RipeLifeBlog

November 30

Michelle — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:21:16 +0000

Art Every Day for a Month is over now, and I am pleased that I managed to take a photo every single day even if my postings appeared in oddly timed intervals thanks to my limited access to the interwebs these past few weeks. This last picture is a close up of a chalice I received from a dear friend. A totally unexpected yet deeply sweet gesture of connection. There’s symbolism, beauty and – thanks to the red tinsel - a particular sparkle that I just love in this photo. Something about the flash of light wrapping the stem (rather than a candle lit within the cup) says “we’re surrounded by an unexpected glittering brilliance.” A divine spark that embraces and upholds us. Let it shine, let it shine!

I’m going to shift blogging gears to my ADVENTure writing practice for the December days and will be keeping up my day 365 picture taking on the Good Divas FB Group. If you want to know more about either project, drop me a note here in the comments section and we’ll tawlk. Til then…keep shining!

November 29

Michelle — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:08:05 +0000

As the end of the month approaches, I think this may be among my favorite photos. This bottle of rootbeer sits on the window sill in my kitchen. I found it when we moved in a box of things left to me by my beloved Oona who died 18 months ago and it cracks me up because of the number of times we MUST have proclaimed some unworthy man a rat bastard then cackled hysterically. Rat Bastard really conjures up a certain type of cad that only a gal pal can truly diss and commiserate over…Good girlfriends are a treasure in life and I have been (and AM!) blessed by some amazing Goddesses. Oonie and I went to many a matinee watching romantic comedies (rarely something serious and dramatic) drinking root beer and eating bad popcorn and mocking the happy endings, while discussing bad theology and getting SHHHHHed by other movie patrons. I miss her so much. And love that of all the strange stray things I have to remember her by, Rat Bastard Rootbeer is the thing I see daily.

November 28

Michelle — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:02:03 +0000

Mostly, I know nothing about the technical stuff I’m using when it comes to blog development, photo taking and heck, even my grammar. But I was able to make the very modern looking tub of Fluff look olde time with the click of a button that said “black and white.” It makes me smile to see the tasty nostalgic treat in the “simpler times” coloration of the days when a test pattern came across the TV screen after the Johnny Carson show and there were no 24 hour news/music/celebrity/sports networks. I grew up without cable tv and cell phones and texting and…the middle aged list goes on. However, there were white bread, crust cut off Fluffer Nutters and cold milk in shiny aluminum tumblers. There were days spent outside - warm and muggy in the summer, icy and below freezing all winter. And no matter the season there was marshmallow fluff and lots of peanut butter.

November 27

Michelle — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:42:22 +0000

Like many people, having a little cold causes me to be a whiney mess. So I’ve spent much of the day sleeping and look forward to getting another 9 hours in before it’s time to return the rental car. For a few hours I thought that the worst sniffling and sneezing might be done. That things could be looking up. But then I saw the bright light and my eyes watered and there was more coughing and nose blowing to follow. Oh well. Things will get better….

Cough. Hack.

And it’s Advent, so preparing for the possible and the impossible is definitely on the agenda. Keep looking up and find a guiding star….

November 26

Michelle — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 04:26:59 +0000

On the way home, we stopped in a sweet historic village for a cozy night of relaxation. Had some great food and listed to a sweet duet playing classic rock at the local brew pub. Then back to the hotel for a little night cap. So romantic and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…..

November 25

Michelle — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:19:01 +0000

Giving thanks, for the stories that will make this a memorable holiday for years to come. The tournament was not held after all, but the feasting, napping and late night you-tube film festival will sustain us until revenge of the return of the tourney in 2013! And this little trophy will be residing in warm and sunny California, til then! Can you tell how happy that makes him?

November 24

Michelle — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:13:28 +0000

(EUGENE, OR) BREAKING NEWS: Annual Family Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament under threat of cancellation due to league lock out. Details to follow. Stay tuned for late news out of the negotiations between union representatives and management taking place now in Eugene. (Sports fans, this doesn’t look good.)

will the trophy remain under house arrest? stay tuned sports fans!

And, from ESPN El Ocho: Speculation is high that the league lock out will continue, necessitating the cancellation of the 2011 Tournament of Champies. Rumors of point shaving, pay for play and intentional forfeiture during the 2010 tournament are as yet unsubstantiated according to unnamed sources familiar with union negotiators.

November 23

Michelle — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:08:40 +0000

We have arrived at our holiday destination and the preparations for giving thanks and feasting are well underway. We made the trip in one long drive, through dramatic and beautiful terrain. Got to see the children who waited up a little past bed time for aunty and uncle to get here and now it’s quiet and cozy as we head off to sweet dreams with much gratitude for family!

November 22

Michelle — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:02:22 +0000

Three weeks into this Art Every Day Challenge and my lap top has only been intermittently working so the postings are appearing at strange intervals when I can manage the uploads and downloads and wireless intricacies of 21st century communication. Alas, today was a good day since it involved an excursion for chocolate along side a lot of packing and preparing for a long holiday weekend away. The nearby factory often wraps the neighborhood in a warm cholcolatey embrace. Perfect on the cool-to-foggy days. And on the days when it’s sunny and 60 and perfect for a little spirit of adventure into new flavors like vanilla caramel and the dark chocolate with the sea salt and almonds mixed in.

November 21

Michelle — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:57:37 +0000

Apple juice, so fresh you can taste it! My pitcher over flows with apple goodness in every sip. Crunchy and satisfying. Just add water.

shake before drinking...