidays! (I am SO SO SO thankful for modern medicine!!!!)

In other news, tomorrow I'm going to head over to see them fill the air in the balloons in prep for the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with some friends! Pictures to come!!! This is a New York Tradition kind of like the parade itself... and New Years Eve in Times Square (though that one is one I have purposely skipped due to crowds, weather and lack of sanitation!!!) Last time I spent TG here in the city I didn't go to see them fill the balloons so I am glad I get to go this time. :)

For the beauty of the earth....

Thankful day... erm... (oops)

The little things in life, like a child looking at you and knowing you. Loving you for being... well YOU...

Good friends, friends that are like soul "twins" or kindred spirits... Friends that by a mere look or touch can uplift and sustain you.

The colour GREEN!!!!

Stories

Once upon a time... There once was a [fill in the blank].... East of the Sun and West of the Moon... In a Land far far away, in a time Long Long ago.... It is a truth universally acknowledged... It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times.....

There are many ways to end a story... and even more ways to end them... but a good story captures your attention and holds it in it's grasp right until the last punctuation mark....

Today I am grateful for stories, great stories that are told, that last through time and place, that brings out emotions, Inspirational anecdotes, challenges our views and our opinions. Stories of love lost, love gained and eternal friendships. Swashbuckling Pirates, Brave Heroes, Sad Heroines, Comedic characters... you name it... :)

This posting was brought to you through inspiration from the latest movie version of Anna Karenina!

Fall Foliage

 While visiting a dear friend in Yonkers, I took the opportunity to get some pictures of the gorgeous fall colors and the gorgeous weather we had. We took the kids to the park and enjoyed the crisp and fresh air and the sunshine…

I am thankful for my five senses... though they're not all operating at full or perfect capacity... I am grateful that I have them, and thereby be able to enjoy life, and all the beauty in and of the earth... My taste-buds are slowly coming back, and it's been incredible to discover them again.. after six weeks of illness... another step on the uphill latter.. (if that's even the correct idiom... lol) 

Thankful Day 12

I am grateful for the friendliness of my neighbors. I met two new friends from Brazil at the Chinese place. The two guys just moved here, and asked my opinion on places to eat in the neighborhood.. places that didn't help them "put on the pounds" like the bodega's with their sandwiches... (*giggle*)

A little further down the road, I passed a cute little old lady (she looked like she'd grown out of the walls of the townhouses, like she was the neighborhood), and she walked me down the block. Or, I walked her down the block, (to tell the truth I am not sure which, *giggle*)

It is moments and encounters like this that colour and delight my little "world" here in Harlem.. and I am grateful for them... :) because they make my life rich and wonderful!!

Nursery lesson

Today was my turn to teach the lesson in Nursery. I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, because we have some really hyper kids who have issues sitting still and/or paying attention...so I decided to make up my own lesson. I based it on the song "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" and here is my lesson: (though in actuality it got even more abbreviated)

 Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam

Doctrine and Covenants 88: 7 

This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

The Lord helped make the sun. (show picture of the sun, let one child hold it, next to me)

This is a very important gift he has given us. Not only does the sun keep us warm, grow our food, and give us light it also gives our earth life. The sun gives allot of service to the earth. In this lesson we will learn some of the many ways the sun serves us.

The sun makes the seasons. (Show pix of the seasons)

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

The sun makes the rain. (show picture of rain, make "rain" hand gestures)

The sun sends out allot of heat, this heat helps the earth in many ways. The sun warms the water on the earth and makes rain.

The sun makes the wind and the waves. (show pix, make waves w hands)

The heat from the sun also warms the air around the earth and the ground of the earth. When the wind hits water it pushes the water in front of it, if the wind is large enough it can cause some beautiful waves.

The sun makes rainbows. (Show pic of Rainbow)

The sun gives us allot of gifts. All of these gifts are important to the earth. The sun helps the earth have seasons, wind, rain, rainbows, and many other things. I am thankful for all the gifts the sun gives to me.

How can you be like the sun? (ask kids)

What gifts can you give to others? How can you help others? What are your talents? How can you share your talents with others? (this part might be too hard for the age-group)

I know you have a lot of ways you can help and give to others. I know that when you service you earn happiness back. I know that giving, helping others, and service is important. The more you give the more you will feel happy. Giving is a magic way of making everything better. Like the sun, everything around the sun is improved because of all it gives. You can be a sunbeam by giving to others like the sun gives to you.

Sing "Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam"

Physical Activity: Color paper plates, adults cut out middle for little "masks" or "halo's" for kids to use as  they become little "suns"  :)

_________________________________________________________________________________

Mostly the lesson/activity went well... The kids did not sit much still, nor pay much attention... but it's a work in progress, and at least I think they felt like they were participating, and they all enjoyed being little
"suns". 

And my goal really was for the kids to remember this lesson when they got home, which I think they did... (I hope)

Season End

My poor little firescape garden took a bit of a whopping from the Frankenstorm we had here in NYC, I lost a couple of (mostly) dead plants, and many of the others wilted or drowned. And the squirrels have been back kicking up the soil and gnawing on the roots... (Grrrrrrr)

A few days ago however, I had a welcomed visitor!!! The guy below was too scared however and didn't sit still long enough for me to catch a picture, so I had to borrow this one.

So my mint is probably the only plant that will survive the winter, the elements and those nasty furries, but, that's okay I think!!

Update: I am thankful for nature, even just the tiny little piece of it that I have on my balcony, and the beauty and diversity of birds, animals and nature.

Thankful catch up! ;)

• A well stocked Public Library that provided me with enough books and dvd's to last me through the big storm! 
• The sun, after the storm that warms and reminds me that the clouds are only temporary... And the rain for bringing life giving water to plants and animals, and us humans... 
• my Crockpot!! It seriously is one of my favorite modern inventions... and it makes my apartment smell delicious all the while cooking me my delicious meal!! And a crockpot meal can stretch reeeeally far!!!! 
• Church, my belief, my faith... and my friends big and small... though the small ones are particularly special and dear to me when they come and give me BIG hugs (and/or slobbery kisses)
• DRUGS - the legal kind that comes from Doctors' offices... lol... I'm finally getting some help with the Bronchitis, and am grateful for it!!!
• my super awesome friend and VT whom I'm just getting to know, but is so generous and concerned for me that I can only humbly thank the Lord for having put her in my life (she's also the one who brought me the antibiotics)
• a winter coat ensemble for snowy cold NYC winters (especially on a cold-rain, snowy day like yesterday), my "ensemble" includes scarves, hats and gloves... 
• the internet which connects me to friends and family far and wide, provides me with entertainment, and  is a source of knowledge!

urch sickness

I have been sick with Bronchitis the past three weeks, preceded by a week or so with a horrid cold, it's not been a super fun past month for me, but these past few I've just had so many blessings and moments of divine touches in my life, so I thought I'd join the "flock" and do the whole "thankful-game" (or whatever one calls it)... I debated doing it on Facebook, but then I felt that it would be more personal for me to do it on the blog, in addition to giving me something to blog, so.... I've decided to do a daily "snippet" of "I am thankful for [fill in the blank]"
The rules I'm setting for myself is: I can only miss one day per week, and I will do it until Thanksgiving or the Sunday following.
Today I will post one longer "catch up" but from tomorrow it'll be daily.. (I hope!)

It can't hurt to be a little more grateful, and to be open about my gratitude... of course all the honor and glory goes to my Father in Heaven, and it is to Him I direct my thoughts and feelings more than any others.

apple picking fun!!

believe it or not, it WAS a fun trip!!!