Brand New Day

The Secret Garden

I recently reread one of my favorite childhood books...

The Secret Garden!

and I can probably say that it's one of the best books of all time.  What beautiful writing, a wonderful story, and lovely characters.  It all seems like a perfectly plausible dreamworld (does that make sense?).

Anyway, during this read, I found so many quotes that I don't want to forget.  Here are some of them below:

"Is the spring coming?"  "It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine, and things pushing up and working under the earth," said Mary.   (p109)

"Eh!" he said.  "I was up long before him.  How could I have stay abed!  Th' world's all fair begun again this mornin', it has.  An' it's workin' an' hummin' an' scratchin' an' pipin' an' nest buildin' an' breathin' out scents, til you've got to be out on it 'stead o' lyin' on your back.  When th' sun did jump up, th' moor went mad for joy, an' I was in the midst of th' heather, an' I run like mad myself, shoutin' an' singin'.  An' I come straight here.  I couldn't have stayed away. Why, th' garden was lyin' here waitin'!"  (p129)

And though the robin did not answer, because his beak was occupied, Mary knew that when he flew away with his twig to his own corner of the garden, the darkness of his dew-bright eye meant that he would not tell their secret for the world.  (p135)

She says:  "Once when I was givin' th' children a bit of a preach after they'd been fightin' I ses [says] to 'em all, 'When I was at school my jography [geography] told as th' world was shaped like a orange an' I found out before I was ten that th' whole orange doesn't belong to nobody.  No one owns more than his bit of a quarter an' there's times it seems like there's not enow quarters to go round.  But don't you - none o' you - think as you own th' whole orange or you'll find out you're mistaken, an' you won't find it out without hard knocks.'  What children learns from children," she says, "is that there's no sense in grabbin' at th' whole orange - peel an' all.  If you do, you'll likely not get even th' pips, an' them's too bitter to eat." (p160-61)

One of the strange things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever and ever.  One knows it sometimes when one gets up at the tender, solemn dawn-time and goes out and stands alone and throws one's head far back and looks up and up and watches the pale sky slowly changing and flushing and marvelous unknown things happening until the East almost makes one cry out and one's heart stands still at the strange, unchanging majesty of the rising of the sun - which has been happening every morning for thousands and thousands and thousands of years.  One knows it then for a moment or so.  And one knows it sometimes when one stands by oneself in a wood at sunset and the mysterious deep gold stillness slanting through and under the branches seems to be saying slowly again and again something one cannot quite hear, however much one tries.  Then sometimes the immense quiet of the dark-blue at night with millions of stars waiting and watching makes one sure;  and sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true;  and sometimes a look in someone's eyes.  (p175)

"Do you believe in Magic?" asked Colin, after he had explained about Indian fakirs.  "I do hope you do."

"That I do, lad," she answered.  "I never knowed it by that name, but what does th' name matter?    I warrant they call it a different name i' France an' a different one i' Germany.  Th' same thing as set th' seeds swellin' an' th' sun shinin' made thee a well lad an' it's th' Good Thing.  It isn't like us poor fools as think it matters if us is called out of our names.  Th' Big Good Thing doesn't stop to worrit, bless thee.  It goes on makin' worlds by th' million - worlds like us.  Never thee stop believin' in th' Big Good Thing an' knowin' th' world's full of it - an' call it what tha' likes.  Tha' wert singin' to it when I come into th' garden." (p226)

In each century since the beginning of the world wonderful things have been discovered.  In the last century more amazing things were found out than in any century before.  In this new century hundreds of things still more astounding will be brought to light.  At first people refuse to believe that a strange new thing can be done, then they begin to hope it can't be done, then they see it can be done - then it is done and all the world wonders why it was not done centuries ago.  One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts - just mere thoughts - are as powerful as electric batteries - as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison.  To let a sad thought or a bad one get into your mind is as dangerous as letting a scarlet fever germ get into your body.  If you let it stay there after it has got in you may never get over it as long as you live. (p229)

Much more surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable, determinedly courageous one.  Two things can not be in one place.  

Where you tend a rose, my lad,

A thistle cannot grow.

(p230)]

Meet Axel & Rubix!

Well, definitely forgot about this for quite some time, but I have had a renewed sense of inspiration.  Lots of happy things in my life right now, so I think it's time to begin to share again - and hopefully this will continue!

Without further ado, meet my lovely little kittens, Axel & Rubix!  

This is little Rubix, aka Rubi.  Look at that face!

Here they are together.  Itty bitty, and chomping down their food!

And here is Axel!  Reading up on Cat Care & Behavior in his spare time!

I got these two cuties on June 28, and they have quickly become the loves of my life!  They were 10 weeks old and a little more than 2lbs when I got them.  A month later and they are nearly 4lbs!  Doubling in size right before my eyes!

Of course, they are little troublemakers, getting into everything possible!  But then they look at me with their cute little faces, and it's impossible to be angry!  They make me smile and laugh - plus their excellent cuddle buddies!  I have to say, since the day I got them, my apartment feels so much more homey!

I had the toughest time coming up with names, but I think these names suit them well.  At first I wanted names that went together as a pair (like my friend Charity's pet rats Mona & Lisa!), but nothing seemed to fit.  I decided if both names had the fairly rare 'x' in them, that would work too. Rubi's my gem, and Axel means father of peace...not quite peaceful right now, but maybe one day!

On that note, these new kitties have me missing my old ones (one passed and the other remains in my childhood home in Cincinnati), so as to not leave them out, here are my other loves:

Miss Chippy Chan

Oreo aka Reo Chan aka FatBoy!  RIP my love.


And with that, have a wonderful night!

Wear Sunsreen

A Little Inspiration for these Snowy Days! 

(although it really makes me not want to get old - I just wish I could stay young forever sometimes)

Well, still not really getting into the swing of this, but I'm not stressing too much about it (it's not like I've given the link to anyone except for Abik).

Today I spent a lot of time sketching and coming up with some jewelry ideas for my jewelry class I have tomorrow night.  I've had one other class 2 weeks ago, but it was canceled last week because of snow!  I'm not sure how I feel about it so far...I'm the only one in the class that has no metal-smithing experience so a lot of the techniques are kind of skipped over, and I'm left wondering how to do things!  Hopefully I'll catch on quickly, but we'll see!

I also took a class called Vegetarian Wonders of the World.  It's the first cooking class I've ever taken.  At first it seemed kind of strange - pay $45 to come and read some instructions on how to make some soup while everyone else is working on something else.   I'm not sure what I expected, but it was nice to be around other people and learn a bit about food.  All of the people were probably age 40+, so not quite what I'm looking for socially, but I do find that I get along with older people...maybe it's the wisdom they have to share.  Anyway, the food was delicious (veggie burritos, curried chickpeas, date nut bars, tabbouleh, white bean soup, etc. etc. etc...SO much delicious food!!), and I got leftovers for the next night!  Overall a good experience, but I think next time I might invest in a nice cookbook rather than go to a class.

And today's exciting news...

I got a library card!  I really didn't think I'd be this excited about it, but getting the card definitely sparked something within me.  A renewed urge to read, absorb, and gain knowledge?  The reason I went to get it today out of all days is because I've been wanting to read the book 'Dandelion Wine' by Ray Bradbury.  I saw some quotes from it that really drew me to it.  I'll let you know how the book is as I continue.  Here is my favorite quote thus far:

"Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers."

 

Not Off to a Good Start!

Well, I knew it would be hard to get in the swing of posting all the time, but I really thought I'd at least post something!

This is certainly not to say that I haven't been doing lots and lots of things that make me happy!

Today was a good day.  I had the day off of work for MLK day, and it's the first time I've had a vacation day on this holiday in years, so it was kind of special!  I had a lot to get done around my apartment, but I also wanted to have a "me" day, so I did a bit of both.  I spent the morning cleaning, but then...

I did an amazing, invigorating workout.  My lovely boyfriend just got me an iPod touch, so for the first time in a long time I'm pretty up to date with this technology (I also got the Google TV as a holiday gift...and then went and bought a TV to use it on, so I'm way up-to-date with technology...weird!).  Anyway, I got a few fitness apps, and they have been really great.  My favorite is the Nike Training Center for women.  It has so many workout options;  first you select your fitness level, then select your goal (get lean, get strong, get toned, etc.).  There are then several workouts in each category.  It's really helpful for me because I'm not good at making routines or sticking to something unless I have someone telling me to do so, and this does the trick.  It's like a pocket fitness coach!  I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a change in their workouts!

After working out, I decided to try out some new DIY beauty product recipes I found the other day.  I kind of stumbled upon them...I started off looking for some new, delicious vegetarian recipes.  I found planetgreen.com, which is now one of my favorite web resources for all things vegetarian, DIY, etc. I did find some yummy food recipes, but then I also found recipes for facial masques, shampoos, lip gloss, & body scrubs!  I spent way too much time looking at them all! 

Today I made two things:  Blueberry Facial Masque and the Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

Boy, did I look frightening with the blueberry masque on, but my face felt so refreshed afterward, so I guess it's worth it!  The red and the chunks from the blueberry kind of looked like blood, etc. so this is definitely something you'll want to do alone (or at least warn your roomies, bf, hubby, etc. that you're going to look like a blood-sucking monster for a few minutes).  Definitely give it a try though - it's so easy to make, and is way better for you than putting the expensive products filled with chemicals (that I know we all buy) on your face!

Blueberry Masque:   

1/4 cup local, organic blueberries

1 tablespoon raw organic honey

1 tablespoon virgin olive oil

Combine ingredients, blend, and apply to face!

Leave on for 5 minutes, then rinse.

I might recommend using a bit less olive oil, as my masque was a little too runny!

And second:  The Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse

I actually just bought a bottle the other day for a recipe I found, so it was perfect timing.  This rinse is supposed to make your scalp less itchy (getting rid of dandruff), and make your hair more shiny by coating and protecting the hair cuticles!  I'll let you know if I can see a difference in a few days!

To make it:  just use 1 part ACV and 2 parts water.  After you shampoo and rinse, apply the mixture to your hair.  You can wash it out or leave it in.  It smells vinegary until it dries, but then you're fine, I promise!

Anyway, so after I made these, I took an amazing bubble bath and soaked.  I finished off the day making some Lentil Patties, which were a bit too dry and didn't stick together as I imagined, but they still had great taste.  And now, I'm just doing a little brushing up on work stuff - I have a certification exam (part 1) tomorrow morning, eek!

Happy Monday! (and MLK day!)

 

Have you had any experiences with these DIY recipes or do you know any other great ones?

My New Project

I've been dreaming up this little blog for a while now.

For some time now, I've been struggling with emotions & feelings.  What makes me feel happy, depressed, upset, giddy, angry?  

Then, while visiting my Grandmother's house, I gazed at a little porcelain plaque she has on her windowsill.  It reads:

"Do One Thing Everyday That Makes You Happy"

I realized then that I needed to focus on the things that make me feel happy, the things that make me feel fulfilled and joyous, and the things that make me satisfied.  Of course, there will always be things that try to pull me away from this happiness I seek, but my goal is to make sure that I do one thing everyday that is an adventure, that is different and fun, and that makes me happy.  It can be simple or complex, big or small.  You name it.

That's where this little blog comes in!  I would love to write about something everyday that I did toward this goal, or something I am planning or dreaming up.  Right now I'm not going to beat myself up if it's not everyday, but I'll do my best!  I will also ask others to contribute, share inspiring photos and music, and whatever thoughts are on my mind.

I'm excited to get started today.  I hope you'll stick around and enjoy! 

"Aleph" Stone Sculpture Abby (boyfriend) & I built on Block Island, RI