Hand and Foot

While in college my good friend, Kim, invited me over to her apartment one evening to play games. Her grandmother was in town and a noted card shark. As I remember it the scene played out something like this: Kim, Kim's grandma, me and a single guy-that I beleive Kim was attempting to set me up with- sitting around a table eating M&M's and popcorn while Grandma was solemly explaining the sacred and extensive rules to a game called Hand and Foot that she played religiously with her friends. I know we played a long time that night and this game became one of the regular games played at any get together at Kim's place... whether in Kansas or Japan.

Kim didn't manage to set me up with any guys, but she did play a huge role in getting me to Japan. While we were both living in Japan Kim had several parties at her house. This almost always included great food and extensive games of Hand and Foot. We even figured out how to play with a lot more people or as few as three.

I believe it was the year I learned Hand and Foot that I introduced it to my family over the holidays. During the holidays my family spends together we always inculde a lot of hours playing games. Some times it is cards sometimes it is a board game, but alawys fun. And Hand and Foot became a fast favorite with everyone.

A couple of weeks ago Kim sent me an email asking if the Hand and Foot that is ALL OVER my families' blogs is the same Hand and Foot that her grandma taught me. Although I think it has changed some in some of the finer points and rules in my family, it is essentially the same. I have taught many, many people how to play and I know my parents are still teaching people. My grandmother loves to play with whoever will take the time. My cousins begged my parents to play with them over Christmas. It and Rook definately make an appearance at some point during a family get together. And today Lizzy heard us talking about it and insisted on playing 'Hands and Toes' with us. She was, however, a little disterbed when Peter used his foot. She kept saying over and over, "Dad, I don't have a foot."

Kim's grandmother passed away a few years ago, but her legacy lives on through the family of a shy college student that she played cards with. Thanks for sharing her with me, Kim.

Florida

I have been to Florida, soaked in some of the warm sunshine, and returned to the cold again.

This trip was with Young Life. The guys in my office were generous enough to take me along to the Young Life All Staff Conference. This conference only happens every 4 years and is a huge celebration of the mission of Young Life. Over 4,000 staff from across the US and 60 countries around the world converged on the Marriott World Center in Orlando. I roomed with the other Admin in my office, Betsy. We were fortunate enough to get 3rd floor rooms that over looked the pool. I enjoyed drinking a cup of tea on the balcony each morning before the long day began.

During the week we had some amazing speakers, Earl Palmer, Dale Bruner, and Donald Miller (writer of Blue Like Jazz). There was also a surprise visit from Jeff Foxworthy. He did a show for us and then the next morning he and his wife spoke to the general session. They are volunteer Young Life leaders and she was involved in Young Life in high school. Jack Hannah, the animal guy from David Letterman, made a surprise visit with some of his animals. He provided some of the best laughs of the week. He also has a personal connection with Young Life as his daughters and son-in-law have been involved in YL. We also had a visit from Ben Stein and his movie producer. He brought his film that comes out in February called Expelled that addresses the issue of intelligent design. We got the opportunity to preview the movie. And I highly recommend that you go see it. His producer was also a YL kid in high school. It is amazing to see how YL reached so many people and they, in turn, make a difference in the world.

Friday we ventured to the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to enjoy the 'Happiest Place on Earth' with my friends. We had to get a picture of the girls in front of the castle. We also got stuck in the Buzz Lightyear ride... this is Matt and Mel hanging out waiting for the ride to continue.


All in all it was a fantastic trip with good friends. It was so good to get away to soak in some sunshine and spritual encouragement.

Blue Cheese

When I was younger I didn't like blue cheese at all. I remember that my mom loved blue cheese dressing and always chose it at restaraunts. I couldn't imagine why. Sometime in my twenties I decided that I really did like blue cheese. About that time I remember having conversations with several friends about whether or not blue cheese was good. We came to the conclusion that it must be a grown up taste that you learn to like as you get older, like coffee. One friend assured me that then she would always be young becasue she would never like it.

Over the holidays I went to a Christmas party and my favorite thing on the pot-luck style snack table was an amazing blue cheese spread on green apples. I tracked down the maker of this divine dish for the recipe. I hope you will try it if you like blue cheese.

One package of cream cheese
1/2-3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
chives (one green onion will work)
salt and pepper to taste

I had it served with green apples which was amazing, but it also works with crackers.

Merry Christmas!

December seemed to fly by so quickly. I do have things to blog about, but without the challenge it was harder to stick to my writing. I was even humbled my the fact that my mom blogged more than I did this month.

I even have a video to link in for you. Last month I talked about Lizzy singing Baby Face and promised to put a clip on if I could. Peter cut the video for me of just Baby Face... enjoy. If you have more time, the whole preschool program is on Pete & Misty's web page.
The holiday vacation around here didn't quite turn out like we had hoped. Joe started the fun on Friday when he started throwing up. This fun has traveled throughout the house and we have all paid homage to the porceline throne. All productivity and activity that was unnecesary stopped. All healthy energy was spent cleaning up after the sick ones. This will explain why all of my out of state friends have not received their gifts, nor are likely to for another week or so. The only benefit to this quick diet is that I will look great for my trip to Florida in two weeks because no holiday pounds are hanging around.

I hope you all had a much healthier holiday vacation. I also pray that you know the hope of Christ's birth and the reason for this holiday season.

RMSP

A week ago I sent in my registrations form for Rocky Mountain School of Photography's career training school. Today I received my first packet of information. It is exciting that I have officially started the process toward this adventure. I now have two weeks to complete an agreement form and send in a rather large deposit. (The only thing I am not looking forward to is the money part of this adventure. But that will work out eventually.) Once I send in the deposit I will receive another packet of information that has more specific information to my summer of intensive study including equipment and housing information. By the way, if anyone has any connections in Missoula, I will need a place to live for 5 months (besides my car).

PS For those of you who haven't noticed, I put a link to RMSP's web page on the right side of my blog if you are interested in looking around.

Things That Make Me Smile

Dark chocolate anything.
Seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
When Joe and Katie crack each other up.
Being in the mountains.
Sleeping in.
Seeing the invisible hand of God at work around me.
Playing cards with all of my family.
When a photo turns out as I envision it.
Singing along with Christmas songs while shopping.
Road trips.
Reminiscing with friends and family.

I know there are many many more... but these were on my mind recently.

30 Days of Blogging

When my friend, Kim, asked me to join her in blogging the month of November, I knew it wouldn't be easy. In retrospect it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. There were only a handful of days that I sat in front of my computer with a blank screen and blank mind. Most days I discovered my topic while driving around during my daily routine. I like to use my time in my car for thinking and praying.

Tonight, for example, I had some errands to run and notice all of the Christmas trees for sale in all of the parking lots around town. But all the trees look exactly the same. I know that they are trimmed to look like that. My favorite Christmas trees, however, are the ones that are chosen in the woods. I have a great memory of walking through waist deep snow in Alaska a couple of years ago with my buddy, Anita. We selected a beautiful tree in the woods behind our house and brought it home. It had not been trimmed all its life so it was not a perfect cylinder, but it was the perfect tree. Too bad that they don't sell that kind of tree in tree lots.

I have had lots of comments that you, my readers, have enjoyed having something new to read every day. And a couple of you have even said that you are not looking forward to December 1st because you know I won't blog everyday. I am sorry to say that you are right. I don't see myself keeping up this habit. However, I will attempt to blog more often. Thanks for reading.

The Travel Bug

No matter where I am or how my life is going, I get the travel bug itch at least once during the year. I just want to drive to the nearest airport, hop on a plane and go somewhere new, experience a new culture, and go exploring. I just wish that I could go every time the bug bit. I have a long list of places that I would love to go. This list just continues to grow as I keep up my subscription of National Geographic Traveler and Budget Traveler magazines.

Right now I am simultaneously trying to figure out how I can afford to go to Arizona, London, Alaska, Japan, and Australia. Aside from becoming independently wealthy, I just don't see it happening anytime soon. Too bad that I am also a realist.

A Classic

I discovered some great tv this month. They now have the British tv series All Creatures Great and Small on dvd. I read all of these books by James Herriot as a kid and really enjoyed them. In the 80's they made a British tv series based on the books. After a little research, discovered that all of the 8 seasons are now on dvd and available at the Boise Public Library. I have watched two complete seasons now and am looking forward to seeing them all this winter. If you get a chance, I recommend them, especially if you have read the books. You will remember a lot of the stories.

And the Winner Is...

This was the favorite photo from yesterday's blog. Misty wanted more contrast. So I touched it up for her. Thanks for your comments.

Vote for Your Favorite

A photo for today. I have been learning Adobe Photoshop Bridge and enjoying the digital darkroom this week. The first one is the most original to the photo. Then I started playing. Which one do you like best?

Thank You

At church today the service was a bit different for Thanksgiving. There was a lot of music but also a time of communion and thanksgiving. Normally I don't like the idea of passing the mic around with uncomfortable silences and unpracticed speeches. There is something a bit uncomfortable about it for me. I think it is just something personal that I need to get over.

This morning the mic was passed around for people to share something they were thankful for. When it was nearly time to be done a young man raised his hand for the mic. He said that he was thankful that he and his buddies had returned safely from tour in Iraq. Being part of a military family I could relate to his words and smiled to myself. Then the pastor asked him his name. Then the pastor said, "Thank you, Daniel, for your service." And the room exploded in applause as people rose to their feet for him. Tears welled up in my eyes and I was thankful for this group of people that made it so clear to this young man that he was loved and supported. This reminded me of something I heard recently about a woman who researched what military families needed. The number one thing that they wanted was not sympathy but just a simple 'Thank you for your service and sacrifice' from people.

Thank you to all the military people who sacrifice for and serve our country.

Cameras in My Life

I started thinking earlier this month about how my photography passion as developed over the years. My very first camera was a 110mm camera that was given to me around 5th grade. I loved snapping pictures of whatever struck my fancy at the time. They were alway dark, a little blurry, and never interesting.

At some point during the years between elementary school and high school, mom got a Pentax K1000. I loved messing around with it. Then as a sophomore in high school I took the black and white photography class offered at my school. Mom generously allowed me to use her camera for this class. This is where I really started to understand composition and art of photography. And I loved working in the dark room. It was magical.

I was all set my junior year of high school to take the color photography class and be a year book photographer. And then we moved. Needless to say, I was disappointed.

At my new school my senior year of high school I joined the yearbook staff and was able to use my photography and dark room skills once again. I enjoyed it so much that I remember trading assignments with other students in the class... they wrote my copy and I took their pictures.

College photography was a series of borrowed cameras for trips and events. I remained cameraless until I moved to Japan after college. When I arrived the gal I was replacing asked if I had a camera. I told here that I didn't and she graciously left her point and shoot camera for me. I don't even remember what kind it was. But it took great memory snapshots for me.

Fast forward three years and I was living in Alaska. Living in such breathtaking scenery drove me to make my first camera purchase for myself. A Canon Rebel G. This simple slr camera took such great pictures, I couldn't stop taking pictures. I was a regular at my favorite camera shop. And I was spending quite a lot of money on film and developing. But it was worth it to me to do something I loved.

I started hearing about digital slr's and I was intrigued. Especially when I heard that canon had a dslr that could used film lenses. Having purchased a zoom lens (that still remains my favorite lens) the idea of going digital and yet use my lenses was very motivating. So in 2004 I purchased the Canon Digital Rebel 300D. I liked the digital convience and cheaper developing costs, but it has never wowed me like my film camera. But I have continued to take pictures and build up my accessories knowing that one day I will get a better DSLR as they develop newer technology.

As I make plans to go to photography school I have been researching and dreaming of my new camera. Canon just released their newest DSLR in September... the 40D. I believe that this will be the next camera for me.

Black Friday

Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving when stores lure shoppers out at the wee hours of the morning to spend money. I believe the extreme hours are because most of the shoppers are not quite awake enough to realize that they really aren't saving that much money.

Misty likes this crazy shopping tradition (ironic because she doesn't like shopping). We were standing in line outside a store at 6am last year and gave up the hunt by 10 without buying a thing. This year we looked at the ads and weren't impressed so we slept in. Really, there are very few items in the world that I want badly enough to loose sleep over. We hit the stores at 7:30 and actually found some bargin Christmas gifts. And there was only one store that we spent 40 mintues in line to pay. The rest were relatively quick purchases. All in all, painless and quite productive. Well, unless you ask Pete who stayed home with the kids. On second thought, don't ask Pete.

Family Cooking

This morning Misty and I were cooking the desserts for todays Thanksgiving dinner and this started me thinking about how so many favorite recipes we have are part of our famliy heritage. I love the idea that the food we love is from the same people that influenced our eye color and height. It is a good thing we have our mom to teach us how to cook those type of recipes. There is a lot of 'to taste' and 'about a cup' or 'a little' in theses recipes.

Today's menu included grandma's apple crisp, mom's bisquits, and a great aunt's gingerbread.

Sunsets

Why do sunsets make us hold our breath and want to stop everything we are doing? Tonight I was driving home to a beautiful sunset. This started me thinking about some of the best places I have seen sunsets. Kansas has awesome sunsets. In college I used to walk out behind my dorm to pray, think and soak in the breath taking scene. Hawaii also has fantastic sunsets. Some of my favorite sunset shots I have taken were on a beach in Maui. Alaska sunsets are not to common, but definitely unique to seasons and location. I love South Dakota sunsets on the ranch, too.

I believe one of the reasons that I love photography so much is that attitude of worship that you can't avoid when you stop to really look at the beauty of creation. That breathlessness that comes when you stop to drink in a scene that touches your soul. So much of God is in that moment. I wonder if it is in a small way how we will feel when we are at the feet of the throne one day. A glimpse of inexplicable beauty that takes our breath away. Something so much more than we can ever imagine.

Here are some of my sunset shots over the last few years.








South Dakota











South Dakota












Hawaii












Wyoming







Alaska






Alaska

Snow

This morning we were greeted with fluffy snow flakes trying to cover everything. It didn't last long, but it did remind me that it is winter and the holidays are coming. Crazy to think that it is Thanksgiving this week. I feel like it was just summer.

Here is a photo I took last spring. A little something to look at because I don't have much to say today.

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

Imagine this being sung by a little blonde three year old at the top of her lungs with actions.

Baby Face, you've got the cutest little baby face
There's not another one could take your place, Baby face
My poor heart is jumpin you sure have started somethin
Baby face, I'm up in heaven when I'm in your fond embrace
I didn't need a shove cause I just fell in love
With your pretty baby face.

Yes, it was the cutest thing you could imagine. This actually happened at lunch today. Lizzy came home from preschool after practicing for her program. If I can get this on video, I will definately put it on my blog.

November 18th

Happy Birthday, Laila! I love that you have been a dedicated aunt my whole life. I have always loved that you remember my birthday. But one of my favorite things is that I get to look like you! I was going to put a picture of us here, but I don't seem to have it on this computer.

Fall camp went well. The rain didn't stop until I was almost back to Boise. But it was a good weekend. There were about 100 high school students that made the trip to Quaker Hill. Crazy games, fun songs, lots of laughter, and a message of hope filled our weekend. I personally spent a lot of time in the dining hall setting tables, busing tables and cleaning. But I love to serve and be in the background of what is happening. It was a good weekend.

McCall Rain

Here I am in McCall. A little sleepy and damp, but here. We were expecting snow this weekend but it has been dumping rain like I have never seen in Idaho. I have actually used an umbrella for possibly the second time since leaving Japan nearly 9 years ago. Fortunately I had one stashed in my car.

Here is a fun picture of the only other time I can remember using an umbrella since Japan. This is at my buddy Joani's outdoor Alaskan wedding the summer of 2005. If you are wondering about my facial expression, I am eating and having a conversation with someone to my left. My favorite comment about this picture is from Joani's cousin Teagen who said I looked like a Hummell doll. (I need to find a reason to wear that dress again... it is cute) What a fun day we had.

Anyway, back to today... I slipped away from camp for a little while during free time (instead of taking a nap) to make sure that I keep up with NaBloPoMo. I am sitting in a coffee shop about 10 minutes from camp drinking my Americano with cream. It tastes very good and I may need to get another one before I head back.