Merry Christmas friends! This is the image/words I used for my cards this year.

Asher's little book, take two . . . and other things

Hannah Greenberg and I revamped our little book this evening. We added a title page, dedication page and some more color. Have a look!

In other news, I am done with my second to last semester as a graduate student! Time sure does fly when you're having fun. Next semester might just find me as a puddle on the floor.

On Friday (right after I handed in my last assignment), I took a journey to Target and bought some twinkle lights. So very exciting! I also bought all the ingredients for those yummy Hershey kiss-pretzel thingies.

I think with those, and an amazing little paper Christmas tree from my friends Liz and Jes, will complete my Chicago-based pre-Christmas celebration. The rest will take place in Mad-town and the Springs.

A historic tour of my home kitchen

Over Thanksgiving, my sister went picture-happy. She documented every moment (most of which are posted on Facebook). As a result, I have some pretty spiffy pictures of my home kitchen.
So, in honor of hanging out in this amazing room almost all of Thanksgiving day, I would like to show off the kitchen in my parent's house. Most of my inspiration for culinary greatness came from this lovely place. The house was built close to the turn of the century by Madison Mayor, John B. Heim (1848-1919). The kitchen hasn't changed much.

Ok, ready? We're about to walk in . . .

Here's a look as you walk through the door.

The frig. Notice the plentiful photographs of family and friends. :-)

Our stove, Old Faithful. That thing is a tank. Circa a long time ago.

The lovely original (refurbished) wooden cabinets and counter.

Windows and the trust-worthy butcher block.

The original sink and hutch. (Me walking with a knife, as well).

I hope you enjoyed this historic tour. :-)

Daily Epiphany: November 19

My family has a great collection of Nativity scenes. My parents have been collecting them since before I was born. I love this tradition, but have realized that I need to create one of my own--or just copy theirs! So, today when I went to go buy some yarn at the fabric store, I brought my first Nativity scene. It's a simple carving of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and an angel. I am super excited to set it up, come November 30th.

Every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving my familly (I used to join them before heading off to school) would head out to the Christmas Tree farm and chop down a lovely Charlie Brown tree (i.e. scraggly little pine, like in A Charlie Brown Christmas!). Then we'd go home, pull out all the Christmas things and start decorating. For me, this was the official start of a sacred tradition called Advent--the four weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth.

Although we have a tree, my family does not buy presents to put under it, instead, the tree showcases ornaments from our various advent calendars. As the number of holiday advertisements increase, I am more and more saddened by our society's commercialization of Christmas.

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but may we all look ahead and seek to put Christ back in Christmas. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating.

I illustrated my first children's book . . .

So, back in May I started working on my own little children's story about a girl that goes to an art museum for a field trip. I'm still working on it, but along the way, a more exciting illustrating "job" popped up. My friend Hannah wrote a little story for her son, and wanted me to illustrate it. Now, being the perfectionist that I am, I devoted myself to making this the best book ever, plus it was my first complete book of illustrations, and I wanted to do a good job.

Watching election coverage a couple weeks ago, I finally finished all the pages! We decided to publish it with Blurb.com, a print-on-demand website I had used for a class project last semester. In the website's bookstore, you can view the first 15 pages. Check it out!

Autumnal Baking

As most of you know, in addition to history, I have other talents and interests. One of these is baking. This fall has been a season of breads. Not normal bread, but yummy desserty and fruit filled breads.

This summer I began with Carrot Cake, but it wasn't fall yet, so it doesn't count.

In October, I helped break the fast on Yom Kippur with Betty Crocker's Harvest Pound Cake--an apple-based bread/cake that showcases a homemade caramel glaze.

Cake base: mix together . . .
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. oil
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs

3 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda

3 medium apples, chopped
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Glaze: heat to boiling, boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly
1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp milk

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour

Towards the end of October I bought a little pie-pumpkin. Because I believe pumpkin pie should not be eaten before Thanksgiving, I decided to make Pumpkin Bread--my mom's famous recipe. I cooked up the pumpkin (and roasted the seeds!); it made two loaves. One for a church potluck, and one for me. :-)

2 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. oil
4 eggs
16 oz pumpkin (can or real pumpkin cooked)
2/3 c. water
3 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 c. pecans (optional)

Bake 325 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes


Also in October, I had the opportunity to bake Challah with my friend Leah. I had grown up baking Challah with my mom, but since leaving home, I have not been able to get it right (yeast can be tricky). Leah provided a recipe different from what I was used to, but the bread turned out marvelous, and quite delicious! In addition to eating Challah on Friday night for Shabbat, I also love making it into french toast on Saturday morning. Super good.

[Let me know if you want this recipe, the instructions are fairly lengthy.]

That same night, Leah gave me her Banana Bread recipe. Tonight I tried the recipe, making Banana Bread November's bread. Three bananas made two loaves--one for my church small group, and the other I'm going to put in the freezer for later.

3 bananas
1 c. oil
2 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. sugar (this can be half white and half brown, or all of one)
1/8 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
8 oz. chocolate chips (optional)

Bake at 350 degrees. For bread: 45 minutes-1 hour. Muffins: 20 minutes.

*Note: In all these recipes I used King Arthur white berry whole wheat flour. This light whole wheat flour can be found at Trader Joes.

Next, I'll have to try Chocolate Zucchini Cake, and maybe my cousin's Strawberry Rhubard Coffee Cake, or Blueberry muffins . . . or maybe I'll just move on to pies. :-)

Thoughts on the election . . .

Preface: I do not want anyone to be offended by this. These are just some thoughts that I feel need to be said.

When George Bush was re-elected in 2004, many Christian liberals (Yes, we do exist. I happen to be one) questioned the sway of conservative Christians and their idea of American democracy. All through that election, I followed the discussions of Jim Wallis and others who created the catch-phrase: God is not a Republican, or a Democrat. I truly believe that those of faith do not need to be pinned down by only the "big" issues (i.e. abortion, gay-marriage, etc.). There are other issues that are important to our Heavenly Father. He cares about all of our lives, from conception to dealth. (READ: Psalm 139) God is sovereign. He has the power to righteously control those issues whether a republican is in office, or a democrat.

With the election of Barack Obama, many conservative Christians are now thinking, "What is this world coming to?" I believe it is now time for the tables to turn, and for conservative and liberal Christians alike to trust that God knows what He is doing, and PRAY. Change is not bad, in fact, political change can help this country recover from these economic woes. Unfortunately, politics tend to run rampent in this country. But there is hope! Christ gave the Church a huge responsibility, and if we really want to see change, the Church must take up the burden of the cross and work to God's glory.

May we not be bogged down by feelings of personal calamity or self-rightousness. Let us lift up our new president to God, placing him in HIS sovereign hands.

Daily Epiphany: October 26

This is going to be a long post, I just know it. That's what happens when I finally do something relevant . . . at least in my field, anyways.

Yesterday I decided to take a trip down to the Chicago History Museum. I am writing this paper for my Urban American class, and wanted to use CHM's archives. I had never been there, so it was about time . . .

I also had this coupon for Cosi and wanted to use it for lunch, so i Google-mapped "Cosi, Chicago, IL" to see where the closest one would be. There was one right near the Belmont station where I was going to transfer! Unfortunately I couldn't find it. Weird. But that was alright, I knew where there was another one on the way. I would just hop on the 22 Clark bus like planned and get off at the next Cosi.

The bus never came. Sooo, I decided to walk. In all I think I walked 2.5 miles (Belmont to North Ave. along Clark). I was a nice walk--I got to look in all the shops, and see the little kids having their pre-Halloween celebrations in Lincoln Park. I even encountered a Farmers Market. I almost bought a pumpkin, but then I thought it would be kind of weird to coat-check a pumpkin at the museum.

I arrived at my Cosi, all in one piece, but very wind-blown and rosy-cheeked. The coupon I had was for $2 off any purchase. Even with the discount, Cosi is kind of expensive, so I went for the cheapest sandwich. Lucky for me, it's my favorite, the TBM(Tomato, Basil and Motzerella)! It is soo good.

From there I walked a few more blocks down Clark and made it to the Museum. I paid for a year-membership so I could come back again, and proceeded to the sacred third floor. Research was good. I found some good sources, and tightened my thesis a bit, so I was pleased with the experience. I felt very historian-esque.

For the journey home I decided to take the 22 clark bus. Now this is usually the kiss of death, but I was tired and didn't want to deal with transfering. On the way I listened to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack on my new ipod. It seemed very applicable as the bus swerved and braked in Clark Street traffic. Oddly enough, I made it home in like 1/2 hour! I'm sure that's a world record.

I love fall / what have I been up to?

Wow, it's been a long time. Sorry folks. I guess that's what happens when a new semester starts.

To fill in, here's some things I've been up to:

• First, here are some pictures from my summer rompings through Millennium Park:

• I'm taking two classes this semester: Oral History and Urban America, and my internship credit.
• Still working at the university bookstore. . . thought is was only temporary, but I guess not. It's a good place to work, but I'm still always on the look-out for something to do with public history.-
• Been spending lots of time with friends and their kids. Super fun, and a great distraction from school work.
• This summer I painted a three canvases for the Kids Club at church. Here are two of them:
  

• I'm illustrating a children's book for my little friend Asher. The drawings are all done and I've started watercoloring them in. I'm excited to see how it turns out. The little book I started this summer has been put on hold. I promise it'll re-surface when I have more time.
• This last month I helped Heather as she set up a coffee house in the Jews for Jesus store front. It's a beautiful space. You should go check it out. (4118 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60076)

(photos courtesy of Heather Blecher, 2008)

• My cousin Shannon slept over the night of Rosh Hashanah so I attempted to make a challah . . . it didn't turn out so well. I don't know what my problem is! Since leaving home, I have not been able to make a bonafide, fluffy challah.
• This is my fall break, so I'm spenidng this time updating my blog, instead of reading . . . yippee!

Fall is my favorite season by far . . . so enjoy the autumn bliss!

Going to sleep at 1:00 am and waking up at 9 o'clock this morning found me more rested than the same amount of sleep at a different interval (i.e. 12pm-8am or 11pm-7pm). Hmm.

In the morning I often listen to WMFT, Chicago's classical music station. This morning, in honor of Labor Day they are playing pieces about great occupations. Most exciting: Meredith Wilson's "Marian the Librarian." :-)

Daily Epiphany: August 29

Today for lunch I made an amazing saute, which is only one in a line I have created. (Who knew you could have a saute line? Maybe I'll name them Skillet Creations.) Anyway, last night I went shopping at Aldi and bought (among other things) their "Fit and Active" brand whole wheat noodles. Now, whole wheat noodles have a reputation of being hard to swallow, but I am trying to be healthy, and these are really good!

Mushroom and Spinach Saute

(add as much of each ingredient as you want)
oil
onions
garlic/garlic powder
mushrooms
fresh spinach
basil
soy sauce
salt and pepper

Stir in cooked noodles and heat on high until starts to turn brown/stick to pan. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

In other news. . . today at work I re-shelved returned books for 6 hours! Who needs exercise when you can walk through the shelves all day?

Daily Epiphany: August 20

My family returned safe from camp, and on the way home stopped in Chicago to wish me a happy birthday. Stoophy and I took some fun pictures with her digital camera. As soon as she posts them, I shall do the same.

Yesterday I went to the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Devon. It was actually an easy walk. Goal: some clothes and a book shelf. Well I didn't find a book shelf, but I got some good items for fall. I love thrift store shopping because there is so much more variety than your regular department store. You just can't go expecting to find something specific.

On the way to the store I ate lunch at this Mediterranean restaurant called Big Buns and Pita (soon to be called Sahara Kabob). Their Hummus and Shwirma is amazing!

I had something else to write about, but I forgot what it was . . . that's not good.

Classes start a week from yesterday! Ahhhhhh! Not quite ready.

Last night I rediscovered decoupage. At the beginning of the summer I was complaining to myself that I don't have any hobbies . . . now I have two children's books and a cook book to illustrate, a sweater to knit, and more recipes to create.

Living in the kitchen

This morning I woke up at 9am. Ten minutes ago I left the kitchen. Between making breakfast, cookies, mini-cheesecakes, lunch and super I was one busy women.

Saturday is my birthday, so I was making ice cream cookie sandwiches for a little party at the park. My family is driving back from camp on Sunday and stopping in Chicago for a bit, so the mini cheesecakes are for them (and Friday night dessert picnic at the Grant Park Music Festival). It was lunch time, so I had to make lunch (chinese noodles and an frozen egg roll). Tonight I work from 2-10pm so I had to pack a lunch.

Now I understand why women throughout history have been labeled as kitchen-bound. It is very easy to make a whole day out of cooking, baking and washing dishes! (I washed about three loads in three hours).

Time to eat lunch and run out the door.

Planetarium Fun

Now that I am working again, I have the joy of having scheduled days off. As opposed to being unemployed, days off make me feel like going on an adventure.

Therefore, on Tuesday, my friend Rachel and I went to the Adler Planetarium. Oddly enough, this was my first visit. It's a smaller museum so we were able to see pretty much everything in about 3 hours.

Looking at all the stars and planets, we couldn't help but marvel at our Creator's genius! Pretty amazing and awesome.

My favorite exhibit was the History of Astronomy.



Lots of great artifacts: compasses, navigation tools, sun dials, etc. ranging back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

There was also a re-creation of a medieval classroom. Pretty spiffy.




Being on a career path towards museums, it is interesting to think about the identity of certain institutions. The Adler Planetarium is a science museum, but obviously it needs history to tell the stories of its field's past. On the other hand, history museums rarely categorize their history into different fields (i.e. astronomy, oceanography, transportation, geography). Similarly, the Field Museum turns cultural history and anthropology into natural history--equating Native American dwellings with rock formations. Musings over.

Here's me getting ready to travel to the moon

Me and the city (in all it's hazy glory)

Daily Epiphany: August 1

Not really an epiphany, but talking with some friends who are also on blogger, I decided to re-decorate. Since I don't have the freedom of decorating my apartment with more than push-pinned posters and faux ivy, this will have to do.

I started working at the Loyola Bookstore this week. Getting this job was such an answer to prayer. I don't mean to question God's blessings (yet I often do, until He lightly taps me over the head with a 2x4), but sales is definitely an alternative universe. And, as much as I enjoy purchasing items at great discounts, I do not enjoy entering them into the cash register.

Two weeks until my birthday. It doesn't feel right not being at camp for my birthday. I don't know what I am going to do with myself. Nevertheless, it will involve ice cream.

I've been reading Joshua Harris' Boy Meets Girl, but not for the reasons you might think. Whether or not I agree with the idea of courtship, Harris has some great incites about God's role in our lives, relationships and dreams.

Taken from pp. 39-41:
You might be asking, "How am I supposed to obey God's commands and follow His principles when my circumstances are so different from those of other people?" Let me try to explain.
Imagine that you're a student in an art class. You and dozens of classmates are learning from a master painter. One day your teacher displays a painting of his own. It's an incredible work of art, and he wants each of you to copy it.
You're about to begin working when you turn to look at the person next to you. You're surprised to note that he has a larger brush than yours and a differently shaped canvas. You look around at the rest of the class. Some students have acrylic paint, others watercolor, still others oil--and everyone has different colors. Though you all have the same assignment, you each have completely different materials. . . "How do you expect me to duplicate your painting when the people around me have so many more colors to choose from?"
The teacher smiles. "Don't worry about the other students," he says. "I've carefully chosen the brushes and paints that each of you has. Trust me. You have what you need to complete the assignment. Remember, your goal is not to create a painting that mirrors the person next to you, but to do your best with the materials I've given you to create a picture faithful to my painting."
. . . We can each rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over our life's situation. No matter where we are today or what mistakes we've made in the past, He has given us everything we need to glorify Him right now.

Daily Epiphanies: July 24

Starbuck's new Banana Mango Smoothie is delicious . . . and over priced.

Although I love biking, my legs aren't always willing to cooperate. Today I borrowed a friend's bike and rode down the lake shore path down to Fullerton. I was dead tired when I got back, wobbly legs and all.

I am writing/illustrating a cookbook (thanks for the idea Rachel W!) I'm including all my recipe inventions, but I also want to put in a section of my friend's favorites.
So here's where you come in:

- Email me a favorite recipe (has to be easy and fairly unique). It can be something you created or from a cookbook.
- If you are willing to participate, you'll get unlimited access to all the other recipes.

Daily Epiphanies: July 5

It's been a while folks. Sorry.

This summer I've been completing an internship at the Pritzker Military Library
- attending free concerts in at the Grant Park Music Festival
- writing and llustrating a little children's book about a girl's field trip to the art museum
- painting murals for the kid's club at church

I love blazing down lake shore drive on the the #147 when the bus is almost empty and there's no traffic (i.e. saturday mid-morning)
I hate riding the #147 during rush hour when it is prone to 1) break down 2) be overly crowded 3) get stuck in traffic.

This weekend I'll be in Madison for the Art Fair off the Square. Oh memories!

Daily Epiphanies: May 30

1. I often do not have a problem paying for a $3 smoothie (if it's a good one) yet today at the grocery store I had trouble buying a carton of Orange-pinapple juice for the same price. Hmmm

2. I like fruit. Today I bought two items I haven't eaten in a while: pears and grapefruit. Yum.

3. My hair does NOT like this weather . . . at all.

4. I am going to write a children's story book. This morning I re-organized my apartment and created a space for the production of the aforementioned creation.

(contd.)

Earlier this year, a beloved author, Madeleine L'Engle passed away. Today at the bookstore I found a new book by her! She wrote it in the 1940s, but it wasn't published until this year. I am so excited.

There are a few authors whose work makes my heart race (though not all with the same intensity):
1. C.S. Lewis
2. Madeleine L'Engle
3. L.M. Montgomery
4. Louisa May Alcott
5. Jane Austen

Daily Epiphanies: May 11

Bookstore bring a strong sense of comfort.

Every time I walk into a bookstore, I can almost feel myself being welcomed in . . . like a warm hug from close friends.
There are memories to be found between the covers of so many books . . . and it's a wonderful feeling. I don't need to spend any money, just spend time with my fictional friends.

Daily Epiphanies: May 1 (posted on May 2)

I am staying in Chicago this summer. That means . . .
1) first summer spent in Chicago
2) first time in the last 5 years that I will be living in the same abode for more than 6 months
3) first summer in 15 years that I will not be going to Ontario Pioneer Camp
4) I need to get an internship/job
5) I am scared and excited . . . at the same time.

Sooo . . . if anyone wants to come visit the Windy City, let me know.

Daily Epiphanies: April 19th

My Christian upbringing would not have been the same without hymns and sacred choral music. Contemporary worship is good, but there is something about the mixing of marvelous harmonies and biblical truths that makes my heart happy. I have had hymn tunes stuck in my head all week, and it has been amazing!

What's your favorite hymn?

Mine this week is:

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you that for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed!
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
for I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
that soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."

Daily Epiphanies: Reasons my world is falling apart

1. I don't think I got the internship.
2. Application due dates for any other possible internship have passed, or are close to passing.
3. The Evanston History Center has shut down . . . for now.
4. My academic adviser is leaving to go to another school.
5. I woke up last night to an 5.4 earthquake--literally thought someone was shaking my bed.
6. Classes are over in a week and I don't know what I am doing this summer.
7. First time ever, I am not with my family for Passover.

The End

Prayer request

I am being considered for a summer internship at the library of congress. I thought I already had it, but apparently I am only on the short list. They make the decision this week. Please pray for God to put me where He wants me this summer.
Thanks!

I am proud to introduce. . . Daily Epiphanies

I am starting a blog series called Daily Epiphanies. Most likely I won't be able to post one every day, but be on the lookout for tidbits from my thoughts/day dreams.

Sunday, April 13
When I am old and wealthy (I am assuming that this will happen) I am going to give large monetary donations to the music/theater ensembles that have made an impact on my life.

Inspired by: My excursion to hear the NPU Band Concert this afternoon . . . and then my sneak peak at the Spring theater production (that building needs a wealthy benefactor!).

"Since I've Been Gone . . ."

Does anyone even read this thing? Maybe I should start inserting into Facebook Notes . . .

Anyway, I am back from my un-official hiatus from blogging. I think I became slightly disillusioned by the idea of recording my daily musings. Maybe an audience would help.

Since my last post, I . . .

1) Got a job at the Art Institute--working with Discovery/Antenna Audio selling audio guides for the special Edward Hopper/Winslow Homer exhibit. Simple sales in a magnificent museum (alliteration anyone?). The wet toes paid off, apparently.



Mid-March my family drove me back from Easter-in-Madison and we all experienced the exhibit together. This sparked my desire to re-pick up Chaim Potok's "My Name is Asher Lev."

2) Cut my hair. It's shoulder length now.

3) Finally stepped foot in North Park's archives. For a class project I used their repository for a mini internship/volunteer job and ended up processing a former professor's collection of newspaper clippings.

4) Compiled and published a history picture-book with Blurb.com's Booksmart software [http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/212693].
















5) Got a summer internship at the Library of Congress in their Prints and Photographs division!

Wet toes and cinnamon rolls

Yesterday I went on an adventure downtown. I had two job interviews and needed to go see the McCormick Freedom Musuem . . . however, when I planned this fun outing, I did not anticipate the horrible weather. Snow snow snow and slush slush slush everywhere! I probably stepped in 20 ice cold puddles. I literally could not walk across and intersection without stepping in the water. Yuck!

But to rectify all grossness, this morning I woke up and made cinnamon rolls. I cooked them a little too long, but they are still yummy.

Last night I went with my friend to the emergency room. Nothing was really wrong, but we had to sit there from 1am-4am while she had the usual blood tests done and got an i.v. drip.

I'm running on five hours of sleep. Not fun.

I woke up this morning with the Chronicles of Narnia soundtrack stuck in my head . . . I've only seen the movie 3 times and heard the soundtrack once . . . so I don't know what that means.

Death: From the death of a close friend's father to the death of a international celebrity, death is suddenly everywhere. We are not promised a certain amount of time on Earth . . . our own mortality is not in our hands but God's. Very humbling.

My one constant . . . the library, is closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Urg!

It's amazing to watch the steam/smoke that billows from the chimneys across the alley. Emerging in strong bursts of white, the cloud is quickly dispersed as it tuck-rolls into oblivion. If you watch closely is looks like a stampede of horses, racing into thin air.

See what you can notice when you sit in silence and just watch the world around you.

"Battening down the hatches"

-It seems as though Chicago is "battening down the hatches" in preparation for this very cold weekend . . . very cold in comparison to the winter weather so far, but north of us (i.e. Wisconsin) is getting hit even worse.

I kind of like the bordering on single-digits temperature myself. Bundling up so you can barely move and jumping out into a city that has become strangely desolate. Below-zero, on the other hand, is just sinus suicide.

-It has only taken me 4 1/2 years of living in Chicago, but I finally have a Chicago Public Library card. I am so excited. Now I sport cards from three North American cities: Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; and Huntsville, Ontario. Good times.

Now, of course , I do not have time to read any of the books that I might acquire from said library, but that is besides the point. Re-reading Harry Potter 7 is now within my reach, however.

-I am thinking about writing a book. Much research still needs to be done, but eventually I will know enough about my maternal grandmother's side of the family to compile a historic narrative. After exhausting all my free trials from Ancestry.com I finally subscribed. Hopefully I'll be able to make the most of my $30/month.

Well everyone, I have converted to Blogger. Xanga seemed over.
Hopefully my postings will be more regular and exciting.

Let's start with some of my favorite quotes:

"I want to do something splendid . . . something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead . . . I think I shall write a book." - Louisa May Alcott

"Your purpose should be greater than the problem at hand." -unknown

“Why does anybody tell a story?” Madeleine L'Engle asked.
“It does indeed have something to do with faith,” she said, “faith that the universe has meaning, that our little human lives are not irrelevant, that what we choose or say or do matters, matters cosmically.”

Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it.
- Laurence J. Peter

Anne Shirley: Don't you ever imagine things differently from what they are?
Marilla Cuthbert: No.
Anne Shirley: Oh Marilla, how much you miss.