Things That Make Me Go Mmmmm....

I was going to post about the blatant inconsistencies I have seen recently in our judicial system, from the sticker on the gas pump that states you'll lose your license if you pump and go without paying  - (while if you drink and drive, they'll just ticket you three or four times till you kill someone, and even then, you may get to keep your license), or the 164 years a bank robber got sentenced to, versus the child molester of multiple children getting 40 years, or the man forcing a minor into prostitution getting 9 years.  I was going to post about there seeming to be an obvious disconnect between our judicial system's priorities, but I decided not to because it's Monday and I'd rather focus on something good. 

So instead, I'm listing some of the little things that make me smile.  Any of these familiar to you?

* Finishing, then starting a new journal.  All those fresh pages waiting for the possibilities!
* New flavor of body wash!
* Listening to my 3 year old niece talk.
* The earthy summer smells on my morning walks.
* Catching a glimpse of a fox or coyote on those walks.
* Jello
* Marking off lots of things on a to-do list.  (Sometimes I add things I've just done so I can mark them off.

* A really good cup of hot chocolate, with real whipped cream.

Ritz and Bikers

Continuing the bare-pantry food challenge from last week, I discovered that Ritz crackers make all the difference in a ho-hum meal.  I had fresh chopped garlic, butter, eggs, cheese, and fresh sliced mushrooms.  Not bad, but not great, until I crumbled in a handful of Ritz crackers and voila! Instant yumminess! After that little dish, my fridge was severely depleted and I have since restocked.

Yesterday while out on a walk on the Highline Canal, I continued a little social experiment I've been conducting and decided it is time to report my findings.  I am a friendly person (a little too friendly some might say) and say hi to folks on trails.  Over many walks and hikes I have noticed quite a difference in the kinds of people that would return the greetings.  In counting 40+ walkers or runners, only 6 did not say hello.  Of those 6, 5 were plugged into head phones with eyes down.  I counted 28 bikers, and of those, only 7 said hello.  Of those 7, all were recreational bikers or families.  If a biker was wearing a biking shirt, forget-about-it!
Colorado is a very friendly state, and a big biker state, but somehow, the two aren't connecting.  I'm not willing to chalk up the brush-offs to hard work, as the older runner who looked like he was running through at heart attack managed to give me a little wave - twice.  With all the push for more biker-friendly roads and attitudes from drivers, I think there needs to be a little PR push for bikers themselves to be more friendly.  The trails don't need to be a place to meet-n-greet, and maybe I have been overly friendly to prove my point - which is - we're all sharing the space, ditch the above-it-all attitude and at least give a smile.  Your heart-rate will benefit overall.

Deliciousness on a Dime

I am a big budgeter and try to stick to my budget guns, even if there's a week left and seemingly nothing to eat in my house.  Tonight though, I stunned myself even, by creating a really yummy meal out of the very literal odds and ends in the cupboard and fridge.

I had a box of mac and cheese - pretty standard, frozen peas and a can of tuna.  Ok, tuna noodle casserole, nothing new, but not delicious.  I upped the yum factor by mixing a handful of oyster crackers with a couple table spoons of left over feta chese and Gillmates roasted garlic and herb chicken seasoning.  Spread that crumbly goodness over the tuna/peas/mac&cheese and bake for 10 minutes at 350 and voila! Much more upscale deliciousness! 
My challenge this week is to see what other gourmet dishes I can come up with without going to the store.  I'll be working mostly with canned, frozen, boxed, and condiments.  The challenge is on!

The Water Is Wide

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went to Steamboat and had a fabulous time despite the weather.  The rivers were raging and had overflown in many places, washing away footbridges in along the trail in a couple spots.  We took in the farmer's market, the rodeo, and Strawberry Hot Springs (our favorite part!).  Unfortunately on Sunday, the weather wasn't cooperating for the balloon launch, so we got to see a few go up, and then had to take a nap for lack of other indoor options, (another one of my favorite parts!).  We hiked down to Fish Creek Falls, (next time we'll try to make it to the mythical lake up top,) and to the botanic gardens on our way out of town.   We had a great time and we're already planning for our return trip next summer.  That, and moving there in 20-30 years. 

Scrambling and Gathering

You know it was a good day when the next morning you can hardly move.  That was how I felt after last Sunday's Denver Scramble.  The Scramble is a scavenger hunt around downtown that was absolutely a blast!  Some of the clues led us to 'event' stations, where we had to do things like build a Denver icon out of marshmallows and toothpicks, do some field day events like a water balloon toss, sing along with a piano man on 16th, etc.  The registration fee was split between two organizations - mine being one of them - so it was truly all for a good cause, and I have the blisters to prove it!
The next day, I was so achy, sore, and done with walking...except I had to go to a site tour at The Gathering Place.  I got over myself toot-sweet when I saw how amazing this place is! It is not a shelter, but a safe place and resource center for homeless women, children and trans-gender people to go to during the day.  From showers, lockers, laundry facilities, mental and physical health resources, a food pantry and dining room, to GED classes, daycare and an art program called The Card Project, this place blew my socks off!  This is truly one of those programs that not only do I feel proud that Denver can claim, but also that I get to interact with through my new job.  Take a look at The Gathering Place and feel free to pitch in, whether it's donating used books for their quiet room/library, gently used clothing for their 'closet' or volunteering on a larger scale.

Happy Birthday To Me!

I had a fabulous birthday weekend!  I got a couple pieces of art from my brother and mom, a new bike from my boyfriend! And a very fabulous balloon from my 3-year-old niece!  I had hardly made it in the front door of my parents house before my niece came bounding at me beaming with a giant lady bug balloon in tow. 

Corinne picked this balloon out for me, and a freesia plant.  She was so proud and excited to give them to me, and (amazingly for a three-year-old) understood that they were going home with me, not her, and that was ok!  I have been smiling since about that little wonder and her gifts of love!

And here is the very cool painting my brother did of a picture of me and dad on the beach. 

I don't have a picture of the piece my mom did yet, as it is getting the finishing touches before being handed over.  This has been one fantastic birthday of very loving and thoughtful gifts.  Thanks to all!

The Break Up

I haven't written on my novel since December, when I handed over a draft to both my folks and my brother at Christmas for feedback.  I just recently got said feedback from my brother and the gist is...he likes some of my writing, but the whole story needs to change.  And the worst part is, it's not an unfounded critique, so I can't blame it on just his subjective take.  I had actually suspected I'd get some of the criticisms I did. 

So now I'm mulling, and stewing, and figuring out just how to break up with some of my favorite characters, and bulk up the others.  Did Twain ever go through this? Steinbeck? (Hemingway should  have.)  When does the editing stop?  My friend and fellow writer Mike White - Laughing Under Water Looks a Lot Like Drowning showed me his book, printed and bound, that he was still making edits to. 

So, back to the drawing board I go, and I'll leave you with a picture from Grand Lake.