L Versus

Mosquitoes and Listerine
In the last few weeks, mosquitoes have taken over the outdoors! There is little relief if you like to spend any time outdoors. The weather has been spectacular the last few days and I've resorted to a concoction of Listerine...yup...Listerine which I would never use as a mouthwash cause it's yucky but is a wonderful repellent for skeeters.

Listerine has Eucalyptol which is a derivative of Eucalyptus oil, a natural repellent that is often found in natural repellents on the market.

I did think about using oil of lemon as well, but I didn't want to smell like sunlight detergent. There was always the option of using garlic... it keeps the vampires away too!

Here is a link that I followed for a solution to spray on the deck.

Read more: How to Repel Mosquitoes with Listerine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5096300_repel-mosquitoes-listerine.html#ixzz1SKg5RwaJ

L versus...
When I was in 8th grade we read an amazing story called, "Leiningen Versus the Ants" by Carl Stephenson. It is a classic short story that was published in the December 1938. I didn't know it was published so long ago, but the story made a strong impression on me when I was growing up. Leiningen never gave up...he defended his house to the end and was innovative in creating ways to fight off the ants.

For the last 48 hours I've felt a little bit like Leiningen, perhaps, not to the extent of the war or battle that he fought but it was my own combat. Trying to figure out how these flying red ants were getting into my home. Wondering where, which crack or crevice they had made into a freeway to my home. Using a vinegar solution to wash out their trails for future ants to follow. Checking the yard for ant condos or new constructions underway. My CSI skills were in full force!

Today I contacted an exterminator for some professional help. She said that the bugs were extra resilient this year and everyone...EVERYONE was fighting a similar war with bugs and stuff. Maybe I'll sleep better now. Time for some ant music....

Spiderman and other Tales

Rock on...
Over 15 years ago, I started rock climbing, I took the courses, learned the knots....and loved it! Climbing is a physical and mental challenge, it taps into your strength, endurance, agility and balance.  Then work took over, and it was all about indoor climbing from then on.  I forgot all about outdoor climbing until a weekend in Jasper.

WOW, it was MAGNIFICIENT! I remember when I first started climbing it felt like re-experiencing what toddlers must experience when they crawl around. You just become so tuned into the surfaces and subtle pockets and holds that seem invisible just a foot away is suddenly so clear and obvious! Stick! Go!

Climbing challenges you to make decisions, to plunge ahead and dynamo! It's a good training ground to expand your horizons and try new things! I've been on a new adventure!




Spiderman School
My little nephew has always been a climber. He used to hang off of the pedestal sink in the bathroom when he was just learning to stand and he instantly gravitates to jungle gyms. Lately, he's been focused on going to Spiderman school which my sister promised him when he became a 'big boy!' Well, he's wearing his big boy pants now and R and I will probably take him out when he's older.

Right now he has absolutely no fear! I asked him on the weekend what he needed for spiderman school and in his cute little voice he said, "a suit and a mask!" Then I added, " I think you'll need a harness and a helmet too!" He said I don't need a "hell-mitt, that's for bikin'" I smiled and can't wait to take him out....first, I have to find a full body harness for my little superhero!


Free Falling always reminds me of rock climbing because I went to a climbing tournament and this was one of the songs they played over and over.....

Foods Sans Water

It's not about creating an emergency food supply or flipping over the  latest, raw food diet. It's not even about getting 5-10 servings of fruit and vegetables in every day. It's rediscovering Mom and Dad's dehydrator...and what a joy it is!

I've been looking at all the wonderful things that can be dehydrated and my favs are still the fruits. Strawberry chips! Especially, mangoes!


I've also made beef jerky and potato chips! I'm on a mission to discover some new foods to bring on hiking trips that are nutritious and delicious! Open for your ideas and recipes if you have some to share!


Time Well Spent
I was thinking back to when we ran outdoor education courses and had kids look at what they would spend their time at if they were in a survival situation.

What order would you prioritize your needs in a survival mode?
Choices:   Water  food  shelter   First Aid  fire


Remember the Rule of 3's
This is 3 minutes without air, 3 hours shelter and  fire. 3 days without water, and so on, applying to many different aspects. In reality, a person could go for about 2 to 3 weeks without food, but that is only until (at the end of the 3rd week or so) they will die due to starvation.

Order survival priorities:

1. Attend to First Aid concerns.
2. Build shelter.
3. Build a fire.
4. Locate water.
5. Locate food.

The Wisdom of Yoda

Sometimes I'm really not sure where my inspiration comes from? Movies, characters, books? Tonight, it was from a little green man who sounds like Grover and looks like Mr. Mayagi from The Karate Kid. I found myself peppering my presentation with quotes from a Star Wars character (totally unplanned).  The quotes were fitting and my Yoda imitations drew a hearty laugh from the crowd. 

"Do or do not; there is no try."

 

"Named must your fear be before banish it you can."

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

Lately, I've found myself in a state of flux and I turn to Yoda for some Jedi wisdom. Ah, if name the fear I only could...mmm.....

Invisible Heroes and Heroines

I was out with a very good friend of mine today, who reminded me of a book that was quite popular a couple of years back, called, " The Five People You Meet in Heaven," by Mitch Albom.  The novel is a chronicle of the main character's meeting of about 5 people in heaven who were pivatol in his life. People come and go in our lives every day.

Sometimes you don't even realize the impact of your words, kindness or effect of your presence in someone's life. I thought about who my Fab Five would include and I know there have been many more than 5 influential people in my life.

Walk On
I attended a U2 concert this week and like the first one I attended in Vancouver the Joshua tree this one was full of soul, heart and inspiration. I was moved by the lyrics, melodic melodies and of course the band. I always found that they sang songs that bled from their souls and with such depth.

I have so many favorite songs from U2 but the one that hit deep this week was Walk On (from their 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind).  The song was written about Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese activist who was sentenced to house arrest in 1989 for protesting her government. Earlier that year, while walking with some of her supporters, soldiers blocked their path and pointed rifles at them. Suu Kyi kept walking, despite orders to stop. The soldiers threatened to shoot her, but didn't. Her actions have been closely monitored by the government, but she remains an influential leader and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She was released and freed in 2010.

Carry On Luggage
The only baggage that you can bring is all that you can't leave behind. There are so many people that I know who have 'good hearts,' who always strive to do the right thing, working with what they have and doing the best with what they've got. These are everyday 'invisible heroes and heroines' that I admire. They are the underdogs, the unpretentious, the unsung superstars.

Sure there are people that I know in this world who just want to be rich. Others want the fame. For me, it's not about wanting to be rich, I'll leave that for someone else.

I'll end this post with one more favorite from this album, the first time I heard this song I was captivated, I think this is a brilliant tune - under appreciated! Just close your eyes and listen to the song the video doesn't do it justice. It's a happy song!

J33-3

What's on your Shelf?

The Epic of Gilgamesh- an ancient text +4000 yrs old

If our bookshelves are a collection of our knowledge and experiences, then each of us should have walls of books beyond our homes. My siblings are always chuckling and teasing me about the things that I hold onto, sometimes without consciously thinking about it. Point in suit, I had old text books from my first science degree on my bookshelves up until last week.

It wasn't that I would eventually reread those textbooks. Genetics, organic chemistry and medical sociology are not a common subject matter in my day to day conversations. I thought about why I held onto them for such a long time. Moved them from place to place only to crack them open on occasion and to dust them off. I know now I kept those textbooks to remind me that I did study these subjects and at one time did know this information well. I do find myself using my science knowledge from time to time....especially during 'Jeopardy'!

Do you keep books to reread or just to remind yourself of what you've read? What's on your bookshelf? Right now I'm reading, "The Brain That Changes Itself." Fascinating!

Keepers
Some of my books are a collection of my passions in life, sailing, photography, art and design. Other books are of my travels. Where I've been and where I want to go....Then there are the novels, how to do books and the sketch books and journals. These ones are the keepers!

Born This Way

  

Years before Lady Gaga belted this tune on the airwaves this was one of my Mother's favorite wise sayings. When my first nephew was born she noticed how he was so particular about certain things. How he liked his blanket, it had to be certain way one side specifically facing him. She often said that about me!

Today and everyday I'm so grateful for the lessons that my Mother has taught me. I see her lessons repeated in my nephews as I watch them grow up. My sisters and I have all chuckled at our 'born identity' and how we have adopted so many of our Mother's traits.

Salt of the Earth

My Mother is the salt of the earth. 

'The salt of the earth' was first published in English in Chaucer's Summoner's Tale, circa 1386, although Chaucer undoubtedly took his lead from Latin versions of the Bible:

"Ye been the salt of the erthe and the savour"

The Chinese character for heart always makes me smile. It looks like a smiling face. My Mother has a great sense of humor and makes me smile.


“To forget one's ancestor's is to be a brook without a source, a tree without root”



Selfless passionate soul. Proud to call you my Mom! In honor of Mother's Day we celebrate all Mother's and the wonderful lessons they share with us with all of their children!