Thankful for Moonbeams

I’ve always been fascinated by the moon, the night sky…I can remember many nights when I was younger staring at the sky and all the stars… we could easily see the milky way… I was fascinated by the bigness of it and my smallness. Somehow it made me feel more solid, like I belonged, I mattered if I could see something so beautiful that was soooo far away – it was proof of something – even if I didn’t know what.

Often, on Saturday night, we would drive to my cousin’s house – our parents would play cards, the 6 of us kids would watch Carol Burnett and then either play our own card games or get into some kind of mischief. We’d always stay late into the evening and then drive home in the dark. Often on the drive home we’d listen to a story on the radio – usually a mystery and I’d stare out the window – moon watching. It amazed me that each corner we took each curve and hill – even though I might lose sight of it for a moment – it was always there. Following…watching… guarding…protecting… I don’t know – but it was a safe, BIG, feeling.

A few years ago, I read this children’s book. “The Pirate Who Tried to Capture the Moon” by Dennis Haseley.
Here’s the excerpt from the jacket front:
There once was a fierce pirate who loved nothing. He lived alone on an island. And he captured ships. But after each victory, he saw the moon, drifting free. “Moon, follow me!” he ordered, jiggling his sword. But the moon sailed majestically through the sky, lighting up frog ponds, shining down on poets and baying wolves and Italian restaurants and all the things it loved. So the pirate captured all those things and waited. And the moon, seeing everything it loved gone, came down closer. And closer still…
As this huge moon- bigger than the pirate had ever imagined – came closer and closer getting bigger and bigger, the pirate became afraid. Eventually, as the story goes, the pirate released all the things he had captured trying to deter the moon, but the moon waited… then, as the huge moon waits patiently over him…
The pirate stared into its light, and a wild shiver ran through him like a wave. He forgot about being afraid. He forgot about being fierce. He lowered his sword, he dropped his armor, and he whispered, “Moon, wonderful moon, it is you who have captured me.” … now there was someone new the moon loved who loved the moon. For at that moment, in the middle of the night, the pirate began to dance.

This was such a picture of my life, taking prisoners, armor and sword in hand – then the moon – the huge, disturbing, frightening moon-sized love of the huge God of the Universe, captured me. Since a little girl it had been following me, waiting.
Suddenly, I realized that that’s what it’s all about here… just to love each other. The moon has become a symbol of that love to me – you may know it as “spirit” or choose to see it through the lens of Buddism, Taoism, Christianity, Hinduism… or thru simplicity, friendship...so many possibilities...
The beauty of this to me is that every day I know there are moonbeams – pieces of this love shining down. The hope of my little girl is one, my friends, my family. The people I love and those who love me are moonbeams, perhaps you reading this now are a moonbeam…all reflecting a little love and light into this world and into my sometimes dark life.
I love this book’s metaphor for life, its struggles, and the overwhelming touch of love. It lends a powerful icon to the love in my life. Hence, my moonbeam…I’m waiting to see her.

On this day of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for the moonbeams in my life...my parents, my family, my friends, the hope of my daughter, my dogs.... I'm also grateful to those of you who allow me to reflect a little love your way. Happy thanksgiving folks, have a wonderful shiny day.

Weekend

I've had a great weekend.
Alicia - my travel buddy and all around good friend was in town. She's looking for a loft so I tagged along on the shopping expidition which wasn't too fruitful, but we did see a few that were pretty cool. She's patient and has time for the right one to present itself - I'm just excited that she'll eventually be moving back - nothing against Wyoming, but a country girl she ain't!
She and I bought some art while in Greece. It arrived at her house last week. Her two paintings are by the same artist and are his interpretation of two marble busts - one of Alexander the Great and one of Apollo. They are hotties - I've tried to plea for joint custody to be able to stare at them for a while, but Alicia's not going for it. My paintings are quite different than hers - one of an angel (I'm a little obsessed with angels and with the moon for their guaridan qualities - someone has to look out for my girl while I'm unable to). The painting is done in a combo byzintine/Gustov Klindt style. The gallery owner promised to contact the artist so she could include a letter telling me her thoughts about the painting, and including her bio. I'll fill you all in when I get it. The other painting is of boats in a harbor that will remind me of the Greek Islands. I should get my paintings Thanksgiving weekend when Alicia's coworker will be able to transport them here in his truck. Apparently they are pretty big. So, lucky me that her coworker has family here ( 6 hours away) and is willing to fill his truck space with my goods! Dada dada da da!!(the happy dance song)

So, last night I was trying to feel like a wise urbanite and take public transportation to meet my friends for dinner in Lodo (lower downtown - isn't Denver so hip?) Well, our light rail system (commutor trains) is a baby and on Friday had the grand opening of the southwest corridor. To celebrate, and apparently work out the kinks, they offered free rides Friday and Saturday. Living 3 blocks from the station, I usually take the train when going downtown, so bonus that it was free, right? As it turned out, the line that would take me 2 blocks from my final destination, was down because of some fire or required maintenance (not sure which was the actual reason). NO worries, I could take the D line then the mall shuttle and voila, I'd be there. Off I went, while in the station I was looking at the schedule. There was a guy looking at the schedule too - I asked a quick qestion then the train arrived and we stepped on. The car we enter was deserted at this time and he sat in the seat opposite me (bench seats facing esch other). Normally, with space etiquette on public trasportation with complete strangers, you do NOT sit that close - across the isle, one seat away - anywhere else but on the seat facing the only other person in the car... So, a little freaked, but a well lit car on public transportation line - the next stop not too far away where others would be getting on... all ok. We talked a little - he was going to the Warren Miller film playing at the Pavilion theater - me to dinner with friends, blah blah, blah. We get to a stop - 2 stops prior to my destination and there's a voice over the loudspeaker "there will be a 10 minute delay". I'm already late, so I decide I can walk and get there quicker. I get up to leave, and my new "friend" decides he's going to walk too. He's seemed decent enough so far, if not a little unclear on boundaries, but what a delima. Am I getting off the safe train to walk 6 or so blocks with a perfect stranger who is going to turn out to be a serial murderer? Well, since I'm writing this, it obviously turns out well. But, not without a call to my friends with a detailed description of him "6' tall, shaved head, small wire-framed glasses, 40ish, black jacket and blue jeans" - to which he adds "and my name is Jeff". He said he worried about a white woman walking alone through that part of town by herself, so he wanted to make sure I made it ok. I'm not sure why I felt so ok striking out alone, and more creeped being accompanied by a stranger - fear of the obvious verses fear of the unknown?
In retrospect, it seems kinda dumb to have gotten off the train in the first place, but at the time I felt a little invincible... Hindsight makes me say the smart and safe thing to do would have been to wait on the train... next time....
I realize that as American women we are among the luckiest on the planet, but I have to say it pisses me off that we live in a culture where women still have to be fearful. Pisses. Me. Off.

On to tonight... I met 3 other single adopty women - I'm lovin' getting to know these women. Our LIDs are all within a month of each other so we'll be getting our daughters within... - well, hell, it could be at the same time, it could be 4 months apart!!! Regardless, we'll become mothers around the same time and all want to forge a support system, so we're doing things like the red thread run (earlier post), tonight we went to see a movie. Denver's international Film Festival ended today, we went to see a documentary "Free Liesl: Fear and Loathing in Denver". It was interesting and thought provocing and maddening at times about a young woman caught up in the federal murder law. A long and complicated story, but essentially she was in the car with a man who ended up shooting and killing a police officer. Despite the fact that she was sitting in a police car in handcuffs when the officer was shot - she was convicted of federal murder and sentenced to life in prison. Hunter S Thompson learned of this and became a mouthpiece for her, getting much public attention, the best lawyers involved and two days after he committed suicide, she was released from prison, thanks in large part to his efforts. The documentary really pointed out some disturbing facts about the media - stating allegations against her as if they were truth - biasing the jury, and also the needed reform of this law. Anyway, if given the chance, it's worth seeing. The filmmaker was present for questions after and said that it is available for purchase at HunterSThompsonmovies.com.

The thing about this that so bothers me is I vividly remember this event taking place. I was glued to my TV as the standoff was taking place at Denver apartment building, hearing the worst, that a respected officer was shot in the head and killed, and then the killer took his own life. The media then proceded to talk about Leisl as being responsible and I believed them. As it turns out - she was more of a hostage than an acomplice. It was all presented as fact rather than trying to understand her part of the story - it seems we all wanted someone to blame and since the killer was dead...
The media is the public's only access to this sort of information, one would hope that they would act responsibly. It seems that this documentary should be viewed in J-schools everywhere.
Again, long and complicated story, but the take home messages were:
1. The media doesn't always get it right, and unfortunately probably had a large impact on this woman's conviction.
2. Always, always get a lawyer before talking to the police (there is sometimes a fine line between cop and criminal).

Peace, and goodnight

Hmmm....6 months....

It's late, I'm sleepy, and out of touch. Today was crazy-busy at work - too many people with heart problems. Anyway, I got home and found e-mails congratulating me on 6 months. Yep, that's right, with a LID of 5/16, 6 months of waiting is behind me.
There was a day when I could be getting my referral any time. When I think of that 6 months might be a little soon for me - although I'm sure I'd quickly adjust. Now, we're looking at another year (18months) as a more likly scenerio. too long. Way. Too. Long.

Greece...finally...for real!

So, I’ve been wanting to post about the awesome trip to Greece – I’ve now been back for over a month and the details are becoming fuzzy.  But, I’ll try, simply to check this off my ever-expanding to-do list, if nothing else.  I’ll trust my faithful traveling companions, Jules and Alicia, to post comments for any errors or omissions.
Part of my delay has been figuring out photos…  Alicia's photos are great and hopefully can be found here – she’s a much better photographer than I.  
Mine…well, click on the number for each day and a flickr slideshow should pop up. Be sure to click "back" on your browser to get back to the blog
So, here’s the trip:

Day 1 <--click here for pics!
We flew into Athens.  We were quite travel-weary after a 10 hour flight in coach class with hardly enough room to move.  But we made it, met the woman from the travel agency with all our vouchers for hotels, ferries and taxi rides – too cool.
We were taxied to our hotel in the center of Athens – our room dark and stuffy, but a great location for walking and seeing the sights – which is what we did.  
Backtracking… several months earlier we had gone together to the I-Max to see a feature on Greece ( turned out to be primarily about the archeological dig on Santorini and not the tourist “how-to” we were hoping for) and then to the Tattered Cover – a most excellent independent book store.  At TC we bought Greece travel guides – each a different one.  Well, fast-forward and…here we are walking around Athens – none of us brought our guide books, nor had we read them extensively beforehand.  We did know however, that the Acropolis was the destination we were seeking and made it there.  We didn’t really know any history except it was really really old.  I don’t know, but knowing a little about these ancient structures sure would have brought it to life a little more.  As it was, it was very impressive and cool and amazing, but a little lifeless not being able to put it all in context of “the day”, you know?
While we were looking around, a very impressive storm moved in.  I love watching storms and the cloud formations – hopefully if I can figure out how to post all the photos, you can get an idea of this one.

Day 2
Up before the sun and a taxi to the ferry we took to Naxos, one of the many Greek Islands.  It was our first and perhaps only sunrise we captured there.  The ferry ride was interesting, enjoyable and landed us at a gorgeous island that I’ve fallen in love with.  The first day we were shuttled to our BEAUTIFUL hotel – we all acted like kids – we were so taken with its loveliness…giggling and pointing.  Lunch by the pool – a little vino…then off to the beach for a much needed nap.  We stayed at the beach until the sun went down – it cools off quite a bit so the photos show us with our jackets.  Then, our first sunset.
Showers and primping then off for dinner at Sirocco – a little restaurant owned by two cute flirtatious wind-surfing brothers.  They take everyone’s photos and put them on their website – ours is here....



.

I copied this photo from the cute boys restaurant's website... This was our usual dining experience...wine, water, good food. We ate a lot of traditional Greek food such as Greek salads, souvlaki, a yummy treat called tomato dolmades , tzakziti (?), sandwiches with feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatos, sometimes salami... always wine!

Day 3
Exploring Naxos.  There is an archeological museum in the kastro section of the town.  This was the day we realized how much mythology is imbedded in their art, history, culture... we wanted to know more, so being the booky people we are, we all bought a book on Greek mythology – I read a few pages late that day on the beach before my nap and haven’t opened it again – Jules?  Alicia?

Day 4
Exploring inland.  Naxos is a fairly large island and mostly agricultural, unlike other islands who survive mainly by tourism.  We wanted to see more so we caught the bus and took it into Filloti a small town that boasts the trailhead that will lead you to the summit of Mt Zeus – along the way passing the cave that is rumored to be the birthplace of Zeus.  Again, we read about it in the guidebooks – safely tucked away in our hotel – and decided we could figure it out… We met a kind English man who’s goal was to concur the beast too, so with the help of his guide book we got started on the trail (very poorly marked I must say!)  We were quickly left in his dust, lost the trail, barked at by a dog (Alicia, sure it was rabid - Jules, claiming it to be a loud Chihuahua).  So we conceded, and took our flip-flopped selves back out and decided to summit something else.  There was a lovely whitewashed church with a cobalt blue dome on top of a hill with a paved road leading to it – that’s where we headed.  (We took photos that purposefully left out the road to impress all with out mountain-scaling skills – but the truth is….)
As we were walking up the hill (scaling the mountain) the wind became quite ferocious and we noticed a lovely odor.  Turns out we were walking alongside the local dump – peeyeeww.  Once around the corner and at the top staying upright despite the gale-force winds we snooped in the little chapel (don’t really know why it’s there –not much inside- but, there’s one on every hilltop in that valley).
We waked back to Filoti, ate lunch watched the locals and then bussed back to Naxos Town.  
Back to the beach for our daily rest where Jules and Alicia received beach-side massages that worked them over and left Jules, the more adventurous – exposed.  And Alicia, tense from fear of exposure.
  That night we went to a wine-tasting and concert at the museum.  They featured local Naxos wines, native dances and traditional Greek music.  It was fun, the host charming – as we found most Greeks- and the wine tasty.  Tasty enough to try several!
Back to Sirocco for dinner cause the boys there were so dang cute.

Day 5 (already??!! hummph)
Up early for last minute shopping then off to the ferry.  We’re headed to Thiera (you may know it as Santorini, but the locals call it Thiera)
We got off the ferry at the base of a cliff. Now they have a paved switch-back road that cars/vans/trucks can drive up to the top. Apparently there was a time when you went up by donkey, foot, or gondola - YIKES.
We checked into our hotel which overlooks the caldera (the ocean and volcano) and then made our way into town for some shopping, dinner and our first Santorini sunset. Santorini is famous for their sunsets for a reason - they're stunning!

Day 6 I was tired! We spent the morning by the pool, then that afternoon walked to Santos Winery - sampled a flight, bought a few bottles. This is hard work you know! That evening we went for a gormet meal which was really lost on us. The complemetary appetizer was cavier/pate thingy - which I nearly spewed - hate that fishy taste. Alicia's the same and Jules a vegetarian... Oh well, the rest of my meal was good.

Day 7
This morning we went on a volcano tour. The caldera hosts an active volcano, which for the right price, you can take a boat over then pay another 2 euro to walk on the volcano (which for all intensive purposes looks like a pile of black rocks). There is one little area where some steam is coming out and smells like rotten eggs. After the "hike" on the volcano - off for a dip in the "hot springs" which were more like swimming in tepid-stinky-rusty water. We were left cold and smelly and ready for a shower and a nap.
That evening - off to the town of Oia - it's supposed to be the best place on the island for watching the sunset. I think everyone else went there too - it was crowded - hardly a spot to stand in to see the sunset. Everyone clapped when it was over - kinda funny.

Day 8 - spent on the ferry going back to Athens - I was grumpy and took no photos

Day 9
Alicia's Big 4-0!! She's very well-preserved!
We spent the day waking around the plaka. We saw the changing of the guard - they do a pretty amazing little routine - Alicia got a photo just as one guard was in his high-kick... not sure that skirts are the best chice for this routine, but at least he has his tights on! We spent the day wandering then found an art gallery where we bought some amazing work (at least I'm hoping they are - we're still wating on them to be shipped). I'll post a picture of it once it arrives ( I'm a little fearful given the fact that I was taken this way in France last year!
Another nice traditional Greek food dinner then off to bed...

Day 10
Early morning to catch the taxi to airport and then the loooooong flight home.
Let the recovery begin.

I know this was long - hope it was worth it.

all tag

Nicole adn Wendy (links to them below) sent out an all-tag on this little list of questions - kinda fun... check it out then do your own.

1) What side of the heart do you draw first?
the right

2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?
Yep. But never, never from the high dive - too afraid. I tried to be brave several times as a kid, and yes, I was the one making everyone on the ladder back up because I had to climb back down. (blush)

3) What color is your razor?
aqua

4) What is your blood-type?
A neg

5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?

I'm lame and can't remember his name, but the guy who played Aragon in that recent trilogy (ok, I'm really lame - I can't remember the name of the trilogy either)

6) What is a rumor someone has spread about you?
That I am tall, blond and sexy. Feel free to spread it. (ok, I stole this from Nic, but it made me laugh!!)

7) How do you feel about carrots?
I love the color....

8) How many chairs at the dining room table?
6, but one is a little wobbly

9) Which is the best spice girl?
I don't remember.. how about sporty

10) Do you know what time it is?
yes, 10:20 - it says so on the bottom right of my computer screen

11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince song?
nuh uh

12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
push the alarm

13) What's your favorite kind of gum?
Peppermint - the strong whitening kind - it's either Trident or orbit

14)T or F: All's fair in love and war.
False

15) Do you have a crush on anyone?
A new one every day almost.

16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
I did that last week - can't remeber the word, but I was afraid I'd get caught

17) Do you like to sleep?
Bedtime is one of my favorite times of the day - snuggling into the yummy sheets. comfy mattress. I love that time of day

18) Do you know which US states don't use Daylight Savings?
Arizona I have an Aunt and Uncle in Prescott

19) Do you know the song Total Eclipse of the Heart?
Once upon a time hmm hmm hmmm hmmm hmm hmm total eclipse of the heart...

20) Do you want a bright yellow '06 mustang?
No. But my neice, Erica does.

21) What's something you've always wanted?
A husband

22) Do you have hairy legs?
No, not really

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
A lake. The ocean is great, but the sand and the salt....

25) Do you wear a lot of black?
Yes. Usually on the bottom with fetching colors on top (black is slimming you know)

26) Describe your hair.
fresh from the beauty parlor tonight. I take advantage of them and have them straighten it - so, it's straight tonight, layered and several inches past my sholders. Usually it's curly

27) Do you have Entomophobia?
is that bugs or something? definite Arachnophobia (great now I'll probably have a bad dream!)

28) Are you an adult?
sometimes

29) Where is/are your best friends?
Here in the Denver metro area, and sis in MO

30) Do you have a tan?
fading, but yes. Greece was good (or bad, depending on your perspective) for that.

31) Are you a television addict?
Not really - take it or leave it...that is until jan when Ameircan Idol starts

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?
Yes. I'd love to spend time with my mother. I do talk to her a lot

33) Are you a sugar freak?
Yes - but currently on a no-fun-with-food diet. I blame this for my memory problems!

34) Do you like orange juice?
it's ok

35) What sign are you?
Aquarius

36) What color is your Cell Phone?
silver

37) Where do you wish you were right now?
Back in Greece...or Hawaii sounds nice...China?...

Ok, Nic and Wendy did an "all tag" which means you should answer these too and let me know - I'll go check yours out.

Red thread run

AAC sponsered a fun run/walk at Denver's City Park yesterday. I forgot my camera, whoich is too bad because it was a lovely morning and the shirts are cute. I do have a pic of my new sneaks (don't they look fast)- it alway makes me nervous to buy new exercise shoes, because it seems that each time I do, I suddenly lose interest in excercising. We'll have to see how it goes... Any suggestions from you regular exercisers on sticking to it?


Back to the run... It was really cool because it was about adoption in general, not simply Chinese adoption. There were adoptive familes with children from Ethiopia, Korea, Domestic, Russia.... there were also people who simply think adoption is a cool idea and support adoptive parents - thanks Jules
The winner of the run did it in 18 minutes - kinda funny - he had a car ahead of him clearing us slow folks out of his way so he could get through. He then came running back through the crowd cheering us on, yelling "you're almost there! come on! You can do it!!!" We were pretty sure we could make all of 3.2 miles, but his encouragement spurred us on :)
After the run, two other single adopty moms and I went to brunch - it's really nice getting to know others in the same boat as me - determined to have a full life as we wait for these little pumpkins.
Later I went out to Jules (linked above)house. She and her husband Keith are building the coolest house ever. It's very ecologically friendly, with passive solar heat some special roofing material that has an R value of 42 - verses 4 on any normal roof (has something to do with insulation capabilites). My vocabulary as well as my knowledge of home building (trust me, I know nothing of this, so I learn something each time I go) is expanding greatly each time I go out there gulams, casons, steel pans, earthen plaster, straw bale construction...who knew? This place is gonna rock.
They have it framed now, I went up onto the main floor and their view is amazing! They look for miles out onto table mesa in Golden and Green mountain, and a sea of city lights beyond... It's an amazing project and I'm very proud of my friends for being so environmentlly conscious and kind to our earth.

Cate's scarf

Cate at Having a Knit Fitt was the recipient of my scarf on the ISE3 I was in a rush to get it in the mail, so I forgot to include some information in her package. Here it is Cate....
The yarn is Classic Elite yarn's Classic Silk in sea coral (you said you like orange - hope you like sea coral as well)
Care instructions say hand wash cold - dry flat
The pattern was dubbed "snakes and ladders" and I found it here
Here are some pics of the FO














It's not a truly reversible scarf, however I like the purl side too (not shown) I also like the 3-demensional effect of the pattern - perhaps that's an excuse 'cause I couldn't get it to stay flat even after blocking. The pattern does make a lovely silloutte though. I hope you enjoy it Cate.