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I am so sorry I forgot to blog earlier! But does anyone really read these anyway? Well, maybe it was all meant to be because I just bought something really amazing and who better to tell than fellow Violets? Of course we all know the great Tiffany Patterson, and for those of you smart enough to see her first show at the Kolva Sullivan Gallery (still going on as we speak) than you know that you were in for a treat.

I hired Tiffany to do some artwork for me for another blog I write, and for those of you who don’t know she is the one responsible for some of the Violet’s artwork. Tonight she featured a narrative titled “Flutter” -a story about a girl lucky enough to find herself and a happy ending. I don’t want to give the whole story away in case anyone is heading there later.

It was really hard for me not to cry when I was there because the works are so beautiful, and they say so much. I couldn’t even afford it but I bought a few because I just couldn’t walk away from such wonderful art. And who better to support than a fellow Violet, right?

I’m posting some pictures here so you can see a little sample for yourself. I wish I could have bought the whole set, but it’s something to work for when I finally get a job. Here are some of the pictures and Tiffany if you read this- I’m so very proud of you. I can’t believe how amazing you are and how talented your work is.

You can click on each on to make it uber large. Enjoy!

Good morning everyone! The sun is not shining, the birds are not chirping and my lawn is almost a foot tall now. I will mow it (probably) today but first things first.

What are you doing with your three day weekend? I will be slaving away over papers and crying my eyes out because my man is moving to Boise for an internship. My lil sis and some friends are headed for Sasquatch, and other unfortunate souls are working.

Speaking of working, I have this overwhelming urge to talk about kindness. Yes, I watched Oprah’s last show and she said a few things that amazed me. Now, I didn’t coin this thought or be the first to share it, but I have always believed that we are simply energy- and when you boil it down to that it makes sense to be kind and compassionate to others. Oprah said that people should be responsible for their energy and then quoted Newton’s third law of motion which is easiest described as ‘every action has a reaction.’

I spent a lot of time thinking about this. There are a million ways to become self aware and positive, the hardest part is making the commitment and keeping the change in your heart at all times. Lately I’ve been practicing meditation and the hardest part so far has been the simple act of clearing my mind and breathing. Whenever I did, I would be disrupted by every little sound. See, the first time I went to meditation group it was at a church here in Spokane. The group was free and the time they met was perfect for my schedule. Just when I started to clear my mind I heard all these little coughs, people moving in their chairs and stomachs growling. Some one came in uber late and was wearing a nylon coat, so every time they moved it swished and swished. They never stopped moving. I was about to show stand up and freak out when I swear one of the monks read my mind and said; “Free yourself of judgement and judging others around you.” I snuck a quick peek at the noisy late person. It was an old man with a breathing tube, carrying a huge air tank.

I then declared myself an ass-holio.

We are humbled every day when we read about terrible tragedies and things we cannot control. But at what point does the humbled, new-found sense of gratitude saturate ourselves and stay? This is something I don’t have the answer to. I am still a beginner when it comes to centering and becoming the positive  being I strive to be. So, I am challenging you all to question those negative voices in your head. Be kind to everyone, especially those who are rude to you. Be quiet. Listen and learn. Be true, be real and respect yourself and others.

I know I’ve been very touchy feel-y lately, but I think it’s important to share knowledge with others. Every day I am going to check myself at random times of the day and ask myself about how I’m expending my energy and what sort of message I’m sending and how it can be more positive. I hope you feel inspired to do the same.

I grew up in nature. Countless times our family would load egg salad sandwiches and guns into our old Dodge and head for the woods. The second the maple wind hit my face I was humbly silenced and grateful for this sense of escape. The outdoors promised mystery and release as I’ve never known or  come to know. Still I feel myself reaching under the rushing water and lifting cool rocks hoping to catch a crawdad. Even lying next to the reeds trying to spot a small frog, wanting to snatch it in my gentle hands and raise it up into the sun for a closer look.

It’s these things I think about when times are uncertain. Just recently I set out to de stress and come to some sort of new realization about all of the things going on in my life. Seems so much has changed over the last year, and for some those changes have included gaining or losing their dream jobs, houses, everything.

When I began walking towards the woods I have to admit I no longer felt comfort. I felt something closer to fear as I kept looking around me for strange people and swatting incessantly around my head whenever I thought I heard a wasp. It was almost as if I had lost my sense of adventure. I am always hearing the ever popular; “Take the time to smell the roses,” but I wonder what happens when one forgets how. Maybe I always loved the mystery of life, but as an adult it can be too much. Now, mysteries are real and possible. I mean, there might be someone dangerous in the woods. Unlikely, but plausible. Even more likely, I might get stung and shriek so loud all wildlife runs for the hills. And if either of these things were to happen, I’d be alone and exposed. My mom isn’t going to give me a bandaid and kiss and my dad isn’t going to whip out his .38 and shoot some stranger. It’s up to me. Thinking about this, I decided to meditate (or try to) and gain some perspective. With finals, internships, job prospects and everything else looming, maybe I should take a second out for me. Something to remind myself to stop and be grateful for all I have and the possibility that maybe more or maybe nothing would come my way in the future, and to ultimately accept that.

I tried sitting down on a log by a rushing brook. I smiled when I remembered the smallest of gifts: how the lily and lichen actually grow in their half drowned state. A beautiful wild turkey poked its head out at me. The sun felt warm on my back and the water, so cool in its comfort.

Of course, I wasn’t able to master meditation that day. I am working on it. And I have a wonderful friend who created a group on facebook for those of us searching for more relaxed, meaningful lives. I always liked to tell myself that there is solace in the ongoing certainty of things. Although that is true, it seems to me there is no harm with wanting to know if your dreams will come true.

I apologize if I see too poetic today, maybe even a little cryptic. But I have to believe there are many people out there working at jobs they hate and waiting for the big break. I know some people have lost so much and then there are those about to graduate that have no idea what is waiting for them here in the real world. I personally can’t stand to hear the words “In this tough economy…” one more time or I will wig out. But the simplest things made me remember that the fight is always worth it. Applying for job after job is just like swimming upstream- which does suck- but in the end you have killer abs and say you fought the good fight.

It’s beautiful out there, isn’t it? I’m going to force my man to go on a nature hike with me later. So if you do hear a resounding shriek today, it’s him complaining. I just couldn’t think of anything else to talk about today other than to remind all of those who are struggling to go out there and kick some ass. Don’t forget how to smell those roses.

Well, that was to get your attention. I have a bunch of reasons but to type 1,000 of them would require thesis like work. Yes, it is snowing today and who could be happy about snow that doesn’t stick but stays long enough to make you want to flip mother nature the bird! My poor seedlings are never going to feel the freedom of wild earth beneath their roots. They just keep straining toward the window saying; “Dude. It’s time to let us go outside!” I wonder what other gardeners are doing, because it’s just too early to put them outside. Hmmm…

Anyway, back to why I love Spokane. My friend Mariah has this awesome blog and site dedicated to this very subject and before I moved here I would read it and think, “This chick is crazy! Spokane is gross.” But I’ve changed my mind. When I drive or walk downtown, I look up at the highrises and wonder what those vintage apartments above look like inside. It must be awesome. When I preformed at the Bing Crosby theatre a few weeks ago, I was more excited to be surrounded by the stunning architecture than I was to be singing the blues, and that’s never happened to me before!

I remember the first time I walked by the Peaceful Valley area and crossed the bridge over the river. I saw a HUGE pile of trash/random stuff and  I thought, “Here we go again, why can’t people clean their stuff up? This isn’t a dump!” Then I see a whole herd of people wearing the same shirts and it dawns on me that what’s going on is a river cleanup! Who’d a thunk it?

Then, whenever I’m driving I come across tons of little businesses that rock. Like Wolffys. Best burgers ever! And there’s this place on Monroe called the Waffle House or something like that. There’s all these little pockets of surprise and always something amazing to do. I still haven’t been on the sky ride over the falls, I wish someone would tell me if that is cool or not because it seems like a death trap. But my point is there is always so much to do and although I can feel bad about Spokane’s hoarder houses and stupid graffiti people that just spray paint tags and not cool art, there is so many more people wanting to bring change and beauty to our area! And by the way, on the corner of Browne and Main there is a vintage Sprite advertisement that someone defaced with stupid black spraypaint and although I consider myself a lady, I hope I never run into you because you deserve a beat-down and I’ll be the first in line.

I think the reason why people dismiss Spokane is that I know most people come here to go to the mall, their fav restaurant, and then go home. They don’t take the time to explore the area, get to know the locals and random streets. That’s the sad part! I was one of those: “Off to Northtown Mall, then Olive Garden and home again!” Now I’m thinking, what does Jenny at Carousel have today that I need to buy? And secretly I think the Olive Garden sucks although I fear no one will be my friend now that I’ve confessed it. I think Pizza Hut has better breadsticks for sure, I always lick off that seasoning stuff, it’s so delicious. But as far as Italian places go there is one next to The Onion downtown that is amazing. I don’t think it’s Luigis but I can’t find the name on google. The lasagna there makes Olive Garden seem like airplane food served by Southwest Airlines. And we have all read about the Southwest Airlines mice infestation! Gross.

So what am I off to do today? Go pick up a copy of my very first published article in Spokane-Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine, stop by Anemone, and on the way home my FAVORITE place: Carousel Vintage Clothing. On the way I will gaze at amazing homes from the early 1900′s and imagine I will own one some day. I just wanted to share that with you all, I just can’t imagine someone not loving Spokane.

Peace out.

Let me ask you this: Why is it that sometimes the hardest thing to believe in is yourself? Maybe some people have no qualms letting their freak flag fly but for others it’s just so hard?

The reason I bring this message to you today is because I wanted to remind everyone that all it takes is a little push to get out there and follow your dreams. How many of us have vowed to lose weight and then chow down and not exercise, forgetting to take care of our very important selves? How about neglecting to put yourself out there and take a chance? What excuses are you telling yourself?

The point is this: forget all that. Don’t beat yourself up for forgetting to believe in yourself.  Here is a funny story to remind you all that life is worth the heartache of trying.

About 4 years ago I decided that I was going to become perfect and work out and look amazing. I started going to yoga every day. It rocked. My bod was lookin hot, I felt saucy inside and I felt myself smiling for no reason at all. Then I got a cold, no big deal. Did I let that stop me from eating healthy and going to yoga? Hell no. Then on one fateful day after I had reached very close to my goal weight this happened. Recovering from my cold, I found myself  still kicking ass and taking names in yoga. You know that saying: “You’d betta recognize!” Well I was saying, “You’d betta namaste!” In class we were doing this one stretch with our legs up against the wall and I was feeling good. Perhaps a little too relaxed. I coughed and out came this fart that sounded like a fog horn.

First of all, who wouldn’t die from laughter about that? I almost did, but after apologizing and dying 1000 deaths from embarrassment, I left after the class and didn’t go back to the gym or yoga for quite some time. Now that I’m older, I think what a stupid thing! It was just a little rooty tooty fresh and fruity, no reason to get off the bandwagon.

There are so many reasons to not do something, to give up, and make excuses. So what if you fail? So what if you fart? Who doesn’t fail or fart in life? So maybe this is a little hopeful and touchy feely message for you. I just wanted to tell you that life is worth the risks!

That’s all I have to say today, I hope you think about it.

I recently had the awesome experience of interviewing local author Craig Goodwin. He wrote A Year of Plenty- A book about his family’s experiences with going green and local and a whole lot more awesomeness. Ever since then, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.  Why don’t more people grow small backyard gardens?  I actually consider myself a gardener but I’ve never had a full on vegetable garden. I think it’s all of the little things that overwhelm me. If you don’t already have a garden plot I think that can really deter the thought of even trying. Of course, you can always rent a community plot, but if you have the permission to dig up your front yard or you own your house/yard, why not?

So here’s what I’ve decided to do. I bought a few of the seed starter packets and a bunch of seed packets and some regular dirt. I know some experienced gardeners will gasp when they read it was the cheap stuff but I figure I will get better top soil for the actual plot. One of my biggest concerns is the actual plot. I can hoe like a mo fo but anyone who didn’t hear the tale of my 25 skunks/racoons last year might fear for my veggies. So I think I will make a raised bed with a huge cage over it. The front lawn is the only place that gets a lot of sun so I think that will have to be the place. I also scored a bunch of free tomato cages from some weird dude on the side of the highway so that is bitchin’ right there. I think my biggest costs are going to be the non treated wood and the top soil. I saw an ad on craigslist for free Hillyard top soil but I just don’t know about that. Hillyard? I’m afraid 5 broken down cars and gross mattresses will pop up out of my garden instead of veggies. Yes, I know that’s mean but I’m still bitter after buying my now broken lawn mower from a dude living in Hillyard and also still bitter from a  stinky antique shop that made me sick. So, I guess this will all be one step at a time. I mean, what isn’t?

I was thinking it might be fun to start documenting this and giving you all little updates because maybe it will inspire you to grow a small garden. Just something to think about. And by the way, those are flowers in the picture and although they recommend putting only two seeds in each cell (which I swear I did) somehow there’s at least 20 plants in some of them. I know they look a little sickly but that is because I found my cat sleeping on the box and munching away on the seedlings as she enjoyed the afternoon sun. Damn cat.

On another note, I’ve been noticing a lot of comments about how to join our group. I’m going to post more information about us for those of you interested in joining. Now I’m off to do one million things as this is my only day off and I might have to go to work for a few hours later. And yes, I still haven’t done my taxes. But the good news is I am getting over my sickness and starting to shower again. So, if you have any sort of tips or advice about gardening, comment and tell me what the word on the street is? Please.

Have a great day and remember to smile!

Now that I am an official interning professional, I will be blogging on Fridays instead  of Thursdays. I know this may cause a tear for some but it will be alright, I will deliver even better blogs on Fridays now!

Hey everyone! Welcome to our page. Just a reminder, this Saturday is April’s Ladies Who Lunch! Join us at One World Cafe,  at 1804 E Sprague Ave from 11am – 1pm!

I wish I could join you but I will be freaking out all day in preparation for the talent show that night! If you haven’t gone to One World yet, I can honestly say you are missing out. And if you haven’t been to a Violet’s event yet, this is a great way to meet everyone and find out how you can get involved. Eat a vegan cupcake for me!

There is nothing worse than making a bitchin dress and then not being able to wear it to the occasion. Am I right? Of course there are worse things, but in the days of drama this is a very serious issue. Now, please understand that I finally stopped crying and feeling really sick to be able to write to you and tell you the life story of my Roller Prom dress ’11.

It seemed to good to be true: Joining the Violets not only because they rock but because they like to wear purple- my favorite color. And I have to say since joining them I feel I’ve able to become connected better and faster in Spokane than I ever would have alone, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve learned of a Violet thing and got a little misty with pride for us. Afterall, you’d think everyone would be chomping at the bit to make their community and area better but it really takes a beautiful soul to care and follow through.

Naturally when I heard we were going to have a roller party for our birthday and dress up in awesome prom dresses, I was ecstatic! I kept reading updates on facebook about people finding their dress and suddenly I felt like the awkward folding chair single girl at Thanksgiving. I pride myself in being Queen Thrifty but I couldn’t find a hideous rocking dress to wear! I have to confess I was googling “Tool dresses” and then I read someone’s post about buying ‘tulle’ and immediately dubbed myself an idiot. (I freakin sew, man! I should’ve known that was not the way to spell tulle!) Anyway, I thought to myself, Hot damn! That’s it! A homemade dress!

Now anyone who knows me knows I’ve had a sickeningly full plate for a while, and not for any grand purposes other than grad school. The crappy job I had took up more than free time for activities, it made my soul question whether I was crazy or not. Yes, it was serving food but 11 years is too much for that, and that is another story. I thought I’d never have enough time to go. In fact, I wanted to go with  fellow Violet Jamie and I imagined us eating biscotti, strutting around Value Village and Goodwill like two sassy chicks out on the town, doing our finest shopping. But then, work called and called and called me to work extra shifts. Next thing I knew, it was one week before roller prom and I was dressless.

The next set of events is just crazy. I went to Moscow to visit my man during Spring Break and I found this ratty dress on the clearance rack. With my new-found knowledge of the spelling of ‘tulle’ I marched into Joann Fabrics and bought a bunch of different color and textures of it. In the checkout line a lady asked what I was making. When I told her it was a dress she gave me that raised eyebrow and said a snarky, “How nice.” I thought, Damn right it’s nice! Now give me my tulle, you tool! I am a woman on a mission and don’t disrespect my dress sistah! People… Sheesh!

So I went home without visiting my man (sorry Aaron) and made this awesome dress in 3 hours!

Well, this is how it came out and I was so proud of it! Then, on Friday I got really sick. I missed a mountain of important things to do that weekend, including the Roller Ball Birthday bash. Some people might say, no big deal. But seriously, I cried my eyes out. I’ve always had  work or school or internships and I’ve missed countless things because of it. I mean, what is the freaking point of being involved in something if you can’t make it to an event!I was so upset about missing the birthday bash and when I see people’s pictures I still get angry.

There is a silver lining in all of this though. Long story short: I quit my job and decided to mound on more student debt. If I can’t find a job after graduation, I figure Sprague always needs more working girls. I can add a touch of class and assist with the urban renewal of the area. But anyway, you can’t cry over spilled dresses but I sure did.

Moral of the story: there is nothing worse than not going to events because you are a lame puppy. Being sick is one thing, but when you finally really want to go and then you can’t: the feeling is like eating a bunch of chocolate and having no milk. Sometimes I think people take events and time for granted but the truth is if you can go: GO. It’s up to us to raise awareness and celebrate our community.

Feel free to comment and show my dress some love. It’s the only thing that didn’t get barfed on last week. (Too far)? Too bad! I live on the edge!