writing

I've been quite challenged this year to do more writing. I have always loved writing, and have wanted to focus on it much more in past few years. I even applied for a writing fellowship at Stanford, but I went to England instead, and then shortly thereafter found out I didn't make the final cut. I was not actually discouraged by that news, but instead it was just one more thing that encouraged me to keep moving toward writing more and honing my skill.

To be honest, I haven't been quite sure what that involved until recently. I thought about creative writing courses but I don't think my life's in a state where that is practical right now. So now that I find myself with a bit of time on my hands (not a ton, but a bit more than I used to) I am working on my writing. I am trying to blog more and I've started the novel that's been in my head for the past 6 or so years. I've also begun one or two small projects that for now will remain under the radar until I feel comfortable about letting people see them.

A few days ago I found myself on the streetcar downtown and realized that the start of the sunset I was seeing would be amazing if I could get to the aerial tram at the other end of the streetcar line. So I did. I'm rather uncomfortable with heights, but (as the photo clearly demonstrates) some times we have to push through our fears to fully realize something's beautiful potential. That pretty much sums up how I feel about my writing. I guess we'll see soon enough if it was worth it.

September

So far September has been lovely. It's hard to believe we're only a couple weeks from October already. It's been good to catch up with people. Last Monday I spent the day with Randy & Lui (old friends of mine), and Kaari & Alex (I've known Kaari about 25 years) and all their kids. The picture is Kaari's oldest daughter, Oksana. Isn't she adorable? I still have more people to catch up with, but I'm makin' the rounds to the best of my ability.

So what am I doing? I had hoped to temp while I was here, but that's not really happened yet. I may or may not be working for my church (I helped out a bit last week) but that depends on whether some support can be raised toward a small salary for the weeks to come. Otherwise I have to really pound the pavement this next week. Money is a bit of an issue for me right now (well, actually the lack of money is a bit of an issue), but I'm doing my best to be frugal and trusting God to help me figure this season out.

As I've settled into being here for a bit I've gotten back into my 'creative' groove. I don't know if it's the time of year or just being in Portland, but all I want to do is create things. Painting, knitting, writing, cooking...whatever requires creativity. I even want to start sewing, but fortunately I don't have a sewing machine or I'm sure I would be starting a few other "creative projects" as well. If only I could make money creating things. Maybe someday. For now I'd be happy making money period. So I guess that's my focus this next week.

Domesticated

I recently realized that since I moved to the UK I've been much more interested in cooking than I have been for years. I'm not sure why exactly, but I suspect it has to do with the fact that I find myself cooking to share much more than I've done in a very long time. Now that I'm back home and awaiting visa stuff to come through, I'm not only still on a tight budget, but I'm trying to spend more time with people, so I've ended up spending "restaurant money" on groceries (a more frugal choice, as well) and am trying my hand at things I wouldn't have attempted before.

I do like food. I don't know anyone who doesn't. But I think I never wanted to be considered a "foodie" because I've always been 'curvy' (honestly, my curves have curves!), and I felt self-conscious about being a chubby girl that's into food. The past few years I've come around to realizing that good, healthy, wholesome food is food you prepare yourself, knowing what's in it and how fresh the ingredients are, etc... I am indulging in my domestic side and hoping that I get better at making yummy, healthy food that feeds both me and the people in my life.

There are some things I've really liked that I've made recently. Pesto. I have one word: Yummmmmmmm! Blueberry coffee cake, which was so/so, but I know what I can do to make it better next time. I can always add slow-cooker roasts to this list. They're so easy and yummy! I've also done a chicken curry simmer (also in the slow-cooker) with carrots, butternut squash and rice. Yesterday my friend Jov came over and I made my first cheese sauce (not quite so healthy!) for my first attempt at homemade macaroni and cheese, which I topped with pan-cooked chicken pieces, smothered in cheese and broiled until the cheese toasted. I served it with a salad and my super-yummy, low-fat secret recipe ranch dressing which is quite frankly good enough to eat.

I'm looking forward to the next season of my life for many reasons, but not the least of which is the challenge of coming back to the UK with my US cookbooks, my optimistic propensity for experimentation and cooking for my friends.