Happy Valentine's Day Treasures.
Love,
Jill
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Bess's beauty
A friend of mine is becoming a stunning and amazing photographer. I can't help but to post this. It's one of the most prettiest photos of tulips I have ever seen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
everyone needs someone to love
Saw this driving down Granville Street tonight. I thought it would have been more appropriate if he was dragging a bundle of strung up cans behind the truck and if there were a few streamers too. Very happy for the lovely couple. I wonder where they are going on their honeymoon??
Monday, February 11, 2008
rare animal spotted in book store
Note the bushy tail on the rarely spotted teenage hybrid squirrel spotted in Powell's Books in Portland.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
where the queen is green
I like the States when the queen is running fast against the greenback. Makes those silly little purchase of gum and candy all the more easy. Who wants to buy a pack of $2.00 gum. Best of all is hitting the antique shops. Picked up a really great glass storage jar for less than $20 in Olympia Washington. Probably would have cost the same in Canada, but my point being is that it didn't cost MORE.
Speaking of Olympia Washington.. the place has an antique shop bloodclot in the downtown arteries. I'm sensing a serious return to town to clean them out. There also seems to be a disproportionate number of vintage business signs considering the conservative number of diplomatic and religious types roamimg the streets. Who wants to come with me??
Here in Portland, the sun is shining and I hope to return to the scene of one of my favorite photographs...
Speaking of Olympia Washington.. the place has an antique shop bloodclot in the downtown arteries. I'm sensing a serious return to town to clean them out. There also seems to be a disproportionate number of vintage business signs considering the conservative number of diplomatic and religious types roamimg the streets. Who wants to come with me??
Here in Portland, the sun is shining and I hope to return to the scene of one of my favorite photographs...
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
jack could have used this for his beanstalk
There's no point in buying little seedling pots any more and I'm really sorry for the peet moss manufacturers out there that make a killing on them too. Why bother when you can make your own pots out of newspaper. The Paper Potter makes biodegradeable plant pots made out of yesterday cartoon strip and horoscope columns. Think of the fun. Just remember to go a wee bit easy on the watering.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
get yer beads
It's Fat Tuesday otherwise known as Mardi Gras. It's the culmination of feasts and celebrations and the traditional parades of krewes , where you know the way it goes, is as a woman you are encouraged to expose your breasts to collect cheap beads. How this got started has probably got a lot to do with the famous Hurricane Cocktails served along Bourbon Street and one of the famous towns celebrating Mardi Gras.
I've been to New Orleans. I drove there from Calgary, Alberta in a baker's cargo van. It wasn't in February, but instead the sweltering heat of September. We were basically going through Texas and down to the Gulf of Mexico (for reasons to long to mention here). While we were driving around in rural Texas in the bayou's, we all of a sudden found or selves on the other side of the Texas-Louisiana border and off we went to New Orleans. Just like that. I still have the dragonfly that flew in the open window of the van that night. I considered it a sign of some sort. I kept it in a cigar box I picked up in Dallas.
View Larger Map
I took this photo of a swamp that ran on both sides of the highway just outside the city. I was amazed at how surreal it was to drive through that, surrounded on both sides by thick witchy water and god know's what else.
There were odd little gas station that sold alligator heads and paws and things for your gris-gris. A young girl said they had a curfew at certain times of the year because the 'gator's walked around like wild dogs. It was thick with specialness and kookiness and I was instantly thrilled with Louisiana. Lousy Anna.
New Orleans is a special, mystic, oddland miss mash of blues, jazz, creole, french, spanish, rural, urban, voodoo and Christian and the French Quarter is it's bullseye. I spent 2 days walking the mythical streets of the quarter and prowling the mausleums of the cemeteries off Basin Street while shaking off the air- thick with spices and sweat.
Go if you can and
-adore the wrought iron balconies that snake luxuriously around the buildings like a lover's arm.
-stroll into the historic and open courtyard of Cafe Du Monde and start your day with fresh beignets and chicory coffee
-see the historic New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band
-Drink a Hurricane at Pat O Brian's
and..
-Look for the voodoo queen- Marie Laveau's tomb in the cemetery off Basin Street
Les bon temps rouleez! (or let the good times roll)
I've been to New Orleans. I drove there from Calgary, Alberta in a baker's cargo van. It wasn't in February, but instead the sweltering heat of September. We were basically going through Texas and down to the Gulf of Mexico (for reasons to long to mention here). While we were driving around in rural Texas in the bayou's, we all of a sudden found or selves on the other side of the Texas-Louisiana border and off we went to New Orleans. Just like that. I still have the dragonfly that flew in the open window of the van that night. I considered it a sign of some sort. I kept it in a cigar box I picked up in Dallas.
View Larger Map
I took this photo of a swamp that ran on both sides of the highway just outside the city. I was amazed at how surreal it was to drive through that, surrounded on both sides by thick witchy water and god know's what else.
There were odd little gas station that sold alligator heads and paws and things for your gris-gris. A young girl said they had a curfew at certain times of the year because the 'gator's walked around like wild dogs. It was thick with specialness and kookiness and I was instantly thrilled with Louisiana. Lousy Anna.
New Orleans is a special, mystic, oddland miss mash of blues, jazz, creole, french, spanish, rural, urban, voodoo and Christian and the French Quarter is it's bullseye. I spent 2 days walking the mythical streets of the quarter and prowling the mausleums of the cemeteries off Basin Street while shaking off the air- thick with spices and sweat.
Go if you can and
-adore the wrought iron balconies that snake luxuriously around the buildings like a lover's arm.
-stroll into the historic and open courtyard of Cafe Du Monde and start your day with fresh beignets and chicory coffee
-see the historic New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band
-Drink a Hurricane at Pat O Brian's
and..
-Look for the voodoo queen- Marie Laveau's tomb in the cemetery off Basin Street
Les bon temps rouleez! (or let the good times roll)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
let the world know
You're cruising through the local hardware store and you find yourself in the aisle of the array of spray paint options available. Those long repressed desires to spray paint your thoughts of affection on the side of your Junior High School come lingering to the service.
Or, you feel compelled to tell the world that "911 was an inside job".
Or, maybe a creative fire is burning and the thought to purchase a rainbow of colors is a few steps a way along with a night in jail and 100 hours of community service.
Whatever it is you want to say, I think you should say it on the West Bank Wall *
What's it good for, writing on the Wall?
The Wall won't fall just because your text is written on it. True.
But your message reminds Palestinians trapped inside the Wall they have not been forgotten. You help to keep hope alive. 'Our' Palestinians want to send you one single, simple message: "we are human beings, just like you, with sense of humour and lust for life." That's why they do this, and enjoy it.
What are you going to say??
Or, you feel compelled to tell the world that "911 was an inside job".
Or, maybe a creative fire is burning and the thought to purchase a rainbow of colors is a few steps a way along with a night in jail and 100 hours of community service.
Whatever it is you want to say, I think you should say it on the West Bank Wall *
What's it good for, writing on the Wall?
The Wall won't fall just because your text is written on it. True.
But your message reminds Palestinians trapped inside the Wall they have not been forgotten. You help to keep hope alive. 'Our' Palestinians want to send you one single, simple message: "we are human beings, just like you, with sense of humour and lust for life." That's why they do this, and enjoy it.
What are you going to say??
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Isn't God already green?
This made me swing round and jump out of a car to photograph this absurdity.
How does a church recover from a statement like this? Isn't this challenging the actual EXISTENCE of God? For if God really is all knowing, omnipotent and all seeing, is god not already green? If God is going green, what on earth has God been doing before- littering? Good grief. I'm trying to get Michael to come with me to the sermon so we can find out.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
snatched
I went to Langley this weekend to look at antiques. I never intend to buy anything. I hope to get a good photo or see something cool. It's just a lovely thing I like to do- browse for antiques. I was walking down a street and this delectable tray of muffins were literally sitting on a window sill cooling in the spring like day. Michael and I ended up eating breakfast at the same place and it was one of the best- handmade bread that came unbuttered, with a pot of butter on the side, real thick slices of baked ham, pots of homemade jelly, and antique tea cups for our English Breakfast.
Another very excellent item was this quilt. It's a hand stitched beauty made form old flour sacks in all my favorite colors. It's thick, warm and big enough for a king sized bed. And it was $50. Apparently there was a woman following me around the store (it was a like a warehouse of antique stalls) waiting to see if I would put it down and went to the till after I left to see if I bought it. Probably the same woman who helped me unfurl it while I looked furtively for some flaw, stain or hole- to find none.
Nice isn't it?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
resolution
I decided to spend the year making one creative thing (or 2) for each month. Right now I am working on a lovely jumpy CD of my favorite music lately.
Who wants one?
Who wants one?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
acquisition
Mom said...
PS - did you think of maybe buying art to hang on your walls??
Well, yes and no. There is always a photo I can enlarge, frame and hang. And while a $400 piece of art for the walls is lovely, I'm a finicky and maybe it's my Scottish roots that make me frugal. A tattoo seems to have so much more value than a painting. After all, it's forever, and it's also quite easy to cart it around with you.
However, having said that, I also think supporting the arts is important and the decoration of the walls of your living space, so I found this wee site where you can do that for as little as $20.
"We introduce two new pieces a week: one photo and one work on paper. Each image is available in three sizes.* The smallest size is reprinted in the largest batch – an edition of 200 – and sold at the lowest price – $20. Hence the name 20x200. (200x20 just didn't sound as good.) We also offer bigger prints for bolder collectors - medium-sized editions of 20 for $200, and large-sized editions of 2 generally for $2000 (some of the large sized editions will actually be original pieces of art and prices will vary a bit). Every single print is delivered with a certificate of authenticity numbered by the artist."
I am already tempted to fill up those spaces. Maybe you are too.
PS - did you think of maybe buying art to hang on your walls??
Well, yes and no. There is always a photo I can enlarge, frame and hang. And while a $400 piece of art for the walls is lovely, I'm a finicky and maybe it's my Scottish roots that make me frugal. A tattoo seems to have so much more value than a painting. After all, it's forever, and it's also quite easy to cart it around with you.
However, having said that, I also think supporting the arts is important and the decoration of the walls of your living space, so I found this wee site where you can do that for as little as $20.
"We introduce two new pieces a week: one photo and one work on paper. Each image is available in three sizes.* The smallest size is reprinted in the largest batch – an edition of 200 – and sold at the lowest price – $20. Hence the name 20x200. (200x20 just didn't sound as good.) We also offer bigger prints for bolder collectors - medium-sized editions of 20 for $200, and large-sized editions of 2 generally for $2000 (some of the large sized editions will actually be original pieces of art and prices will vary a bit). Every single print is delivered with a certificate of authenticity numbered by the artist."
I am already tempted to fill up those spaces. Maybe you are too.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
How I spent my Christmas bonus.
I can not begin to tell you how uncomfortable it is to have your elbow tattooed. But it worked for the flow of the piece so we did it, but I was not looking forward to it. I'm glad Catherine was there to capture it though, as I doubt there will be a repeat performance.
One of my new year resolutions was to have more art and beauty in my life and what better way to start the brand new year but marking one's canvas with a beautiful new tattoo. Thank to my sister for coming down and wincing along with me and taking so many great photos.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
"kittens make me nervous" By Sonia
"They're like toddlers with severe ADD"
"They jump all over you."
"If I go into a room where there is a kitten, I can't relax." this one made me laugh until I coughed and my throat got sore again.
"I am afraid of the kitten attacking me."
All this because I mentioned this web site.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
wrap it up.
Or the "Mayfly Project"- sum up your year in 24 words or less. This is mine.
I went to Europe and realized I could open some doors, some open once a year, and others stay shut to the public forever.
I went to Europe and realized I could open some doors, some open once a year, and others stay shut to the public forever.
Monday, December 31, 2007
in the mall in Seattle- not all feet walk the same path.
in the mall in Seattle- not all feet walk the same path., originally uploaded by jill y.
No these are not my feet but they are real tattoos. Hold onto your hats..I'm having one done on Saturday.
favorite posts from the year
January- every January 19- I remember that I have loved Janis Joplin since I saw Pearl at a garage sale when I was 13.
favorite photo- "Fangs"
February- I love crafts. I have an entire cupboard in my kitchen devoted to it.
favorite photo- "Come inside for a Cuppa".
March- My first day in Prague. I was thrilled.
favorite photo- "How many hands have opened this door?"
April The bus trip from Prague almost ended up in Romania.
so many favorite photos- but "The Life in Paris" is the one I picked.
May- I started to ride my bike to work.
favorite photo- "Fat-fatter-fattest" cherry blossoms in May.
June- an ode to my grandmother that followed a week long tribute to my mom for her birthday.
favorite photo- "Prairie Air".
July- Michael and I have a wee anniversary.
favorite photo- "children of the corn".
August- my teeth.
favorite photo- "a balancing act".
September- a reminder to dance- watch the video.
favorite photo- "Cream"- it's been posted before but it's a top favorite.
October- I had that nasty lump removed.
favorite photo- "In the Distance"- from a trip home to Alberta.
NovemberMy ABC's.
favorite photo- "Look Down"- my favorite people photograph ever.
December- my morning regime. Today Michael bought me a powerful new blender to make these even better in the new year.
favorite photo- "Bundled".
favorite photo- "Fangs"
February- I love crafts. I have an entire cupboard in my kitchen devoted to it.
favorite photo- "Come inside for a Cuppa".
March- My first day in Prague. I was thrilled.
favorite photo- "How many hands have opened this door?"
April The bus trip from Prague almost ended up in Romania.
so many favorite photos- but "The Life in Paris" is the one I picked.
May- I started to ride my bike to work.
favorite photo- "Fat-fatter-fattest" cherry blossoms in May.
June- an ode to my grandmother that followed a week long tribute to my mom for her birthday.
favorite photo- "Prairie Air".
July- Michael and I have a wee anniversary.
favorite photo- "children of the corn".
August- my teeth.
favorite photo- "a balancing act".
September- a reminder to dance- watch the video.
favorite photo- "Cream"- it's been posted before but it's a top favorite.
October- I had that nasty lump removed.
favorite photo- "In the Distance"- from a trip home to Alberta.
NovemberMy ABC's.
favorite photo- "Look Down"- my favorite people photograph ever.
December- my morning regime. Today Michael bought me a powerful new blender to make these even better in the new year.
favorite photo- "Bundled".
Saturday, December 29, 2007
get in the car and go
I'm off to Seattle today with the fella and his friend. The home of my favorite Pike Place Market and the original Starbucks.
We're going for no other reason but "why not".
But there will be laughs and many photographs too.
In the meantime- check out this excellent crafter's blog on crafting green.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
top 5 things to do over the Christmas Holiday
1. Vacuum under the bed and do away with the year's worth of spider's nests and dust bunnies.
2. Organize the craft cupboard for a fun filled crafty new year and to remind myself how many projects still await me.
3. Start those crocheted bunny slippers you bought the wool for with last year's Christmas money.
4. Mail the Christmas present and card I didn't get around to mailing.
5. Write this new Year's Resolutions down somewhere so I don't forget.
2. Organize the craft cupboard for a fun filled crafty new year and to remind myself how many projects still await me.
3. Start those crocheted bunny slippers you bought the wool for with last year's Christmas money.
4. Mail the Christmas present and card I didn't get around to mailing.
5. Write this new Year's Resolutions down somewhere so I don't forget.
all I want for Christmas...
...is to stop being sick.
How can I still be ill? I took all my antibiotics even though they made me itchy because I'm allergic to penicillin. I have dutifully gone to bed at 8:30 and drank many many cups of Neo-Citran and had many many Fisherman Friend's over to chat. I have rubbed Vick's Vapor Rub on my throat and taken many hot baths with cyprus and spruce essential oil. So why do I still sound like Kathleen Turner. In any case, I might want to keep it around longer according to this article...
How can I still be ill? I took all my antibiotics even though they made me itchy because I'm allergic to penicillin. I have dutifully gone to bed at 8:30 and drank many many cups of Neo-Citran and had many many Fisherman Friend's over to chat. I have rubbed Vick's Vapor Rub on my throat and taken many hot baths with cyprus and spruce essential oil. So why do I still sound like Kathleen Turner. In any case, I might want to keep it around longer according to this article...
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
three wise kings
My mother sent me something for Christmas.
The tag said to not open it until the 25th. Naturally, I opened it right away. She gave me:
An awesome silicone steamer. (Very healthy.)
An Exercise Ball workout DVD. (Again, very healthy.)
And then she gave me the "White Trash Cooking" cookbook. It's like she fell off the healthy wagon. Flipping through this cookbook- there are numerous recipes that call for an ingredient call 'Oleo'. I'm scared to Google it because I think it's either left over grease from chitin's or some sort of store brand Crisco.
Speaking of chitin's, here are some of the recipes that really stand out:
pg 46- fried or boiled rabbit or squirrel (I am not kidding)
pg 45- Mama Leila's Hand-Me-Down Oven Baked Possum
pg 24- Mary Beth Boney's Collard Greens
pg 57- Cooter Pie (The Hunter's Delight)
pg 94- Russian Communist Tea Cakes
I'll have to post a few of those in all their glory for all you out there to enjoy.
Thanks Mom. I actually do kind of like the cookbook and heaven forbid I try one of the recipes, I'll let you know.
The tag said to not open it until the 25th. Naturally, I opened it right away. She gave me:
An awesome silicone steamer. (Very healthy.)
An Exercise Ball workout DVD. (Again, very healthy.)
And then she gave me the "White Trash Cooking" cookbook. It's like she fell off the healthy wagon. Flipping through this cookbook- there are numerous recipes that call for an ingredient call 'Oleo'. I'm scared to Google it because I think it's either left over grease from chitin's or some sort of store brand Crisco.
Speaking of chitin's, here are some of the recipes that really stand out:
pg 46- fried or boiled rabbit or squirrel (I am not kidding)
pg 45- Mama Leila's Hand-Me-Down Oven Baked Possum
pg 24- Mary Beth Boney's Collard Greens
pg 57- Cooter Pie (The Hunter's Delight)
pg 94- Russian Communist Tea Cakes
I'll have to post a few of those in all their glory for all you out there to enjoy.
Thanks Mom. I actually do kind of like the cookbook and heaven forbid I try one of the recipes, I'll let you know.
20 years?!
My parents split up when I was about 13 years old.
No big deal. Hardly anybody I know does not have divorced parents. That's kind of sad being the norm, really.
Anyways- that was the previous generation.
My mom started dating some guy named Gordon who she later married. I'm pretty sure I hated him for the first few years. Just because I could focus my teenage angst and unresolved feelings of my parental unit split up on SOMEONE, he was the lucky target.
I wore black to their wedding.
There was one day on my grandmother's farm and I took a photo of them and my mom looked so happy and I realized and saw that Gordon made my mom so happy. I started to see that their marriage was something that was good and it was unfair to feel like it was somehow wrong or a venue for my pent up anger. Things shifted that day when I looked at them in their hand knit sweaters standing on the walkway that led up the farmhouse door, the snow resting on the willow leaves behind them.
I relaxed and decided that I liked Gordon. I like him a lot.
It's a good thing because today is their 20th wedding anniversary.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Gordon.
No big deal. Hardly anybody I know does not have divorced parents. That's kind of sad being the norm, really.
Anyways- that was the previous generation.
My mom started dating some guy named Gordon who she later married. I'm pretty sure I hated him for the first few years. Just because I could focus my teenage angst and unresolved feelings of my parental unit split up on SOMEONE, he was the lucky target.
I wore black to their wedding.
There was one day on my grandmother's farm and I took a photo of them and my mom looked so happy and I realized and saw that Gordon made my mom so happy. I started to see that their marriage was something that was good and it was unfair to feel like it was somehow wrong or a venue for my pent up anger. Things shifted that day when I looked at them in their hand knit sweaters standing on the walkway that led up the farmhouse door, the snow resting on the willow leaves behind them.
I relaxed and decided that I liked Gordon. I like him a lot.
It's a good thing because today is their 20th wedding anniversary.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Gordon.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
apple cider at the Stanley Park Light show
Catherine dragged me out despite being down with the flu to see the lights at Stanley Park. You get on a little toy train and travel a loop around Stanley Park where the Vancouver Firefighters have set up a huge display of Christmas lights. I was so sick, but did manage a smile and really enjoyed the train ride. I might do it again. The best part was the wizard. Go. Go and see it.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
a reason to avoid 7-11
Seen on a label for some sort of concoction spinning on heated rollers by the till, while waiting to pay for Fisherman Friend Cherry lozenges,
"Looks like a hot dog- tastes like a cheeseburger"
"Looks like a hot dog- tastes like a cheeseburger"
Friday, December 14, 2007
regime
regime, originally uploaded by jill y.
Previously posted here, but this time I have photographic proof.
Take a large container suitable for a hand mixer to use a blender.
Add 1/4 cup uncooked oatmeal
Add various amounts of:
pecans
walnuts
almonds
sunflower seeds
pumpkin seeds
flax seeds
Cover with water plus 1/2 more, cover with a plate and soak over night.
In the morning, blend nut and seed mixture with:
1 banana
1/4 cup of berries
2 tbsp of fish oil or my favorite: Udo's Oil
a handful of raw spinach
be brave- throw an avocado in there too
Blend the shit out of it.
Drink it all or share it.
IT ROCKS MY WORLD
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
the wild leading the wild
She and her tomcat, Eli live in a one room cabin with a near a community of 300.
She fell in love with Wyoming while driving though on a little road trip from San Francisco to New york City.
She ditched NYC after a month and returned to a place "she had only spent a day in".
One day a 10 day old coyote cub came into her life after its parents were killed.
She named it Charlie and decided to let it live with her.
It's called the Daily Coyote , she takes great photos and I'm hooked.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
adventures in auto mechanics
Previously posted..
Not a Rambler or a Scamp
Who cares that it was an old car. It suited my needs. I enjoyed the idea of an engine so wide open you could climb right in-not knowing this would come in handy later. It was a Slant 6. A Valiant. Not a Rambler or a or a Scamp. It didn't hurt that guys liked to talk to me about my car or that it often stalled in the rain. After all, I had me some jumper cables.
It had an immaculate white vinyl back seat. It was perfect. Big windows and little side ones that pivoted open. You know the ones they don't make anymore. I had ideas about that car that involved the open road, my left arm on the window sill, my right hand gripping the top of the steering wheel and the straight yellow dotted line stretched out in front like an giant line of bread crumbs leading home. Well, I had other plans than just that. I named it Rose because it was green and thought about maybe switching the front bucket seats to a bench and getting a 'necker knob' for kicks.
On one sunny Saturday morning, with a bag of banana chips, a bottle of water, and a pocket full of optimism, I got to the US border and found fluid was spitting and steaming from behind the front grill. A bulging seam on the radiator head gasket squeezed steam slowly while 2 border guards looked at me sceptically. The puddle beneath my car said there were surely problems on the way but, me and that back seat, and the shitty radiator were waved on and off I went down the road headed for Seattle and beyond..
Blow that seam Open
I'll tell you that open road was there. And an adventure unbeknown st to me was unveiling. Sensing a situation on my hands, I pulled off the I-5 outside of Everett, Washington. I knew there was a problem on my hands with the damn radiator. I pulled into a shop and they were just closing. The hissing from the front of my car was scary. I didn't know what to do.
I saw another shop and wearily asked if i could use the phone. I was due in Portland to see my dad. I phoned him up and told him what was happening. I was stressed, scared and exasperated. "I'm not coming to get you." was the voice on the other end of the line telling me- you're on your own. And I was- on my own with a car older than me, a major engine issue and not much else.
Tears streaming down my face, the man in the shop said "what's your problem?". " I have a busted rad in my old Valiant and no one is open." "Why dontcha take it on down the road a few blokes to such and such a shop- they're open late." And that's what I did. I pulled up, jumped out of my funny little adventure that was kicking me in the shins and put on my best charming smile and explained that i had a "little problem".
"Oh sure- that's nothing. They dropped a 'stop-leak' in the rad and soldered the seam. "Can I get to Portland?" "Sure, just take it easy- you don't want to blow that seam open." They charged me $25 bucks and said good luck.
I was back on the road and hopefully this adventure was going to turn around. My banana chips had been cashed in and there was a hole in my pocket of optimism. At 65 mph down the I-5, south of Seattle, the window in the 32 year old car dropped off it's crank, and I felt the wind in my face and it's not what I thought it would be.
At midnight I arrived. I had started off at 6 and those 12 hrs tested my guile, courage, and faith in humanity.Me and my radiator had been pushed to the limits. I knew the road back was going to be difficult and possibly a severely poor choice if I didn't get a new one. And I'll tell you.. finding Fran's Able Radiator 5 minutes up the road was a unusual coincidence.
6 Bolts and 2 Hose Clamps Later
I drove my car in the front gate. It was an open yard covered with patchy brown grass. To the left was an open shed full of torn apart cars and parts. To the right was a small white house that was rundown. I suspected it doubled as an office. The area was sealed off by a chain link fence that circled the perimeter. 2 mangy mutt dogs roamed within the compound.
Fran was a robust woman in her 40's. She had a big head with dusty grey blond curls. She wore a phone headset, a greasy baseball cap, and a pair of navy blue overalls. A cell phone rode her hip like a gun holster. She looked me up and down.
"So you're Canadian. I like Canadians. Once I had one let me across the border with my trailer even though I didn't have the permit." She talked about us like we were a cut of meat she might find at the butcher- on a good day.
I needed a radiator and she had one to sell me.
"I won't charge you any labor if you do it yourself."
With no idea what I was getting into whatsoever, I said OK.
A acquisitive look crossed her face. Her eyes squinted at me from behind greasy spectacles.
"Do you have tools?"
"no." lower case n. -shit. I didn't have a clue let alone tools.
"OK, I'll show you." And Fran fetched a wrench and a pail. She gave me a 5 minute lesson in replacing a radiator and walked away.
6 bolts and 2 hose clamps later, I knew this car and I were going to go a long way.
My father came into the lot when I was almost done and proudly I told him what I had done.
To my chagrin, he didn't seem very impressed. But I was. Me and that car- we were going to be fine and we were going to go far.
Not a Rambler or a Scamp
Who cares that it was an old car. It suited my needs. I enjoyed the idea of an engine so wide open you could climb right in-not knowing this would come in handy later. It was a Slant 6. A Valiant. Not a Rambler or a or a Scamp. It didn't hurt that guys liked to talk to me about my car or that it often stalled in the rain. After all, I had me some jumper cables.
It had an immaculate white vinyl back seat. It was perfect. Big windows and little side ones that pivoted open. You know the ones they don't make anymore. I had ideas about that car that involved the open road, my left arm on the window sill, my right hand gripping the top of the steering wheel and the straight yellow dotted line stretched out in front like an giant line of bread crumbs leading home. Well, I had other plans than just that. I named it Rose because it was green and thought about maybe switching the front bucket seats to a bench and getting a 'necker knob' for kicks.
On one sunny Saturday morning, with a bag of banana chips, a bottle of water, and a pocket full of optimism, I got to the US border and found fluid was spitting and steaming from behind the front grill. A bulging seam on the radiator head gasket squeezed steam slowly while 2 border guards looked at me sceptically. The puddle beneath my car said there were surely problems on the way but, me and that back seat, and the shitty radiator were waved on and off I went down the road headed for Seattle and beyond..
Blow that seam Open
I'll tell you that open road was there. And an adventure unbeknown st to me was unveiling. Sensing a situation on my hands, I pulled off the I-5 outside of Everett, Washington. I knew there was a problem on my hands with the damn radiator. I pulled into a shop and they were just closing. The hissing from the front of my car was scary. I didn't know what to do.
I saw another shop and wearily asked if i could use the phone. I was due in Portland to see my dad. I phoned him up and told him what was happening. I was stressed, scared and exasperated. "I'm not coming to get you." was the voice on the other end of the line telling me- you're on your own. And I was- on my own with a car older than me, a major engine issue and not much else.
Tears streaming down my face, the man in the shop said "what's your problem?". " I have a busted rad in my old Valiant and no one is open." "Why dontcha take it on down the road a few blokes to such and such a shop- they're open late." And that's what I did. I pulled up, jumped out of my funny little adventure that was kicking me in the shins and put on my best charming smile and explained that i had a "little problem".
"Oh sure- that's nothing. They dropped a 'stop-leak' in the rad and soldered the seam. "Can I get to Portland?" "Sure, just take it easy- you don't want to blow that seam open." They charged me $25 bucks and said good luck.
I was back on the road and hopefully this adventure was going to turn around. My banana chips had been cashed in and there was a hole in my pocket of optimism. At 65 mph down the I-5, south of Seattle, the window in the 32 year old car dropped off it's crank, and I felt the wind in my face and it's not what I thought it would be.
At midnight I arrived. I had started off at 6 and those 12 hrs tested my guile, courage, and faith in humanity.Me and my radiator had been pushed to the limits. I knew the road back was going to be difficult and possibly a severely poor choice if I didn't get a new one. And I'll tell you.. finding Fran's Able Radiator 5 minutes up the road was a unusual coincidence.
6 Bolts and 2 Hose Clamps Later
I drove my car in the front gate. It was an open yard covered with patchy brown grass. To the left was an open shed full of torn apart cars and parts. To the right was a small white house that was rundown. I suspected it doubled as an office. The area was sealed off by a chain link fence that circled the perimeter. 2 mangy mutt dogs roamed within the compound.
Fran was a robust woman in her 40's. She had a big head with dusty grey blond curls. She wore a phone headset, a greasy baseball cap, and a pair of navy blue overalls. A cell phone rode her hip like a gun holster. She looked me up and down.
"So you're Canadian. I like Canadians. Once I had one let me across the border with my trailer even though I didn't have the permit." She talked about us like we were a cut of meat she might find at the butcher- on a good day.
I needed a radiator and she had one to sell me.
"I won't charge you any labor if you do it yourself."
With no idea what I was getting into whatsoever, I said OK.
A acquisitive look crossed her face. Her eyes squinted at me from behind greasy spectacles.
"Do you have tools?"
"no." lower case n. -shit. I didn't have a clue let alone tools.
"OK, I'll show you." And Fran fetched a wrench and a pail. She gave me a 5 minute lesson in replacing a radiator and walked away.
6 bolts and 2 hose clamps later, I knew this car and I were going to go a long way.
My father came into the lot when I was almost done and proudly I told him what I had done.
To my chagrin, he didn't seem very impressed. But I was. Me and that car- we were going to be fine and we were going to go far.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
spice up your life
I remember when I was about 13- there was a caterer who lived in the neighbourhood. Maybe I baby sat for them or something because I got this invitation to help at the KISS Concert at the Edmonton Kinsmen Field House. I was excited. I didn't have a clue who KISS where but it sounded like fun to help at a rock concert.
My dad (who may or may not be reading this- which would be odd as he never calls me) said no. Said they were devil worshipers and no- I definitely could not go. I was disappointed. I still am. Experiences like that could have set me on the straight and narrow. Maybe I would have found something that intrigued me or interested me in a search for a career. Maybe I would have thought the whole thing was stupid and focused on school but instead I have always been slightly amorous of the elusive "back stage pass" or of the people who set up or travel with concerts.
Thus when the opportunity to work the merchandising stands at the Spice Girls Concert came up.. I jumped.
When you're feeling sad and low
We will take you where you gotta go
Smiling, dancing, everything is free
All you need is positivity
Everything is free except the fake back stage passes and glow sticks I'll be selling to 12 year olds at tonight concert. You know the one that kicks off the world tour? It's going to be fun. I need to find my whistle though.
My dad (who may or may not be reading this- which would be odd as he never calls me) said no. Said they were devil worshipers and no- I definitely could not go. I was disappointed. I still am. Experiences like that could have set me on the straight and narrow. Maybe I would have found something that intrigued me or interested me in a search for a career. Maybe I would have thought the whole thing was stupid and focused on school but instead I have always been slightly amorous of the elusive "back stage pass" or of the people who set up or travel with concerts.
Thus when the opportunity to work the merchandising stands at the Spice Girls Concert came up.. I jumped.
When you're feeling sad and low
We will take you where you gotta go
Smiling, dancing, everything is free
All you need is positivity
Everything is free except the fake back stage passes and glow sticks I'll be selling to 12 year olds at tonight concert. You know the one that kicks off the world tour? It's going to be fun. I need to find my whistle though.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
some of you lurked and some of you didn't
Some of you lurk and some of you don't.
On the first day of November, I vowed to make something super special from my own nimble fingers JUST FOR YOU- the person who would post the MOST comments on my blog.
Well the tally is in. The calculations have been made. And I'm not surprised who won. Everybody else who commented was usually off at their jobs in which they get paid for but one person with the most important job of all- the job in which no one gives you a pay cheque (no, this job is not travelling around Europe with a 25kg pack on your back, but somewhat similar without the scenery.). No- this job is being a stay at home Mom and the winner to my little contest was BESS.
Thank you Bess, for taking the time to love my little blog with all your comments. On day soon I will print that photo and make you something sweet.
Friday, November 30, 2007
the end
It's officially the end of my 2nd anniversary of NaBloPoMo- a.k.a National Blog Posting Month where I posted everyday for November. You can peruse the posts of 2006 here. In honor of this accomplishment, I am celebrating with one of my favorite episodes of Sesame street featuring Bip Bippadotta* (the counterpart to Mahna Mahna from yesterday's post video).
*incidentally- I'd like to point out that there is "Muppet Wiki"- a fraction of Wikipedia dedicated to The Muppet's. How bizarre.
*incidentally- I'd like to point out that there is "Muppet Wiki"- a fraction of Wikipedia dedicated to The Muppet's. How bizarre.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
in honor of Catherine receiving her Master's Degree in Education.
Congratulations, Catherine. You've come along way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
say it loud and say it proud..
...and put it on a hoodie (or a tshirt or a pair of panties or a bag or..)
Neighbourhoodies is one of my favorite companies EVER. Once, I even suggested a work exchange. I would trade a year at my current situation to live in Brooklyn and sew letters on hoodies. They will literally put anything you want, in a huge array of fonts, letters embroidered or stitched or glued. A rainbow of colors and styles to choose, even babies can have a neighborhoodie (Bess- I can hear the wheels cranking already). The possibilities are endless and even better.. the chances of running into someone with the same thing is slim to NONE.
Don't know what to get me for Christmas?? Here's a hint.
Neighbourhoodies is one of my favorite companies EVER. Once, I even suggested a work exchange. I would trade a year at my current situation to live in Brooklyn and sew letters on hoodies. They will literally put anything you want, in a huge array of fonts, letters embroidered or stitched or glued. A rainbow of colors and styles to choose, even babies can have a neighborhoodie (Bess- I can hear the wheels cranking already). The possibilities are endless and even better.. the chances of running into someone with the same thing is slim to NONE.
Don't know what to get me for Christmas?? Here's a hint.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
better reminders
A response to 'reminders' was brought to my attention by Elevated Umbrella.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
for my mom
Hi Mom- It was great to have you see my apartment, seeing that the last time you were here I was just moving in. Now you had a chance to see that I live in a little tiny sanctuary next to a lake. But, I forgot to show you this- the only reason why I have this little hedgehog is because it reminds me of being at home with you.
Lots of love,
Jill
edit for Bess: the little hedge hog is something my mom has on the edge of a bowl in her kitchen. The neighbors had a garage sale this pass summer and were selling the exact same one for $1. I couldn't resist because I always identified with it being in my mom's kitchen.
Lots of love,
Jill
edit for Bess: the little hedge hog is something my mom has on the edge of a bowl in her kitchen. The neighbors had a garage sale this pass summer and were selling the exact same one for $1. I couldn't resist because I always identified with it being in my mom's kitchen.
reminders
-Do not strive for greatness, but for goodness - greatness lies in all things good.
-If you can be fair, then choose fairness.
-If you can be calm, choose calmness.
-Sadness will bring you closer to God. Happiness can be trivial and frivolous if only sought for one's self.
-See the world and never stop trying to understand other cultures.
-If you are afraid of dying, you will not live a true life.
-Time will heal all things. Being idle solves nothing.
-The only thing that eases grief is grieving; let it take you over if you want to survive it. Keeping it at bay will cause internal unrest.
-Never judge others for you will only be judging yourself.
-Be outside as much as possible. Walk whenever you can.
-Be responsible for your thoughts; they are powerful entities that will design your future.
-Help others whenever possible.
-Giving your time will always be bigger than giving from your wallet.
-Depression is an underestimated tool. It can be Nature’s way of turning you around to face the light.
-Companionship is the greatest of all things, without it we are inhuman.
-To want to know others will bring you life's greatest joy. Friendships are golden.
-Laugh at yourself.
-Stand up in the face of disaster.
-Walk towards the sunrise rather than the sunset; you'll enjoy fuller days.
-Never abandon your own heart.
-Be easy with yourself; be kind with your soul.
-Change everything on a whim, if you want to.
-Cause no pain to others. Be tolerant, always.
grabbed from a friend's photo page
-If you can be fair, then choose fairness.
-If you can be calm, choose calmness.
-Sadness will bring you closer to God. Happiness can be trivial and frivolous if only sought for one's self.
-See the world and never stop trying to understand other cultures.
-If you are afraid of dying, you will not live a true life.
-Time will heal all things. Being idle solves nothing.
-The only thing that eases grief is grieving; let it take you over if you want to survive it. Keeping it at bay will cause internal unrest.
-Never judge others for you will only be judging yourself.
-Be outside as much as possible. Walk whenever you can.
-Be responsible for your thoughts; they are powerful entities that will design your future.
-Help others whenever possible.
-Giving your time will always be bigger than giving from your wallet.
-Depression is an underestimated tool. It can be Nature’s way of turning you around to face the light.
-Companionship is the greatest of all things, without it we are inhuman.
-To want to know others will bring you life's greatest joy. Friendships are golden.
-Laugh at yourself.
-Stand up in the face of disaster.
-Walk towards the sunrise rather than the sunset; you'll enjoy fuller days.
-Never abandon your own heart.
-Be easy with yourself; be kind with your soul.
-Change everything on a whim, if you want to.
-Cause no pain to others. Be tolerant, always.
grabbed from a friend's photo page
Saturday, November 24, 2007
ruby gets a new toy
I bought Ruby a new toy. A ball of felted wool with a center of cat nip. Naturally she chose to attack it.
Friday, November 23, 2007
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