Bliss Like This

Weekend notes

2008-04-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend was very relaxing...friday after work I planted more seeds including sunflowers, morning glories, and poppies. I believe that our back yard is going to be so full of color! Saturday, Michael and I stayed inside since it was unbearably hot outside. We watched bad tv and a couple movies and just lounged all over. It was so nice. When it cooled off, we went to the grocery store and I was craving ice cream so I picked up some Ben & Jerry's. Today (Sunday), it was hot again so we stayed inside until it was time to go to a barbeque at Kolleen & Jen's house.

The barbeque was very fun! Nobu, Joseph, Melanie and Tim were there. Michael and I got there around 4 and we helped Kolleen get some things ready and played some soccer in their huge back yard. I took tons of pictures, most of which were blurry. Once the sun started going down it wasn't as hot. Kolleen and Jen set up their fire pit and we sat around it for a little. It was really nice to get together with everyone from work and hang out. It was so low key and relaxing. This was the first hot weekend, kind of a preview of summer in California. We didn't have to turn our air conditioning on though. I bet we will when it starts getting up to 100 or so. I like how the nights are cool, in the 60's.

Pictures

2008-04-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Photos from our trip to Pacific Grove are now up on Flickr! Click HERE and enjoy!

Weekend trip to Pacific Grove & Monterey

2008-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

I spent three lovely days in Pacific Grove & Monterey with Michael this past weekend! We left around 6 am Saturday morning and drove to Fresno to pick up a rental car then started our trip to the coast. We drove through some really cool and green mountains through a city called Gilroy. It was kinda cloudy and misty but the pictures I took came out really cool!

We arrived in the Monterey area around 11 am but couldn't check into our hotel until 3 so we parked along the coast in Pacific Grove and walked around for a while. We were right there by the rocks and waves! It was so cool! We walked all the way to the downtown Pacific Grove area and ate some lunch at a place called Peppers. It was a "Mexi-Cali Grill." (Whatever that means!) The food was pretty good...I ate a mushroom and artichoke enchilada and Michael ordered grilled fish tacos...yummy!

We walked back to the ocean and checked out the beach near Lover's Point - a very cool park on the coast. We then walked back to the car and drove to the hotel to check in. We were so tired from walking all day! Our hotel room ended up being upgraded to this cute little cottage!

We went out for a very nice dinner at a restaurant called The Victorian Corner. We were there for about 2 hours just eating, drinking, and talking. After that we called it a night so that we could get up super early Sunday to see the sunrise.

It was too cloudy Sunday morning so our pictures weren't so great, and it was sooooo cold outside! We ate some yummy breakfast at The Lighthouse Cafe and decided to go back to the hotel and sleep. We slept until about 1 and woke up refreshed....we did some shopping at an old book store where I bought a Rainer Maria Rilke book of poetry. Then we went to Cannery Row in Monterey and got some coffee. From there, we decided to take the 17 mile drive from Pacific Grove through Asilomar and pebble Beach. We stopped several places along the coast to take pictures. It was so windy and cold! We took tons of pictures of Bird Rock, The Lone Cypress Tree, the Ghost Tree, etc. When we got to the Pebble Beach Resort, we took a bathroom break and started driving back to see the sunset on the beach. The sun looked pretty cool until it hit some clouds along the horizon and then looked crappy. Michael tried to show me how to use the manual setting on my camera but I don't quite get it. I tried a few times and even took some black and white pictures but then went back to auto.

For dinner we decided to try the Thai Bistro but they were closing when we got there so we ended up eating at the Persian Grill. I ate this delicious dish of chicken with Persian spices over Basmati rice with Saffron and Barberries on top. I was in heaven - this dish was so good. I have never had a barberry but they were very interesting - sweet and sour at the same time. I was stuffed! Michael ordered some kind of stew that also came with Saffron rice...he was stuffed as well!

Today (Monday) we got up and showered and checked out of the hotel around 11. We went to a couple more shops in Pacific Grove and then went to Fish Hopper's on Cannery Row in Monterey for lunch. We sat on the deck that overlooked the bay and it was so nice! We checked out an Antique store that was sensory overload with all the crap in it...and then a gallery of local art that was disappointing...

Finally, we stopped at the Monterey State Beach and walked down to the water. I took some final pictures of the ocean and a weird tree that was seriously right on the beach! Then we headed home...

I had a fantastic weekend and my legs are soooo sore from walking everywhere! I can't wait to go back when the weather is a little warmer and you can actually sit on the beach without blowing away!

Trust the Mess: Part 2

2008-03-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

This week is break week and I don't have any art therapy groups so I've been in my office on the unit doing paperwork and other things...if it weren't for Becky I'd go crazy! We email each other all day and call each other when we don't feel like emailing...and we eat lunch together at Becky's apartment! We are joined at the hip! LOL...Tomorrow we have a training from 9-11 and then we have to help clean and organize the art center. I heard from Melanie that it is a disaster because some shelving is being removed and everything in the office had to be moved! I bet we will have tons to clean...we also have art therapy supervision tomorrow. Today I was working on my lesson plans for Art Journaling which starts on Tuesday. I believe I now have at least 7 in the group, maybe 8. I am really excited to have a full group! My directives for the Spring quarter are different than last quarter and center more on wellness and coping skills. I have 6 weeks out of 12 done so far...

I started a new painting last night. I basically worked in the style of what I did at the workshop with Sabrina. I spread paint around and played with colors and taped paper in some areas. I also drew with oil pastels. Tonight, Michael and I went to Michael's and I bought some new art supplies! I got a calligraphy set and India ink and a set of 3 bamboo brushes. I also got a couple new bottles of paint and a tool that punches holes in thick paper. I was looking for a Japanese hole puncher but they didn't have one. I will have to order it online. They also didn't have the ink I was looking for which is also a Japanese brand so I will look online for that too. I will probably finish my painting tomorrow night after I decide what I want to write on it. I have a few poems and some of the free writing from Sabrina's workshop to choose from.

This weekend Michael and I are going to Pacific Grove which is near Pebble Beach and Monterey. I can't wait! I love going to the beach!

Weekend Tidbits

2008-03-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty good weekend...I slept in pretty late Saturday and then hung out with Becky who brought me a scrumptous lunch from Panera Bread. We made some origami butterflies, played scrabble online and then watched cable! Yes, cable. Not ordinary cable but super DirectTv cable. Lots and lots of channels and a digital video recorder too....It has been so long since we had cable....after watching VH1 for a while, me, Becky, and Michael went to get some Mexican food for dinner. Michael and I challenged each other to some Scrabble games last night and of course he won. Smarty pants.

Today (Sunday) I got up not so late as yesterday but not so early either...I watched a new series on VH1 called "I know my kid's a star." I especially wanted to see this show because one woman in it with her daughter is the ex-girlfriend of my friend from Santa Monica. It was interesting to see what she is like since he told me some juicy stories about her. The next episode is on Thursday night...

After I watched the show, Michael and I drove up to Fresno and went to Barnes & Noble and Trader Joe's. I got a Sylvia Plath book and a really cool discount hardcover with these fold out pages that I am going to use for an art journal. The weather today was extremely warm...almost 80 degrees. I talked to my parents in Ohio and they said it is still very cold there and they had some snow yesterday morning.

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!

End of the Winter Quarter

2008-03-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of my Art Journaling for Wellness group at the hospital. In 2 weeks the new quarter starts and so will a new Art Journaling group. 3 out of the 4 guys from this quarter will be back next quarter to continue with the group! I also have a new name on the roster of a man from the admissions unit. The guys did evaluations for Jenn & I today and they were 100% positive. I am very proud of Jenn & I for doing this group. They really got a lot out of it and I'm ready to take the group to the next level of art journaling. They made their books out of paper and bristol board and I would love if we incorporated real books next time. I am going to start looking in thrift stores for books that we can use. Hard cover ones work best...I also need to come up with new ideas since the majority of the guys will be from this quarter.

Trust The Mess

2008-03-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in Los Angeles with Sabrina Ward Harrison unfolding and spilling. I attended her workshop at Carol Parks' NoHo Studio. The setting was absolutely beautiful. The house, the park across the street...all we heard were children all day as we created.

I met many new friends and connected with an artist that I have been following for years. We wrote freely and shared stories. We destroyed books to make new ones. We painted with each other on a mural and then cut pieces to place into our journals.

We layed down in the grass and watched the trees and clouds. There were tears and laughter and chocolate and oranges and Sabrina's wild red hair. There were poems and walks around the block and pictures.

Sabrina says, "If you don't go, you don't see." I'm so glad I went because I definitely saw.

I will cherish this weekend forever and ever and I will lie down again in the grass and remember that it doesn't matter what your art looks like, or how your words sound, or what you are wearing or eating or driving. It's the moment that counts. It's the now. Sabrina taught me about the now. She taught me to trust the mess and unfold my heart.

Thank you Sabrina...

*more pictures coming soon...

At home sick

2008-03-13T16:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling fine and I got ready for work as usual but when I went to get my keys I started feeling sick. I drove to the high school where I meet the van pool and I realized I forgot my phone. I felt so sick and I was worried that I would puke in the van so when they got there I told them to go ahead without me. I went back home and back to bed. I slept until about 11:45 and woke feeling much better. I hate missing work. I felt so guilty but I couldn't risk it. I missed the Creative Gardening group this morning...one of my favorite groups. At least I didn't have anything else this afternoon. Tomorrow I will go back and finish off the week. Then, Saturday and Sunday I will be going to LA with Jenn for the Sabrina Ward Harrison workshop!!!! I am so excited to meet her and attend this weekend of art.

Yay for weekends, friends, and gardening!

2008-03-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a busy, busy weekend! On Saturday morning, Michael and I got up and ran some errands and then met up with Becky, Kolleen, Nobu, and Joseph at ArtWorks. We ate some yummy lunch and played a game of Scrabble. Michael won (of course).

It was cool to spend time outside of work to get to know Nobu and Joseph. They are two new Music Therapists at the hospital. Nobu is from Japan and Joseph is from Taiwan. They are really friendly and interesting guys.

After ArtWorks we headed over to Home Depot. Becky bought some flowers for her garden and I got more English Daisies for mine. Kolleen also bought some flowers for her yard. I was anxious to get home and finish my garden!

Michael and I left Home Depot and went to Walmart and then back home. I planted more seeds and seedlings in my garden and was really excited to see my radishes have grown!

I planted my green onion and sweet onion seedlings and some broccoli seeds! I also planted the rest of the English Daisies around the rocks where my Poppies are. By the time it got dark, I was exhausted.

When I woke up this morning I was a little sore but we got right back out there and continued planting and digging! Michael dug the last part of the garden and made rows while I planted my eggplant and brussel sprout seedlings. When he was finished digging I planted my tomato plants and pepper plants! Then we went back to Home Depot for more dirt and seeds.

Michael wanted more cilantro and oregano seeds planted. I wanted more flower seeds. When we got back, I planted verbena, forget-me-nots, moss rose, cosmos, and catnip.

I must say that gardening is very hard work. I am incredibly tired, sore, and sunburn. I am happy and proud of me and Michael though. I still have some more to plant: Sunflowers, cucumbers, beans, and morning glories....

I have posted tons of pictures on flickr so click here and view them!

Tidbits

2008-03-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

I think I seriously walked 10 miles today at work. My legs are super tired! I worked my butt off getting all of my unit party forms completed, signed and turned in. Now, I just need to finish my monthly group notes...paperwork sucks! I also had Beading for Coping today and I have to say I love that group. There are about 45 guys and they have a great time in this group. It is also really cool to hear about Native American culture...my Native American name is "Shield Road Woman." I have no idea what that means but it's cool. Tomorrow morning I have Creative Gardening. It is a very small group of just 4 guys and me and Kolleen but they love working in the gardens. We've even started making bird houses to put in the garden spaces.

In my own garden I transplanted my herbs into the first row. I followed up with a row of radish seeds. By the time I did all of that it was almost dark so I still need to take a picture of it. Michael made a big mound of dirt off to the side of the garden next to the fence where he planted African Daisies and Alyssum. I can't wait to see how beautiful and colorful our backyard will be! I plan on growing sunflowers along the fence behind the garden...

Tuesdays

2008-03-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are quite overwhelming lately. I have two art therapy groups and not to mention the treatment teams I have to attend between those groups. I have been working on the paperwork for the party that the individuals are having on March 15. Tedious work but easy if you have examples and help from others. The guys are getting one small pizza with two toppings each. Three have special diets and are getting chicken (which isn't any healthier if you ask me). So that is 47 pizzas and they share 25 bottles of soda. Yikes! My friend and fabulous co-worker Becky volunteered to do this party for me since I will be in Los Angeles that weekend. She needs the overtime so that worked out. Thanks Becky!

I have been feeling more creative lately and I have been drawing trees all of a sudden.

I don't know what it is about these trees that interests me. They seem whimsical and at the same time fragile. I could get into a whole interpretation of them since I am an art therapist but I won't. I did a bunch of these tree sketches with pen during the 3 day training I was in last week. It helped to pass the time at least!

I still haven't started an Etsy page yet. Lack of motivation on my part.

Becky got a dog!

2008-03-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Today I went with Becky to a shelter so that she could look at some dogs. The shelter was actually run out of someone's home and it seemed like the dogs were happy and taken care of well. Last weekend we went to the SPCA in Fresno and it was really sad seeing so many dogs and cats that weren't taken care of. Today, Becky was introduced to a Husky Shepard mix and decided that she wanted to take it home with her! His name was Amos but Becky is planning on re-naming him. He is about a year and a half old and has all of his shots and is fixed. Becky and I took him to PetSmart and bought some food, dishes, treats, and toys. He behaved very well around all the other dogs that were in the store. After that we took him over to my house and let him run around the back yard with us. He is a very sweet dog and I'm happy Becky picked him today!

Good times

2008-03-01T22:27:00.000-08:00

Today I had a great day hanging out with my friend Becky! She brought over pizza and we had lunch. We challenged each other to a game of Scrabble online at scrabulous.com. Becky won! It was really fun though. Then Becky and I did a little shopping for art supplies. Becky worked on a really nice watercolor painting and I did another tree painting. Then me, Becky, and Michael went out to eat. When we got home Becky and I watched a movie. I had such a good time with her today!

Here is the painting I did today..

PS

2008-02-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

Our bed is coming tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Random notes...

2008-02-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

I had to take the clip from Youtube from the Oscar's off my blog because some dumb ass posted a comment that was actually some type of virus. What a douche. Good thing I caught it before someone clicked on it. I clicked on it and it did something weird but then I closed down the internet and it was fine....

The past two days I have been stuck in this stupid Annual Review Training (aka ART) at work. I haven't been inside the hospital but over in administration. Tomorrow is the last day and then I can go back to my normal routine. I think it is ridiculous that I had to do this training since I just started working in October. Since my birthday was in December, there is a policy that you have to go to this ART within 30 days of your birthday. Oops...it's more than 30 days but I couldn't get into the past couple trainings. Oh well. Both yesterday and today I got done early so I went to the computer lab and worked on monthly group notes.

On a good note...I think I neglected to mention that I have lost 2 more pounds. I am now at 128...12 pounds less than I was at the beginning of January (I was 140 then). I just remembered to mention it because I am watching The Biggest Loser. After this show is a show that I am interested in seeing called Quarterlife. It's about this girl that starts blogging about people she works with without them knowing and then they find out and are pissed. All of the episodes are on myspace because it started as a minisode on there and then was picked up as a full show for tv. It is produced by the same people who produced My So Called Life WHICH BTW I just got the box set in the mail today from Amazon. I can't believe I was a high school freshman when that show was on...

How does your garden grow?

2008-02-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

So far we have dug one section of our garden. We had a little set back with the rain we've been having lately and have to wait until the ground dries up a little before I can plant some seedlings. I have many plants started so far inside and tons more seeds that will go directly in the ground. I also plan on planting Sunflowers along the back fence but those seeds also go directly in the ground. Our weather is going to be in the 70's this week so hopefully I can get out there after work at least a half hour.

I planted some flowers along the rocks in the back yard. The image to the right are English Daisies which I thought were so beautiful. I also planted Iceland Poppies and Anemone Poppies. I can't wait to have a back yard full of flowers and vegetables and herbs. We have a tree in the middle of our back yard that we don't know what it is so it will be interesting to find out. The tree isn't very big. I think it was planted very recently because it isn't very big at all. It amazes me all of the fruit trees people have in their yards in our neighborhood. But they never pick their oranges!

To the left is a yellow Iceland Poppy that bloomed the other day! I love these flowers because they come in a variety of colors and you never know what color they will be until they bloom! Regular California Poppies are all orange.

To the right is an Anemone Poppy. These come in a variety of colors as well. This one is purple but I also have white ones and white/pink ones.

If You Don't Go, You Don't See...

2008-02-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed with the opportunity to take part in a weekend art journaling workshop with one of my favorite artists Sabrina Ward Harrison. I have been following her work for many years now and I own all of her art journaling books. Sabrina inspired me to do my Art Therapy Master's Thesis and presentation on my own art journaling and also to start an Art Journaling for Wellness Art Therapy group at the hospital I work at.

I will be travelling down to Valley Village near Los Angeles with my friend and co-worker (and co-facilitator of my art journaling group), Jenn during the weekend of March 15-16. This 2 day workshop runs from 11am-4:30pm and is going to be absolutely amazing! I can't wait to share my stories with everyone...

I tried to book the workshop for March 8-9 but it was sold out but I was so excited to see they added a 2nd weekend. I also asked if Becky wanted to go but she didn't get back to me yet....please, please, please go Becky! It will be sooooo worth it! Hurry, it will probably sell out soon!

I feel like I am finally able to do things that I've wanted to do for so long. Michael was the major motivator of this trip. He said I can't pass it up. I've wanted to meet Sabrina Ward Harrison since I bought her first book Spilling Open several years ago. I am so happy.

Also on a happy note...we ordered a bed today! Not just an ordinary queen size either...but, a California King Size...it should be here friday! Time to throw away that shitty air mattress...

Flyleaf in San Fran

2008-02-17T19:51:00.000-08:00

Michael surprised me this morning with 2 tickets to see the band Flyleaf (pictured above). The concert is in San Francisco on April 16th! I love their music...can't wait until April. Thanks, Michael! I love you!

Time to read some books...

2008-02-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

I caught a little bug that is going around at work. I started having this weird cough on Thursday night while Michael and I were out for Valentine's Day. I thought maybe it was the smoke in the Casino we were in (yes, we gambled on V-Day...hehe)...but then the next day (yesterday) at work, I started feeling worse, all headachy and with this horrible cough that hurt my upper chest. Nothing is really coming up with the cough...

Michael and I went to Fresno today and got a library card. We found out that this card is good for pretty much all of the libraries in the Central Valley. We both picked up a few books...we then went to Barnes & Noble and I looked through my favorite magazines and drank some chai. It was nic to hang out and relax. We also went to the Fashion Fair Mall (gayest name ever). I bought some stuff at Bath & Body Works...good smelling stuff :o)
Michael and I ate at a delicious Mexican restaurant afterwards...

A simple note

2008-02-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I LOVE U!

XOXO

Seedlings

2008-02-11T19:44:00.000-08:00

I planted these seeds about a week ago and they are now starting to sprout! The ones growing the most are the basil (sweet & lemon) and there is catnip growing. Michael roped off where we will start digging our garden and I started one tray with 72 peat pellets yesterday. I planted tons of seeds including roma tomatoes, broccoli, onions, sage, terragon, chili peppers, etc. I have two more trays of peat pellets to work on tomorrow which I have off because it is a state holiday!

Enjoying the California Sun

2008-02-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Michael

2008-02-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Friday night I went out for dinner with Michael and a bunch of my friends to celebrate Michael's birthday which was Thursday. We all went to Brewbaker's in Visalia which is about 40 minutes east of where we live. They call Visalia "The Gateway to the Sequoias" because if you drive a little farther east you hit the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. But, anyways, we had a great time drinking and eating at Brewbaker's. My friends Kolleen and Jen went to Target the night before and bought Michael's present which I helped chip in for. He has been wanting the new version of the old game Crossbows and Catapults. So, we totally embarressed him by getting it for him! You get what you wish for! After dinner a few friends left and Michael, Kolleen, Jen, and I headed down the street to go to the Pinback concert at The Cellar Door. To our dismay, the concert was sold out. We were upset but instead we walked a little more to this place called Fugazzi and got some drinks. We had so much fun talking and laughing! When we left and started walking back down the street we stopped again where the concert was and tried to get in again. The guy at the door said if we could snag someone's bracelets as they were leaving then we could get in. We got two bracelets but needed two more...then, the guy at the door disappeared and all of a sudden Jen started walking in and we all just followed her! It was so funny...then I looked behind me and Michael was gone! We thought maybe the guy caught him but then he appeared and said he had to take a detour because the guy saw him...so we got into the concert, for free! We were having a great time and then during the last song of the encore, two guys behind us started fighting and then before I knew it, bottles of beer flew at our feet and both Kolleen and I got soaked with nasty beer. The back of my left leg was drenched and Kolleens boots got wet. We all looked at each other and started walking out. Kolleen went to the restroom to clean up but there wasn't anything I could do about my jeans. I was just happy my brand new Puma's didn't get any beer on them...so that ended our night and we drove home...I slept until about 1pm yesterday.

Random stuff about the weekend

2008-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Michael and I went to this cool coffee shop called Artworks with my friends Kolleen and Jen yesterday. It was a really neat place and had all of this cool vintage stuff hanging all over the walls. We were there for almost two hours just talking and eating and drinking coffee and tea. I had a great time and am so happy to have made such good friends. I wish Becky could've came but she went shopping and then headed home :(

I have been on my new diet since January 9 and have lost 10 pounds total. I weighed myself this morning and I am exactly 130. I would like to lose 10 more pounds but I have been at this weight for about a week now and the scale has not budged. Michael and I bought tennis equipment and we are going to get bikes soon so I feel better that we will be doing some exercise. We played tennis once last week but it started raining. It has been raining so much lately...at least it isn't snowing! (Sorry everyone in Ohio).

I worked a little on getting my art studio together in one of our extra bedrooms today. Michael let me have one of his shelving units that he bought at Home Depot and I put all of my art stuff on it. I set up a large piece of wood on two saw horses for a table and I have a book shelf next to it. The cats were all over everything of course. It will be hard to keep them off stuff so I will have to dry things on top of the shelving unit.

I am going to be joing Etsy.com soon with some handmade items. I am making pendants with small wood pieces with either paintings on them or tiny prints from photos that me and Michael have taken. Michael also bought me two pieces of wood to make some paintings and I have a large blank canvas ready to be used. I think the first step was getting organized and I am almost done with that. I also bought 2 new books to make into art journals...

Thursday is Michael's birthday so on Friday night we are going out with a bunch of friends to Visalia to have dinner and drinks and then to a concert!

Craziness

2008-02-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am exhausted. This has been a really long week at work. I had so much to take care of on my unit, not to mention wellness recovery teams started again with our new guys. I had to get popcorn and bingo supplies/prizes and go to this really stupid food handling training. I finally got the form signed to open an account for the unit so they can have their parties but I never got a chance to take it to the Trust office in the administartion building. I will have to follow up with that next week. My ID card broke and I went to get a new one the other day and sat and waited and the two women in front of me had been there an hour waiting so I decided to go back inside the hospital. I taped the damn thing. I might have to try again Monday. I started typing group notes for my art therapy groups and I have much more to do on Monday. This is the first time since I started that I have to do notes. It is actually pretty easy but tedious work. Becky helped me out! Thanks Becky!

This Sunday is the Superbowl. Do I care? Not in the least. I might watch the commercials and the half-time show but I don't even know who is performing...