© Tristan Hutchinson

At first I didn't think I had any alphabet cookie cutters...

...but then I noticed that my candy cane very nicely doubles as a "J"!!!  What a great discovery!

This afternoon I decided to use up my slightly too soft honeydew melon and make my own popsicles...an idea I got from my mom (thanks Mom!)  I figured even though it's September, popsicles are still allowed if the weather is over 100 degrees...

Blend all ingredients together (I used about 1/2 of the melon, a handful each of the raspberries and strawberries, and a few tablespoons of honey)

Pour into dixie cups (it made 12 cups).

Put into the freezer and freeze for about 20 minutes, or until a popsicle stick stands up straight in the middle of each cup.  Freeze for another hour or so until they're set.  When you take them out to eat, let them sit for a few minutes and they will slide out of the cups easily.  Now that I've tasted one, I realized I forgot to add lemon or lime juice for extra flavor.  But for a healthy, all natural snack, I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were!

After one of these tasty (and healthy) treats, you'll be ready to jam with your broom bass guitar too...

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HIStory unveiled

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Promise yourself .......please.............that in the very near future...........YOU WILL read and spend about half an hour reading about Vitamin D and the human's body ABSOLUTE NEED FOR HIGH LEVELS OF IT......at each and every age and stage of life.........AND in reading, you'll read about the human body's dreadful response to that deterioration that happens when our bodies and cells and human physiology Does NOT receive its NEED for generous high levels daily of AMOUNTS of vitamin D3.

It's been estimated that about 50 to 80 percent of the children, women and men in the entire world are Vitamin D deficient. Pandemic health crisis. New York Times newspaper article called it a pandemic epidemic of shortage of Vitamin D levels in the bodies of people across the entire world.

To read about Vitamin D, go to the web site title of "Vitamin D Council".........Please DO Read sections of the many topics related to Vitamin D......READ the Council's current online newsletter....or CLICK on and READ its ARTICLE links................please, do some reading. And........you must have a look at its link that identifies the names of the researchers people professionals on the Vitamin D Council. Smart smart people.

This Blog has been Given this title because as I continue to read more, more ---- about the URGENT human physiological NEED for ALL PEOPLE of all AGES of all racial backgrounds --- to GET more more more more VITAMIN D on a regular daily basis, ----at doses MUCH HIGHER than previously reported, ------------the time has arrived for every parent, pregnant woman, adult male, female, high schooler, elderly senior, children, toddlers, ..........physician, health care staff....the time has arrived for each adult to educate ourselves WISELY and PROMPTLY on the urgent need to begin taking daily Vitamin D supplements on a daily basis.

ALERT: Why am I fascinated with this topic? Because........there is a great deal of human suffering that could be lessened.... if everyone began paying attention to taking Vitamin D3 supplements.

I began listening carefully to the evening news. Since Jan 1, 2008, I'd estimated that twice a week, I've heard something on the evening news about the need for people to increase Vitamin D by taking supplements daily. I started taking it in March 2008 to see if I'd feel better from torturous seasonal affective disorder. .......I witness the truth..........I am SO grateful for the Vitamin D Council site and its excellent information. It was my first reading introduction to the topic.

ALERT: WE cannot and do not get enough sunshine to get the D our bodies truly requires:

ALERT: WE cannot and do not get enough Vitamin D through the food we eat.

ALERT: WE cannot and do not get what we need from fortified Milk or dairy products.

And .. guess what........It is just around the corner, ........as autumn darkens and swings into what can be the cold icy damp or bitter cold of winter..........including........depression and physiological stress and depressive seasonal affective disorder, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, low energy, arthritis pain, inflammation, weight gain, physiological responses to cold weather...........etc. ..

Here's the truth..........once you have read several short articles on Vitamin D, you'll wonder how quickly you'll be able to get to the store to Purchase Vitamin D3 in its bottle. Or,.. maybe you'll want to wait until it gets put on sale.

HOW TO BUY VITAMIN D: When you look at the bottle, ...it will say Vitamin D3...or...MAKE sure it does say D3...........You MUST look at the units per tablet. It's rather a waste of money to purchase the size of 400 I.U.'s per tablet........Your best buy is purchasing the I.U. of 2000 per tablet. Many stores, like Walgreen's, often has a buy one, get one free sale, different brands. Look at the bottle to see that it is the D3 type of vitamin D. Your calcium tablets sometimes contain 400 I.U. ... but 400 is not an adequate dosage daily, per the opinion of the smart expert researchers.

THIS iPURCHASE is an excellent investment in treating and preventing many long and short term degenerative and chronic conditions, diseases, pain, circumstances, ..............including depression, seasonal affective disorder, pain from arthritis, etc...........A bottle of 100 at the 2000 I.U. units in Minnesota is about 11 dollars. If you buy on sale at buy one, get one free, that's a great deal.

The time for winter is upon us; the days get short, the sun is low, the curtains get drawn....Within a short time after the chill of autumn sets in, our Vitamin D levels, maybe raised because of summer's sun, begin to drop...and drop...decreases.....until, at the end of winter, Vitamin D levels in the typical labratory drawn human blood test will read at at least half of what it would have read in September. In other words, once September arrives, we fall and fall and fall into the slippery slope of spiralling Vitamin D deficiency in our body.

I continue to be amazed at how misinformed,  how uneducated, how ignorant, how incorrect, HOW LACKING IN INFORMATION we ALL are on 'how' seriously important it is THAT our body GETS the VITAMIN D it needs............

What we've been told about "how" we get Vitamin D......What we've been told has been half-truths, misinformation, wrong information.........even people in Florida and Arizona, the sunshine states are Vitamin D deficient because the heat of the sun or humidity keeps people out of the sun.

One article I read said that if the sun were to be used as a source for Vitamin D, ... it would mean being outdoors 3 times a week, for 20 to 30 minutes WITH 30 percent of your body skin exposed........But in more than half the United States, only the summer sun would do so if you lived in high sun, southern location states.

OF COURSE.., the farther north any of us live in the United States, the weaker the sun, so the 'rule' of 'how to get Vitamin D from the sun" Simply does NOT work effectively in northern climates.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble substance that actually is more hormone like in its cellular behavior, wisdom, activity, and healing/preventive qualities. It cannot be stored in the body during long winter months. That is why taking it daily, or in large doses several times a week is needed.

More later.

This post is inspired so deeply by the words, influence, and connection that I feel to so many of you here, with one close friend, my sister, in particular....

As I reflected today on my connection to this blogging phenomena, and therefore, with so many of you, it was brought to my attention, as I was to go out for my afternoon walk, that I would be walking under the same brilliant, hot sun that my sister had walked under only six short hours before, on her side of the earth.  As I chatted with her in the afternoon, she was seeing the vision of a beautiful moon, a quarter moon there as it is here; a fingernail moon also as I like to call it.  The same sun, the same moon, up in the brilliant sky that connects us all in the world, that holds all of the brilliant, beautiful and unique stars that light up all of our lives, that have helped to guide and to influence my own life.  Those stars have become a guiding force that I rely upon daily for support, sustenance and love and connection.

As the seasons change, so do our perceptions of who each of us is here in the blogging world.  As my world shifts from the heat and volatility of summer, to the cool, reflective and slumbering time of autumn, my sister's world is changing from the cold, harsh brutality of winter, to the heat and rekindling of hope of summertime.  Such a contrast, yet so many connections as well.  The different seasons that we live with on a daily basis got me thinking:  what do these things mean to each of us here?  How does a season shift affect you?  What do you do to protect yourself, to keep a barrier between yourself and the elements?  What do you do to embrace any part of the new season that you can?  What do you do in your mind, in your heart, when you anticipate the changes yet to come?

For me, on THIS side of the world, the fall, autumn, is my favorite time of the year.  It is cool, it is the heat of the previous season finally calming down, putting on a sweatshirt cozy and soft to cut the bit of chill in the air.  It is falling leaves, to be raked and jumped into; it is life leaving the trees and plants, and the preparation for slumber of winter.  It is a season of readying for what is to come.  It is not an ending, but a beginning of a time of deeper reflection for me, deeper than at any other time of the year.  Connecting with every part of life that is within my world.  A deeper, stronger connection that feels almost electric, like we are all alive with one another.

Even though my season may be different than my sister across the world, in what ways does she prepare?  Is she excited at the heat, is she ready for shedding the skin, the extra layers that she has had to wear to stay warm and protected?  Those layers, that season, is ready to be packed away, to be stored for future use, if needed.  I am now inheriting those layers, no longer to protect myself from hurts that I have no control over, but rather, to cozy up to what I need and want to most reflect upon within my soul.  In the absence of a cozy fire, I will be wrapped up in my fleece, my layers, and brave being exposed to the frost of the season.  I am ready, this fall, more ready than I have ever been for the changes that this season may bring. 

To every thing there is a season; a time and purpose under heaven.

So true, so true, so true. 

What is your changing season?  What is its purpose in your life?  Do you see, do you actualize visualize the connections that we possess with others all over the world, what keeps us all in this world, united together, like the bright sun and fingernail moon, even in the midst of seasons changing?

Summer Nights Bikini Fashion Show @ Warehouse 135

Hotter Summer Nights Fashion Show

For more pictures from the event. Feel free to visit my Multiply and Flickr site.

The weather here in Michigan was gorgeous over our holiday weekend.  The days were warm, sunny and cloudless, the nights were clear, cool and crisp. 

This gorgeous weather allowed us some stunning sunsets.  Three nights of beautiful colors.  Vivid oranges, pretty pinks and warming yellows graced our eyes every night.  Making the transition from day to night a spectacular show not to be missed.

I took this on Sunday night.  It's kind of symbolic to me.  Symbolic of the closing of yet another month and also the non-official closing of summer itself.  Granted, summer isn't over for a couple of weeks, but September has never seemed like a summer month to me.  September is and always will be, representative of fall.

And what a way to welcome in the fall...

Soon, squirrels will go crazy hiding their nuts, and I'll switch to flannel sheets (and sleep that much better). I'll pull out my neat-o jackets, my tights, my boots, my scarves and bid adieu to my grubby shorts. Once again, bubble baths will become routine.

Most of all, my energy will rebound. I already has. After a scattered summer, I'm ready to focus again, remind myself of the girl I used to be, the one who adored starting school with a brand-new binder with dividers and plastic pockets -- not to mention a clean slate.

----\\----

Postscript: Thanks to everyone who commented on my few August posts. I didn't respond per my usual habit. Just know that I appreciate your perspectives and positive feedback.

Park Blocks, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

Walking around the park blocks near the Portland Farmer's Market.

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The weather has turned to the sort of warm, breezy, blissful and sleepy heat of indian summer. It's those few weeks of the year when all of the locals commiserate - forget the tourists, now should be OUR vacation, right here at home!

(Little-known to the non-locals, this sort of weather is only available on weekdays, and by the time the weekend rolls around, the fog and chill will have rolled back in too.)

Some of us are able to escape for a few days. The rest go back (yours truly included) to their desks and day-jobs, with the windows and doors thrown open and ever-wistful glances out at the vactioners skipping by...

Secondhand Serenade - End

Now that summer's over
We'll wonder what to do
We'll finish our last nights in your car
Just like we always do.

I'll hold you closer and tell you I love you
But it won't matter in the end
It's obvious you're leaving soon
Just another heart to mend

So what happens once you lose control?
When the future has to start
What happens when you're still in love
But time rips you apart.
Is there ever an answer
For when love is not enough?
When the world must move on
Who decided that I'd be that tough.

The day before those dreaded goodbyes
And kisses concealing the night,
I lie in bed motionless
Hoping somehow my life will be alright

So what happens once you lose control?
When the future has to start
What happens when you're still in love
But time rips you apart.
Is there ever an answer
For when love is not enough?
When the world must move on
Who decided that I'd be that tough.

It's raining as we close our eyes
Knowing soon we must let go
I loved another with my life...
But with time as my enemy, now I'll never know.

The end proves I can't do this
Alone

I thought I was supposed to be off work today until Friday, turns out I was in at half 3 until 8. I almost cried! My uniform wasn't clean for a start and I was just about to jump the train into town. Its a damn good job I never!

I can't wait to get back into the swing of things, and its also sad to see summer over, not because I particularly like summer pe say, it's just that this summer was really special and I spent it with one of the best people I've ever met. Its sad to look back and think that it now amounts to this, however at the same time, I had such a good time with ups and downs, lots of ingenious 'head fuck' antics and a tonne of tears. But on the whole, I can't wait to start again, go to college and have a laugh.

1150 Queen Street West

www.thedrakehotel.ca

Sundays on the Patio at the Drake Hotel is awesome!  Great music (old school reggae, and world music mixed in), great ambiance, friendly and good looking crowd, great food, and lovely drinks.  Prompt service may be hit and miss, but take a look around and see how busy the servers are!  This a very social scene, and you will make acquaintances easily.  We have spent many hours whiling away the time here this summer.  Your hard earned $100/person can get you about 4-5 hours of socializing time if you want to eat and drink.  Open year round, the "Sky Yard" patio is located on Drake’s rooftop.  In the spring, summer and fall, it features palm trees, various seating options including outdoor couches (almost verging on being beds), communal teak tables, and a theater sized screening wall and outdoor murals.

A very breezy island style theme in the summer.  And soon to be hot bed of stylish scenesters during the 2008 TIFF.

Scale of 0-10 (10 being the best)
Music - 9 People - 9 Ambiance - 9 Love factor - 9

So, at some point near the end of our journey I made my thankful list for the summer.  And I thought I should share it with you because if you are going to travel the country homeless with your family, these are the things that you really cannot live without.

1. The Pop Up

Before these amazingly wonderful people lent us their pop up camper, we were planning to live in a TENT all summer long.  Do you have any idea how completely insane that is?  It would never have worked.  I would have thrown it into the ocean.  Or I would have turned around and come home.  Or something.  Anything.  So many nights I thanked Jesus for that pop up camper that was keeping me dry and off of the ground.  I'm telling you I love that thing.

2. My zero degree sleeping bag

I stayed in it on cold mornings.  I put Simon in it with me when his little 30 degree number wasn't cutting it.  There were many nights I pulled the drawstring around my frigid cheeks with only one little breathing hole letting the icy air in.  I'm pretty sure it saved my life maybe.

3. A few key items of clothing

The icebreakers, one of which I still wore even after it was chewed up by a mouse.  A pair of jeans I stole from my sister last year, which meant I had two pairs instead of one.  In other words I didn't have to stand around various laundromats in my long underwear.  And this t-shirt my mom bought me after my stuff was stolen, which I wore EVERY SINGLE DAY.   Someone might soon ask me if I even own other t-shirts, and yes, now that I am home, I have many to choose from, but I am just so attached to this one.

4. My hiking boots

Yes, the boots get their own number.  I wore them almost every day.  They are warm.  They are waterproof.  They did not wear out.  What in the world would I have done without them???

5.  Bookend Condos or my saintly mother-in-law

You might remember that we got to stay in HOMES for two weeks of our summer, one towards the beginning and one towards the end. Both of these were provided by Taido's mom, who traded time in her vacation rental for them.  So please go and stay with her in Hawaii and pay her lots of money and love for me.

6. The DS

I hate to say it, but I couldn't have lived without it.  I really can't stand video games, and I have trouble getting over the fact that they are a TOTAL WASTE of time and brain cells, but on the days it was revoked, riding in the car with Ben and Cole was a lot like this:

One day on the way home I had taken it away from them and my mother (who hates video games more than I do) was BEGGING me to give it back to them.

7. Guidebooks

I really like information, so I bought a lot of guidebooks this summer.  About halfway through the summer, Taido cut me off.  No more guidebooks.  But I just loved reading them while we drove through places.  I would be like, Let me tell you about the perfect place to eat in this town.  Or, the dome on that building is copper because of the neighboring copper mines.   It was like having a secret everywhere we went.  Sometimes it became annoying because I would point out all the great things we were NOT getting to do because of time or money, but for the most part I loved having the piles of information.

Sidenote: I started the summer as an avid Lonely Planet guidebook buyer but I have TOTALLY come over to the side of Moon Guidebooks because a) I think fewer lonely planet authors have children and b) they are just SOOOOO much better.

8.  Coffee

Strong coffee is a huge part of my life anyway, but on a cold morning outside, it is a NECESSITY, I tell you.  And it tastes so good!  Both Taido and Daddy understand that the way to my heart is through a cup of coffee.  Or maybe they are just trying to get me out of my zero degree sleeping bag.  Taido always made the French press before he left to study and Daddy had it made and in the cupholders before he woke me up to drag the kids and mother out of the pop up so we could drive a bazillion miles.  Again.  And this is how I know they both love me.

9.  Anne

We read a lot of books this summer, but I think I will remember this being the summer of Anne most of all.  I read the first few out loud and then Mary Polly and I kept on reading them.  We watched the movies over and over again.  And on days when I just couldn't cope, I would be encouraged by some sweet Anne-ism.  Her love of nature was a perfect accompaniment to our being always out of doors, and her positive outlook on life was so sweetly sincere that I couldn't be cynical in the midst of it.  Now that I am home and surrounded by reality, it sounds absurd to me, but she was my imaginary friend this summer.  And she, along with Chesterton and Lars, reminded me that sometimes we need imaginary friends, even at my age.

10.  YOU!

Seriously, the last thing and the one for which I was maybe the most grateful all summer was this little connection through various computers to the readers of this blog, who were living the insanity the dream with me every time I wrote about it.  If you are going to go on a journey, you should definitely start a blog and find readers like mine who will email and comment and cheer you on and even pray for sunshine.  I am pretty sure I can attribute any bouts of sanity I had this summer to this little window of love.  So thank you!

Note: More to come in the summer is over but i'm still writing about it category, which could also be called, i'd rather live in the past than face today or maybe avoiding all things relating to middle school.

Mollie Kehl Penrod, mixes history, science, suspense, fiction and adventure into a wonderful story for children and adults everywhere. The story features two friends, Nicole and Jaime, just trying to enjoy their summer vacation in their small town, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. But trouble and adventure arises when they uncover a mysterious and ancient map.......

An interesting mixture of history and science really brings this story to life with it’s truly one of a kind plot and memorable, vivid characters. The theme of brave heroines gives the story a classic touch of determination and resolve. It was simply a joy to read and a great addition to anyone’s library.

Tao a cara da minha trip p/ Marseille!!!!