My AniMagical day

I could tell it was going to be…

Part I
As I pulled into St. Gregory’s entry - a formidable drive lined with pines, leading directly to the imposing main building – the bird-dog I saw yesterday, intently following a scent alongside Highway 9, caught my eye. Yep, it was the same one – white and spotted, with a stub tail and ears long enough to make me think there’s hound mixed with spaniel. (S)he stood almost at attention, framing the drive more regally than any concrete rendition could capture; and as soon as my awe passed, my concern for her safety returned.

As is typical, I was running late to work – rather, I was RIGHT on time and WOULD be late if I stopped to engage her. And what if I did – what would I do, then? Put her in my car for the day? Resurrect the run we had used for Yellow Dog – all while planning a move and being the only adult to take responsibility, 5 of 7 days a week? I drove on.

The synchronicity of the moment kept tugging at my conscience, however; so I briskly unloaded myself in the office and went back out to the car, to circle for her. At this point, it didn’t matter what I’d do; if I were to find her, it would mean she was mine to aide - and I would accept the universe’s challenge, as I’ve done before.

I drove further than planned and in multiple directions, but never even saw a blur that encouraged my follow. Because I knew she had a message for me, I began to think on her breed mix and that symbolism. Driven, guided, the use of what we often consider a secondary sense (smell) to provide primary results… she had maneuvered across a four-lane highway, and that is sure success!

Fortunately, I have a spaniel mix at home whom I can observe and look to for further insight. I continue to meditate on “Morning Girl’s” safety, and thank her for her gifts.

Part II
Since Chad is working out of town and my days are 10 hours long, I make harried mid-day trips home to let the dogs break and give Hula a supplement she needs. Our home is 20 minutes from my work, at best; so in an hour’s time I can JUST get there and back, if the dogs cooperate.

In the spirit of timeliness, I was flying down our gravel road when – WOAH! A big doe was in front of me! Then – can’t watch her too long ‘cause there’s another! This is unusual for me. Chad sees deer and coyotes on what I consider a consistent basis; and I find myself pining for such magnetism, although my bird camaraderie is uncanny.

I SO wish there had been more time to revel in the glory of their presence – but now I can claim deer magic, from zero to 60 in mere seconds!

Part III
The dogs were not in a spirit of cooperation, and who can blame them – it was almost 70 degrees today, sunny and quite the respite from the bitter, bitter winter I’ve already mentioned. Additionally, I was called to stop roadside and take a picture of effervescent, floating grasses on my way back to work (I couldn’t help it – I tried, but ended up throwing the car in reverse to get the shot. I hope it translated, and will post if so) – so I was prepared to scurry back to work even more briskly than I departed. And yet, Mother Nature STILL wasn’t done gifting me.

(See, even as I got to write about birds, it’s 4:44 – a wonderful omen!)

My eyes are always drawn to the sky, when it’s shades are interrupted by a silhouette in flight. I’ve even become adept at distinguishing avian types by their wing patterns, and think there must be some professional bird stuff in my future, if only education. As I was approaching the bend that connects road with dam, my gaze was once more lured in Saturn’s direction. Very dark, but shaped more like a hawk – no, larger than a hawk… the eagle was headed to its nesting grounds on Lake Two!

What a blessing, to be given so many animal messages in such a condensed amount of time!

Lastly, I'll share a photo with you. I didn’t take it, but did have the pleasure of seeing one of these fine creatures on the lake yesterday - in almost the exact same spot, in fact - when I made my noon trip. The pelicans are apparently in migration, and have found a perfect pause in Shawnee. I would never have anticipated such diverse wildlife in Oklahoma, but the water has proven fertile ground for all types of life – including my own.

These animals' visits iterate that no time is lost, and no encounter is meaningless. It's when they compile in such an intense manner that we remember the profundity of life.

May we always strive to do so.

Gas & Guzzling

When he first moved to Shawnee (a month or so before I did - with the dogs, so the house in Nashville would show more easily), Chad discovered that the gas station at our exit off the highway provides a pretty good cup of joe, for mere pennies compared to Starbucks - and even less when you use your own mug (which, of course, we do). They provide an array of syrups with which you can flavor, a variety of bean strengths from which to choose, and even steamed milk (although it is formulated from a powder). Since our focus has been minimal spending and the reduction of debt, this was a wonderful surprise for both of us - we could still indulge, but maintain monetary diligence.

Even better - after a couple of months, the station announced free coffee with every purchase of $25 in gas!

At this time, fuel was more than $2 per gallon - so we enjoyed many a complimentary cup, and used this (as well as the fact this station features 100% gas versus 90%/10% ethanol) as reasoning to support our committed patronage.

This morning, I ran the pump as usual and went inside to top off my mug. Since prices have lowered, I even use mid-level fuel - my Camry is older, and can use all the assist she can get. As I began to tabulate MPG whilst preparing to depart the station, an unfamiliar number caught my eye. It was next to the dollar sign - and LESS than 25.

My tank warning light had been illuminated since I pulled out of our drive, so I FILLED her up... and, oh my gosh - I didn't have ANY cash to pay for the coffee!

I will admit to the few who read this blog that I drove on with little hesitation. Yes, I could have debited the amount – but the energy used to process the payment, plus the amount of the charge that the credit card company would claim made the benefits to my service provider close to nill – so I’ll just swing by and offer to pay for it, in the morning.

Although thrwarted in my attempts to justify the consumption of java, I’m VERY pleased to pay less at the pump. It’s just funny that two such separate things have become so very connected, in my world.

Things to come

Bitter, bitter, blowing winter (remember, we walk from apartment to cabin for running water privileges – sink, toilet and shower)… A weekend husband (Chad has been working in North Edmond for a couple of months now, staying at my mother’s through the week)… Then a flood of water, from bathroom to lake’s edge (who knows when in the day the pipe gave, but I didn’t discover it until 9:30pm)… Multiple, unsuccessful attempts at remedy of the piping (leaving us without any hot – sometimes any at all – water, for over a week in bitter, bitter, blowing winter)… Did I mention I was sick, too?

Yep, the past few weeks have been… well, let’s hope they’ve been unique. Fortunately, I had the entire week of Christmas as holiday – and this, together with some energy work, a decision to relocate to OKC, time with family, rest and yummy food has me back on track.
A move will provide not only more social stimulus, but widen professional possibilities as well. My work at St. Gregory’s has been a wonderful opportunity to establish myself in Oklahoma and contribute locally; but the work Chad has found is far more compatible, and I’m ready for a post with potential for growth – or at least generous application of my skill sets.

I've had to face disappointment in the decision - in myself, mostly. I so want to be the wild woman, un-phased and triumphant over cruelly cold days and a trial so modern as the break of a pipe; but I recognize, too, that the plumbing was a physical manifestation of my energetic imbalance – the “straw that broke the camel’s back”, propelling me in the direction of my ultimate good. Chad and I had actually discussed moving into OKC previously, but decided against it. Thank goodness for the universe’s “hints”, however, as I realize there are other facets of me that have been screaming to be recognized. I’m ready to revisit them and embrace my whole, vibrant Self once more; excited to settle in and discover the area.

We’ll be keeping our place in Shawnee, still planning to spend our days on the lake at some point; but there are apparently things between now and then for us to experience, and I accept the adventure. We welcome the opportunity of real estate investment, and envision many a cherished weekend on the water, as 31505 evolves into a beloved retreat.

I sense a sorrow at the loss of daily commune with the wild, but am invigorated by the idea of affecting simplistic change on an urban level. Picture a residential turbine atop a gold brick tudor!

There will be pictures to come, and stories to tell – but I ask for your prayers as we embark on this new chapter of our lives. I am ever thankful for my travelling companions, Chad and the four-leggeds - they allow me to explore every cove and crevice of an experience, but anchor me safely in welcoming love.

Happy NEW Year!

"Every potato is different"

If ever there was an absurd, defining moment; illustrating the extremes to which one party in a relationship will go, to be right and have the last say - this was it.

Chad had put potatoes in the toaster oven for dinner. I suppose this was the first time he’s done so (oh - there I go, still persisting!), because he was overly (damn!) frustrated with the fact that I didn’t have an exact timeframe to give him, for when they’d be ready.

It went a little something like this:

The toaster oven shuts off, as the timer runs out.
Chad squeezes the spuds.

J: Are they ready yet?
C: No.

Chad proceeds to turn the timer on for 15 minutes.

J: Chad…

Jenny reaches over and swings the device to “Stay On”.

J: Why don’t you just do that?
C: ‘Cause I want to know how long it takes. I’m keeping track of the time.
J: No you’re not!
C: Yes I am! Then I’ll know how long it takes, from now on. We don't know how long it takes, 'cause that's what YOU always do.
J: So what!
C: Well, I want to know - for next time.
J: It won't be the same, next time!
C: Why not?

Pause

J: ‘Cause every potato is different!

Pause. Pause.

BOISTROUS LAUGHTER ensues.

We now have a Slagle catch-phrase for “those moments”.

Momma ain't proud

Ha, Ha, Ha...

Literally - even I am laughing, audibly!

Here I am, in all my glory, in my every-winter-evening wear.

You'll get another chuckle by learning that this robe was a gift from my mother, only after my husband relayed to her that he feared for our lease on the lake. See, I used to just walk back to the apartment naked. We're on a virtually inactive cove (love it!); and our property juts out into the water, so no others look in on us. However, with the trees going dormant and all the leaves falling away, Chad joked that our neighbors were going to get an eye full.

At first I protested. I wasn't going to keep it up - I hate being cold! I also have a robe somewhere in storage; but then she sent this cozy, buttery thing home with him - and I caved. Now, it's the first thing I don every morning, and is my favorite snuggling device when lounging with the pups.

I continually find the color comical. It's definitely not one I would have chosen, but the benefits far outweigh the robe's challenges; and it keeps me laughing. I liken myself to a life-size after-dinner mint, and feel like an Albanian grandmother each time I bundle. (Why Albania gets the hit, I don't know - it just comes to mind.)

In any case, I thought you'd get a kick out of this "slice of life" - me, heading to the cabin with water cannister and vaccuum resevoir in tow. Ah, the good life :)

*Neuroses demand that I relay my complete dissatisfaction at Blogger.com's inability to process my double-spacing! I am very particular about the style of my writing (even if it's only my own, and not grammatically correct), and "this will never do!"

Piddle-Paddle

I was sitting here thinking “what am I going to write about”, when a conversation with my co-worker inspired me: peeing.

You see, the garage apartment we live in is about 45 paces from the cabin where we have running water (read: bathroom). Our apartment is also only 500SF, so the bed is an elevated loft; accessible only by a completely perpendicular ladder.

I have done what I can to train my body, and it has done the same in return. I try not to drink anything after 5pm, if possible – 6pm at the very latest, unless some dire hydration or indulgence is necessary.

Tonight’s forecast calls for rain moving into snow, and I already slump in anticipation of the midnight venture: over Chad, down the ladder, into my robe/scarf and outdoor shoes, outside – where a motion-detecting light will brutally spot me as I make my way into more illumination (thank goodness actually, or I’d surely break an ankle), into the cabin bathroom that is not warmed until I activate a space heater, onto the shocking rim of that ceramic throne… and so on, and so forth.

There have been a couple of instances where my unwillingness to fully awaken, rather than the temperature itsself, caused me to invent other means of relief…

You see, we have cats.

NO, I didn’t invade their boxes – but because of them, we do have litter on hand. Absorbent, earth-friendly pine litter.

I have lobbied for an actual device for such occassions – and vow that we will ultimately employ the Incinolet – but “he who can pee at the edge of the fence” has been deaf to my pleas, and it is apparent that I must either trek or tune in to my feline ways.

What’s more, on the topic: I have become increasingly sensitive to the amount of water I find myself flushing away. Perhaps it’s a result of knowing there’s a 21st century method of dealing with the waste (if you don’t already know about it, please Google Incinolet). Heck, there are LOTS of other ways! We even have a septic system on our property, but my “beef” is that the water use in unneccessary alltogether.

Here are some related statistics I came across today, in yes! magazine (another “to know”, if you don’t already):

Global average gallons of water used each year to produce goods and services, per capita: 328,366

Annual per capita water use in the US: 655,939

Annual per captia water use in China: 185,449

Number of people worldwide who do not have access to fresh water: 1.2 billion

Number of children who die each year for lack of access to clean water and adequate saniatation: almost 2 million

I’m not saying we need to feel bad about our current usages – I’m just saying we need to fully recognize them; not assume they’re our God-given right, or accept them as the highest standard.

The same co-worker told me once about her grandmother (or was it great-grandmother?), who only benefitted from indoor running water in her very late years. She objected, even as her family insisted and installed faucetry to the kitchen; but drew the line when they tried to create a bathroom. "Why would I want that stuff in my house," she exclaimed. Having lived without it for a time, I must admit I have an appreciation for such separation; an have even considered a "water-wing", in the renovation of our home. Centralizing usage can certainly cut down on installation costs, and Granny had a point.

It's almost 6:45pm, and my reused water bottle sits uncapped, to my left.

Damn. I must have been drinking it...

Step 1: Rethink

So here's the thing... there is absolutely NO NEED for Tupperware.

OK - I'll give you a few sizes, for those extra-large portions or oddly-shaped items... but other than that, you're just an unconcious consumer.

Oh - I can HEAR you groaning, and sense the warping of your faces as they contort in expressions of disagreement and disdain... but here's my response:

Chad and I are a family of two - let say three, bundling all the furry beasts into one, for proportion's sake... it's AMAZING how much glass and plastic we've accumulated in only 6 months!

By rule, I don't use plastic for storing anything in the fridge, anyway - so the glass jars (from salsa, spaghetti sauce, honey and jams) were initially reserved to aide in keeping leftovers and homemade items... then, the plastic containers (from yogurt, cottage cheese, parmesean and butter) came in handy for dry and hardware items.

Now I GUARANTEE that Chad and I are also a couple that uses MARKEDLY less container products that your average American Jane and Joe, so raise the usage by 50%...

There is NO NEED for Tupperware!!!

I recycle as fervently as anyone, but what we have to remember is that recycling is a PROCESS... there's fuel, emissions, energy and more energy consumed in order to make that momentary product that makes you feel responsible: "Made with 10% post-consumer recycled fiber" (I pulled that off my Starbucks cup, evidence of yesterday afternoon's indulgence).

I'm nowhere NEAR suggesting that I'm concious enough, that I have all the answers, or anything of the like... but I DO do what I can, strive to learn more - and think it's an exciting opportunity we have, to make a literal difference in the quality of Earth we inhabit.

Thoughts create things... and although the habits may be hard to break (in fact, the habits ARE hard to break, I can tell you!)... you CAN adapt - and the reward is bigger, richer, brighter and more rewarding than almost anything I've experienced.

Who wouldn't want that feeling, every day?!

Up, Up, Up & Away

So now I need to try posting a photo...



There! Maybe I'm not such a dinosaur, after all :)

This feeder is one of many, and sits right outside the window that frames our computer desk, in the apartment. Our cats (Murray, Little One & Pandar) love the perch, and we're constantly entertained. After filling the feeders this past weekend, Chad said, "It makes you wonder why everyone doesn't feed the birds". My reply: "Not really, honey. We did just spend $25 for feed that will last two weeks at best."

Sure, these are hard economic times; but I've thought about this conversation a lot since it occurred. The truth is that even if we spent $30 a week on bird and squirrel feed, we'd still spend less than most families do on cable or satellite TV or internet; and we're not dulling our intellegence! In fact, we're communing with the Great Provider; dancing with Mother Nature and looking into the mirror of life. I'm surprised more dirt-road-dwellers don't boycott technical providers. They're charged outlandish fees for provision of the convenience (I checked into it, when we first relocated), and have a world (literally) of actual interaction at their fingertips.

It may pass that Chad and I have, or are inclined, to subscribe to the influx of connectivity on Ingram Road; but having lived and loved being without it, I can't imagine.

The featured bird in this photo was what I was working to capture. It was one of the first yellow ones we'd seen in our six months here, but I have yet to feel confident in my identification of it (the marked black and white wings bars is what is throwing me). Another shot I got was better, but I love this photo - and it never fails to provide a chuckle - because of the Tufted Titmouse in motion, to the right. I don't even know if I knew it was there; but as in all things, it's the unexpected that is the magic.

Perhaps that's what I'll say one day, as I send a post from internet at home...

Remote blog, 11-29-08

I’ve decided. I’ll blog.

Last night was a reunion of sorts, for some high school classmates; many of whom see each other regularly. Others have maintained contact throughout the years on a looser basis, but I haven’t been in touch with anyone since the first summer I had out of college. Needless to say, that was a while ago.

As soon as I could get out of Guthrie, I did. As soon as I could get out of Oklahoma, I did. I never thought I’d be back; living, anyway. Visits were necessary, but I always kept them at a minimum; and was thankful that my lifestyles never allowed them to last too long.

Looking back, I’m in awe at the amount of running I’ve done: into someone’s arms – then back out again, away from what was at any given moment and towards something – at times almost anything – else, between multiple agendas I had going concurrently… I could have used that energy to master levitation, would I have focused it!

Once I finally learned to be still (which is a lesson I didn’t come to willingly or via healthy means), I find it ironic that I’ve been brought full-circle. I “meet” these beautiful people I had the opportunity to experience earlier in life, learn/hear/see the full lives they’ve had; and I’m thankful they didn’t excommunicate me, even though I tried so hard to achieve it myself.

I welcome the lessons that being home brings. I am confident in myself, the universe’s power and willing partnership; and have unwavering foundation in the form of my sage of a husband. My wild home and furry family ground me in simplicity and beauty, and all… is… well.