I. Must. Have. Art

Wish granted...

Click here, and here.

new stomping grounds

Green space in front of my apartment on campus.

Hmmm.... outdoor yoga anybody?

Love that bench too...

change, growth, new beginnings, and all that good stuff

I MADE IT!!!!

I finally made it to Kent State University. After a long 3 months of stress-cooking, non-sleeping, and nail-biting, waiting for the approval for my change of status (student visa) with the CIS.

So I can only say, THANK YOU. To the higher power and universal energy that presents wonderful opportunities such as this one. To my awesome family and dear friends who supported me throughout my time of reflecting, thinking, and decision-making (complete with the Excel spreadsheet of pros and cons and the point system - thanks, Dad), and The Big Move (you know who you are). To those I called on the phone at odd times of the day so that I could cry and release my stress.

It's been a couple of weeks now and I'm slowly getting settled in... it's an adjustment at first, but I know this will be good. Even if this wasn't an easy decision, perhaps I always knew in my gut that this IS a good decision. This was the answer to the unrest I was feeling in my previous situation. Change is hard, but Change is necessary, when you need room to grow.

But leaving is always bittersweet. Cincinnati has been home to me for 6 years! I have come to know and love the city. For its old charm. Its art. Its best-kept secrets. The little pockets of places with a strong local vibe and increasingly-progressive thinking. And most of all, for its people...people I have built wonderful friendships with. Warm, generous people who have "adopted" me as their daughter, their sister. THANK YOU.

I read this quote in a photographer's blog:
We leave small pieces of ourselves everywhere we go, but take so much in exchange along with us, to keep us warm, to keep us amazed, and growing. Change is a blessing. It reminds me, always, of the uncanny ability of this universe to keep surprising me.
- Vincent Mounier



So many choices, so many opportunities. Places to see, people to meet, flavors to smell and taste. Challenges to experience and overcome. Things to dream about. Moments to live with wonder and amazement. To all that, I say YES.

centering during chaos

Photo by Eat Veggies, Drink Wine

Taken in Eden Park, Cincinnati

I am grounded.
I am centered.
I am at peace with myself.
Everything about me breathes the calm and peace of the soul.

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
- Unknown

Just little reminders for myself during these stressful times. Hope it helps some of you out there too.

courage for new beginnings

I recently saw the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I couldn't help but be moved by this letter, written by the main character, for his daughter:

"For what it's worth, it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be...You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

the warmth of a friend's home...and an autumn recipe

A group of friends and I had a party recently to celebrate a couple's engagement. Here are some photos... looking at them, I can almost smell the hot mulled apple cider which I made for that party. Recipe follows...

EB chopping lettuce for the salad.
She was the mastermind behind the lovely Turkish dinner.

homemade bread by RZ

more bread by RZ

RZ's kitchen stuff

...and a cute little Valentine hanging in the kitchen.

Mulled Apple Cider
1 gallon fresh apple cider
a generous slosh of apple brandy (I used applejack) - optional
1 orange, thinly sliced
2 whole cinnamon sticks
1 whole nutmeg, broken into pieces (you can break it with a rolling pin or some other heavy tool)
a few whole cloves... about 5 or 6 maybe
whole allspice berries... a generous pinch
* You can also use store-bought pre-mixed mulling spices, but whole spices are always more fun. :)

Put everything in a slow cooker and let simmer for a few hours. You can also use a large pot and let it simmer on the stove. It makes the house smell wonderful. Enjoy!

Thank you, RZ, for always welcoming us in your cozy home. Your kitchen always brings friends together and creates fond memories. Congratulations to you and N!

tired but inspired

Here's an affirmation/meditation I got from a recent retreat:

"Never forget. You are here to be the very best you can be, to learn the most you can learn, to evolve your soul to the fullest extent possible within this lifetime."

Aaaahhhh... just what I need to regain a little bit more energy and get through my study day. "Evolve your soul." I like that.