Desert Diva

1. Going shopping and finding a copper fire pit (on clearance) for cooler nights in my backyard.
2. Looking at Cali and thinking of the Edith Wharton quote, “My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet.” (OK, so she’s not “that” little! )
3. Spending time with Mavis in conversation over a glass of wine (Nini) after church and brunch today.

Manic Monday is hosted by Fleur de Lisa.

You’ve won $100,000 – but have to give it all away. To which charity or institution would you donate it?

• I’m not quite sure which specific organization I’d give the money to. I’d want to do some extensive research to make sure that the money actually went to the charity, instead of “administrative fees.” It might be nice to “share the wealth” and split the money between supporting victims of domestic violence, sponsoring a needy child, and world hunger. Charities that help individuals become self-sustaining would be high on my list.

What do you think is the most soothing sound?

• I’ve always favored the sound of the ocean lulling me with the repetitive, rhythmic sound of the waves. At home, no matter what time of the year I always live the quiet “whoosh” of the ceiling fan in my bedroom to lull me to sleep.

Does time heal all wounds?

• In a word, “no.” Speaking strictly from my own personal experience, I think that time helps one to process an experience and to achieve various levels of understanding. Within those levels, I think one can reach acceptance, forgiveness, and insight. However, wounds are just that - wounds. Our wounds scab over, but most often leave a scar - a memory of the initial injury. I think the very best we can do as humans is to work at achieving healing…

It’s amazing how in the realm of blogging you stumble upon little treasures. I did just that this past week when I followed a comment from my Saturday Scavenger Photo Hunt post and found the world of kellogg bloggin’. Raymond (a pen name) has two things on his blog that intrigued me. “Sibling Assignment” and “Three Beautiful Things.” When I asked him about the origins, here is his reply:

I don’t remember how I came upon the Garden of Eden of Three Beautiful Things, but one day I discovered Clare’s blog “Three Beautiful Things”, where the international movement to record three things that have given one pleasure during the day originated. Visit Clare’s blog and you’ll find that she’s inspired quite a few people to jot down Three Beautiful Things each day.

My two sisters and I enjoy writing. One day in November, 2006, my younger sister, Silver Valley Girl, emailed me and InlandEmpireGirl and suggested that we start giving each other weekly writing assignments. At that time, neither of my sisters kept blogs, but they both decided soon after the new year to write blogs and so our weekly assignments are out there for anyone to read. Needless to say, the most fascinating dimension of this project is to see how differently the three of us all see and understand the same things (and how often my younger sisters must correct their older brother’s memory!). This project has done more than anything in our family’s history to draw us closer to one another, understand each other better, and keep in close contact.

Therefore, by a serendipitous comment on my weblog I’m now challenged to write my own “Three Beautiful Things” from time-to-time. There is so much in our lives we take for granted, and we are inundated with “busyness.” For me, it’s a way to slow down and reflect on the little miracles in my life and give thanks.

calamity jane, getting in touch, and long distance - 09/22/07

1. Cali is back to normal and survived the “chocolate eating” incident. My girl is back to nudging my hand when she wants a pat, and snuggling up next to me (and sometimes snoring) while she sleeps.

2. I had the most wonderful massage last evening. The therapist was in tune to my needs and gave me some wonderful relaxation pointers.

3. There are special people who care about and love me - even if we are separated by miles.

Newspaper Rock, is one of the largest and best-known petroglyph panels in Utah. It is located about twelve miles west of U.S. Highway 191 between Monticello and Moab, on the paved road that leads to the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park.

The panel contains hundreds of figures and shapes believed to be carved over the past 1,500 to 2,000 years.

The original artists were likely prehistoric people of the Archaic, Basketmaker, Fremont or Pueblo cultures. More recently, Navajo, Ute and Anglos have added petroglyphs to the many panels. In Navajo the rock is called Tse’ Hane, or “rock that tells a story.”