Lent

/lɛnt/ Show Spelled PronunciatioLent • [lent]
noun (in the Christian religion) an annual season of fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasting 40 weekdays to Easter, observed by Roman Catholic, Anglican, and certain other churches.

Today is the start of Lent, Ash Wednesday.

The other day on NPR they asked people to email in what they were giving up for Lent. Since I was on the computer I easily shot off a short simple email. The next day I received an email back asking if they could call me and record me for the show. My first thought was, "no way." I am just too shy for that sort of thing and I really, really don't like the phone. But I thought about it for a bit and decided that I couldn't pass up a chance to be on the radio, let alone NPR! So, that is how I ended up on the "Day to Day" show today saying that I was giving up sugar for Lent and that Justin was adding daily morning walks. They classified us under those who wanted "self-improvement," which is correct, I guess, but we really are not using Lent as a diet. It's a means for reminder, reflection, and meditation.

Since I wrote the email I've thought a little bit more about Lent. I think I will still work on the sugar thing, I think the cravings will be a strong reminder, but I also want to add 15 minutes a day of prayer and meditation (this could include: yoga, walking, sitting in silence, being outside). On top of that, Justin and I are going to look for a book on Lent at the library today. We hope to learn a little...

Here is a song I associate with this season... Go here and scroll down to "Prince of Peace." (It's by our friends Jubilee Singers {formerly: No Little Kindness})

Commence the season of Lent!

Turnips and Radishes

The garden has begun. It's exciting to watch the little sprouts grow. We have high plans for our garden so hopefully I will have some updates on our progress throughout the spring. What we got planned: turnips, radishes, tomatoes, cilantro, parsley, mint, yellow peppers, jalapeno peppers, carrots, beans, snap peas, okra, beets, eggplant, zucchini, squash - and others that I am forgetting...

We were able to use our first batch of compost too! It didn't take long at all. I think the tire tower method works fast, you just need to "turn" it often. Anyway, maybe I will post some photos of that later as well.

Jen & Charles

My first engagement shoot. Thank you Jen & Charles, for trusting me with such an important event! Aren't they beautiful?
I will be posting more of them on flickr soon.

A shoot between the rain

I had my second photo shoot with my new camera last week (first one here). I get to photograph these kiddos often, but this last time was my favorite ... the new camera makes all the difference. The occasion = 6th birthday!

It's a Happy Monday

Today:

I slept in
Ate breakfast by the fire
Roasted some root vegetables from our CSA box and made soup
Did some yoga in my room and drank tea
Took some photos around the house
Watched My Fair Lady

I love rainy days off.

Happy Love Day

this week's five senses

see.
the real food daily cookbook
this video (thanks Cait)
snow on mt. wilson
a black widow IN MY CAR

hear.
tom jones take away show
rain, rain, rain
yeasayer


taste.
homemade refried pinto beans
vegan chocolate cake
grandma's guacamole
homemade beer
audrey's butternut squash soup


smell.
smoke from the chimney
shea butter lotion
egyptian princess oil
compost


feel.
cold sheets
oscar slobber
fireplace warmth

My View for the Last 5 Days

But I am feeling much better now.

Salton Sea

The Salton Sea ... the post-apocalyptic sea of the desert. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I want to. The Salton Sea is fascinating! Not only because of the fact that it is a land-locked salt sea that was mostly filled by a human error/flood and is home to one the largest populations of migrating birds... but culturally, it is a cove for the interesting, the outcast, the hermits, the poor, the eccentric, the vagabonds, those who choose to be there, those who can't get out.

There are so many things to see there: the mud pots, Slab City, Salvation Mountain, Bombay Beach, the hot springs, Sunny Bono Nature reserve... We only had time for Salvation Mountain and the sea when we were there... and that is why, we are going back in a few weeks.

Joshua Tree

I am finally getting around to this part of our trip last weekend. Before we headed out to Salvation Mountain, we set up camp in Joshua Tree. I never thought I would love the desert, but I do, its incredible. To get to Salvation Mountain we drove through the whole of Joshua Tree. We passed a Cholla Patch that looked like a space land filled with fuzzy aliens, and the Ocotillo Patch, which looked like an underwater scene of tall seaweed. Unfortunately, we were running late when we passed through these areas so we didn't have time to stop for photos - only photos through the car window ... and on the way back it was dark. Breaks... my... heart!

God is Love

If you have seen Into the Wild then you know about Salvation Mountain, and it's creator, Leonard.

We went to visit Leonard this weekend, he is an incredible person - so full of love and life. He genuinely likes everyone, and really wants to share his mountain with everyone. He has a message that is very simple (he made it clear to us that his message is SIMPLE): "God is Love".