A look back...

As usual, time has run away with itself and I have been remiss about blogging but never fear my dedicated followers... I am here for an update.

Adoptiversary...

On November 30, 2012, our dear Milo celebrated his three year adoptiversary!  Let's take a trip down memory lane in honor of this momentous occasion shall we?

Forever the sun bather...happy boy.

Just before Thanksgiving in 2009, we had the pleasure of fostering a chihuahua named Chance who was said to be about 10 years old.  He had already been in the program for 6 months as he needed rehabilitation (he was a vicious little thing... all out of fear of course).  So we took him in.  Then a week later, he went to a vet appointment and they determined whatever was wrong with his back legs was so bad and that he was in so much pain that he should be put down.  Moral dilemma time...  This dog had been so happy, it sure didn't seem like he needed to be put down!  And let's be honest, he had worked his way into our hearts.  So, since he had such a troubled past and was a cripple, he had no other option but to be adopted by us.  After much soul searching about how we would deal with an aging dog and all the problems that go along with that, we decided to adopt him.  Since then, he has changed his name to Rudy, and then to Milo after both families got animals that were named Rudy/Ruby.  He has been a happy guy ever since and I couldn't imagine life without this cutie.

On the beach, one of our favorite places.

Chillaxin at Magnuson

Christmas cutie last year in San Francisco at auntie's.

Dreaming in Latin...

One of my newfound favorites: Azara mycrophylla 'Variegata' or variegated boxleaf azara

Last quarter was my first step towards my future career in the horticulture field.  I just took a couple classes as that was all I can afford but I loved every bit of it!  My favorite class was Broadleaf Identification.  In this class you learn to identify a ton of broadleaf evergreen plants by sight as well as learning about the plant and environment it best grows in.  I tell you what, knowledge is so much fun.  We had to memorize hundreds of plants by their common name as well as their Latin scientific name.  By the end of the quarter, as sick as it sounds, I was falling asleep and waking up reciting Latin words in my head as I tried to memorize them all.  It was rather amusing and I'm sure, like so many spouses who have partners in school, Shane was totally sick of me walking by a plant and blurting out names.  I really tried to wrangle in my Latin turrets-like outbursts but it's just so much fun being able to identify SO MUCH out there. You just feel smart.  And I am finally satisfying an endless curiosity I've had for forever, always walking around going "what is that plant?"  Love it... thoroughly.  And the grades reflect my admiration!

Christmas

This year we went to Neah Bay to Shane's family for Christmas.  To set the scene, we drove into the bay late at night and were welcomed with beautiful lights on all the town's buildings.  And as it was the day the world was supposed to end, I can't imagine a better place to go than that beautiful remote town :)

So growing up I learned how to wrap presents from my mother, the resident genius of gift-wrapping.  So when we go to Neah Bay for Christmas surrounded by many families... I get swept up in gift wrapping that inevitably goes through 3 AM.  Two nights of that for 2 families, then getting up early to watch Shane's little sister open gifts (tear tear as the ripped paper falls to the ground) then proceed to two brunches and a dinner.  I tell you what, having kids is exhausting and I'm so glad that right now I only have the furry kind:)

But we had lots of good visiting with Shane's family including our nephew as we gifted him a Christmas sweater, one of many ugly sweaters to come:) 

Ryland Isaiah

So for now, I'm enjoying our last few days before school starts.  I think it was easier when I was juggling school and work full time... this end of the year planning at our law firm to help all the rich people avoid taxes is exhausting!  When times get tough, I set off into dreamland and imagine a nice getaway at a snowy chalet, complete with sweetheart, furkids, cocoa and a nice non-textbook book.  

Happy New Year to everyone!

Vote of a Lifetime

In a week's time, Washington will be voting on Referendum 74, a bill that if passed will legalize same-sex marriage. I'm not sure where your vote lies, but in case you are still on the fence about it or wonder if your decision is best for Washington, I would like to share some thoughts and stories that may make a difference.

Marriage for same-sex couples is first off an emotional issue that is close to the heart.  Most of us grow up with role models who are married and then typically hold the institution of marriage in high esteem.  It is a legalized bond that makes things "official", a bond that we as a society see as the highest level of commitment.  Most of us hold marriage as the "industry standard" of relationship definitions.  And some of us go our whole lives dreaming of that special someone who we will find, choose to spend the rest of our lives with, and then make that special commitment to.  I believe everyone should be able to proclaim their love, regardless of sexual orientation, in this way.

Marriage also offers certain rights that many married couples take for granted.  I would like to share some stories with you from some of my friends.  The first is from my friend Barb who is in the Seattle Women's Chorus with me.  Listen to her story about how she lost her daughter...

The second story is from a friend of mine named Erin who also sings with the Seattle Women's Chorus.  Listen to her story and how the laws have affected her ability to get life-saving treatment for her leukemia...

And last but certainly not least is my friend Amber.  She and her partner decided to expand their family earlier this year.  Their bundle of joy was originally due on November 10th but decided to make an early appearance on August 14th... just 27 weeks gestation.  The sad truth is that because her partner is not the biological mom, she currently has no legal right to the child if anything were to happen to Amber.  And as their baby Cedar has remained in the NICU since birth (and is projected to stay there through the holidays), this means Amber has to stay by her baby as she is the only one who can make decisions for her and can legally claim her.  You can read about her journey on her blog.  Here's her post summing up the issues and how marriage equality affects her family.

http://ourlittlecedarsapling.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/vote-for-love/

There are so many reasons why marriage equality is so necessary.  Similar to the civil rights struggle of African Americans, it is time we fight for basic human rights for all within our society.  Same-sex couples should have the same rights and responsibilities that come with marriage and also the protections that are provided under marriage.  And just as Barb said, even if this story doesn't directly affect you right now, it may affect a friend or possibly in the future one of your children.  We have the opportunity to positively change lives for the good.  Feel free to post this blog or any of my friends' stories on social networking sites.  Let's all share our stories.  Please join me in support of Referendum 74 as we vote next week.  Let's support marriage equality and end the discrimination.

An Education for Ms. Hendricks

Christina Hendricks

This beauty is Ms. Christina Hendricks, an actress primarily known for her work on the television series Mad Men.  She obviously has a fuller figure that many women and men would kill for.  Although she hasn't said what her exact clothing size is, it has been speculated she's anywhere between a size 10 and 14.  According to the fashion industry, the term "full figured" is considered to be anywhere between a size 10-14, depending on the year.  So this seemingly healthy and beautiful woman would be considered full-figured by the fashion industry's standards.  With such beauty, why is it that she is not positively identifying with the term "full-figured"?

Hendricks Interview - Don't Call Me "Full-Figured"

I am offended, I must admit, and am still speechless about her comment.  Amid my shock at her comment, I searched around for solidarity in the shock at her comment and couldn't find any.  Being of a fuller figure is nothing to be ashamed about.  In fact, for some people it is actually more healthy. For years, we have grown up being bombarded by imagery and a society that glorifies being thin.  They slam celebrities who have recently gained weight, put pressure and media coverage on celebrities who are needing to or are actively losing weight and then show us pictures of frail women who are deified as society's ideal.  Is there ever a question about each person's health?  Do we question what it takes for extra-thin models to maintain that frame?  No, we just assume that thin people are healthy and fat people are not.  And from there we associate thin with good and fat with bad.  This is unacceptable.

Let's take a moment to look at some full-figure action...

This is Ragen Chastain.  She is a self-described dancer, choreographer, writer, speaker and fat person.  Her blog is eye-opening... check it out... Blog - Dances With Fat 

In her blog, she continually discusses issues that relate to fat people and helps to dispel myths that are fed to us by not only the media but also the healthcare system.  She regularly exercises, is a competitive dancer and leads a very active life.  Be honest, would you assume all that by just looking at her?  Probably not... because you have been taught to believe that because she is fat, she is sitting at home eating potato chips non-stop and watching television.  Thus begins the realization that breaks down our stereotypes...


Meet my personal friend, CJ Legare, the model, actress and genius behind the phenomenon Functional Girl.  She is another full-figured beauty who is happy, healthy and proud of her body.  She has experienced the modeling world and been through terrible ordeals to, at one time, make her body more acceptable to the industry.  She has now come full circle and realizes there is beauty in every size as long as it's healthy.  And now, when she's not acting and modeling, she is a successful businesswoman who makes it her mission in life to inspire women of all types to be the best they can be.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Danaë

Goodness, look at that pose!  Remember seeing paintings like this?  This is from the Baroque era.  This body type was revered and painted over and over again as it was the ideal of the time.  How did we get away from this?  While this woman is clearly enjoying her break from work, most women back in this time worked hard for a living and were not on the couch doing nothing. And this was a real depiction of their body types.  Good, happy, healthy and revered goddesses of their time.  And by golly, they were full-figured!

So, to recap and review, Ms. Hendricks (and all those who share her opinion), I have a few things to say to you.

(Take a moment to picture me sitting across from Christina... as we're so familiar now we're on a first-name basis... holding her hands and getting real.)

My dear, you are what is considered full-figured by industry standards.  Now while I didn't make those standards, I think we can both agree that being "regular"-sized isn't all it's cracked up to be.  I am hoping that when you look in the mirror at your nude body, you think you're stunning because you are and I know I'm not the only woman who is a bit jealous.  Body aside, you are also famous and an amazing actress.  Let's get real... you are in a fairly unique position to be an inspiration to so many.  Not only to the actresses just starting their careers but also to full-figured women of any size.  Your story says, "hey, I may not be up to the industry's standard but I have made a success out of myself!"  Another way to say it is, "I am full-figured woman, hear me roar!".

Christina, what the less-than-tactful-interviewer actually mentioned was that you're an inspiration.  Did you hear that?  I have a feeling you are more of an inspiration that someone like Angeline Jolie.  Who else do full-figured women have to look to?  There are not many role models who have fuller figures so you have that market cornered.  What we ladies see in you is someone who is comfortable in her body and continues to wear beautiful clothing that enhances her figure.  We get that you would rather be seen as an actress instead of a body the reality our exposure to celebrities is often more visual which lends itself to being more often judged on looks.  Don't be offended by that, instead listen to the throngs of women who are jealous of your figure and men who long for it as well.  Take that as a compliment, own it and be proud.  God gave you a full figure and that's okay; it's not rude to state the obvious.  However, it IS rude to deny who you are in front of millions of women who look up to you and are just like you.  We believe in you.  I hope you become more aware of this and choose to begin using your figure to help inspire others instead of hiding behind it.

Desert Girl Memories

After a hellish first week of school while still working full-time, I heard some happy and familiar sounds today on the radio...

BirdNote Podcast - Bird Sounds Transport Us Back

I first heard the sound of the Mourning Dove at the end of the broadcast.  I used to wake up to that sound when I lived in Richland, Washington.  How peaceful.  Then I heard the whole podcast and heard the sound of the California Quail.  Not only did we have those in Richland but we also had them at my grandma's house in the desert in California.  Once again I was transported back...

Apple Valley, California

After living near us in Sunland, California for a while, my grandma decided to build a house and move to Apple Valley, California in the middle of the desert.  My sister Jennie and I had magical times up there as we would often go for weeks at a time.  We woke up late and made breakfast with my grandma. She would let us scramble the eggs and always made sure to butter the toast to the very edge of the bread.  And then we would play outside the whole day.  We ran barefoot in the sand and enjoyed her backyard that had been left in its natural state.  It was beautiful.


I started school this week embarking on a journey into horticulture.  I love it.  It's so awesome to encounter a subject that I feel so in-tune with again... much like music was.  Yesterday in my introduction to landscape design class, our teacher read an excerpt from a book where the author discussed how we as adults miss the little things in landscape.  As D.H. Lawrence said, "what the eye doesn't see and the mind doesn't know, doesn't exist."  So true.  I'm learning to identify broadleaf evergreen plants at the moment and it's amazing how the neighborhood you've walked in all these years comes alive as each new plant you long to know even more than before and you constantly guess at plant names.  The landscape is now more than a bunch of colors and shapes, it is becoming more individualized with each plant.  As adults, I feel like we walk around all the time and don't stop to see the little things, smell the roses. There's so much to see if we just open our eyes.

Taking a moment to go back to a happy place in the midst of all this new stress, it was wonderful to think about my grandma's desert.  There were funny stinkbugs we would see.  At night, the sand was a different temperature than the air and felt neat on your feet.  Sunsets over the valley that we had a view of from her back porch.  Jennie and I had a special call to each other that we would sing over the wind.  And best of all, we spent time with a lady that still inspires me to be the best I can be even though she's no longer physically with us.  What beauty, what wonder.  A nice mental break and a "place" I must remember to visit as life gets more challenging.

A breath...

I have the privilege of singing in the Seattle Women's Chorus.  Aside from the fact that the community of women that gathers is inspiring, it is also amazing to be able to regularly sing in a choir.  So many of us sing as kids but don't take the initiative to find choirs as adults and frankly, life gets in the way.  Beyond the ordinary great things that happen in a choral setting, there are the moments - those musical instance where things click, are spell-binding and usually render you speechless.  We in the music community live for these moments.

As a former conducting student, I'm always amazed at how a slight flick of your hand can make a whole choir breathe or cut off on a note.  Wow.  Or the times when a choir takes the time to get all 150 + voices to sing the exact same vowel and tone so you come as close to one-voice-nirvana as possible.  That's amazing. Last night I was struck by one of these moments.

Breathing, it seems so simple, right?  Out of all the things breathing means, the things I like the most are the peace that pause brings and the anticipation of something that is coming.  That is especially true for breathing within a song.  There's the break from sound and then the anticipation of what sounds, words and harmonies will come next.  Well, last night there was a moment in a song where we all had to stop and breathe together (not always the case in choral music).  (Insert collective sigh.)  To hear that many women and feel those feelings in one instant just renders a girl speechless.  I can live on that moment for a long time.