On making me smile

Floyds Big Nose (explore #44)
Originally uploaded by Boab24

It makes her smile. Twenty times a day, two hundred times a week, two thousand times a season, how many smiles hath the thwacking of one tail wrought? Countless, though more to the point, counted upon, and therefore forgivable, since counting upon anything has been an ability she has not heretofore possessed.

Dante (the Wolfhound) from Sighthound, by Pam Houston

On taking note

The best way to waste your life, ... is by taking notes. The easiest way to avoid living is to just watch. Look for the details. Report. Don't participate.

~Chuck Palahniuk

This is a desperate lunchtime (Calgon, take me away) post from my office at college. Exams are officially over now, which means that I have about 1 second to finish all of my marking and get grades posted before exam boards with other local universities next week. I don't think I ever appreciated how much marking my college lecturers had to do, it seemed to me at the time that Starman must have intuited all of my grades. (I only got to hear him say "Congratulations" in that robot voice for a 4.0 one time in my 6 or 7 years at UW - how about you?)

Chuck's definitely on to something, though I have to admit, I wish my students had taken more notes considering some of their exam results! Summer is palpable now, can you feel it from where you are?

Take a deep breath.

"Oh soul, you worry too much. You have seen your own strength. You have seen your own beauty. You have seen your golden wings. Of anything less, why do you worry? You are in truth the soul, of the soul, of the soul.”

~Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Vote for Adam!!

This is a little bit weird for me, but I'm kinda related to this kid on American Idol. He's in the top 3 now and I'm hoping those of you in the States could vote for him, for me!

Of course, I haven't got a clue what all the buzz about him over yonder Atlantic, and maybe he doesn't even need my vote (by proxy) but I'd hate to have a whole new Al Gore situation on my hands all over again. I didn't vote in that election as I was in Thailand at the time, and I'm pretty sure I'll be burning in hell for it. So, c'mon, help a sinner out. Vote for Adam. (for me)

Talkin' Sweet Walkin', Heart Stoppin', Puppy Love Blues

Bluebells that is...

Can you imagine it? Stumbling upon this carpet of purest lavender on an unassuming walk through the local wood?
As far as the eye can see. Seriously, it blew my mind. (Get it? Blew. Blue. Tee Hee!)

And the fragrance! It was my first experience in a proper British bluebell wood.
I have to admit, I finally get what all the fuss is about.

The closer you looked, the more incredible the scene seemed. How can each one of these tiny flowers combine to make Summer's grand entrance?
And sometimes, if you looked really close, you could find an intruder of sorts....
But, I digress.... Introducing our new best friend, Cedar!!

We found him at the Dog's Trust in Kenilworth. We've been going to the shelter about once every couple of weeks since November, just waiting for our dog to appear.

And this is The One.

This guy was found chained to a post somewhere in Ireland, of all places. I'm not quite sure how he ended up in Kenilworth, at the Dog's Trust, but I'm guessing as a 'no-kill' charity that they must collect adoptable pups from other organizations that have slated them from 'destruction.'

The vet nursey types among you will notice his shaven forelegs that are telltale signs of time spent in hospital on IVs. He was skeletal when we first met him, three weeks ago, but seems to be putting on weight in no time. Every day, he looks just that much better.I mean, seriously, how f'ing cute is that?? He's turned out to be a fantastically mellow pup of about 6 or 7 months - and a super quick learner. In a week, he's learned a few basic heelwork commands, and can sit and lie down (most of the time!). Luckily for Cedar, I teach in the animal science department of a college that trains dog trainers!!Here he is after his first ever bath!
Feel free to comment on how friggin adorable this puppy is!

How are things with you? What's new?

A day at the wildlife centre....

I spent Easter this year taking another wildlife rehabilitation class.

Can you guess who this is?

I snuck out at lunch time to steal a few quick snaps of the residents.

Whoooo. Who's had a happy Easter?

What do you do when a friend drops by?

You make a cupcake decorating station with
four different flavors of frosting!

And then you make her do the washing up.

A Meeting of the Minds

Meet my friend, Jamie. We met 10 summers ago when we both had summer jobs in Denali National Park and now she's living in Cairo. Since she's just down the road, so to speak, and we're both on spring break at the moment, she's come to visit me for the week. Yay!

I've been considering a new feature on the queen bee news: the interview. Jamie is kind enough to agree to being my guinea pig*.

*Additionally, there's a challenge involved. Last night, we went to see A Winter's Tale in Stratford-on-Avon that was full of the most delicious language. I've tasked Jamie with using our favourite Shakespearean adjective of the night: bed-swerver.

So, how did a girl from the Central Valley of California end up living in Cairo anyway?

Well, I have always been on a bit of a crooked path... I became deeply interested in the Middle East after spending a summer in Jordan on a Fulbright-Hayes program for teachers in 2006. I decided to return to school for my MA and started taking Arabic classes and studying refugee issues in the Middle East and North Africa. I moved to Egypt because it is an Arabic speaking country and Cairo is a crossroad of sorts for refugees coming from the Middle East and Africa. I work at a legal aid non-profit that helps refugees navigate the process for resettlement in third countries. I primarily work with Iraqis.

Your job is pretty intense. What keeps you up most at night?

Resettlement is slow, cumbersome and ultimately a largely arbitrary process. I have definitely shed a few tears with clients that have been rejected for resettlement. They can't go back to Iraq and life in Egypt for a refugee is extremely difficult. Not being able to legally work or send their children to public schools are just a few obstacles that refugees face in Egypt.

Also, I do a lot of casework for people that have been tortured and have met those who have perpetrated torture. Perhaps what is most disturbing is the fact that people who torture others are actually quite normal human beings that get swept up into horrible situations. It would be easier to listen to all the horrific things I have to document if people that tortured were evil. This has forced me reevaluate my core beliefs about human nature.

What's the most satisfying aspect of working with refugees? Are there ever happy endings?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is being a part of the Iraqi community in Cairo. They are wonderful people and I am lucky to have made some great friends. I sleep better at night knowing that I am doing my best to help refugees get out of desperate situations. Are there ever happy endings? Yes. But, the majority of refugees will never be resettled.



What is the most surprising thing about living in Cairo? Are there any common misconceptions about Egypt or living in the Middle East?

Cairo is a city of extremes where the ancient and the modern collide. Donkey carts are just as common on the streets as BMWs. It is loud, frantic and seems to operate without any rules. Yet, somehow it all works and it is an adventure every time I walk out my door. Cairo is one of the coolest cities in the world. She can be a bit intense but if you love her she will love you back.

There are many misconceptions about the Middle East but the one that bothers me the most is the misconception that surrounds women. The Arab woman is stereotyped by the West as a veiled, meek woman that follows her husband like a dark shadow and is forced to remain silent and obey her husband. Arab women are strong, proud and are forging their own path rather than following in the footsteps of Western feminism. There is a long and enduring history of Arab feminism that should be recognized. It is not up to the West to diagnose inequality in Arab society; it has been diagnosed. Rather the West should recognize that Arab women have grappled with gender inequality for over a century.

Check out the Egyptian feminist Nawal al-Saadawi.

What do you miss the most from home?

I have a powerful longing for Mexican food.


Travelling is not without travel trauma. What's the worst thing that has ever happened to you on the road?

Thankfully nothing really terrible has happened to me while traveling. But, I've had my passport stolen in Thailand, my clothes stolen in Costa Rica, and had 30 men surround me and steal my camera in China. I had to learn the hard way to be more careful and wipe the giant target off my forehead.

Moment of travel magic?

Honestly I can't just pick one moment. There have been so many which is what keeps me traveling. But here are a few favorites from the past year:

Watching the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in Gondor, Ethiopia. It was such an amazing evening to celebrate with the locals. That night really made anything seem possible.

Visiting the mountain gorillas of Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. A one hour observation of a gorilla family in the wild is all it takes to understand why Dian Fossey spent her life with these amazing creatures.

And of course, there is nothing more exhilarating than speeding through the streets of Cairo in the back of a taxi and making it to your destination alive!

What are your plans after you finish up grad school?

I am getting married and planting a garden.

What country or region is calling your name? Why do you think that is?

IRAN! Have you ever had Iranian food? That is reason enough to go. But really there are so many reasons I am dying to experience Iran: the culture, history, architecture, poetry, people, handicrafts. Who doesn't want a Persian rug?

At the moment Americans can only go to Iran on guided tours. I am hoping relations will improve in the next 4 years so I can get my independent travel on!

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” ~Rumi

Talkin It's Only the Spring Equinox and So Far To Go Till Summer Blues Breaking Mittens!

Cheer up with these fun mittens that can be easily completed in a weekend. The pattern comes from this book - Noro Mini Knits by Jenny Watson. There's lots of fun patterns in here that I may just get to knittin.

Cute Alert -This Post Contains Photos of Baby Animals!

I took the in laws for a tour of my college's farm.
It's officially spring now, and that means one thing. Baby animals!
Just look at those spotty lambs!
(Note the blood on the birthing stall walls - why is the miracle of life so damn gory?)Oh, and look who's holding his first lamb!

Little Windowbox of Hope

On winding down

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnfish/3252938723/

At last, a lazy Saturday afternoon. Steaming cup of green tea, an elliott smith serenade, a similar view to the photo above out the garden window at the bird feeder and idly finding inspiration in surprising places like this and this or like this. Ooh! And I've only just discovered this! Where have I been? In fact, I've very nearly committed myself to making the quilt on the cover of this book. My local quilt shop actually does it as a kit that I've been daydreaming about for weeks and I think it's about time I jumped on it. I'm not sure how a quilt kit works, but I can definitely use all the help I can get. I'm finding that my new job has entirely consumed me and I very much need an outlet and/or escape. Even when the G and I went out for a drink at our local last night, I was served by one of my students!

Spring teases me with her lingering hours of cold sunshine, some of my favourite days of all. The ones where you've got to bundle up in scarves and hats to see the bluest sky. (I'm wondering what happened to all the scarves and hats and mittens that graced the Gilmore Girls when the show went off the air. They always dressed perfectly for those chilly, but blue sky days that seem to be the norm in Star's Hollow. Is it wrong that I compare my own life to a television show? Is it as sad as I think it is?)

In motion at the moment are my plans for my upcoming three week holiday for Easter break. I'm afraid it will primarily be a solo mission as the big G is too tied up with the financial year end at work and won't be able to join me in our new Subaru on the road. But no matter, I may find company in a canine companion. I think we'll find a dog soon, (I can feel it) we've been combing the rescue centres for our perfect mutt, but he or she has yet to find us. (Maybe this is her?) It's only a matter of time. Keep an eye out for a knee high terrier mix of some kind for me, will you?

It's that time of year again

It's that time of year again where spring teases us with her possibilities. The snowdrops are blooming despite the frost and everywhere you look there are little bits of green poking up through the leaf litter and winter wastes.

I can't believe I haven't posted since New Year's Eve. I know it's no fun reading a blog that only complains about never having the time to update it properly, but the truth is that with my new job, I haven't had hardly a second to myself. I haven't even been making anything to show you lately.

I love teaching on the degree program more than I could have ever imagined. It's challenging and I'm stretched to my absolute limit for the first time (probably) ever. Certainly more than I have been in my flitting about hither and yon of the past few years and it feels really good to exercise my mind for once. It's great to read up on the current issues in conservation especially, since I've been out of the scene for so many years now.

I took a wildlife rehabilitation course here for the first three weekends in January. Effectively, that meant that not only was I working until 9 or 10 every night, I didn't have a weekend to unwind in. The course was really great and I'd recommend it to anybody interested in working with wildlife in Britain. They're sensible. My experience with wildlife rehabers in the past has been mixed - so many of them refuse to put anything down regardless of its chances of being ultimately re-released. Owls with amputated wings, for example, have no quality of life and it's good to see that this particular organization emphasizes this very basic but pivotal tenet.

So what did I do with my first weekend of 2009? Well, I went shopping of course! We've got a cold snap in the forecast and a down comforter was definitely on the agenda. Today, I spent most of the day in a coffee shop, marking essays on Livelihoods vs Wildlife Conservation and preparing for my Anatomy & Physiology class first thing tomorrow morning.

So, with so little of interest to report and nothing to show off or brag about in the domestic arts arena, I'll be signing off now. I don't think I'll be updating often over the coming weeks, I hope to have more time for fun stuff once I get my head around what I'm doing in my new post. No one else stays at work till 9:00 so it must get easier as time goes on!

What's new with you?

An Open Letter to 2008

Dear 2008,

Let's begin this letter with some honesty. You see, 2008, I see no reason to end this relationship amicably because frankly, I'm glad to see the back side of you. I hope you can take it, 2008, because I'm not about to beat around the bush. You really sucked ass. You took me to places I didn't want to go and stretched my patience with myself and the challenged the very limits of my marriage.

Am I being dramatic, 2008? Let's look at this more closely, shall we? There was the great tomato blight, the non-summer of record rainfall and flooding, the weeks I spent in the hospital. It's true, 2008, this is the year that my 32 year old body failed me. Okay, okay 2008. You're right. I am being a little dramatic. You sent me some light as well as the darkness. I suppose it would be unfair to hold you solely responsible for the darkness. How can one change the things they don't take responsibilty for?

Maybe I have been too hasty, 2008. You taught me that I've only got one chance in this life on Earth, in this skin that I'm in. And I really need to look after her better. All these trips to the hospital, the operation and the gamut of medical tests! There were hours spent in the loo or in shame for not being able to hold it just a minute longer. You've taught me just how precious health is. In the immortal words of the rockband Cinderella from your forefather 1988 'you don't know what you got till it's gone'. 

You have shown me that I need to take her out for walks and bike rides and early morning swims down at the pool and to yoga classes. To choose the fresh veggie stir fry over the sweet and sour pork. To drink more water. To soak in the bath after a long, hard day - and not the bottle of wine.

It's true that there were even some blessings, 2008. I've learned that I can teach. That when I have something to say, people listen. I can motivate teenagers, believe it or not, and 2008, you did give me the opportunity to explore this side of myself. 

You even brought me back home, to stand on my home ground though only for a short time, and reconnected me to the light and comfort of old friends long time gone. You also introduced me to the smallest Magnolia and to Caden and Lydia and not quite yet, but soon we'll meet Isla too. That's up to your buddy, 2009. 

So, do you see much of 2009? If you do can you tell him that this year will be more about self love. That's my mantra for 2009. On my wedding day, I promised to work toward my true potential. 2008, I think I let the darkness linger a little too long. I'm grateful that I found a partner that can tolerate the darker side of me, but neither of us want to live there anymore. 

And with that, 2008, I bid you farewell. 

Sincerely,

The Queen Bee

Christmas, Handmade

Though they were hung by the chimney with care, there's much better light (not to mention a pretty little hoar frost - perfect for my freshly knitted noro kureyon mittens!) outside today.

(it's a partridge in a pear tree.)

Sadly, I didn't give myself enough time to finish Geno's properly. I have to re-sew in the lining, since I just did a quick whiz round the sewing machine to hold all the parts together as our guests were arriving for Christmas Eve!To make your own, simply sketch out the theme you're after on a piece of felt. Cut out pieces of colourful felt and attach them to the stocking base with a little tacky glue. Embroider any embellishments and et viola! Bob's your uncle. (that's British for you're done, it was that easy - from wikipedia: "In 1887, British Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, appointed his nephew Arthur James Balfour as Minister for Ireland. The press had a field day when he referred to the Prime Minister as "Uncle Bob".^[1] Balfour later went on to become Prime Minister himself.

This theory claims that to have "Bob" as one's uncle is a guarantee of success, hence the implied meaning, "and if you do this, you cannot fail." Use of the phrase is not recorded until 1937, however, and, although the Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English suggests the phrase has been in use since the 1890s,^[2] there is no known example in print predating the entry.^[3]

Another theory is that the phrase derives from the slang "all is bob", which means "everything is good".^[4])

What did we do before wikipedia?

Anyway, if you want to include a lining, just lay the stocking over the fabric of your choice to use as a pattern - remember to include a 1/2 inch seam allowance. I'm aware that I'm being really lazy here and not giving you very detailed instructions. If anyone does want to know how it was done, leave a comment below and I'll come back to tell you more about it. Deal?