Notes from the Garden Spot of the World

Pondering the Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:37:00 +0000

I've been catching up on my Google Reader lately in between homework and other stuff. Sorry if I haven't devoted much time to comments, but I'll try to get back to that when I'm more caught up in life. Either way, it seems that a lot of us had a lousy and tumultuous 2012. Not a fan. So maybe it's time for me to say to 2013 - "Please be gentle!". I thought about fist shaking and all, but am pretty sure that would backfire. You?

Nerves

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Good news! Dad's bone has been cleared for reattachment. A few days after the stroke, back in July (hard to believe it was so long ago - in some ways it feels like yesterday) the doctors removed a large chuck of skull in order to save dad's life - the pressure on his brain was too great. It would have been replaced sooner, but the MRSA infection complicated matters, and then our return to NC further complicated the situation. Though it's his bone it has to go through testing steps before it can be given to his surgeon. It left PA, went to VA, and now is presumably in NC. So, shortly we should hear when dad's neurosurgery is scheduled for. And me? I'm a bundle of nerves. I'm excited about the surgery - the bone being back in is the safest thing right now. His brain is too exposed (you can't see it - nothing gross, I promise - just looks like a head - but no hard protective covering under that head) should he fall and hit his head. He's improving greatly on the strength and movement front, and as his therapists work to give him more skills and independence the risk grows. Now I just wish it didn't involve hospitals or surgeries. Oh well, if wishes were nickels.... or something. ;)

So, keep dad in your thoughts. And us - for those nerves.

Thanks Given

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 20:25:00 +0000

This seems to have been a year of thanks - not just a day of thanks. Now I won't say that I don't wish for a do-over for the year more than occasionally, but we've been blessed with second chances, kindnesses from friends and strangers. I try to focus on that and on the moving forward of life these days. And we keep moving forward. For example - we had a lovely Thanksgiving among friends and family. Our family from afar weren't able to join us - it's too soon really for long visits, but soon I hope. But we did succeed in creating a festive and joyful event for Thanksgiving nontheless. Much food was cooked, and we gathered Dad, Liz, her daughter and grandchildren, and her daughters new fiance (new family!), manmate and I, and had some new visitors join us too - manmate's Dad, Mom and youngest bro, and several visits from neighbors too. It was nice. And Dad? Dad seemed to enjoy the heck out of it. He really rallied and other than a few rest breaks seemed determined to hang with the day - lots of football, time spent with grandkids, hellos to the neighbors, and several trips to watch football from his mancave. (I'm certainly thankful for manmate's pushing power on that one - it's a little tricky to push 220 pounds of man and chair down a gravel driveway!) Dinner was delicious - group effort from Liz, Sheryl, myself and manmate on the pies. The turkey was a last minute pinterest find - Liz cooked it blanketed in bacon. Two thumbs up on that - it was super moist. And Sheryl and I survived some firsts - my first pecan pie, and her first go at the rutabegas!

Anyway, it was a good day - different from years past, but still beautiful and fun. And I hope all of you got wonderful days too, and had a few moments to think of all you are thankful for this year. :)

Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:18:00 +0000

It's been about a month since I've posted - no apologies here. It's a busy life in the garden spot these days. Dad is getting stronger day by day, but still lots of appointments and things like that. It's his 5th wedding anniversary, so if I still have any readers - maybe head over to Good Memories Cafe and wish them a happy one - even if you're a little late. They're an amazing example of love, and "in sickness and in health". Six Oaks (as they call their home) has weathered a lot of storms in 5 years.

As for me - school is a struggle this semester. There doesn't seem to be enough time to do it properly, though I'm trying my best. And when the time appears I don't always easily find the energy or the motivation, but I'm gonna keep trucking. I finished a storytime for very rambunctious 2-3 year olds recently, and that was quite the adventure. Scared the daylights out of me (funny, as the theme was spooky, and I was the one spooked), but I had fun, and think they did too.

On Monday I register for my last semester of grad school. Crazy, don't you think? I can't believe it's gone by so quickly. Then the goal becomes work. Although that never really stopped being the goal, but the jobs to apply for have been a bit slim in the last week.

So, what's going on in your gardenspot? Anything new and exciting? The usual routine? Please share!

Broken

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 03:06:00 +0000

I wore a favorite necklace today - a talisman against the day. It caught on a chair and broke - mother of pearl and pearls flying everywhere. Seems appropriate in hindsight - broken like I feel. I keep waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. The tap on the shoulder as someone comes and tells us how to fix things. The cavalry arriving to make things easier. Some days that all seems more possible than others. Maybe tomorrow will be one of those days.

Book Review: Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 22:25:00 +0000

Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of Caitlin, a 4th grader with Aspergers who lost her mother years ago, has an imperfect father, and a wonderful older brother who explains how behavior and feelings work. When her brother is killed in a school shooting her world is changed quickly, and she's left only the help of a guidance counselor and her own will to learn how to continue on. Great book for addressing differences, understanding autism disorders,addressing loss, and tragic events.

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Pink and Say - a book review

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's not often that a book brings tears to my eyes, but this book is that powerful. The story of two young boys, soldiers in the Civil War, one white and one black. Touching, and memorable.

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Children's Lit Book Review: Many Moons

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:07:00 +0000

Many Moons by James Thurber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very simple illustrations, the vocabulary in this book surprised me – I think some of the vocab wouldn’t be found in picture books that are more modern. “surfeit” on the 2nd page for example. Ambergris, myrrh, minstrels and troubadours. Also a wordy picture book – the story itself is more the focus than the pictures in my opinion. A sweet story of a princess who requests the moon. All of the wisest men can’t get it for her, but the jester asks her about it and gets her the moon. A story about imagination, I enjoyed this 1944 Caldecott winner.

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Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:36:00 +0000

I've been gone for a while - busy counting. The counts so far, by way of explanation: 31 days. 31 days since my father had a massive stroke while vacationing in Pennsylvania. 1. 1 lifeflight to Pittsburgh while his wife frantically drove the 45 minutes from his original hospital. 15 minutes. The amount of time it took the manmate and I to pack and leave after he intercepted the phone call while I showered. 8 - the number of hours it took us to drive through pounding storms and construction from our home in NC. 3 and 1/2. The number of weeks that dad's wife and I have been leaseholders on a weekly apartment down the street from my father's original hospital. 1 - other hospital, skilled nursing care facility really, that he was transferred to as a required stop before going home to NC. 1 - infection caught there requiring a trip back to the original hospital - the original ICU room in fact we had been in weeks before. Countless. The number of kindnesses we've received from friends, family, and strangers along the way. And prayer. Lots of that too. We're not sure what the coming weeks, months, and years will hold. For now I keep on counting the little things - 5 times we've done laundry in the new apartment. 2nd 1/2 gallon of milk. 1st time regassing the car in town. There are so many things to count, and really only one thing that counts - Dad's health and taking him back to NC.

Please take a moment to go to the Stroke Association's website here. Familiarize yourself with stroke symptoms. If in doubt, call 911. I'm grateful dad's wonderful wife was with him when the stroke happened, and recognized the symptoms immediately. Seconds matter. Dad's nurse tells me that far too many people ignore their stroke symptoms - sometimes for days. She tells me that she asks for everyone who leaves her floor to educate 10 other people about stroke symptoms. I'm going for far more than that, but I start here with you all. Review them, and please do share them with anyone you can. Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of disability in our country, and it's a thief - it steals so much. Reshare this post, and the link to the s

Book Review: Trouble in Taos

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 02:00:00 +0000

trouble in taos by Headley Hauser

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ok, disclaimer first - I may have met "Headley" - but this is my own opinion and review. And I bought the book, mmm-kay?

This book was an interesting one - I'm not sure how to describe the style, other than to say that the narration style is similar to that of Christopher Moore's Lamb somehow. However, this is a western, and a satirical one at that. Great tone, and a fast and engaging read. Plus it's a great price on Kindle or for your kindle app. :)

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Book Review: Will Grayson, will grayson

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 21:49:00 +0000

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Loved this book so much. I'd read John Green before, but never Levithan - must remedy that soon. I'm usually hesitant about story telling gimmicks, but the dual story is wonderfully done in this book about friendship and love. Highly recommend.

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Book Review: The Miseducation of Cameron Post

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:58:00 +0000

The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well told story of Cameron Post, a teen girl learning about who she is, and who kisses a girl the day that her parents die. It is a sad, and touching story - set in Montana, in a landscape that matches the slow languid tone of the book. Told in a way that almost seems adult in nature, but perfectly appropriate for the intended YA audience. I won't spoil, but the part where Aunt Ruth decides that Cam must be fixed - wow. Such powerful prose.

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Covered Up In Books

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:31:00 +0000

This was my stack of books two weeks ago. It's grown a tiny bit. I have 55 books checked out as of yesterday evening. That number will drop to 49 by tomorrow, but I'm a wee bit overwhelmed with summer school right now. If you need me I'll be under the pile of books - reading, listening to lecture recordings, and writing papers! Hope you had a safe Independence Day if you're in the USA, and if you aren't - have a great week!

34 in 34 - fail........

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 04:13:00 +0000

Ok, so some of you might remember that I posted last year that I was going to do 34 things in my 34th year. The post can be found here.

I succeeded on a few things, and most of them didn't really even get a try. I'm pretty sure I'm not doing a list this year - mostly b/c I didn't even think of it on my actual birthday, and a few days later I can't think of what I would want to do.

Anyway, here's the report to stay honest:

1. 5k without stopping to rest - run. FAIL
2. Lose 40 pounds (yes I know this is ambitious for 1 year - more on that later. Down 12.5 pounds now! FAIL (Gained those 12.5 down and then some)
3. Learn to dive (is this a cheater one if I already knew we had dive lessons scheduled for this month? Do I care?) We took a Discover SCUBA class in July - might be all we can afford this year, but it's definitely on our to-do list now. I adored it!
4. Get A's in my Library classes. (this one is my priority. Feel free to call me out on it if you see fit this semester.) (SUCCESS - so far - I'll update you when summer session is over - so far it's killing me)
5. Submit an item for publication in Skirt. (I adore Skirt - did you know that about me? If you know me in real life you know that I save issues long past publication month and some of the items get saved forever.) FAIL - and Skirt folded in my town so that one is out.
6. Read all of the Harry Potter books. I'm in the middle of number 4 right now! Partial FAIL - halfway through 5, but haven't read in months.
7. Watch all of the Harry Potter movies. Total FAIL - mostly b/c I refuse to watch them until i'm finished the books.
8. Pay down 10% of my credit card debt. (this doesn't seem ambitious unless you consider I'll be a very part-time worker and full-time student this year.) Mixed bag - paid down. Not sure how much - but I haven't used the card this year at least. However I'm still largely living off of my savings and retirement so I'm not sure it's a true win. Maybe I'll have real employment by next year?
9. Create a garden plan. Partial win - I created a slightly more organized vegetable garden, and got ruthless with the volunteer plants.
10. Order and plant 3 peony plants. I didn't even remember writing this one, lol. I do love me some peonies though....
11. Post a day for 30 days.FAIL!!!!
12. Sew my own clothing item with no help.Nada
13. Paint the bonus room a fun color. Nope
14. Buy a vintage hat. (I'm such a Beverly at heart!)Um, maybe? I bought a hat, not sure it's really vintage, but it's secondhand at the least.
15.Go gluten free for 1 month. A few days seems to be the max of my self control.
16. Volunteer with a food organization.FAIL
17. Read a book on disability studies. (anyone have suggestions?)Nope - I'm totally blaming this on my readers though - no suggestions. ;)
18. Focus on my craft/create (I need a more concrete goal here but i'm still working on it.)WIN - Learned to knit, and am addicted!
19. Get rid of 100 clothing items. Maybe I got rid of 25-50.
20. Take a sewing class or lesson.Do knitting lessons count?
21. Rent a cabin for solo getaway retreat.Bwah ha ha. Nope.
22. Tattoo (snail or star?)Nada
23. Volunteer at a libraryWIN - it even got me a job!
24. Make a romantic dinner for the manmateFail. We haven't had much time to even eat together, much less cook.
25. Buy a ukelele FAIL
26. Do 100 pushups in a row Not a 1.
27. Go to the farmer's marketHow is this possibly a fail?
28. Cancel all of our mail order catalogs Nope!
29. Redesign my blog I got a new template - does that count?
30. Go to ALA conferenceNot in the budget - maybe one day
31. Take a grant writing class Not yet.
32. Take more photos Instagram for the win!
33. Sew kitty beds for my cats. I am a bed for my cats. :)
34. Resew the seam on manmate's pants like I've promised for almost 6 months. ;)I'm totally counting sending his pants to the drycleaners for fixing as a win. Bwah ha ha.

So there it is for you. I'm just gonna call surviving school so far as a win, ok?

Tap, Tap

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Is this thing on? *crickets*

Quick hello! I got my straight A's again in Spring semester - by the skin of my teeth, but it counts, eh? Summer session starts this coming week - taking two classes over the space of 8 weeks (a normal semester is 15, and this will cram all the same work into 8) so I'll be a bit busy. In addition, we're in the midst of helping "the Grandma" (as she's known in certain circles - my circles mostly) pack up her home of 20ish years for a big move north to live closer to our extended family. She's excited about the changes so it's a bit bittersweet. I'm happy for her, but will miss her quite a bit. And there's a lot of work to be done over the next 2.5 weeks or so - maybe I'll sleep again in August. Otherwise the new (not really new anymore) job is going well - enjoying it and totally blessed to have great coworkers who are supportive and constantly teaching me new things. The other job is still supportive of my wacky school and work(s) schedule too, so I'm in a good place workwise. The garden is in - and for once their are rows and organized places for things. A novel idea, don't you think? We'll see how it all works out as I try to keep the weeds at bay, and the plants all start to grow into themselves. I did somehow manage to plant something like 14 tomato plants so it's still over the top. The greens and lettuces all washed away in a monsoon of a storm a few days after the seeds went out so right now there's only chard. Maybe i'll do a replanting this week if I have time. If not I'm going to just go with what we've got. Manmate is back in the world of the employed - overemployed per usual with two jobs so we're back to the norm there as well. Anyway, that's the update for now - if you want more regular updates come see me on the GardenSpotTreasures Facebook page - found HERE.

Book Review: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:05:00 +0000

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ack. I'm horrified. Not by this book, but by the fact that number 4 in the Body Finder series isn't out yet. I love the series that much. And this one left me wanting more - go read them. :)

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Book Review: Thimbleberry Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Thimbleberry Stories by Cynthia Rylant

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Adorable. The stories were sweet, and I have now renamed our chipmunk who lives in the drain spout. He will now be called Nigel. :)

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Mooshka A Quilt Story (Book Review)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:57:00 +0000

Mooshka, A Quilt Story by Julie Paschkis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What beautiful art and a lovely story from Julie Paschkis. I think this would be a good read-aloud story - the story of a little girl's favorite quilt, and the stories that each patch tells her. Also a story of how the quilt and stories become a comfort to her new baby sister.

I would love to have art by Julie - the illustrations in this book are fantastic, and colorful, and very folk art. :)

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Book Review: Made by Hand

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:18:00 +0000

Made by Hand: Searching for Meaning in a Throwaway World by Mark Frauenfelder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting story - written by a man who became an editor at Make Magazine, Mark Frauenfelder became intrigued with the DIY culture, and adopted some of it in the lives of his and his family. I was very intrigued by the parts regarding working on your espresso machine, and the part on raising chickens. The big take away is just try it! Don't be afraid to break it. True for many things, no?

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Book Review: Spinning Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Spinning Forward by Terri DuLong

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It was cute, and heart warming, but a little bit too contrived. And if you're going to have yarn and needles on the cover there should be more knitting. Mmm-kay? I'm pretty sure it was a Kindle freebie so that's good. I guess I didn't hate it, and it was heartwarming, just didn't leave me wanting more.

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Butt-kickin'

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:43:00 +0000

I'm not sure who's butt is getting kicked - mine maybe. I'm still transitioning into working two jobs while juggling school. Taking a bit more of a toll than expected - I'm tired. And a tiny bit frantic. Mostly I miss some of my sleep, knitting and reading time, and the thought of days off or vacations.

If you could remind me that this is all about temporary sacrifice until I'm through school that would be great, OK? Or maybe just call me a fool and move on, lol.

The big debate of the week however involved class registration - how many classes to take. You see, I figured out that if I take 3 classes this summer (not in the original plan - I'd planned to concentrate on work and maybe some volunteering/shadowing this summer - that was also before I started working part time in a library) and 3 or 4 (still getting confirmation on that) in the Fall I would be in line to graduate in December. That said - I'm a little tired already and summer classes are intense. I'd be taking 1 4 week session class. The 8 week session would be two classes.

So, the pros are getting out a whole semester early, entering the job market faster. The cons involve the insanity of doing all this so quickly. The possibility that I may forgo some variety in my coursework b/c of the options currently available by not going the next semester. And the possibility that even if I enter the work search early I may not get a job any faster.

Anyway, I signed up for all of the classes. "MUST TAKE ALL THE CLASSES" - 3 in summer and 4 in Fall to buy myself some time figure it out. It would be an easier decision if there were a cooking, cleaning, and feeding genie - we're barely staying afloat with each having 2 jobs and school as it is now. (I have to admit that I'm super glad manmate got jobs again, but I do miss him being home a helluva lot more!)

On the garden front - we're tilled, and I've made lists. Now to get practical on what will ACTUALLY fit in the garden. Hoping to have that finalized this weekend and some of the seeds in the ground. The azaleas are blooming here in the Carolinas - a bit early but quite lovely. What's blooming in your world?

Oh, and just a note - I started a Facebook Fanpage - I'm experimenting with it a bit - feel free to fan me and join the conversation! The page can be found here.

Book Review: Missing Abby by Lee Weatherly

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:07:00 +0000

Missing Abby by Lee Weatherly

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another YA book that I was all bored with/meh about until about halfway through - then the mystery grabbed me. It was probably a 3.5 for me, if we could give half stars. The story of a teen girl who runs into her former best friend one day on a bus - they talk briefly, and then part ways as she gets off on her stop. The next day she learns that her friend never made it to her destination, and is now missing. The story follows her as she comes to terms with some of the reasons that their friendship broke apart, learns more about who she really is, and joins Abby's friends to figure out where Abby is and what happened.

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Book Review: Derby Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:59:00 +0000

Derby Girl by Shauna Cross

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Good, quick YA read. Derby Girl is the book that the movie Whip It was based on, and tells the story of a Texas gal who decides to rebel from her pageant life and become a derby girl. The roller derby parts were fun - as was the music and friendship backstory.

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Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:12:00 +0000

Well, it seems that I have my first library related job (paying!) lined up! I'm uber-excited to start - hopefully as soon as the coming weekend. AND the ironic thing is that I'll be working in my childhood library. Ah, the memories!

Otherwise I'll still be at the other part time job, and going to school full time. And knitting classes. So..... I'm busy I guess you could say. I'll still pop in here off and on I'm sure, just not sure when that will happen.

Anyone who cares to is more than welcome to send me some healing vibes in the meantime - I seem to be having some sort of inflammatory thing going on in my ears/neck/head. I'm sure by the time I get in to see a specialist that can actually figure out this mess it'll be gone, or at least I hope it is - it's a tiny bit disruptive to life and more than a bit painful. At least those are things I've got experience with, but after a few years of very little in the way of illness it's a bit of a bummer.

Ok, back to studying -trying to wrap my head around the concept of metadata. Hope all is well in your neck of the words. It's almost spring here, (did we really ever have winter) so I hope to have a garden planning update soon! :) See you then!

Book Review: Golem

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Golem by David Wisniewski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Just wow. The story of the Golem - a mythical (or is it?) clay and prayer made figure who protects the Jews in times of danger. Beautifully told, and illustrated in paper cuttings. Stunning work.

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