MORE AMARYLLIS PHOTOS

Here are a couple more photos I've taken recently of the majestic amaryllis that graces our dining room table. On these dreary days, it's beauty is a great source of peace and tranquility for my soul.

I "doctored up" the second one a bit on Picasa, a free, downloaded program I've recently learned a bit about. One of these days, I'm going to get serious about printing out a couple of images and getting them in frames. Until then, Namasté will have to serve as the "exhibition hall" for my work.

THINKING SPRING

Here's a true confession that many already know about me....I really don't like this time of year. Day after day of gray skies, cold temps, and icy roads get old for me fast. I crave carbohydrates and silence, want to crawl in bed, sleep like Ichabod Crane, and hide out of sight of anyone who needs something of me. I have no desire to attend meetings or work on school related matters. I tire of "extroverting" quickly, and after a day of teaching, my greatest desire is to see no one, talk to no one, and hear no one.

It's during these winter months that I dream of having a small hut in Cuba. I can see a very happy me sitting on the beach day after day, taking my walks, swimming in the crystal blue-green water, and soaking in the sun. I'm holding out for that to become a reality. Hopefully Raúl won't last too long.

It's now that I start thinking about seeds and planting, about the blossoms I'll have around me in just a few months, about getting my hands in the dirt. I even get really excited when I think of getting to turn the compost! (I've already peeked on the south side of the house for any sign of an eager crocus...none so far..)

This summer, I think my garden will be small but packed with tomato, squash, cukes, and lots of datura and dahlias. I'll have a variety of sunflowers around the house, some zinnias, and basil for pesto. My gladiolas will produce delicate pink and white blossoms, and hopefully, the annuals I planted in the side shade garden will return in full glory.

With some good luck and a little pampering, my faithful tractor won't fail me as I zip around the farm, cutting the grass and attacking weeds. I'll rake the cuttings and toss them on the compost pile.

And ultimately, the really high thought in all of this is that I won't have to teach! Graduation takes place in June, and then it's playtime for a couple of months! YEAH! I can't wait!

Peace to all....Think spring!

LUNAR ECLIPSE - PHOTO

I took this photo of the lunar eclipse last Thursday evening...It's quite amateur, but it shows the eclipse at its fullest.

MIDWINTER BLOSSOM

Finally, something's blooming here at the farm. Enjoy these photos of the first amaryllis to bloom, a dainty, elegant pink and white that shimmers in the sunlight as if it had fairy dust coating its petals. There are two bloom shoots up out of the bulb, each with five huge flowers.

WOW, they make me happy when skies are gray!

(Click on the top photo, and you'll get an enlarged viewof this magnificent flower.)

FULL LUNAR ECLIPSE TONIGHT!!

Although it's snowing to beat the band at the moment, I understand the skies should clear later in the afternoon to make way for a spectacular full lunar eclipse tonight. Imagine the power of the event--- full moon lighting up the snow-covered earth darkened by the passage of the earth, only to emerge again a couple of hours later to bring back the light. I'm sure it will be an energetically-packed time. I can't wait!!

For more info, see: http://www.skyandtelescope.com:80/observing/home/15357796.html

I believe the next full eclipse is not until winter solstice in 2010. Here's hoping tonight's celestial spectacle removes the funk and illness that seem to prevail at the moment.

I HEART VALENTINE'S DAY & I HEART YOU!

Infinite love,

Tanya

GRAY, WINTERY DAYS

Today has been a classic winter day here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I awoke this morning to about 3" of snow, and it didn't take much self-convincing to talk myself into staying at home today rather than venture out in the mess. I've had a bit of a cold, some achy body moments, and a lame, but persistent, cough, so it has been a tea, nap, and do nothing day here at the farm.

In preparation for my trip to NC this weekend, I took advantage of the day to think out what I need to have ready to talk to my father when I see him. I am embarrassed to confess that he's been rude, mean, and hurtful to my mom, the woman who has cared for him 24/7 since the diagnosis of his illness 30+ years ago. He's crossed the line for passive tolerance of his antics, and although I can still access huge compassion for his situation, I am about done with his nastiness. The dilemma of not knowing for sure how much he understands has vanished for me since it's obvious he thoroughly understands what he's doing. I seek patience and the right words to let him know that his words and actions are inappropriate and unacceptable. Feathers might fly when the two of us meet....It won't be the first time, that's for sure.

I remind myself that this time of the year is when all humankind in our hemishpere should be in our caves, hibernating and resting until the light of spring beckons us to emerge. Today, here at the farm alone, has been just a taste of how much I would love to stay in a couple more days, weeks, or a month.....

CHECK OUT THIS BLOG

I just got an email this morning from Beth Nash letting me know that she's taken the plunge into the blogging world. Click on her name here, and you should be able to go right to her new venture. (Her blog is also linked to Namasté on the right side bar under "Tanya Recommends These Blogs.") It'swell worth the time to take a look at what Beth has started here. She's one amazing woman and an equally amazing artist!!!

Of further interest, check out her website as well: http://www.bethnash.com/

Purchase one of her paintings!

Commission her to do a portrait!

Visit her studio!

Tell everyone you know about her blog, her website, her work....!

Enjoy...

GUSTY WINDS = SHAKY BARN

Like other parts of the nation in the last 24 hours, wind gusts in our area have been pretty intense, and the barn here at The Farm is taking a valiant "stand" at staying standing. The back side has lost a lot of side boards, and my makeshift "flying buttresses" (= stakes in the ground supporting the doors that blow out from the sides of the front of the barn) have held so far. We're beginning the second night of high winds and really stout gusts....In short, this sort of weather is NOT what the barn (or my nerves) needs.

Crazy energy abounds from a lot of directions.....My high thoughts (in attempts to balance my fear of a huge collapsed structure on my hands) are that perhaps the winds are this strong to tranquilize the winter funk and illness around us and blow them away!! I'm not sure the barn would concur at this point, however!

ONE PERSON'S TRASH = MY TREASURES!

Since I'm surrounded by creative people who always come up with really neat treasures for very little money at places like Salvation Army and Goodwill, the urge to jump in and try my luck has overtaken me. Once the first really good deal came my way, I was hooked, and now I wait for office hours to pass by so I can make my daily trip to the thrift shops.

Here are a few things I've picked up in the last week:

Swanky Swig Juice Glasses - 1950's

I understand these little glasses are now referred as "swanky swig" juice glasses. Mary Ann collects these, and after my find today, I think I'm now an official collector as well. I got 7 of them in different designs for $7.50 at a local antiques store. I remember drinking orange juice from similar glasses when I was small at my Aunt Lora and Uncle Link's home when my family would go to visit for the weekend.

A Pressed Glass Plate - 1930's

This sweet little plate cost 50 cents and is clear glass. (It looks a little like amber glass because of the wood table underneath in the photo.) When I hold this up to the light, the designs in the glass refract the light in a beautiful way. It reminds me of glass plates I used to admire in my Great Aunt Kat's house in Statesville, NC.

Franciscan Trio Pattern Plate - 1950's

I stumbled upon two of these in Goodwill and got them for 10 cents a piece. I've found them on the internet for prices ranging from $14 - $18 each. The neat thing about this pattern (which isn't visible in this photo) is that the woman who designed the pattern hid her name in one of the clustered flowers on each pattern piece. Her name was Esta James, and inside the little flower coming out of the green leaves at the top of the plate, I found her signature. Apparently, she pulled one over on the company since designers for the Franciscan Pottery company forfeited their right to sign their work and claim it as theirs. I'm inclined to look for more of this pattern...I really like it a lot.

And finally...

Homer Laughlin Buttercup Pattern - 1950/1960

I got 6 of these little buttercup dessert plates for 10 cents each. They're really pretty and dainty. Only one has a chip! I found the pattern on line, and the prices quoted for one of these was $4 - $6.

I'm hooked.....I want to collect and collect and collect....Then I'll open up an Etsy or E-bay shop and see if I can let go of my finds...My only problem is I get attached, and I'm sure sending them to another home will be a challenge!

STUBBORN BEYOND REASON

Zeb Shook, my dad, is the living definition of stubborn. In fact, if one were to look up the word in the dictionary, I believe his name would appear. Papa's not a happy camper at his new residency, his caretaker's home, and although he can't even lift his arms high enough to put on his glasses much get himself out of a chair and to the restroom, he insists he's going to walk home (a distance of a good 25 miles or more) and take care of himself.

He's so homesick he can't think of anything positive in his life, despite the fact he's been able to stay at home many more years than many, many other people in his situation get to, despite the fact he's cared for by Pansy, the most wonderful caretaker on earth, in her home where he gets total individual attention, homemade food, an immaculately clean living space, total attention to his needs, his own television, company during the day and visits from family and friends. He simply can't count his blessings.

He's so homesick he's nasty, hurtful, and outright mean when my mom or I try to reason with him and assure him we understand how difficult this transition is for him. He's especially not nice when I remind him his only other option is to go to a nursing home since my mom can't care for him any more. Again, he insists he can and will care for himself.

Unfortunately, these behavior patterns are little more than a continuation of the ways we've all known from him all his life. Zeb's never been an easy person to get along with. And unfortunately for him, he's met his match in my sister and me when it comes to holding firm, very lovingly so, with him.

My heart overflows with love and compassion for my dad. And, I'm very, very conscientious of all the factors figuring into the dynamics of trying to help him. I so hope he can come around and begin to appreciate the depth of our love for him, as well as the love and respect Pansy's home offers him. He really is loved and all of us who are involved in his life are doing the best we can for him.

Keep your fingers crossed for all of us and stay tuned.....

THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL...

Eliza got her driver's license today on first try, and she's one happy girl!!!!!

UNDERGOING CHANGES

Blog Change: If you haven't checked into Namasté blog recently, you haven't seen the changes in the banner that I'm attempting to make on my blog header. I'm excited I used Piknik (as instructed by Mary Ann on her blog)! Now, I only have to figure out how to center the title, and I'm set to go. As I become more skilled in using the program, I'll be changing the blog banner with different photos along the way. Today's banner features one of my last summer's dahlias. Seeing it makes me want to zoom ahead into spring and summer. (By the way, Piknic is a free service on the web. All you have to do is go to the site and register.)

Life Change: The greatest change to report today, however, is that my father (87) finally realized my mom (89) can no longer care for him, and agreed to go live with his principal caretaker, Pansy. In fact, the move took place earlier today.

When I talked to my mom just a while ago, I asked her what it felt like to watch him leave after living with him for 63 years, and her response was that she felt like she just needed to crawl in the bed and take a nap. That speaks volumes in terms of her fatigue. She's cared for Papa everyday of the week since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 30 years ago, sometimes getting up as many as 17 times a night to assist him. Were it not for her nursing skills, infatigable patience and love, her beloved Zeb would have been in an assisted living center long ago. In the past few years, he's become very feeble.

And lucky are Papa and we to have Pansy in our lives. She's a good match for Papa...a career caregiver whom we met when Daddy was in a facility after his back surgery several years back. Pansy's a mountain woman and lives fairly near where Papa grew up...She's strong in body and spirit and so loving and compassionate...one of those very, very special persons who loves old people and cares for them in her home. She provides great relief for us since we know Daddy will be better cared for with Pansy than any other place on earth, short of with Mom.

My heart is full of love for my both my parents today. Daddy's never been one to leave home, to want to be away...I know coming to the final realization he is more than Mom can take care of breaks his heart...

However, we've all known that this day was soon to come. When I talked to Mom earlier as Daddy was about to leave home, I will confess that the tears flowed for a moment, but then a wave of relief swept over me as I affirmed in my heart that this huge change for our family really is for the best...

I hold Papa and Petie close in my heart today and give huge thanks for all they have done for me and my children...

RELAXATION SEMINAR OFFERED AT THE FARM

Having trouble letting go of stress and tension in your life?

Got the winter blahs?

Crazy things happening all around?

Just can't get enough rest?

Feeling under the weather?

Well, here at The Farm, we've got the answer for whatever ails you!

Join Clousseau the Cat, feline relaxation specialist, for instruction in the latest relaxations techniques!

"Crash and Snooze---Any Time, Any Where"

A specialist in sleep all day / sleep all night, Clousseau will lead individual or group mini-sessions in

"Purrrr while you Power Nap"

&

"Advanced Snuggle Techniques"

Sessions totally free anytime of any day

Open to all who seek relaxation for whatever reason

Bring warm, cozy clothes, pillow and blankets*

(It's rather chilly at the farm these days...)

Other feline colleagues available for one-on-one sessions**

As our friend, Sherm, says...

When in doubt, mellow out...

( and Clousseau totally concurs.)

NO NEED FOR APPTS.

*(Those with cat allergies should also consider a decongestant, and those bothered by loud purring or snoring might want to consider ear plugs, as well.)

** (Disclaimer: Clousseau does not recommend signing up for a session with Loonis since she has a tendency to get bitchy and pissy without warning or the corgis, since they stink.)

ONE MILLION PEACE SIGNS

Check out these websites:http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.com/ /http://www.onemillionpeacesigns.blogspot.com/

There are some really neat photos and apparently so many people joining the site that the blog managers are way behind posting photos.

I tried to post one of my photos of the peace sign in the back field, but I don't know if I made it through all the steps. If it did post, I estimate that it would be past page 17 on the site.

Anyway, people are thinking about peace and seeing it all around...That's neat!

WHAT HAVE I DONE TODAY?

1. Taught three classes.
2. Written two recommendations
3. Written a response to a student's concern about her grade 4. Created a writing prompt and rubric for my Spanish II students
5. Responded to numerous phone calls
6. Responded to numerous emails
7. Written an agenda for a meeting
8. Chaired the meeting
9. Met with a person about putting up an art exhibit
10. Graded two sets of papers
11. Answered numerous questions from students and colleagues
12. Made lists of things that must get done this week
13. Sat a lot while I did all the things listed above
14. Fed the animals
15. Fixed brussel sprouts for supper...

If I read this list on someone else's blog, I'd think the person needed to get a life....Hmmmmm...

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY FROM THE FARM - 01/12/2007

I am blessed.

I have the best guy friends in all the world. Samuel, Joe, Brett, Tom, Chintu, Dr. Tom, BJ, Dean, Ricardito, Rodolfo, Norm, Andrew, Pepín, David, James, Ralph, Darryl and...they're the best! They're for real...

I enjoy being in their company. I find it easy to talk to the "fellers," laugh with them, listen to them...My guy friends are wise; they're perspective is important and always enlightening for me to ponder. I learn from them...Many are the men I admire...respect...honor...love....

My gratitude for them is HUGE...

HE'S LOST HIS ARMS, AND HE'S STILL SMILING

The winter hasn't been all that severe (yet!), but my garden Buddha seems to have lost his arms in the last wind storm. I can't find them anywhere. Additionally, it looks as if he'll need a new paint job come spring. Nonetheless, I can always count on this guy with the truly hefty belly for good humor and an unfailing smile, and he seems quite content to wait out the winter outside. Way to go, enlightened but tarnished one! I laugh with you every time I walk by...

Two extremely warm days make me extremely suspicious that freezing butt weather could be on the way. I'm alone at The Farm now, officially declaring the holidays have come to an end since Samuel and Megan have gone back to school, Eliza's off for her two-week stay with her dad, and the rest of the farm family has scattered back across the country. It's quiet here, so quiet I find myself ready for bed by 9:30 PM.

Return to work has been bearable thanks to the presence of Mary Ann and students who seem happy to see me. I am a bit dull of brain until late morning--actually until about the time I finish my last class. I bumble about like Inspecteur Clousseau and am good for a few laughs along the way. I didn't realize until I got to the office today that I pulled the slacks I wore today out of the dirty clothes. One didn't have to look too closely to see the coffee and dirt stains down the legs of my pants...OOPS!!

On a final note, if anyone hasn't yet checked in on Daily Coyote, I again recommend this blog as one of the best in the world. Go to http://www.dailycoyote.blogspot.com/, and I promise you'll fall in love with Charlie, Eli, and Shreve...It's a great read, and I'm sure their story will be a movie some day. Enjoy!

NAMASTE BLOG: TWO YEARS RUNNING

Time has flown by these last two years, and this week (Tuesday, January 8, 2008, to be exact) is the second anniversary of my blog. At the time I started blogging, I had no idea I would keep it up, and I couldn't think of anything to title my ramblings. The idea of Namasté is one which I embrace--a recognition of the common divinity in all, a friendly greeting exchanged with honor and respect for the person(s) to whom it is directed. It's both "hello" and "goodbye," "I honor you," "I respect you," and "We're all on this life journey together." Hence, the inspiration for the title of my blog.

Also embedded in my understanding of Namasté is the idea of peace and neutrality, in essence, freedom from turbulence of the spirit. I associate the term with joy...with happiness...with deep and free breath...with commonality and similarities in the human experience. Namasté for me means that Gomer Pyle is as great a teacher for me as Albert Einstein...that a cabbage radiates as much beauty as a rose...that anyone or anything that takes us to a greater level of compassion and love is something to be treasured...that we can all live life our own way (as long as we do no harm to others).

OK, enough philosophizing...If anyone would like to submit an idea for Namasté 2007 post of the year, just leave a comment. I'd love to know which entry captured my readers' attention and interest...And again, thanks to all who check in on Namasté from time to time....I'm deeply honored!

NAMASTE..

MEME TO BEGIN THE YEAR-WELCOME TO 2008

The new year's here. There was a wonderful gathering of family and friends here at the farm Monday evening. Photos will appear in the next day or so.

Until then, here's a MEME I stole from Mary Ann, who snagged it from someone else. (It has taken a good little while to get all this together here on my first day of work. SHHHHHHH!!!)

Age on next birthday:

Note how modern this '56 car looks!

A place you'd like to visit:

...only, of course, when Fidel finally kicks the bucket and it's safe for me to go...Nepal places a very close second, and at the rate it's taking for Fidel to check off the planet, it looks like I'll make it there first...

One favorite place:

...New Mexico, Land of Enchantment...

A favorite object:

... knitting needles, pretty yarn, and some music, and I'm in 7th heaven...

My favorite food:

...after all I am a GRITS - Girl Raised in the South - and I do love my collard greens...

Favorite color:

...a difficult decision since I love ALL colors...this thistle purple always catches my eye...

Favorite animal:

...yep, I'd love to be an otter!!

Name of first pet:

...Bitsy, a solid white mutt who didn't look a thing like this itsy-bitsy fellow...

Where I live:

...Marietta, OH - oldest town of the Northwest Territories and home of the annual Sternwheel Festival (2nd weekend in September of each year)...

First grade teacher's name:

Miss Charlie Putnam...yes, Charlie was a she

My middle name:

...Lee, just like Robert E....

A bad habit:

'Nuf said....

College major:

¿Hablas español?

My favorite holiday:

I love a good costume, a good costume party, and a trip to the graveyard!

WHEW!!!! This post has taken me two days to complete...Was it worth it?????