April 30, 2011

we have a winner

I hired my own random number generator/male spokes models.


One chose the name, while the other made sure that there was absolutely no foul play or tom foolery.


He chose a winner!! Congratulations to Natty G! You win!


And the next question was so innocent and casual and awe chucks....

"Momma, do I win anything?"

I attacked him with kisses and threw him out the door.

Happy weekend all!

April 28, 2011

little give away



I LOVE the Farmer's Market in Los Angeles. It's a collection of food vendors under one roof that makes me dizzy with possibility. It's always jam packed. We park the kids at a table and then begin collecting goodies. Falafel, crepes, kalbi ribs, custard, churrasco, piroshki, pizza, toffee, chilaquiles.....hungry yet?

I am endlessly fascinated by ethnic food. Luckily, my kids are game for most anything. At the LA Farmer's Market no one will ever walk away without their craving met and beaten to submission. But if you can't get there, then I guess this cookbook is the next best thing. So here is your chance to win it!

Go here and answer the (very easy) question and you could win a vicarious trip to one of my favorite spots. Because  I'm glad you're here and reading. It's just a little thank you.

I'll post the winner on Saturday!

good neighbors

same age, same name, remarkably similar looking, next door neighbors.
Lots of kids are in and out of here. We like it that way. When moving, we have always looked, first and foremost, at the friendliness factor of the neighborhood. Are kids zooming around on bikes, is there open access to plenty of exploring, are the yards littered with trampolines and swing sets and zip lines and sand boxes?

We have always been blessed with wonderful neighbors. Do not underestimate how important your neighbors are, my friends. Love your neighbor. Know your neighbor. Be a good neighbor. I know that my children, all three of them, can walk out my front door and be gone for the day and that they are in the most capable and loving hands. This is invaluable, and opens up a whole new world for my children where they can feel free, yet secure. It is how community was intended to work. They roam and wander and hook up with friends and stop and rest and snack and carry on and are nourished in their freedom.

They glean, on their own, our many differences and our similarities. They learn from our neighbors. Katrina's water tastes better and her house is like the outside came inside, Mimi has Dove bars in the freezer, Erika's garden is overflowing, Bill and Mary are building a bonfire tonight, Kristin makes good smoothies......

We don't get to choose our neighbors. They are sweet fate, but share a bond that's similar to family.

It takes a village, or a neighborhood, and for a kid, it's their own little world.

If you don't know them, then it's time to go knockin' on doors. I do it all the time....kids in tow!

Bottom line. Love your neighbor.

Didn't the Big Man mention that somewhere? :)

April 27, 2011

Wild Woman Cooks Dinners for a Month


This weeks DM interview takes another form. This is my friend Jamie Jo and her clan. She and her husband, Andy, run Camp Kivu, just down the road. They have 5 darling kids. Not so long ago, she posted on facebook, before the sun was up, that she was shopping and doing her cooking FOR THE MONTH. My plans for that same day involved a cup of coffee and maybe a magazine. One night at a time can prove difficult for me, the whole month seems suicidal. Maybe it's just a cry for help, was my first thought. But no, she was for real. Here's her story. Feel free to feel like an under achieving loser. I know I do.

Me:  How did the whole thing transpire? Were you drinking (or feverish) when you said to yourself, "Hey! I'm going to wake up long before dawn and go grocery shopping and then cook till I drop."

JJ:  Several years ago I had three children (only) and two live-in college boys and a husband who was always bringing people home for dinner.  I felt overwhelmed because I was working full time and I was never prepared for whoever showed up for dinner.  Then someone told me about the book "Once A Month Cooking" and I tried it. . . .  Fast forward five years and I have five kids and a full time job (or two) and dinner time is always on me before I know it. 

This Fall my oldest, Hays, asked me (in a very sweet and innocent way) if I could just cook dinner twice a week.  He was so dear and I thought, "Hey, I can do that."  Well, "that" lasted for maybe two weeks and I was back to knee jerking my way through throwing something together at the last minute. 

On top of that, the economy hit us and we had to tighten the budget down drastically, so I dusted off "Once A Month Cooking" and got to it. 

To be perfectly honest with you, the getting up at dawn thing was the result of pure procrastination and laziness!  I had scheduled to go to the store on Thursday, but then my husband returned from out of town (he travels about 20 days a month) and I didn't want to miss a minute with him.  Then I was too tired from snowboarding.  So, I had to go to the store at dawn (three degrees outside) the day of cooking.  (I do NOT recommend that!) 
And a quick note about my cooking for the month experiences five years ago:  I LOVED IT!  I loved being prepared at the drop of a hat.  I loved having good meals when I wanted them.  I felt like the perfect mom and wife just because those home made meals were available to me in my freezer!

Me:  Was it fun or torture? Did you use any performance enhancing drugs? Steroids, B-12, sugary coffee drinks, crystal meth.....

JJ:  Was it fun?  Not really.  Looking forward to it was fun (it won't be this next month because the "pain" is still too fresh)--actually it is a lot like pregnancy and child birth... right after you spend nine months throwing up and getting fat and then pushing out a watermelon, you don't want to do it ever again, but once time goes by, you forget how terrible the terrible really was and you're ready to do it again!  I had a friend cook with me.  It was kind of accountability because we both had it on our calendars and I couldn't back out since she was counting on it, too (hence, the shopping trip at dawn).  My perormance enhancing drug is Red Diamond Sweet Tea....ALL DAY LONG! 

Me:  Do you like to cook and this was like running a cooking marathon...only the elite need apply...
OR
Do you hate cooking and this was like ripping off a bandaid, let's do it really fast and get it over with...
OR
Are you a SERIOUS type A personality?

JJ:  I don't really like to cook and I'm not a great cook.  I think the main reason why both of these are true is just that I do not have time and I can never plan ahead (which answers your Type A question).  The dinner cooking time is referred to as the "arsenic hour" around our house and at that hour, I just can't cook. . .I seem to only survive sometimes.  I just really struggle thinking about dinner until it is actually dinner time and then it is too late to pull anything more than mac 'n' cheese or frozen pizza together!

Me:  So far, how is it? The food, I mean. Are the kids grooving on it? What is their favorite? Least favorite?

JJ:  The food has been super!  The kids have LOVED each meal and my husband now may think I'm a goddess!  I'm not sure what has been the best.  I took a survey at dinner the other night and they all agreed that they were all favorites!  (Granted, I have only heated the ones that sound good so far.)  The calzones were my favorite (who wouldn't love fresh bread baked around cheese and then dipped in spaghetti sauce?).  The best part about it is that I really feel better about myself and my "job" of being wife and mom and chef.  I pull something out (that I made from scratch) and put it in the oven and I just feel like I could be June Cleaver.  It is amazing what it does for my self-esteem.  Is that silly?  And I love the "Oooooo, mom!  This is amazing!" and all of the other words of encouragement I get!

Me: You DO realize that a new month is upon us....which means you'll have to do it again. What's the verdict? Yay or nay?

JJ: ABSOLUTELY!  The great thing about the "Once A Month Cooking" is that she gives you several months worth of menus.  So, you aren't really re-eating any one recipie over and over.  She has about 75 different meals.  She also has the book set up with a shopping list (broken up into parts of the grocery store) and a "how to" step by step list for the day of cooking so that you are making the most of your time.  She has suggestions for what to serve with the meals and everything.  The book is great. . .all-inclusive cooking!  It is truly cooking for the dummy and that works perfectly for me!

I will do it again!  The pros definately outweigh the con of cooking all in one day!  And it is much more cost effective if you are on a budget!  I say DO IT!!!!! 
To read more about Jamie Jo, go here

Now this is where it gets real. Jamie Jo made the mistake of mentioning that she wears swim goggles while cutting onions on this suicide mission of hers.  That, gentle reader, is where I can relate. 

I'll probably never cook 20 meals in one go. 

I can, however, pull off the onion goggle trick.  

Don't ever say you don't learn anything here at durango mom!

OK Folks! There you have it. Could YOU do it? Would you WANT to do it? Let me know! 

April 26, 2011

clothing swap 101

I had my wardrobe hissy fit a few months back and failed to follow up. I'm like that. I'm too practical to wallow or dwell. I moved right on. My wardrobe is still lacking. But I'm OK.

In that post I failed to mention my primary means of acquiring clothing. And it bears mentioning.

Every so often, I'd say every six months or so, I get together with my girlfriends and we trade clothes.

It occurred to me that we might be unique in this practice. Do women all over do this? Because they should. It rocks.

This is how it goes.

One of us decides that it's time for a girls night/clothing swap and we alert the group. There are about ten of us and while we, of course, come in all shapes and sizes, we pretty much all 'fit' each other. We gather at the appointed spot with our bags of stuff that we have culled from our closet and the fun begins. We dump it in the middle of the room and then we all strip down and start trying on.

We are very honest with each other. "Yes, you're too old to show that much belly." "That is so NOT you." "Too tight, too loose, nice underwear!"

We pass around and put the right garments with the right person and even reserve things for the next time around.

We've been doing this for years and years. (9+) We laugh when the same pair of striped pants shows up time after time.

Do we all look the same? Not at all, but sort of a little, in the way that all us Colorado girls look the same...jeans, layered skirts, pseudo athletic tops and danskos...maybe we do. I smile when I put on my 'favorite jeans of the moment' because they were Kate's. My shirt was Tracy's. As I write, it's chilly and pouring down rain, but I'm cozy in Natalie's gray sweater.

Clearly, we aren't too attached to our clothes. We're not 'building' a wardrobe or 'aquiring pieces'. We're getting by and recycling and sharing the love.  

The ten of us, in various stages of undress, laughing and talking and squeezing into a silver prom gown just for shits and giggles, is a snapshot that I cherish. I'm lucky to have these dear friends.

When we're done, we pack up the leftovers and take them to the thrift store, and the cycle begins again.

We walk to the Himalayan, where we eat and talk and laugh some more, and have another little tradition that I'll share with you sometime.

April 25, 2011

hooking you up


My week is absolutely over the top, so I'm leaving you with links.

this printable free calendar is simple and beautiful.

i can hardly stand how awesome this rooftop garden in Brooklyn is. i'll take that dress, too.

this recipe for lemony lentils sounds so appealing to me.

this one is a classic. love the words.

i am smitten with this pattern and have the perfect old sweater to make him out of. would a certain, soon to be 12 year old, still want a 'stufftie', as della calls them. i think maybe.

you might not have ever considered this place for a family vacation. but it's absolutely amazing. totally real and done just right. you leave with a sense of awe and hope and a much better grip on our history.

i have been enjoying this simple blog. all about keeping life manageable while living thoughtfully.

i am on to sourdough and made this loaf this past weekend, with all my crazy modifications, of course. it's very good and these directions are concise....something i appreciate in the world of baking.

matt gave me this to run in. love it.

speaking of....

gotta run!

the thrill of the hunt







April 22, 2011

{this moment}....dreamy morning

thanx to iphoto! this could have also been titled 'went to bed filthy!'

April 21, 2011

small luxuries

The definition of the word luxury changes dramatically when you become a mother. The gods are kind, however, and have erased most memories of pre-children luxury from my multi-tasking grey matter.

I do vaguely recall that I loved the feeling of a Saturday morning and drinking lots of coffee and reading the paper with Matt. I also loved leisurely perusing yard sales or estate sales or art fairs or festivals or farmer's markets. Of course, I can still do those things, but I simultaneously have to play 21 questions and explain why we are not buying a box of used yu-gi-o cards and happy meal toys. It's not the same...at all.

I had a very luxurious moment the other day. The kids were off to school. I knew that I needed some protein for a long run. I went into the kitchen, which just happened to be clean, and made myself a nice little breakfast. It struck me as I sipped my hot tea that I was positively relaxed. Honest to goodness, it felt decadent. And how awesome is that? That something so usual and so small could feel so luxurious.

Home made coconut kefir, two fresh eggs and WAIT! Aha! I am never totally without my little loves.
It's hardly possible!


Can you spot the evidence?

Post it in the comments any time this week. I will do a drawing among those who get it right for a little prize.

May you find luxury in the small things! And joy in the details.

April 20, 2011

Durango Mom interview with Suzanne Strazza

The friends you make when your children are very young fall into a special category. The bond will always be there, because the shared memories are so beloved and visceral. It's a time when friends are desperately needed, and especially those who are in that same bobbing boat. Suzanne is one of those for me. We bobbed through baby hood together with boys of similar ages. We don't keep up like we should and we are only one town apart, but we could pack our cars and be camping by a river inside of two hours and take up right where we left off....solving the worlds' problems.

Suzanne is funny and real and right now she is on the brink of something. I'm not sure what, but I just feel it.

Say Hi to Suze.....



Name and age: Suzanne Strazza, 45                                     
Location: Mancos, CO
Kids: two boys
Occupation: writer, admissions manager Deer Hill Expedition
Preoccupation: running, hating my ex, figuring out how to keep my house clean without actually cleaning it.
Unusual distinguishing characteristics: hot legs, crazy cat lady, potty mouth
coffee or tea: a lot of coffee
type A, B or C: A little lazy plus a little OCD
herbivore or omnivore: omnivore
favorite book right now: Eating Stone, by Ellen Meloy - rereading it in time for river and big horn season.
favorite movie right now: and always - Bridget Jones

In a nutshell, what does a day in your life look like? Get up, drink too much coffee, wait in line for the shower, make breakfast for kids who "aren't hungry". Work, where I am totally inappropriate and have to pee on the ground. Run. Go home. Make dinner for kids who don't like my cooking. Hang out in bed with those same kids. Bad tv. Sleep.  
If you could only wear one thing, for the rest of your life, what would it be.   My frye boots
Is there any product(s), of any kind, that you swear by? Ahava lotionToo haute cowgirls Fleur de Sel chocolate popcorn, handiwipes.
What is your 'go to' meal. The one that everyone in the family loves and is fairly easy for you to pull together. huevos rancheros.
Do you exercise ? What? How much?   Run, x-country ski in the winter, row boats. the first two I do obsessively.  actually, I row boats obsessively too whenever I can.
What keeps you sane and centered? How do you renew, recharge and restore yourself? I have to be alone, a lot.  Which is not always easy being a single mom, so I get my time in the early morning before the mayhem begins.  Went to the desert, alone this weekend - that is the cure all.
What is your most important family ritual?   Hang time in my bed every night.
What is your greatest wish for your children? That they are happy, safe and end up with few or no regrets.
Have to ask. What is your greatest wish for yourself?Same
Do you have extensive knowledge in a particular area that you would be willing to share in the future? examples: dyslexia, breast feeding, home schooling, wart treatments, field dressing road kill, preserving, gluten free eating,... get it? This would be in the interest of creating a network of resources.The only thing I know anything about is planning outdoor adventures with kids.  Other than that, I am useless.
You can read more of Suzanne in The Four Corners Free Press or on her blog, Single in the Southwest.

Thanks, Suz! Love you! 

April 19, 2011

cheerleader


Della's friend from down the street was over playing the other day. They are sweet little friends. Angelina is a few years older and they balance each other nicely. They were playing dress up. Max and Lew were reading or playing quietly. I was writing. Our house is small so we all know what everyone is saying most of the time.

Della was wearing a cheerleader outfit. Angelina was in a flowing gown. They were admiring themselves in the mirror.

'Actually', said Angelina, 'You can't be a cheerleader, because cheerleaders don't have freckles.'

........................................AND A HUSH FELL OVER THE CROWD..............................................

My back stiffened. Sharp breath intake. Pause and think. There are several ways that this could go and maybe I should just.....

Max was already up and on it. He marched his freckled face right down the hall and laid it out.

'Angelina' he said, 'Anyone can be a cheerleader. It has nothing to do with freckles or how you look and Della can be anything she wants to be.'

I was too busy high fiving an invisible friend to hear the response.

And then a shout came from the living room. It was Lew. With his two cents.

"Yeah. Some of the best cheerleaders in the world have freckles."

Big Brothers ROCK!

And they kept on playing and all was well.

April 18, 2011

top 10 things we did this weekend

It started with our birthday morning tradition. Lucky birthday child wakes up to flowers, candles, garlands, and a few presents. Coffee cake is served. The whole family is just as excited as the birthday boy.




He has wanted this game for ages, and Harriet the Spy was my favorite book in third grade. Shrinky Dinks from Firefly, a bike lock so he can ride to school, and some radical barefoot shoes that are pure 'Tiggy' made for an exciting morning. And rollerblades, oh my.



Kitty and Grandbear (my parents) sent him a golden treasure chest. Inside was a letter, a silk scarf with cats all over it to wrap his 'treasures' in, and a twenty dollar bill. Loved it, he did. I like the R. Nichols card.



We packed a party into the back of the car along with three bikes, for the get together with friends up at the pump track up at the college. I think we set the record for most injuries sustained at a birthday party. Blood and bruises galore! One of the boys said when he left, 'that was the funnest party I've ever been too!' His mom is still recovering!
























Lew requested doughnuts rather than cake. I was so down with that.


Spinach and Kale are emerging. As are the deer, who ate more than a few tulips and iris. Aaargh!


I inherited a serious yen for rocks from my mom; she was always arranging them in our yard. We needed a bird bath for all the birds that are appearing these days, so Della and I set to work. We will use a nicer 'bath' when it presents itself, but for now, this plastic dish will do. I fear that this will also double as a cat bowl. We'll see how that works out...............


We ate lots of tapioca pudding this weekend.


I made a big batch of hummus for the week....we've eaten most of it.


It was yummy. And garlicky. And photogenic, by golly. Recipe to follow shortly.


This is our rock. It is RIGHT NEXT to the back door. Like five feet. It used to make me nervous.


It doesn't anymore. It is what my children do. And the neighbor's children. There was a lot of climbing this weekend. Della says, 'Spot me, Mama!' Alrighty, baby.


And we loved on puss a great deal. He loves it when we are all outside all day.

I hope you had a lovely weekend.
.............
DM interview has moved to a new time slot. Wednesday I'm thinking.

April 15, 2011

this moment...the potato peeler

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


a simple task and a silly girl. look normal, I said. oh well!

April 14, 2011

Will someone stop this train....

And let me off, please. Just for a day or two. It's not that big of deal, is it?

Do you ever have those days? Or weeks? I've been less than good for the past three weeks and I thought that it might help to name it and claim it for a moment. So bear with me please.

Seasonal allergies are wrecking me right now. And that's the biggest wuss comment I've ever written. My head is heavy and gray and my ears hurt. Breathing is a problem because I have asthma and it all goes straight to the lungs and I feel like I am walking a thin line. The line between being in a hospital bed on oxygen or just barely carrying on my every day life.

When I feel like this I begin to forget that I could ever feel normal again. It makes me blue all over. And there is work and birthday parties and a family that needs all the normal crud that families need. And that I like to try to deliver with a smile.

Today I was teaching, and I told my kids, flat out, 'behave or else'. (I said it with a smile, I did)

"What will you do to us, Miss Ivey?" one of them asked.

I furrowed my brow, and squinted my eyes, and put up my scary claws and hissed at him.

It felt good.

So this is me hissing.



I swear to you I was not that scary when I hissed at my sweet little student.

But that's a thought....it might buy me a few days somewhere padded and cozy!

thanx for listening!
............................
update! Could it be possible, that two little pills that I've been avoiding like the plague, could make me feel human again almost instantly??!! Aarrgghh and ahhhh to modern medicine!

Lewis turns 9

My sweet and funny Lewis is turning nine on Friday. He always has very definite ideas about what sort of party he wants and this year is no exception. And it's never especially straight forward. This year it's all about mountain biking. He is loving Devo and his new found skills and wants to show them off at his party. That means having the party on a trail and that's logistically interesting for me.

But no worries. We found a spot and I adequately described directions to folks and I don't think I will have to hike too much food too far.

Lewis had great fun designing his own invitations. I did not interfere one bit and I'm proud of myself for that.  He loves them. Check it out.


Happy Birthday my love!

April 13, 2011

recycled bird nest

via alphamom

You know that I teach art, right?

I am always on the lookout for new and different projects using recycled materials. I wage a constant battle with art supplies. To be honest, I've come to resent them. I don't like toting them around and they take up more space than I like in our small house.

This is one, of the many reasons, that I love projects using recycled materials.

This darling bird nest is a perfect project for many reasons. It's messy, it's recycled, and it's a keeper. Moms, I don't have to define that one, do I? Use it as a centerpiece, set it on the mantle, or let it become a realistic, if fragile, toy. With Easter approaching, it is so appealing!

Go here for the tutorial.

This might be a fun project for each child to make for their easter basket, too.

Have fun!

April 12, 2011

jump

If you are worth your salt as a mother, and I'm assuming you are, then this picture needs absolutely no explaining. None whatsoever.


This picture says it all. It grabs the very essence of childhood and shouts for joy! Springs, duct tape, and muddy sneakers! I do love my Lewis. He also came up with a similar arrangement for Della, and of course, Max had to join in, too.

They tore the springs out of an old box springs that is flopped out in the back yard.

Someone please cue the music for Sanford and Sons.

If you are too young for that reference, then this old mama apologizes. (I turn 44 today!)

And you missed some pretty awesome 70's programming.

Happy day to you!

April 11, 2011

Durango Mom Interview with Me, Ivey Patton

The other day Matt said, 'you never write about yourself.' Whaaa? I feel like that's all I do. But a fresh perspective is good, and it occurred to me that I should take my own interview. So here I am. Read it and weep. Or not.


Name and age: Ivey Patton....43
Location: Durango,Colorado
Kids and spouse: Max 11, Lew 8, Della 5 and Matt(husband and mythical creature)
Occupation: teacher, blogger
Preoccupation: kids and spouse  
coffee or tea: coffee!!! and then tea 
type A, B or C: C
clean freak?: no, not one little bit
herbivore or omnivore: omni
favorite book: It's ever changing, but have always loved A Prayer for Owen Meany
favorite movie: Love Actually

In a nutshell, what does a typical day in your life look like?

It is not easy for me to get out of bed. But I do. At the last possible moment. Coffee is king, kids off to school (oh, if it were only as easy as writing those words), and then I take a few minutes to check on emails and posts. I throw on whatever is clean and run to work. I teach literacy to 1st and 2nd graders, then kindergardeners, then art and wilderness on alternating days, and shared school on Thursdays. I pick up my kids and do the after school business. It's crazy, so I'll spare you. Then we come home, I run, we cook dinner, eat by candle light and relax, read, get ready for bed  and lather, rinse, repeat.  Matt is a huge part of all of that, thankfully! 

What is your 'go to' meal. The one that everyone in the family loves and is relatively easy for you to pull together. (and we may need that recipe!)

hhhmmm. It changes. We all love a persian lamb and herb stew that my friend, Kate, brought us a few nights after Della was born. It has a very nice association in my mind. It is hearty and healthy with tons of herbs, beans and potatoes, and lamb. It also has several dried limes bobbing around in it for a special zing. I will post the recipe soon! 

Is there any product (or products), of any kind, that you swear by. 

I'm a pretty lousy consumer, I'm afraid. I rarely shop. I like the way seven jeans fit, my Patagonia cashmere sweater is gross with age and holes but I can't seem to let it go (it was Matt's and he left it in the dryer too long), pop chips are sort of addicting, I like the big tub of greasy Eucerin and use it as face lotion, Toyota has never let me down nor has Mac, I've been drinking lots of herbal tea lately and am liking Good Earth, and eggs are dominating my diet…fresh bright orange ones from my friend Rita. Oh, and I like Neutrogena soap. And one more thing...that all pales in comparison to a good 'thrift score.'

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life what would it be?

Easy. Blue jeans, a Mexican tunic of some sort and flip flops.

Do you exercise? What? How much?

Lately, running has captivated me. I used to hate it and now I love it. I try to get out at least four days a week and would like to do 5-6 miles. I'm also excited about mountain biking. We have great trails just out the door.

What keeps you sane and centered? How do you renew, recharge, and restore yourself?

A hot bath after the kids are in bed does wonders for erasing the stress of the day, as does a good book. Exercise energizes me and makes everything else more enjoyable. I have also figured out that in the midst of kids and work and obligations, that sometimes it's best to say 'no'. This doesn't come easy, but I'm getting better. When I'm feeling frayed, a cup of tea is reminder to slow down and take a breath. I also want to get into Yoga.  

What is your most important family ritual?

Dinner together, as a family, most every night is something that we have always done. I can't imagine it any other way. We cook and connect and laugh. Also, Matt reads aloud every night. Through the pages of great literature we have  travelled the world, participated in history, and shared the triumphs and sorrows of fascinating characters that are now friends. We laugh and cry and learn. It's amazing. 

What is your greatest wish for your children?

That they be fulfilled in their life choices and happy. Oh yeah, and that they take with utmost seriousness and care, the task of choosing a mate. 

What is your greatest wish for yourself?  

One day I want to be able to afford to jump ship and show my children, up close and personal, this amazing world we live in. Perhaps I'll write about it. 
.......................
So there, a bit about myself.

It's easy. I would love to send YOU an interview. Drop me a line and I will send it right out. My address is in the sidebar.

Have a good week all!