Etching the Eternity

What kind of me are you?

2008-12-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

So I found a fun book the other day and this was it's essential question. Here are some quotes : I'm my cat's pillow, I'm my dog's walker, I'm my shadow's body, I'm my dream's dreamer, I'm my best friend's best friend.
It's pretty much amazing.
So... what kind of me are you?

Oh the wonders!

2008-10-19T20:58:00.001-07:00

who are you going to vote for? Well, I don't know. I probably won't know til I actually do it. How bout you?

I just saw the thinnest noodle on TV.

Awkwardness does love company, it's proven everyday.

Pudding hugs my mouth.

Ducks only like me if I have bread.

My lake is pretty.

Walking in the fall is wonderful.

Shall I go to Uganda or South Africa?

Mountains can disappear.

SNL is hilarious, especially during the Political season.

Hooray for angry songs that sound happy, even if they are by Pink!

Ooh, I still have rhubarb ice cubes!

Some people want the latest technology, I'm happy to have radio and turn signals again!!

And to all who read this, I miss you!

Author?

2008-09-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about writing a book. Not a story book, a poetry book. Bad poetry, like E. E. Cummings. A friend asked me once what kind of book I would write if I would write one, and that is what I answered. I didn't take myself seriously at all when I said it, but now I think about it, and I think that if I would want something of me to last and leave behind, that is what it would be. Strange, you would think that I would have said something more visually artistic. And I guess this is true of course too, because this is the kind of mark I currently make upon the world. But to be quite honest it is a much safer route. I can put all kinds of intense thought into my artwork, deeply personal and incredibly tragic or even completely unhinged and you can interpret it however you choose. You see it through your own lense and bring a whole lot of your own beauty or pain to whatever it was that I just tried to show you. And I can feel better because I got it out there, and just blame you for your misinterpretation.
But when I am gone, heaven forbid the world be rid of me! ha! then I might be ok with my true self being on paper. A more blunt form of my emotions and very internal processing. Then I don't have to look you in the eye. So yeah, I might write a book someday. But I'll be dead before it's published, and you probably will be too, and hence this post too is completely pointless.

Vicodin

2008-08-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm an extremely selfish person. I am also on drugs. I contemplate the appropriateness of this post. But my inhibitions are less and dropping. I wish some of you could know me now. I wish you could see this. And I wish that others didn't have to. I wish I knew what to do with my self. I wish I could fly. I wish that I could know the person I will someday marry and I could just be in this whatever state of drugged up bliss and rest silently upon his shoulder. I wish I could sing everyday with the passion of Dave Barnes who is absolutely beautiful to me. I have some sense to delete most of whatever I just wrote but also have sense enough to know that you are getting some sort of mild joy at reading this and that those of you who do read this won't hold it against me forever. I can't believe I'm going to post this. I can't believe that you actually read this garbage. I can't believe that i started this post the way I did, and I can't believe that i waste my time like this. I can't believe they expect me to teach tomorrow. Yes, they actually entrust me with children.

No such thing

2008-08-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as the socially competent. I heard a friend describe a stranger as socially awkward. I saw what he meant, but I also realize my own social failures. And then I started to see his and everyone's. One person makes spastic movements, another covers up what's really on their mind, another shuts down and closes people out. I've done all of these things.

Many of you have heard me say this in the past: awkwardness loves company. I'm awkward and so are you, let's acknowledge it, embrace it and have some awkward communion.

The Antidote

2008-07-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is a sloth. A sloth is very slothful. He only poops once a week. He moves so little that some varieties turn green from the algae that grow on them. They are pathetic creatures. But he looks soft to pet at least! Yeah zoos and random knowledge!

I am no longer a sloth. My summer has been over for some time now, exterme-a-ly busy with grad school classes. This is my last week of it being technically vacation and I am soon to return to teaching and have a slight overlap with being a student as well. My summer will be very officially and incredibly over. The only reason for my confidence in the school year is that I made it last year and I was extreme-a-ly busy then with all the activities of moving in to an apartment, establishing residency in a new state, etc. I'll make it, it just won't look pretty. My busyness is going to prevent me from blogging much. But I do have some teaser questions for you: How much stock do you put in dreams? And almost unrelated, but potentially very related: How does God communicate? More on that later..... I think...

breathe in breathe out

2008-06-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't said much, in a long while. And my life has changed alot since then, but it has changed back, so really you didn't miss much. But then again, perhaps you missed it all. Perhaps I did too. I realize I am very cryptic, but I really don't care. This is my place to be as vague as humanly possible and not really care whether or not any of you understand me. But it is also my place to be quite the opposite and not really care if I offend any of you. Because after all you may not read it or you may not tell me that you do. Or I might not have talked to you in ages. Or I might not even know who you are. Crazy how this works.

I'm on an escapade of escape and recoil this summer. I'm a complete sloth and I don't care. Actually I do, and that is the problem. I read some, I doodle some, have high hopes of grand projects, stalk people on Facebook, dread my grad school classes that are quickly approaching, jam to music of all sorts, drink lots of IntaJuice, make better plans for next summer (Africa!). But mostly I'm just a sloth, and I'm told that this is ok, because I am a teacher and I need to recuperate. I think I need somebody to tell me that it's not ok and kick my butt and tell me what to do, or even do it with me. That's what I need. But my challenge is to do this all without that motivation and I'm slowly rising to it. I think I might volunteer at Habitat for Humanity for a day a week, just to kick me in my own butt. And it would be fun too. We went and helped in Windsor the other day for tornado relief. We basically organized a ton of donated goods. That was good, but I want to build something, paint something, fix something.

This is a worthless post and I do apologize, but at least you know I'm still posting, and that I will post something more enlightening in about a month.

Pirates; symbolism

2008-03-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah for the annual Muppet Treasure Island Party!! Some sweet stuff was 'comandeered' from school and lovely pirate shaped cookies were made. Making this one of the best ever, HOWEVER, Many mateys were missed greatly. (No they did not fall overboard).

Some new crew members were added, but they could never replace the originals! Perhaps one day we shall all be together! Ahoy!

The black spot cookie is seen above and is currently circulating. dun dun dun. BEWARE THE BLACK SPOT!

Ok and now, because I am too lazy to write a seperate blog for this, and because my time is running out on this publiK computer, I must now tell you the deep inner workings of my mind without allowing you to switch gears. How cruel. But if I can do it, so can you. And well, only a handful of beautiful people such as yourself read this thing anyway. I thank you.

Anywho, I'm just realizing how crazy symbolic I am lately. Like everything everywhere makes me think something a little bit more deeply. I read into songs and look for signs from God about situations in all sorts of inanimate objects. Is that wierd, ignorant, archaic, strange, cool, psychotic? Well, I think it comes from being an artist somewhat. Or rather that my artistic nature comes out of that. about a week ago I saw a face in the carpet. I'm nuts. Do you think that God ever speaks faster than we ought to act? I am straying now from my original topic, but I really would like to hear as many answers to these questions, especially this last question. I hope you are still reading.

Bexter: Super Hero

2008-02-15T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm a super hero. It's true. I have most recently tapped into my abilities and they are unrelenting. The world will once again be saved from complete destruction.

To be a bit more realistic, I'm just feeling very confident lately. All in one day: I rescued the Preschoolers from a technological attack (the TV didn't work) I called the alarm company after someone else (NOT ME!!) accidentally set off the alarm. She was excessively grateful. Then after accidentally dropping our recycling can in the newspaper bin, I thought about diving in, when Sarah spotted a stick from afar and I proceeded to somehow be successful in using said stick. Other occurences: somehow being successful teaching things beyond my capability, learning huge concepts and annoying details on a daily basis, and being completely blown away by randomly remembering things about computers and then putting them to practice on the spot! Now I get to go be a hero to my Kids Hope mentee.

P.S. For those who want a more accurate and colorful description of my life, Sarah's been doing a much better job than myself in depicting everyday life in Colorado. I don't write some stuff sometimes because I know she is doing a much better job. Especially when it comes to our recent misadventures in Fort Collins!! http://www.xanga.com/sem1210

quotable quotes

2008-02-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

A few pickings of my brain that I want to call quotes. My own, noone else's. Though they are not copyrighted. So go ahead and steal them if you want. you live with the guilt! hahah.. *meniacal laughter*

" No two people are not alike" this is a little spinoff of the phrase from homestar runner that says 'No two people are not on fire'. But seriously though, I've just been thinking about how alike I once thought I was with some people and now I'm seeing so many differences and it kinda bugs me in some ways and in other ways it's great because I see that I am ME. and no one else. I find more and more that Identity issues are a key thing in life. We all struggle with it and more importantly we all need to. And to top that off, I just have to say that when I see my identity as being in Christ everything else just gets way simpler.

"The outpouring of the soul leads to nothing human" This is just something I thought of when I poured my heart out once upon a time and the person I was talking to didn't help me at all and in fact made matters worse. Venting is good and everyone needs to do it, but I won't really ever get anything out of that process. Even when you do think someone understands you, they won't always be there. Only One person remains, as the Listening Ear and the Comforting Shoulder. That sounds a little superficial, and it is a little. Because I am still very sad about it.

Let Go and Let God

2008-01-20T23:29:00.000-08:00

This is basically what the sermon was about today. Plain and simple: Let Go and Let God. Don never said it in so many words, but that was what it was. Trust in God and stop trying to do it yourself. Alot of people won't say this phrase because they think it is cliche. Well, yeah, I suppose. But really, now, are cliche's always so bad (this coming from an artist! WOAH!) seriously though. They got cliche for a reason. Their overused for a reason. They are true, they say it simple and straight. Course I guees we don't always want it to be so simple. Hearing it the same way over again makes it easier to ignore. But that doesn't mean it ought to be ignored. In fact, quite the opposite. Give it a shot onece again and just listen to what the good phrase says!

I've been trying to live this out today. It isn't too easy. I really like trying to do things and fix things. But I suck at it. I end up watching everyone help me fix my problems instead. Which is beautiful and absolutely humbling too. Lately I don't even know how to pray, I just know that that is the ONLY thing truly required of me.

Completely unrelated (though all things relate and I could make this relate if I wanted to, which I do, but it might be painful for you, my few and far between reader(s) : JUNO. Great movie. I giggled through about the entire thing. Somewhat crude at points (I give you fair warning) But it is just so honest and real and full of hope. (and sarcasm)

Quote from the movie: Doctors are sadists who like to play God and laugh at the lesser people's pain.

I knew it!

I LoVe......

2007-11-10T16:01:00.000-08:00

Colorado
Cheap clothes and chairs at thrift stores
that my 'check engine' light is off (this has never happened in the history of the Postma family)
that that happened for free (thanks Brian!)
that I also got a sideview mirror for free
that the outdoors can make me happy
that it is 70 degrees and it is also November
that my roommate can hug me after arguing
Inta Juice and the ginseng/licithin that is making me so happy!
that Sarah loves Fiest and is taking me to a concert
Free music and Radio stations that are simply amazing
cooking for friends who don't hate me when I screw it up
Sunshine
Jesus
My Bible study that is sooo amazingly comfortable, safe, and inviting
My pastor who won't let us stay comfortable
Fresh Air
That I am doing grown-up things in an un-grown up way
That I can talk to all my family members and that they all care about me no matter how far away I am
That life is a rollercoaster
That I can smell and see and be and live
Irish music on the radio
Oreos
That my computer 'works' and I didn't have to pay a thing
That the mountains are only an hour away and so is Denver
That my back hurts because of go-karts and kicking butt at it
Awkwardness. seriously. Embrace awkwardness, it is what binds us together.

Ok... you think i'm rambling, crazy, high or something right now, but it is all good. I'm having a terrific day and I am attributing it all to a)Jesus b)people around me c)the weather and d)intajuice!

All in a week's work

2007-09-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

So long, no blog. But here I am again, and this time with something to say! (and there was great rejoicing)

So this is my week in a nutshell:

Sunday night: reluctantly call Mason back after I figure out he knows I'm still awake: darn Facebook (aka stalker program)
Monday morning: recieve telephone call from school at 7:45 when I should have been at school 10 minutes earlier! yikes, but if it weren't for talking to Mason, my cell phone wouldn't have been nearby and I would have been much, MUCH later! yay Providence! I had set my alarm for 5:45 PM! oops!
End of 1st hour class (still Monday!) Student falls off chair and sprains ankle. great.....
Tuesday: Bible study meets for first time. We joke through our prayer requests as Sarah needs a big fish and I need a kick in the pants. Guys cringe so much when you say that!
Wednesday: Babysit a kid with an attention span lasting 1/2 the length of any activity!
Thursday: Listen to Jack Johnson in Library class (the sharing song from Curious George soundtrack) oh Jack!
Tomorrow: Try my first field trip! Here goes nothing!
Saturday: First football game? --- EVER
Sunday: a hike up in the 'high country' to see some pines turning their colors!

I miss you already

2007-07-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm actually listening to a song right now that is entitled "I miss you" by And then I Turned Seven (now called Jamestown story). How fitting for my life right now. I hate good-byes. I had a few yesterday and found myself tearing up considerably. I never really cry when I'm actually saying good-bye to someone, but later it hits me like a ton of bricks.
Good-byes suck. That's what I usually say. And that they are super awkward. By the way, I just want to give a big shout out to Andrea for acknowledging such awkwardness! But really, the thing about good-byes is that all of a sudden you begin to realize how much people really mean to you and how much you mean to them. That's a good feeling. That's the stuff that makes me tear up.
For a person who has found a great meaning to life by enjoying the life of others; being inspired, motivated, intrigued and challenged by others in bold and subtle ways, life is going to change drastically. Most of you know my desire and need for variety, that this change will be ultimately a very good thing. I thank you for your encouragement, even from such a distance (as unwilling as that condition might be). Most of all I want you to know that I wish it was possible to be near all of you! As much as I love traveling, I wish it was possible to revert back to the days when all your family and friends lived within 5 miles of eachother. But I do love traveling, and here comes my next big trip!

Officially Grown-up (or so it appears...)

2007-07-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Yeah, so I got a job. Strange to think about it really. I'm moving to a town I've never seen before. One more week and I'll be in Greeley (Colorado!). With mountains for a background (that don't block the sunset!) and every Friday off (that's right!) The school is Dayspring Christian Academy and it is a four-day school week! Longer days of course, but I'll take that deal. Some would refer to it as 'posh'. I might agree, but I figure I got alot to make up for in my first year of teaching that I don't think any job could be 'posh' just yet. Oh and here's the wierdest part: It's 1/3 art and it's 2/3 library. One class for middle school and one class for high school and the rest is library time. I get to read books to children which makes my sister-in-law Amanda WAY jealous. It's fun to remind her of that, but in all reality I'm going to be calling her ALL the time for help! I have alot to learn!

May (Flower); June (Bug)

2007-06-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

The month of June. Weddings of Friends and Family. Trips to IA, NE, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, NM, WI, IL, IN (and back again to MN). But I'm in IA now. Do you follow? me neither. How many people can say they've been to the Grand Canyon twice in a year. I can. I'm crazy. But I like it the way. Oh yeah, and I also saw both coasts within two weeks. And wittle brudder gradumatated in May. Now I'm settling back into the midwest for a spell. Dordt Discovery Days and Junior High drama is upon me. Meanwhile, my mind swarms with possibilities of where my life might take me in the next few months. My creative imagination takes me to the urban environment of Minneapolis, to a less different, but farther away atmosphere of Colorado, or as foreign as a school in Liberia. Who knows? Surely not I.

Two God-stories for you as you partake of my little adventure called the future: So I emailed a friend of a friend's parent asking about the boys and girls ranch that he runs. He emails back and says that he isn't at the ranch anymore, he is the director of a school. AND this school needs an art teacher! Well, then..! That is the Colorado job.

At about the same time, my sister-in-law Amanda is telling me about her old roommate who has been in Africa for a year. This girl's team members are a bit emotionally unstable. One of them is so emotionally unstable that she is not allowed to return to Africa. Leaving a spot open (for me?!?) Why not?

Dale Chihuly blown glass at the Fairchild Tropical Gardens (Miami Florida)

Above we have the feet in the Great Salt Lake Yay! Road tRiP. Below we have the perfect picnic lunch: Target parking lot!

Pre-Wedding Fun: Go-Karts! And below: Rehearsal! Yay sister! and Jon has the giggles. What else is new?

Life

2007-05-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

www.quizilla.com/users/superFAT/quizzes/What%20Peanuts%20Gang%20Character%20Are%20You?/

Check this out! It's a quiz to figure out which Peanuts character you are. You would never guess which one I am! ok... I'll just tell you. I was Pig Pen! I took it again and I was Snoopy though! That fit better: fearless though cautious, you can be pretty quiet and can catch the attention of anyone with your intelligence and imagination...you've got multiple personalities.

k... now a real blog:
Summer. Oh summer. Slow, enjoyable summer. Weddings. Roadtrips. Unemployment.

Well, that last one's a newbie for me, but all the same it is summer and life is good. The only bad stuff is that last bit about no job. I'm working on it but nothing coming. Lots of back up plans. AusPaire (sp?) (overseas nannying). Girls ranch. Urban Homeworks.

Enough about that! God will provide. For now: Live it up my friends. LIVE IT UP! It's my last summer. So far this summer I have enjoyed 2 visits with Chris and Amanda, my little brothers graduation (wierd!) and a free trip to Florida. Can't beat that now can ya? And on top of it all, I get to go to California this week with 3 amazing people to see 2 amazing people get married, and see 1 amazing ocean! like I said: LIVE IT UP!

Can I vent?

2007-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

So no one ever commented on my gorgeous Church Rock kids. What is up with that!?
Whatev.

But now I gotta vent. I wanna say something and I want people to hear it, so I guess this is my venue for that.

You know how we are always saying things like "As Christians...." I hate that phrase. Well, maybe that isn't quite appropriate to say, cuz I have said it too. But I just don't like it and find it completely dualistic. It's like we are saying "The Christian part of us should feel or do this...." or that we have to remind ourselves of the fact that we are Christians or something. I just feel like this phrase is evidence of the dualistic behavior of our culture. I hope that we can slowly eliminate this phrase from our lingo because I think non-Christians here that and sub-consciously or even consciously laugh. And I don't blame them.

Sorry about that, but I had to get it out. Let me know what you think. Next time I'll be more upbeat, I promise :)

Last Week

2007-03-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

My final week here has been a whirlwind of traveling, finishing projects and packing. I'm in that final stage right now. That dreadful part of any trip when one must leave. One must pack up all their belongings and stuff it together in a car. Ick. The worst part of packing was when I came across my hat, mittens, and scarf. I wanted to tuck them at the bottom of a box. But alas, I must keep them handy. Strange. Cursed items!

In retrospect, my week started out marvelously. I was sent on a field trip to Santa Fe. I traveled alone, taking in the city and the art with only myself to probe and ponder. Although, the people of Santa Fe, and just this whole area, are extremely kind and generous of spirit. So many people talked to me and helped me find my way. The first person I talked to was a vendor and she had some prints so I talked to her about Jake Van Wyk and she told me what she does and how she does it and her inspiration and then she told me all the great shops to see on Canyon Road and gave me a map and everything! It was perfect! Especially since one of the Museums was closed and I would have been floundering otherwise!! I did go to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum though and became completely convinced that she is absolutely amazing!!

This is one of my favorite sculptures on Canyon Road. And below is the closest thing to home I've seen in a long time.

Also in the art room, we had presentations of their paper plate sculptures. What d'ya think?

One last tribute to Rehoboth as I give you a lovely picture of the art room. No comment. You can comment, I'm not gonna.

At church rock the kids ALL hugged me (no really, they all hugged me, like, at the same time!) I was pretty much mobbed. And they gave me a lovely note too. It was precious!

This will be the last post I have under this title. This is sad. But the show must go on... or as said so eloquently: "that the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."

Crevice wetness

2007-02-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

How many blondes does it take to cross a river?

One to take a dive

Two to throw a tire in

Three to cross correctly

and one to walk across like the tires aren't even there.

Well, we weren't all blondes, but the story sure doesn't show it. This was supposed to be a road, but we decided to walk/find our own path instead of push a car through it. It took us three chances before we found a spot that actually worked for us. And, as you can tell, it only sort of worked.

This is the crevice. We were essentially climbing right in between two rocks, suspending ourselves between them. This was by far the scariest par as we had to round a corner and run across to safety. Below we have a long stretch of crevice which was scary but really, the only fear would be getting stuck by dropping too far down into the crevice. It's probably the most awkward thing I will ever do. At the end of the crevice you pretty much fall out of the rock and into.....

....A small lake! I had this bright idea of giving myself a little extra momentum as to get out of the puddle quicker, but really I just got myself in deeper. I was soaked! and the 1/2 mile hike back to the car against strong winds (the very winds that made this crevice) didn't help any. This was actually a week ago, so no pneumonia whatsoever. Praise the Lord!

Church Rock...What's missing?

2007-02-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday after school, I go over to Church Rock and give them their first real experience with art class. It's afterschool, so the kids are still really crazy. And we are in a gymnasium which has a tai kwon do class going on at the same time. So it is a huge challenge, but these kids are great!

This is Shawn. He is making a turtle. He's my favorite (Don't tell!) This week he asked me to bring him a plastic bag because he doesn't have a backpack! How sad!
These are two kindergarteners who somehow made better turtles than any other age group. I don't get how that works out. But they sure are pleased with themselves! (0r maybe they just like getting their picture taken!
Survey: What is missing from this picture? It should be obvious to you considering that this road comes from Church Rock and is going to interesect with Highway 66. Answer next week.

Just Gallup

2007-02-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

No big traveling this weekend. Which is probably a good thing, because most of us are completely exhausted from teaching full time. I can't imagine what next year is going to look like teaching full time all the time all on my own!

So yeah, this weekend we just hung out around Gallup. We went shopping some downtown and went to the flea market (again!) ate at Grandpa's Grill, and so on. This morning we went to a church on the Reservation. That was quite the experience. People are walking in and out during most of the service. It is just really laid back and people can show up late because timeliness is not a part of the Navajo culture. They go back and forth between Navajo and English all the time which can get real confusing. I tried singing along with the Navajo songs, but gave up quickly enough. Not that they would care or anything. Navajo are probably the most accepting people I will ever know.

There was a small meal afterwards too, so we got to meet a few of the church members. One lady asked us if we could help her with a term paper she was writing for a UNM English class. So she is coming by tomorrow night and we are all gonna help her with that.

Pretty soon we are going to play street hockey right outdoors here and then take a hike through "The Crevice" I'm sure there will be pictures of that coming sooner or later.

Hey, check out my candles!! Thanks Lora! And be forever jealous all who are restricted from such activities! (Malicious snickering ensues)

P-Diddy

2007-02-13T20:53:00.000-08:00

This is a picture my cooperating teacher drew as I taught a class for him. Apparently that's my new nickname. This just shows how awesome the guys I work with are! I did alot of teaching these last few days. I was also observed by my professor at Dordt, Mrs. Dr. K. Good times, great oldies. Actually it did go quite well. She was very encouraging. Monday was pretty much perfect.
Today on the other hand, well. One student just ruined it for me. He really got to me. At least I didn't let him know it! But I'm working on it. I might just have to get rid of him on Thursday! (insert evil laugh here). Actually it really kills me to just send him to the principal.
I totally like Jr. High. At least here I do. They are squirrely, yes, but they still have respect and they are amazingly creative and engaged in art and in conversation. It's a beautiful thing. (even though one of 'em stole from me last week. The little punk hardly even recognized what he was doing was wrong!!

2007-02-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

So we stayed at the Shumate's (Donna and Mark) in Albuquerque this weekend. Man, I'm getting good at spelling Albuquerque! Anyway, they have an amazing home, full of art from all over the world. This is some of the African art. They also had this huge screen from Asia with gold painting. BEAUTIFUL!

This is one of those that I just couldn't stop looking at. I just don't get it, you know?

Now for Santa Fe, our real purpose in traveling this weekend. This is the miraculous staircase of the Chapel of Loretta. It's made without nails. "Defies engineering logic" Did you hear that Hjon and Chris?

I love being an art teacher! I get to take pictures of things other people can't. Like this amazingly CRAZY horse/warrior thing. Another thing I don't get but totally love because of it. I hope it's ok that I'm posting it... mmmmm..... please don't get me into trouble!

The oldest church in the U.S. cool, huh?

Classic Santa Fe.

Yep, that's right. I'm tainted. I've gambled away 1 whole dollar. But I must say, I almost made 1.80! but then I gambled it away. I can't be trusted, I just can't.

All in a day

2007-02-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

The flea market a few weeks ago. Ghost town right? This is the real flea market.
This is an Arab dude trying to sell us stuff. These guys are good. All the merchants were amazing! So many stories! One dude used to make jewelry for Cher and other celebrities. I had a conversation with another Arab who is from Jerusalem and we just chatted a little bit. Another guy was in the movie Skinwalkers. He told us he was the guy in the birthday suit. What do you say to that?
Fire in the hole! Whoa, that's a big hole!

A fountain by Window Rock that we got a little creative with

Hiding in our own corner of Canyon de Chelley

We kinda got stuck in the canyon for a few hours cuz Eric had to hold the place together

Some of us, unfortunately not me, took a short cut down this crevice. But I got to take some amazing pictures!!

Paul Caponigro took some amazing pictures of Canyon de Chelly once upon a time. This is sort of like his (but his is in black and white)

And this is me one-upping Mr. Caponigro!

(And this is completely my own)

So lots of pictures today... but I just found out how to add more than 5! Hope you enjoyed them!

Wanna See?

2007-02-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day, sorry. But I finally got around to taking pictures of this beautiful place and thought you all might wanna see what it really looks like! (I took them on my snow day on Wednesday, so that is why their are specks of white on some of them) Yes, it really does snow in New Mexico you ignorant people you!

This is the tunnel under the interstate and off of Route 66. Rehoboth is like another world on the other side, and you barely see it from the interstate, so people say that there is a 'tunnel effect'
My room. This is only half of it. My roommate Jena has the exact mirror of this. Except it's more organized.
The outside of the dorm. So Jon, did you really roof this baby?
The hogbacks (and the church parking lot). If the snow will just go away, I'd go hiking back in there. Soon I might get a chance to go horseback riding there!
The art building! This is the side that people see, which also happens to be the side that doesn't show the massive cracks in the walls. This place is literally going to fall apart. Especially since they are building a new gym behind it.

A good day

2007-02-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

Last week friday I left school quite frustrated by how things have been going. Today was much different. I played a game with the 8th graders (Two Truths and a Lie) to help them get to know me a little more. After that, the mood in the classroom was completely different. Next week I am teaching like 95 % so we have to be good to go. And I think I am! I'm getting closer and closer to the point where I am willing to actually apply for this job.

A cat followed a student to yearbook class today. I remembered that we had cat food in the dorm (for some unknown reason) so I brought her back and gave her lunch while I had mine. She was REALLY hungry because she literally attacked the food as I poured it into the bowl! She followed me back to the art building most of the way, but then some 8th graders caught her attention. She was starting to get a little obnoxious with her constant meowing, so I didn't mind. It was probably a good thing we parted while I still wasn't too attached :)

For any of you who maybe trying to call me, I will have my cell back up and running by Tuesday. Hakuna Matata.

Thoughts on the big hole in the earth

2007-01-31T16:04:00.000-08:00

Don Miller calls it an inverted mountain, and that canyons don't get enough credit. I agree. Mountains you can see from a distance and get a good idea about what they are about. Canyons you have no idea until you are right up against it. And even then, the depths are unimaginable. We hiked down a little bit. A little bit is an hour long hike plus the hour and a half back up. I have no clue what it would be like to be at the bottom. Someday I would love to do that! There is waterfalls down there!!
I've really discovered my joy for hiking here. That goes way back to taking every possible trail or even trail blazing the small chunk of woods during camping trips... remember that brothers? I just always want to know what's around the corner, to see more (and to take more pictures!) and think more about creation and all the metaphors that come out of that. For the most part I don't have time enough to think about it, mostly because I'm so overwhelmed by EVERYTHING I'm seeing! I think I"m visually overstimulated. Is that possible for an artist to be? I think that it's more possible actually.

Reflected Sunset
No that isn't the bottom! You won't see it til you get there.
Only a short way down
There were lots of mules on the trail, but only this one horse!
He's a gonner.

My life as a surrealist

2007-01-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

You ever have one of those moments, where you are like: whoa, am I really doing this? and you have to poke yourself and wake yourself up, to remind you that this really is YOUR life. I've been having that ever since I went skiing over break. That was probably the craziest thing because you are like flying down this mountain and all you can think about is when your next fall is going to be and how you are going to make it to the end, and then you stop yourself and actually THINK about what YOU are doing! I"m on the side of a mountain and this is gorgeous, and this is crazy and this is ME! Then it was the same thing, just being here! in New Mexico! and then it was exploring Lava tubes, and then seeing a volcano, and earlier this week, get this: I was subbing for 4 hours! Just me and the kids for 4 hours. yikes. (don't worry, it went well :) And then this morning we went to the flea market which was like a ghost town because of the snow. Yeah... sooo much snow here! That's another surreal thing too. I'm in New Mexico and it's snowing! This is MY LIFE! Here's another crazy thought: the art teachers here will most likely not be teaching here next year. So this could be my life NEXT YEAR! I can't even think that far ahead!

More pics

2007-01-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hiking Milkranch Canyon Sunday afternoon

This is completely natural!

Our entire group near the Continental Divide and next to a volcano!

Spelunking

2007-01-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

That's cave diving for those of you who don't know. And I did it this weekend! They aren't really caves, they are lava tubes. Words don't do it justice, so pictures shall abound here. The pictures are decieving though, because it is like pitch black down there.

Freaked out in the lava tubes!

The opening of the lava tubes. Check out those massive (and sometime unstable!) rocks.

This is the Ice Cave. Yeah, it really is that green color. It's thousands of years old though, so it's allowed.

Bandera Volcano

And the best event of the weekend: dog-sitting Lucy!

The weekends are busy around here, can you tell? Lots of stuff to see and do. So even though I'm incredibly bored most weeknights, the weekends make up for it! and soon i'll be typing up some lesson plans and I'll be busy all the time.

Not what you might think

2007-01-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

What kind of a school allows you to be late for things, and not to apologize if you are, let's dogs into the classroom, and absolutely everyone you meet is friendly? That's Rehoboth for you. I'm sure there are wierder things to come.
Here's yesterday's story which includes all of the above: Dave took his dog to class that morning because there is noone at home right now to watch her. All the kids know the dog's name and it was really crazy to walk up and down the hall with the dog while everyone calls out "Lucy!" Later that day, I was walking from the High school art building over to the Elementary classrooms to join up with the 1st grade art session. I was trying to be on time, but Andy told me very pointedly that being on time is not what it's all about here and that he knows how crazy the schedule is so don't worry about it, etc. But I was still trying to be responsible and all that stuff I still think is important. Then this guy was walking towards me on the opposite side of the street, carrying trash, and he and I say hello, then meet eachother and chat for a bit. His name is Michael and tells me he has a 16 year old daughter named Rebecca (neat!) and that I could pray for her. Then he asks what he could pray for me about, and as soon as I tell him, he asks if we could pray right away together! It was a total God thing! I love meeting new people and getting to know more about them than just "hey" and trying much too hard to remember their name! It was totally random, and totally amazing. I was late, but I didn't care (and apparently I'm not supposed to).
That was yesterday. Today was similar: Teacher's meeting with alot of joking and messing around (a lot of business too, but very laid back) Dog at the meeting and in the classroom. Completely student-led yearbook "class" a large afternoon break, teacher offering money to a 6th grader for his artwork, and meeting another complete stranger, which was just as cool though not so explicit in blessing. Oh, and I also talked to the Bible teacher and he told me how one of his classes, the one that's supposed to be on Ministry and Missions is composed of students that are non-believers. Then later a student is showing Dave a DVD about Joseph Smith, and yep, she is a Mormon. Alot of Mormons are around here trying to convert the Navajo because they view them as the lost tribe of Israel. So it 'makes sense', but it's still sad. (but not a lost cause!)

Skiing Pics

2007-01-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

Yay for skiing!!
No need for Peter to beat me up today... the mountain did a pretty good job of it!

first days

2007-01-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

I met with both of my cooperating teachers today. It looks like my schedule won't be too bad. I guess it will make up for my second semester being terrifically full and busy.
Anyway, they are both really cool guys that I'll be working with and I simply can't wait to get to the actual teaching part of this thing. After seeing the classrooms and knowing how they are set up and knowing who I'm working with, my mind is much more at ease about the whole thing. I even met some students. One of them gave me some candy called "Almond Rocke" or somethig like that. It's not a New Mexico thing, more of a west coast thing.
The high school classes are 3-D and an advanced studio class. I love 3-D so this should be a blast! I actually think the little kids will be tougher. We'll see.

Christmas Pics

2007-01-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sisters at Garden of the Gods

Desert Snowmen. The arms are made of needles!

Who is the punk in this picture?

Grandma even came out to Colorado!

Yay for Sisters! (and Giraffes)

I forgot to mention another highlight of vacation: Lora and Amanda jumped on me one morning to wake me, declaring that this is what sisters do, or at least what they assume sisters do. An only girl get's only-girls for sisters! Amazing!

Highlights of my break

2007-01-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm in New Mexico, but I really don't have a whole lot to say about this place yet. Break was really short but there is a lot to say about it. So here we go:

Christmas was late for us and it was in Colorado. I like to keep mentioning this for Mason's sake for it irritates his jealous side to no end. Mountains are amazing and I have concluded that I like snow a whole lot more with mountains in the background. It is somehow much more appropriate.

Balderdash is still the best game ever. Colly wobbles: to mock one's family constantly. Actually it means a belly ache but you know... belly aches happened and were mocked so it still works.

Learning to ski in Colorado isn't the smartest idea. Especially when the bunny slopes are shut down that day. I pretty much tumbled down the hill. The best parts of this experience are the same as the low points. For example: Pummeling down the mountain at top speed realizing I have to stop but probably won't, repeating to myself: I wish to stop, I wish to stop! and then stopping, SOMEHOW. But still hyperventalating for about 3 minutes. Some of my falls were pretty sweet too. Oh, here is a God thing for you: A complete stranger let me use half of her Buy one Get one for a lift ticket. That was ALL good. I was pretty bruised up afterwards: Battle scars!

Traveling to New Mexico was not so cool. People don't know how to drive around here. I was stopped on the interstate for about an hour. And again in Albuquerque. I took no wrong turns there, but they sure were trying to keep me there!

Starting Out

2007-01-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

So... this is my blog! Yes, that's right... I finally broke down and got one. I made fun of them for so long, and here I am typing on one. Ok.. but here is the deal. I still want to TELL you about my life, and I still want to HEAR about yours. But this is just my way of telling EVERYONE about the big stuff and probably my ramblings that I wish I could just spill out over you all, no matter how much I think you don't want to hear it. But maybe you do. So maybe you'll read it.