Be Green on Earth Day!

Most recently I finished reading Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano. And if my family thought I wasn't already obsessive, just watch me now! Now that I'm uber informed of the dangerous carcinogins in the plethora of household products we use... I'm like a crazed eco-woman, determined to rid our home of any toxins that might harm my precious loved ones.  Oh sure, they look askance, utter sly remarks, and question whether this exuberance will last a week, a month, two months. But I've already purchased $100 worth of certified organic products to get us started, AND my compost pile is building up nicely now.

So eventually I will toss out all of the chemical-infiltrated products in our perimeter. But I won't shock my family's system or poison the earth all at once by dumping the current products down the drain. And I'm having some trouble convincing my beloved of the benefits of the mud-like shampoo and the "fresh" aroma of the shower gel.  (Alex thought I smelled like the dog shampoo after a complete organic scrubbing...I think she's just being a poop.) Admittedly, it takes a little getting used to. But doesn't all change?

Our new shampoo!

Anyway, on this earth day, take a look at the products on your shelf and around your home. Are they really good for you? They might deem themselves "organic" or "natural," but unless it contains the organic seal, it doesn't count. There's an amazing website called Skin Deep which allows you to check up on your companies.  It's quite enlightening.  A bit disappointing as well.  I was happy to report that one product I use from Nature's Origins scored relatively well. (I knew I liked those sales girls for some reason.)

Sustain the Earth...for our Posterity!

There is much we can do on this earth to make it a better place. I received Gorgeously Green as a gift and learned a lot about living a sustainable life which I hope to pass on to my kids...much to their chagrin. But the chagrin will dissipate when they begin to understand their own responsibility to care for ourselves and our planet. Anyway, think of a small change - whether it's throwing that aluminum can in the recycle bin or recycling your clothes. It all adds up in the end. And happy earth day to you and your family on this lovely day.

Dogs and Reading - Two Favorites!

From my Read.Write.Share. Blog ----

Most recently, I alternated between tears and smiles as my dog peacefully slept at my feet while reading The Art of Racing in the Rain - a tale narrated by a dog. Enzo is the most clever of dogs - interpreting his surroundings infinitely well (including the English language) which leaves this novel completely rich with detail.

Of course, Enzo is handicapped by his inability to speak (tongue is much too long) and his lack of a thumb. So all he really has "is gestures." But as we all know, dogs perform amazing feats - to stir or sooth our emotions - using...gestures! Throughout this compelling story line - of a race car driver who must fight for custody of his daughter - Enzo never forgets his purpose.

All dog lovers will relish in this book. Race car enthusiasts will also be amused. And those who appreciate strong prose will think, "Smart dog."

This morning I sat on the floor, attempting to stretch my legs. My faithful dog, Percy, decided to join me. I thought to myself, "I wonder if he understands more than we even realize." So, I looked into his big brown eyes as he wagged his tail. Then I gently reminded him,

"Remember what I told you about not putting your paws on my tummy right now. That would be a no-no. Because it hurts pretty bad."

He wagged a bit more. Before reaching his little paw right over to my sore belly. So, he might not have Enzo's mind. But he does have gestures. And that's all he needs. That's all we need, Percy.

Our Percy...

Tell Me A Story!

Tonight we ventured to Mom and Pop's for a roast beef dinner, compliments of my Uncle Curt. It was quite enlightening. Really.

I heard a story about my dad today that I've never heard before. (Gosh, it sort of sounds like I'm talking about him as if he's dead. No worries - he's not!) I tend to assume that I know everything about my parents. Apparently I don't.

Alex had gone go-carting at a birthday party yesterday. So Mom brought up how Dad had wall-to-wall trophies from all his go-cart racing days. My Dad? Really? I looked to my father who was nodding with what I think is his half-smile.

So then Dad told us how his father would engineer go-carts that couldn't lose: by tearing apart a six-horsepower single motor on the kitchen table, scrupulously cleaning each working part until the machine was more than merely a go-cart, and finally training his son how to wisely maneuver corners so no one could beat him in any class. Imagine the disbelief when 30-year old men were losing to a 14-year old chap. (Although, Dad admitted there was one guy he could never beat. Everyone has his nemesis.)

"So, were you scared when you raced?" Cole asked my dad.
"Every time," Dad answered without batting an eye.

But when Dad started talking about the "unsponsored" drag racing that occurred later in his teenage years, he didn't mention any fear. And once after coming home from being sorely defeated from a race on his 45 Harley (and assuming he had outsmarted his Dad by not letting him know of his extra-curricular racing activities), his father asked him, "Well, how'd you do?" You might be able to hide stuff from your children, but it's hard to pull one over a keen parent.

Mom and Dad in Oahu

Anyway, how often do we take the time to sit down and share stories? Hardly ever. When we're little, we beg our mommies and daddies to "Tell me a story!" Then we grow up and convince ourselves that we barely have time to flush the toilet. (Actually, Cole doesn't have time to do this now.) Well, I'm going to start asking for more stories. And not only from Mom and Dad - I bet my aunts and uncles have a few colorful yarns to spin. I'm all ears.

A Big Day

Today was a big day for me.

• I wore normal underwear! Seriously, I've been wearing my hubby's "Hanes" boxer-briefs since the surgery. So what if it happens to be the biggest pair of panties I own! Actually, the doctor said it was okay if I wore men's undies. Just as long as Doug didn't start wearing mine...
• I ventured out to watch my son play (and lose) his first soccer game. While I only sat in the pickup the entire time, the change in scenery from my living room walls to the brown Iowa grass was breath-taking!

Well, that was about it. I'm pooped. It's been a fabulous day.

Cousins, Kitties and Long Lost Uncles

April, Alicia, me and my band of kitties.

Say what you want about Facebook, but you wouldn't be smiling at these cutie patooties attempting to hold captive a litter of gangly kittens circa 1978...(I believe those cats were the Christmas gift that kept on giving.)

No, it's not just a forum to document one's journey to the powder room or grocery store, as the naysayers will be the first to point out. It's about connecting. And as I've been shut in my house for the past...seemingly several years now, it's nice to hear that Johnny went to the movies the other day. Good for him.

Actually, for anyone who is promoting a business, FB is invaluable. But that's a no brainer. I simply felt compelled to note that I haven't seen or talked to my Uncle Dwayne in a really long time. And as I lay recovering from surgery, he's been posting all these old photos to FB - totally brightening my spirits!  Thanks Uncle DJ.

Before my Uncle Stewy passed, I was thankful that I was able to connect with him again. Via FB. I remember exactly when we connected. Thank God. When Mark Zuckerburg came up with the idea, I wonder if he envisioned any of these long, lost implications. Either way, who can deny the goodness?

Heck, my Dad's even on Facebook now. So I'm thinking whatever void that may exist in our father-daughter relationship, will be healed on the social network. Gotta go. Gonna check my FB page. See if Dad's got any messages for me. Or if there are any new photos...

Reading - for your Pleasure

Preface - Half of blog was written "before surgery." Finished this blog today...sorry if the ending seems a little "rushed." :) I really did enjoy the book. Actually, I usually post these on my other blog. Sorry - too much pain meds?


When choosing a book to read, my selection usually boils down to

• a long-standing bestseller,
• an Oprah pick,
• a Classic...so that I'm well-read - and of course living up to my "English degree" from the U of Iowa reputation (and becoming more masterful writer),
• a spiritual or self-help - for obvious reasons,
• a non-fiction/business to hone, hone, hone, hone...expand, expand, expand my knowledge of anything really, and/or
• basically anything that's not wasteful of my time...

Then it occurred to me as I finished reading a book the other day, what's so wrong about wasting time? And does reading always have to be a learning experience? It seems I've forgotten the joy of reading for leisure. So, about this book? Chasing the Sun by Kaki Warner. And it was really good! Quite honestly, it probably wasn't something I would have picked up, but I won it on a blog contest. And I'm glad I did - BECAUSE:


I haven't read a Western since....??? And it was great fun. It was like watching Hopalong Cassidy with my dad as a little girl. And who couldn't love a story with a myriad of strong female characters, tangled love interests, witty dialogue and, of course, despicable villains? Oh yeah, there's a really nice fairy tale ending - my favorite... 

The Passing of Uncle Stew

Last week my uncle passed away at the way too young age of 67. I didn't have the opportunity to make it to Texas for his service, which made me a bit more sad. But I was able to share my grief with relatives as they gave me the honor of reading my short tribute at his service on Saturday. Here it is - to share with you all so you can understand the joy my Uncle Stew spread to the world:

The other day I was driving on College Boulevard and saw the house of my cousins’ childhood – also known as my Uncle Stew and Aunt Char’s house. It’s a charming house, and while my visits to the place were limited to occasions such as holidays and graduation parties, its aura brings a smile to my face. And now especially, I won’t be able to pass the residence without hearing my uncle’s unmistakable laugh.

The laugh. His smile. Uncle Stew. Who would’ve thought all that exuberance for life could be laid to rest one day?

-Only Stew could poke his head in front of a camera (on a wedding day photo shoot) and mention, “Pictures aren’t really much fun, unless you’re in them.”  One of my favorite pics is of Doug, Stew and I cutting the cake on our special day.

-Only Stew could cry over a Love Boat episode. Well…only Stew would admit it anyway.

-Only Stew would admit to his pre-teen niece after coming home from rehab, “If I ever won the lottery, I’d say F-___ it. I’m getting drunk.”

-Only Stew could make a somewhat reserved teenager laugh - and even get her to come out of her shell for a bit…no matter how uncomfortable she might have felt. Undoubtedly, I wasn’t the only one.

I don’t have to tell anyone how much Stew’s gift of wit and charm will be missed. He was one of those people that instantly boosted your mood – the type of person you seek out, they type you put “first” on your party list. It was impossible to shy away from the magnetism, because it wasn’t just his “wild and craziness” that drew you in. It was also the way that he showed his true affection. I’m not sure too many uncles would try summer after summer, hours upon hours to coach and encourage “the girl voted most unlikely to ever water ski”. But he did. And eventually (by the time I was maybe a senior in high school), I was able to water ski for a good 30 seconds…We celebrated like I had just taken the gold medal.

A few years ago, I asked my mother a question. “Have you noticed any similarities between my Coley and Uncle Stew?”

At first, she was reluctant to agree. But the more we observed, no one could deny. There was an eerie resemblance. A zest for life. And inability to sit still. And the clincher: a love for their own jokes. When Mom brought this to Stew’s attention, he only replied, “Well, let’s just hope he grows out of it.”  

Well, let’s just hope he doesn’t. Because whether Cole realizes it or not, he keeps the amazing spirit of my uncle within my heart. What a gift.

Uncle Stew...waiting to cut the cake.