the many adventures of the little blue bird

morning procrastination

2010-06-22T10:48:00.001-07:00

check in

2010-06-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Its been sixteen days since our initial paper gathering. Erin has been very meticulous with pulling the outer bark off our paper pulp. Sacrificing her hands to the clingy stench of the rotting materials. Its not quite ready, we'll wait a bit longer.

The darker material is dried out. Some of our bast fibers were greener (literally) than the others and thus broke down much quicker than some of our older more stubborn specimens. Supposedly you can dry them out and then rehydrate them when you're ready to use. We'll see how that works out.

fleet foxes - tiger mountain peasant song

2010-06-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Wanderers this morning came by

Where did they go

Graceful in the morning light

To banner fair

To follow you softly

In the cold mountain air

Through the forest

Down to your grave

Where the birds wait

And the tall grasses wave

They do not

Know you anymore

Dear shadow alive and well

How can the body die

You tell me everything

Anything true

In the town one morning I went

Staggering through premonitions of my death

I don't see anybody that dear to me

Dear shadow alive and well

How can the body die

You tell me everything

Anything true

Jesse

I don't know what I have done

I'm turning myself to a demon

I don't know what I have done

I'm turning myself to a demon

return to the wheel

2010-06-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

I sat at my wheel for the first time in about a month. It took me a little while to get back into the groove. A few swear words. A few sighs. But once I got going, my mind when blissfully blank. I think I might have been relaxing. I'm not 100% sure, but something inside me says that's what was going on. This relaxing thing is usually prevented in some way by constant picking by my overactive brain. By all this 'thinking' I seem to do. Instead of knowing and accepting, I over work and over think the simplest items.

Not tonight. Tonight, I simply focused on the fluff sliding through my hands and magically twisting, turning and organizing. The fluff compressed into a neat and tidy line. Transformed into a more manageable and logical form. Order. It is put in order. Of course this appeals to every part of me. I like order. I like things to be in their proper place and logically categorized. It isn't terribly surprising that I find such a process soothing. I found it all rather fitting. Spinning seems to be a lot like how I process thoughts, emotions, and information.

It starts out as a loose cloud. Then a few strands are funneled though my sensory organs; twisted, turned, packed, organized and arranged. Twinned and interconnected with one another. Simultaneously guided and pulled into a neatly packaged line. The line is then taken and stored in the proper place for later categorization and classification. Maybe is immediately put to use, or maybe its set aside for later. Either way, it is placed in its unique and specific location. This process isn't without snafus. Every so often a few of these bits drift off and stick to some sort of nagging question in my unyielding mind. This nagging causes the entire production line to back up into a tangle of whatever. The production must come to a halt. Order must be reestablished and all the strands must get back in line. Sometimes, as is often the case with thoughts or information, this can take longer than expected.

Maybe this all makes sense. Maybe it doesn't. Perhaps its a jumble of incoherent jabber. Yet, all that seems to matter is the clarity I have right now. For this moment, everything appears crystal clear and simple. For this moment, I'll break out of my normal pattern to accept the clarity. Accept and sit with the simplicity of the scary place that is usually my mind.

morning procrastination

2010-06-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

episode II: the artist and the botanist strike back

2010-06-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

You may recall this sort of shenanigans happening before. Last year, Erin and I embarked on a paper making adventure. I can happily report that the artist and the botanist are at it again. You may revisit our efforts here, here and here.

We planned out the expedition a bit better this year. We borrowed a friend's pick-'em-up truck for easier hauling, grabbed a saw and some good clippers and went to a location I'd been eye balling for several months. We also cut off all the leaves before transporting. It made the entire collection process easier not to mention, less itchy.

Venturing into the unknown in search of treasure.

Our booty.

A bundle.

Peeling is beyond satisfying.

The artist (left) and the botanist (right).

Tommy took pictures. Notice the shiny shoes.

The concoction is brewing... well, rotting in a 5 gallon bucket near Erin's compost. She has reported that its good and smelly. Which I approve of. We're trying to figure out how to properly do the paper making. We're currently in search of a large enough tub and debating on how large to make our screens/frames. I'm voting for a kiddie pool and hula hoops. We'll probably end up doing something smaller and more practical, not to mention a better shape for storage. But, come on. How awesome would a kiddie pool filled with Broussonetia papyrifera goodness be? I can answer that for you: Wicked cool.

field work

2010-05-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

AWash and I took a brief hiatus from field work in April, but we're back at it now. The sites are much greener since it has warmed up. We're seeing tons of incredible critters! All sorts of caterpillars, moths, butterflies, spiders, dragonflies, and even a fawn. A lot of plants that were pretty dormant during the winter have sprung back to life and are flowering. AWash is doing a much better job at documenting these incredible finds, and I'll see if she'd mind if I posted some of her pictures. Until then, these images from good ol' swamp cam will have to suffice.

Leucothoe racemosa (Fetterbush)

The logging trail. It looks very different than the last time we visited the site. Much more greenery and ferns.

Itea virginica (Virginia Willow)

Woodwardia virginica (Virginia chain fern)

Cypress dome

jason mraz - i'm yours

2010-04-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well you done done me and you bet I felt it

I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted

I fell right through the cracks

Now I'm trying to get back

Before the cool done run out

I'll be giving it my bestest

And nothing's going to stop me but divine intervention

I reckon it's again my turn to win some or learn some

I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait, I'm yours

Well open up your mind and see like me

Open up your plans and damn you're free

Look into your heart and you'll find love love love love

Listen to the music of the moment babay sing with me

I love peace for melody

And It's our God-forsaken right to be loved love loved love loved

So I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait I'm sure

There's no need to complicate

Our time is short

This is our fate, I'm yours

Scooch on over closer dear

And i will nibble your ear

I've been spending way too long checking my tongue in the mirror

And bending over backwards just to try to see it clearer

But my breath fogged up the glass

And so I drew a new face and laughed

I guess what I'm be saying is there ain't no better reason

To rid yourself of vanity and just go with the seasons

It's what we aim to do

Our name is our virtue

But I won't hesitate no more, no more

It cannot wait I'm sure

Well open up your mind and see like me

Open up your plans and damn you're free

Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours

Please don't, please don't, please don't

There's no need to complicate

Cause our time is short

This oh this this is out fate, I'm yours!

nonprofit finance for hard times

2010-04-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

Nonprofit Finance for Hard Times by Susan U Raymond is the second book I've reviewed for the Feminist Review. You can check it out here. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much. But I guess you win some, you lose some.

Enjoy. Criticism is always welcome.

enjoying the solitude

2010-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I spontaneously decided I was going to walk part of the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail. I parked at the trail head, walked the mile or so to La Chua Sink and then walked out to the over look on Payne's Prairie. Along the way, I inspected the various blooming plants and quizzed myself on their names. I appear to be a tad rusty.

Not too much to report. I went alone and did some thinking. My mind seems like a messy place these days and I was in need of some serious self reflection. I feel a bit more at peace with myself. At least for the time being...

this tornado loves you - neko case

2010-04-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

My love, I am the speed of sound

I left them motherless, fatherless

Their souls they hang inside-out from their mouths

But it's never enough

I want you

Carved your name across three counties

Ground it in with bloody hides

Their broken necks will line the ditch

'til you stop it, stop it

Stop this madness

I want you

I have waited with a glacier's patience

Smashed every transformer with every trailer

'til nothing was standing

65 miles wide

Still you are nowhere

Nowhere in sight

Come out to meet me

Run out to meet me

Come in to the light

Climb the boxcars to the engine through the smoke into the sky

Your rails have always outrun mine

So I pick them up and crash them down

In a moment close to now

Cuz I miss, I miss, I miss, I miss, I miss, I miss, I miss

I miss how you'd sigh yourself to sleep

When I raked the springtime across your sheets

My love, I am the speed of sound

I left them motherless, fatherless

Their souls they hang inside-out from their mouths

But it's never enough

My love

I'm an owl on the sill in the evening

But morning finds you

Still warm and breathing

This tornado loves you

What will make you believe me?

This tornado loves you

What will make you believe me?

career day

2010-04-01T07:48:00.001-07:00

Let me first say, the thought that I have enough of a career to be qualified to participate in career day is mind blowing. I don't want to be mistaken for a real adult... ew.

I have a small phobia of teaching/facilitating groups with youth under 10. I'm afraid I'm going to scar them for life, or damage their sweet innocent little brains or they'll eat my soul. Although, I sold that long ago, so this fear is possibly invalid and the most irrational. To top it all off, I don't really know how to talk to them. I don't speak their language. This fun fact about me came out during a staff meeting last month as we were discussing my slow (and not so successful) development of a violence prevention curriculum for Elementary aged youth. Da boss, and da BIG boss decided that all I needed to get over my fear was more practice. Hence the signing up for career day at M.K. Rawlings Elementary School in Gainesville. I've also been permitted to 'borrow' some coworker's 5 year olds. Oh, joy!

The panic didn't really set in until I received an email from the coordinator giving me some ideas for talking points. The big one being "What education did you need to prepare you for your career?" The degree I used for acquiring me job was my B.A. in Women's Studies. HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN WOMEN'S STUDIES TO EIGHT YEAR OLDS?! Many college students can't seem to wrap their heads around what this is. How in the world could I break this down into kid friendly speak? I called Mom in a frenzy. We decided to explain it like this:

"You all have learned about the founding fathers, right? Well, do you know anything about the founding mothers? I studied the work and lives of the founding mothers. Not just in our country, but in other countries around the world. I learned their special stories and about why they're often hidden from the histories that we all learn in school. Pretty cool, huh?!"

This explanation went very smoothly. There was no glossy look in their eyes. I even heard a couple of them whisper "cool". We did several activities that we'd do with our groups (made age appropriate of course. No talk of dating relationships, instead of friendships). We played telephone to explore a new big word, communication, and talked about why being clear with our messages is so important. I had one student tell us she could read minds. Which, she failed to read mine, so I think she might have been being silly.

On a whole, the entire experience went VERY well. Thanks to Mom for helping me prep and Da Boss for bailing me out when I ran out of ideas on how to simplify my language and froze. The interns observed and reported that I did fairly well. With only a minor sense of panic and terror in my eyes. I only slipped up and used words that were too advanced a few times, but we turned that into a vocab lesson. We learned 'communication', 'confidential', 'parental figure', and 'compromise'. The kids used them in sentences when they were telling us about their experiences. Go team!

Kids can be cool and aren't really anything to be afraid of, I'd just rather stick to talking to teens. I can use big words and be cool for occasionally saying 'shit'.

porch

2010-03-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday I spent the majority of the day on my porch. It's not the most beautiful space, but the weather was amazing, I had a good book, a cup-o-coffee and no obligations. I decided to simply enjoy the day. Enjoy the moment. Be one with the bliss and peace around me.

Stopped for a minute to pay some attention to my own feet. The very feet that carry me through the days' adventures. I put them up and let them rest. After all, they deserve a break too! They're under appreciated. Those feet. They endure so much; high heels, boots and tiny rock climbing slippers.

Yep. That's a wonderful spring morning for you. Bright and full of gnomes. As it should be.

Later, my neighbor came out and we talked about his job in forestry. He works in many of the sites that AWash is doing her research in. It was fun to compare notes and experiences on the locations and what we thought of the current best practices.

As dusk approached, I continued to sit on the porch. With my glass of wine, I watch one of the parking lot cats saunter through their territory. Stopping briefly to watch some TV through someone's open window. I secretly hoped she would come up and join me. Instead, she continued on her patrol. I observed from a distance. I then proceeded to watch my other neighbors and the various birds settle in for the night. Some families came in for the evening. One with their three kids. Clearly tired from a day of enjoying the sunshine. I created stories for their lives. I laughed and cried with their triumphs and failures. I watched them grow.

I turned back to my book and slipped away as did the perfect Saturday sunshine.

where did february go?

2010-02-28T08:01:00.001-08:00

I've been slacking on most of my 2010 resolutions. Updating the blog included. There has been a lot going on in my part of the universe. Traveling, working, laughing and eating... oh the eating. Lots of delicious foods, fun and friends.

I dropped my camera in the swamp a few weeks ago and lost some pictures. Luckily, after a good drying out, the cam is somewhat working again. Although, I might just use some of that tax refund to get a new one and designate the other as "Swamp Cam".

Last weekend, I went to Ft. Collins, CO to visit The Hanners. We had a wonderful time and it snowed the entire time I was there. It was magical. Snow is way cool. The picture below is a shot from The Hanner's front door.

We went on a hike to Devil's Backbone Open Space in Larimer County, CO. It was a nice little hike, but the altitude difference left me a bit winded. At least, that's the excuse I'm using. We had a wonderful time!

After the hike we drove through Roosevelt National Forest and checked out the lovely snow covered mountains. We ate lunch in Estes Park and then headed back to Ft. Collins. On a whole, great outdoor time with! I'm definitely planning on going back to visit The Hanners again and do more exploring.

first review

2010-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

I just started writing book reviews for the blog Feminist Review. You can find my first here. Enjoy! Feed back is always welcome and appreciated.

Cheers!

first day of 'work'

2010-01-19T05:01:00.000-08:00

Monday I started my second job. Well... it's more like a weekend adventure time where I get paid. Oh, gee. Life is SOOOO terrible (sarcasm, incase you didn't catch it). Thanks to Dan the Man, I landed this amazing gig with AWash's research for her Master's project. Every weekend or so, I help her measure the depth and density of cypress domes in logged sites. I'm learning more and more about the process and regeneration of the ecosystems every day. I'm also brushing up on some rather rusty botany skills. My job is to help with collect data and identify plants in the area. I'll be going out with AWash as often as she needs, and my 'day job' permits. Stay tuned.

The site we went to Monday had been logged last year (2009). It is our most recently disturbed habitat and proved quite the difficult walk. Also, boots (galoshes) are not the most fun/comfortable things to walk miles in. Definitely noted.

Logged site, the entry point.

Cypress dome aka the Laboratory

Moss of sorts.

Possibly Selaginella apoda (Spike moss). It might be difficult to see, but there is representation of the sporophyte stage in this specimen. Uber cute!

The dominant tree species we were surveying were: Ilex cassine (Dahoon Holly), Gordonia lasianthus (Loblolly Bay), Magnolia virginiana ("Swamp Magnolia" or Sweet Bay), and Persea borbonia (Red Bay)

The logged pines were mostly Pinus elliottii (Slash pine).

happy mlk day

2010-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

I know I've done this before, but I truly feel strongly about celebrating this speech and the things Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for our country. While the fight he started is far from complete, we're so much closer to 'ending the long nights' of oppression, discrimination, prejudice and hate.

Today isn't just about a much needed day off in mid January. Or about the individual man it celebrates and honors. It's about something bigger. It's about an idea. A hope. It's about working towards a dream.

Take a moment or two to remember that dream and renew our hope and resolve to make the dream a reality.

what did i come down here for?

2010-01-16T11:16:00.001-08:00

The new year has snuck in and made itself quite at home. Since the close of 2009, I've been in a odd place as far as wanting to write about my adventures and thoughts. Most of the time, I feel that the deepest and most profound things I have to say are lost in the storm cloud of my mind. Floating about. Morphing. Meshing.

My emotions complicate these thoughts even more. Adding a coarse additional layer to ponder and mull over. Instead of fully processing these blobs, I've been piling them up. I'll externally be upset for a day or two. Feel uncomfortable. Cry. Release... but not only partly. I keep a piece and stash it away to revisit later. Eventually causing the clutter and piles of half finished thoughts, ideas, projects and feelings which currently overwhelm and consume me.

This morning I took a deep breath and resolved to clear the clutter. The next hardest thing... where do I start?

Going to take another deep breath and start from the top. Work my way down. Slowly pick away at the layers. Perhaps there's buried treasure somewhere beneath the muck.

morning procrastination

2009-12-28T06:51:00.000-08:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

new tool

2009-12-27T21:32:00.000-08:00

I have wonderful and exciting news!!!! I'm happily typing to you from my new laptop. She's a lovely MacBookPro in glossy, shiny silver. She plays video, downloads pictures, files, and more! She's light. She's fast. Meet Dot. She's my new MacBook Pro. We're just getting to know each other, but based on my past Mac relationship, I can already tell we'll be going places and together through thick and thin.

I'm sad to retire Computrix; she's a feisty old broad, but alas, no longer meeting my needs. I'm going to have some friends clean her up and potentially donate her, or sell her (for a very low price) to some kids for their first computer. I really can't stress how much I've loved my iBook G4. We've been together through a very influential and important time in my life. I've spilled water, beer, wine, and puke on the keyboard. Dropped her countless times, and yet, she still runs. Computrix hasn't always run like a dream, but over the nearly six years we've been together, she's been a reliable little machine.

Santa was very good this year. I'm so thankful for my family, friends... and Dot. I wonder what challenges lay ahead of Dot and I. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

progress can be slow

2009-12-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

The weaving is going slow. I'm not going to lie, its kind of taken the back burner lately. The warp threads are the ones we put on the second day of the workshop back in October. Although the progress is very slow, I'm throughly enjoying the entire process. Only downside is I originally intended to use some of this for holiday gifts... alas, December has some how slipped past me. I ended up buying gifts this year, but never fear. I bought them all from local small businesses and locally made when I could.

The weave pattern is a herringbone (slightly visible in the blue stripes) and the oatmeal colored tread is my own hand spun. There isn't really a rhyme or reason to the stripes or their widths. It's telling me when to switch it up.

'real' adult

2009-12-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

M & D sent flowers to the office last Monday. Before I read the card I was flipping my wig a bit. I never get any mail or packages delivered to the office, and to be completely honest, I was a tad afraid/concerned about who they'd be from. It probably didn't help that the office was full (a rare occurrence in itself) and a-buzz with "Oooo! Liz! Who's the new boo?!" I called M after reading the card and we both had a good chuckle. M & D were congratulating me on my first Finals Week with no finals... apparently a milestone into adulthood. I'll take whatever excuse to receive flowers.

The flowers sat on my desk all week and made me (and my office mates) smile. I brought them home Friday because they were still looking great... and almost an entire week later, they're still beautiful. Do M & D rock, or what?

mr. fish - harper's magazine

2009-12-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

providence canyon, georgia

2009-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

This weekend several friends and I went on a quick hike in Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia. The park was only 4.5-5 hours away from Gainesville and had a 7 mile backcountry trail. Our group was originally of 7, but by the time we departed, we were down to 4 plus a pup. When we drove up Saturday morning it continually rained. We kept our fingers crossed that the weather prediction of sleet wouldn't hold true. At the start of our hike, it was a whopping 38 degrees and still rainy. We would not be deterred and decided to hike in 2 miles and make camp.

Surprise, surprise. I'm in the back of the pack.

The rain never let up. It continued throughout the night and into Sunday morning with torrent waves coming and going. We decided over breakfast that we should probably head back the way we came and call it a short hike. Everything was soaked. We packed up very wet tents and gear and headed the two miles back. However, we could never have predicted the surprise we were in for. The creek bed had risen 6 inches to a foot in some places. Of course, our trail was the creek bed. There was no alternative but to walk through the flowing chai colored water. The rain pounded down and we trudged through. We all laughed and rolled with it. It was exciting, refreshing, and just plain fun. I remained relatively dry (so to speak) until the water reached my knees. There's really only so much water prevention Gortex can handle; my boots were probably carrying 5lbs of water. We reached the segment of trail back up out of the creek bed and turned to survey our triumphant path. We all laughed at our orange, clay covered bodies. The hike might have been cut short, but the adventure hadn't.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of us when we reached the cars. Everything was soaked, including the camera. Naturally, the rain stopped once we got off the trail. Figures. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my companions and the challenge of hiking in the cold and rain. I also learned just how out of shape I am. I suppose I need to get back into the real gym and get back on the bike. Simply rock climbing twice a week just ain't cuttin' it.

tat #2

2009-12-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

I did this while in CA with Mess. I'd been thinking about it since coming home from India about a year an a half ago. Dominic Vasquez at Full Circle Tattoos drew the image and then inked me up. We found them on yelp.com (which I'm also quite pleased with). It took a total of an hour and a half. I'm not going to lie, it hurt. But the end result is AMAZING.

Thankfully it's not as red and angry looking anymore. It has healed up quite nicely, and I'm increasingly tickled with it. I couldn't have done it without Mess there cheering me on. Hooray for sisterly bonding.

formatting

2009-12-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the wonky formatting and inconsistency. I've recently learned that the blog looks very different on my home Mac than it does on my work PC. I'm trying to find some sort of happy medium.

Any suggestions would be great.

teaching tolerance

2009-12-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

I should probably explain something, I was never trained as a teacher. I never took any education classes while in school and generally avoided kids under 14 unless absolutely necessary. I have no idea what drove me to apply for the job I currently have... most likely desperation and encouragement from a few friends already at Peaceful Paths. As unlikely as my role as facilitator/educator may have seemed, I'm generally enjoying it. Yes, I complain about the kids, they can be quite cruel at times, but I must say that this is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

Unfortunately, shortly after I started my job, my boss left. She is an amazing person and continues to be a wonderful mentor and friend, but her departure nonetheless left me flying solo in a new job. I struggled to figure out how to do the sessions and how to go about utilizing the curricula we had laying around for me to consult. I somehow managed to run my 5 groups without too much feeling that I was screwing up the kids. It was fun, most of the time, but very overwhelming.

One of the resources that I've come to love is Teaching Tolerance. The site contains entries/submissions from educators across the country as well as articles from the experts (get this... the experts are actual teachers, school principles, guidance counselors, etc) on how to integrate civil rights and liberties topics into curricula. It also has a strong emphasis on teaching social change and helping students develop the skills to engage in community action, conscious media consumption, and critical analysis of current events. I'm loving the ideas and reading about the ways that educators are subverting the system and integrating some wonderful messages and topics to our youth.

Things have eased up a bit in the past week or so. All but one of my groups has wrapped up, at least until Jan. And in that group we're doing an activity called Progressive City Planners to further explore different forms of oppression, discrimination, and societal violence. Check the activity out. I'm excited about the discussion we're going to be having. This particular group middle schoolers is very smart, they never cease to blow my mind. Even has they manage to get under my skin and drive me nuts.

discovery

2009-12-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

I can fit a penny in my right nostril.

Ok... back to work.

morning procrastination

2009-12-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

the interns

2009-12-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

I'm starting the interview process for the program's Spring interns this week. I must say, I'm slightly nervous and uncomfortable about it. I've been told I'm being slightly ridiculous since I'm doing 6 interviews. I just want to give them all the benefit of the doubt and ensure that I'm not overlooking anything about these candidates. The scars of job hunting and rejection are still a bit fresh. I don't know how I'm going to negotiate those feelings and my desire to take the best 3 candidates. I'd take them all, but I simply cannot manage 6 interns. Plus, as an agency, we traditionally only take up to three for each department.

My philosophy with the interns is that they should create more work for me, in the sense that I don't want them to do bullshit tasks... but actually get some hands on learning. They are not slaves. They're the next wave of our activists, advocates and educators. (Can you tell I had an awful internship once upon a time?) My goal is that by May, they'll be able to cofacilitate groups...or even fly solo. If only I could take all of them... UGH!

First World Problem? Possibly...

morning procrastination

2009-12-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

fred the fin whale

2009-12-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

While I was visiting Mess in CA, she had a meeting at the San Diego Natural History Museum with some super cool dude, who's name, I just cannot remember. Her meeting was regarding her project of describing a fossil that has been on display, but undescribed and unclassified for some time. It is thought to be a different species (although, extinct) of Balaenoptera, or Fin Whale.

While its no dinosaur, Mess is very excited about her project and took me to see the specimen. We promptly dubbed it Fred the Fin Whale (unless it turns out to be female, in which case it will be Frederica).

in search of harbor seals

2009-11-30T11:17:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year, M & D helped me get out to California to see the sister unit (Non-profits don't pay all that well..). While Southern California isn't really my cup-o-tea, I had a fabulous time with Messy. She's currently working on her Masters in Evolutionary Biology at San Diego State University. She studies whales... Fin whales (Balaenoptera sp.) to be exact. More on that later.

Check out the harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) Messy took me to see.

La Jolla Beach, CA

Mess on the Beach

There are more pictures, if you're interested. They're on facebook. Just let me know if you'd like to view them, and I'll gladly send you a link.

thoughts

2009-11-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

I sit on our porch. The breeze is cool, I'm terribly warm. I'm in my underware trying to feel numb. Trying to let go of the things that swim around and consume my thoughts. I can't. There's something bringing me back from my deep meditation and absolution of guilt and dread.

Why is it nagging? Why won't it leave?

I close my eyes and let the air and breeze consume me. I'm one. I'm nothing. I'm invisible.

spinning my wheels

2009-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

Since I have some free time, now that I'm out of school, I've been spinning again... and thinking of buying my own wheel. It's been almost a year since I started spinning and I'm not showing any signs of stopping or slowing down. There are currently several 5 gallon buckets full of fluff in our apartment as we speak. Taunting. Teasing. Pleading to be carded, stroked and spun. Finances have been solid, but finding space in the budget for a $500 - $800 purchase is proving to be slightly more challenging. It'll happen soon. I'm almost to the point were I can swing it. Until then, I'm distracting my fingers with the drop spindle, knitting, collecting, and weaving. But... I can only hold off for so long...

weekend weaving

2009-11-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

Over Halloween weekend, Erin and I signed up to take a Beginning Weaving workshop with the Gainesville Handweavers Guild. It was a two day intensive class where we learned the basics of the loom, how to read patterns, and most importantly (and also the most difficult part) how to 'warp' or 'dress' the loom.

The first day, I used a table loom which belonged to the GHG. However, on the second day, Erin lent me one of her extra table looms so I could continue to work on my project at home after the class finished. I'll post more pictures of my current project soon. Until then, check out some shots from the workshop.

update

2009-10-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Please be patient... I'm having technical difficulties.

October has been a wonderful month full of fun, friends, family.... AND FIBERS! Pictures and some description will be up shortly.

STAY TUNED!

the 21st of september

2009-09-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

experiments of the delicious kind

2009-09-05T12:48:00.001-07:00

Through Ravelry I stumbled across an AMAZING cooking blog called smitten kitchen. I am absolutely in love with the photography and have been wanting to make a bunch of the things featured. I don't really know what came over me, but I had this hankering for marsh mellows after seeing this. So, after some encouragement from Ms. Erin, an experiment was conducted. Below are the results:

morning procrastination

2009-08-27T19:43:00.001-07:00

critique of the nyt magazine: august 23, 2009

2009-08-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday I read Mandy Van Deven's review on Feminist Review of this week’s edition of The New York Times Magazine. The edition is devoted to ‘Saving the World’s Women’ and takes up the global condition and problems faced by women of the world, such as sex trafficking, abuse, microfinance, and lack of access to health/medical care and education. Since this was part of my area of focus in school, I was giddy and excited about it hitting the news stands. Yet, as I flipped through and read the various articles, I kept thinking the same thing: Why does this collection seem to only be highlighting disempowerment and oppression of women of the Third World? Why is there absolutely no mention of the issues faced by women in the Global North? By no means do I intend to discount the horrors that women of the Global South face, or imply that the issues of women in developed nations are higher in importance and relevance. In fact, I’m elated that the edition has provided such exposure and attention to these travesties. My problem with it is this: by ignoring the conditions and struggles for equality, justice and basic human rights faced by women in developed countries, the message is that women in places such as the US and Europe have already achieved equality and do not face many of the problems, violence, and discrimination that our sisters in Africa and Asia do. The problem is presented as something “over there” rather than a truly global phenomenon; one simultaneously occurring in our own backyards.

Instead the role of women of the Global North is presented, and can be summed up, in Lisa Belkin’s article “The Power of the Purse”. The article discusses how women are increasingly using their economic power to help sisters in need. Wonderful. What about the Americans working in the field? Those dedicating their lives to non-profit work and long hours through heartwork and sacrifice? What about the women working in shelters or tirelessly on legislative and policy reform to make the donated money more effective in aid?

The theme of the edition is on the global condition and staunch human rights disparities that exist for women, yet the content and focus of the articles does not seem to adequately reflect the variety and multitude of conditions through its limited scope of Africa and Southeast Asia. What about the sex trafficking and sex tourism that goes on in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Bloc? What of women in Latin America? In the Caribbean? What about the compounding effects of environmental destruction and scarcity of water? Why doesn’t it discuss the modes of oppression the First World through economic exploitation or women of the Third? Why aren’t any of the articles written by women from the places discussed? Instead of presenting a wide view of the various conditions and proposed solutions, the articles focus disappointingly only on economic and capitalist short-term solutions: microfinance and microlending. The articles, while well intentioned and well written, failed to adequately address the underlying social structures that provide the framework to these issues.

On a whole, I’m happy that the NYT Magazine took the chance and did this publication, but I’m highly disappointed in the content and execution. I suppose I got my hopes up a bit too high when I heard about it, and thought that perhaps things would be presented in a radical and revolutionary way. I understand that in order to fully cover all the issues I’ve mentioned would take volumes and much more space than the NYT Magazine could provide. However, what limited space that was available could have explored or touched on so much more. Instead, what was presented was but a sliver of the tip of the iceberg.

what i want my words to do to you

2009-08-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is the title of a documentary that aired on PBS in 2003. We watched it in my class on Incarcerated Women last month. I think it provides a brief look at what I've been studying for the past six weeks. It's very moving and powerful. The poem at the end, read by Judith Clark, sends chills down my spine and makes me reexamine what I consider to be a crime worthy of a life sentence and what I think justice should look like.

what you make of it

2009-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

The seas are quiet. She looks out to the horizon and sees a dot. Dark, mysterious, ominous. But she's not frightened, more curious. She is well acquainted with the unpredictable ways of the sea.

What is it?

The dot slowly approaches. Its blurry edges come into focus.

Its change; manifested as a sea monster.

Will she befriend it? Tame it? Quietly strike a truce?

Is it really a monster as the legends say? Or is it just misunderstood much like the pirate herself?

Only one way to find out.

feminist spotlight: nawal el saadawi

2009-07-24T01:47:00.000-07:00

Nawal El Saadawi is an Egyptian feminist, activist, writer, scholar and physician. Her writings and activities around Arab women’s rights have cost her a psychiatric job, imprisonment, and a lifetime of struggle. Her resilience and determination has gained her public support, respect and admiration. The author of 27 books, numerous essays and articles, Saadawi’s work has concentrated mainly on Arab women’s sexuality and legal status. Even from the beginning, her work was considered controversial, dangerous, heavily criticized and even banned in Egypt. Her work over the last four decades has had a profound effect on many generations of men and women through out the world.

Saadawi was born in 1931 in the small village of Kafr Tahla. She was one of eight siblings and was ‘circumcised’ at the age of six. While her family live could be considered ‘traditional’, her father was somewhat progressive in insisting all eight of his children be educated. In 1951, Nawal left Kafr Tahla to study psychiatry at Cairo University despite religious and social oppression of women. Upon graduating in 1955, she went on to become the Director of Public Health and began a magazine, Health, addressing issues pertaining to preventative medicine. At this time she also began writing about women’s issues and their particular oppression by the Arab world. She then met her husband, Dr. Sherif Hetata, who was also an activist, revolutionary and doctor at the Ministry of Health. Hetata served thirteen years in prison for his activities in the leftist party. In 1972, Saadawi was relieved of her position at the Ministry of Health in response to the publication of her first book Women and Sex, which had been published in 1969. The book was banned by the political and religious authorities due to the contents of several chapters of the book in which she wrote against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and linked women’s sexual problems and control to women’s overarching political and economic oppression. Health was closed down in 1973.

In September 1981, Saadawi was imprisoned under the Sadat regime, for alleged “crimes against the state” and held in Qanatir Prison until November 1981 after the assassination of President Sadat, when many political prisoners were released. Yet her imprisonment did not quell, or deter her from, her activism and writing. While behind bars Saadawi formed the Arab Women’s Solidarity Association (AWSA), “the first legal, independent feminist organization in Egypt” and wrote what would become in 1983 Memoirs from the Women’s Prison on toilette paper with an eyebrow pencil smuggled in by a fellow prisoner in the prostitutes ward.

The AWSA has grown to have some 500 members locally and more than 2,000 internationally but was banned by the Egyptian government in 1991 following Saadawi’s criticism of US involvement in the Gulf War. Upon disbanding the organization the government seized and handed over its funds to the association called Women in Islam. Six months prior to the decree banning the organization, the government closed down the magazine Noon, published by the Arab Women’s Solidarity Association and of which Saadawi was the editor-in-chief. Although banned in Egypt, Saadawi continues with her work with the organization.

In 2001, three of her books were banned at Cairo International Book Fair. A year later a fundamentalist lawyer raised a case to have her forcibly divorced from her husband due to her apostasy. She won the case thanks to international solidarity and pressure. In 2006, Saadawi’s play, “God Resigns At the Summit Meeting”, was banned, and in January 2007, Saadawi and her daughter, Mona Helmy, also a poet, writer and activist, were accused of apostasy and interrogated by the General Prosecutor in Cairo. Saadawi faced a new trial on charges of apostasy and heresy in February 2007 because of the play. She won the case in May 2008. While her legal battles and political struggles continue to the present, she continues her work, on female genital mutilation and women’s rights as well as remaining a prominent political activist.

morning procrastination

2009-07-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

While spending time at a the house friends are house sitting for, I played in the yard. The yard at this house is amazing and fully of fun plants, many are even edible. These here are butterfly attractors.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

the artist and the botanist, part 2

2009-07-11T12:19:00.001-07:00

Erin and I finished our paper making experiment today. It was fun and VERY smelly.

Draining and rinsing the fibers

And then...

... there was paper.

watch, listen

2009-07-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

I'm exhausted and in a funk. Probably because I have to go places and it's pouring down rain. I love the rain. I just don't like to go anywhere in it. I want to curl up with a cup of coffee and simply watch it.

The world pauses.

The stormy seas of thoughts begin to calm and soften

Washing everything clean again

The plants glisten

Raindrops dance in the wind,

Spin and swirl

Meditate

Feel at ease

The rain takes up the organized chaos from within

It slowly stops

Everything creeps out of hiding, and resumes

Until the next storm

say hello to my little friend

2009-07-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

I was so excited about going to the beach, I forgot my camera. However, I feel it is important to note I attempted to do some recruiting for my crab army. Ghost crabs, mother nature's mercenaries. Below is what my most hopeful candidate looked like. I talked of catching one... but I was not successful. They are quicker and smarter than I. Ninja skills are in need some work. I love how their little eyes stick up. I want eyes like that. Perhaps it is time to make a hat...

Ocypode quadrata (Ghost Crab)

Picture obtained from the internet.

While observing the crabs I overheard a woman explaining to her small child how God put the crabs on the earth to dig in the sand. She then continued on to explain how God gave them pinchers for protection. Seems like if this God had his ish worked out properly he would have given these crabs a shovel or scoop of sorts. But what do I know, I'm no theologian. But, I am very good at eavesdropping on random strangers conversations. Four women on the other side of us were discussing careers as pinup girls. Very interesting. I wonder God's rationale on that. I love public beaches... you get all kinds of freaks and weirdos.

the world keeps spinning

2009-07-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

This week has been hectic for me. I started work Tuesday and a new class Monday. Both are wonderful and going to be challenging/fulfilling. Coupled with the stress of moving at the end of the month, finding a new place, getting my finances in order, etc, I've been quite strung out with anxiety and things to do. To alleviate that anxiety, I've escaped by watching a short movie or TV show while spinning. It's more about the spinning than the TV. The TV is just noise, pictures, something to stare at. Since I haven't acquired a wheel yet, I've been perfecting my drop spindle skills. My threads are becoming more uniform. I can make them thinner and more delicate than I used to. The small amount of control I can have over my threads and the fibers calms me down. The spinning of the spindle reminds me of how fast I'm flying through this summer and how much progress I've made personally and professionally. I'm quite tickled with myself.

Drop spindle with Merino Wool Top

Spindle with Blue Faced Leichester Top

jewelry lust

2009-07-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Today's internet surfing yielded some salivating over Lulu Bug Jewelry's Etsy shop. The below are my favorites. You can see more of her work on Etsy. I will continue with the hungry staring and wishing I had space in my budget to acquire more shiny things.

Oh, by the way, Happy JULY! Can you believe it's July? Just when I was getting used to June, here comes an entire new month.

a pioneer of american abstraction

2009-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

On display at the Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville is an incredible exhibit of Esphyr Slobodkina's work. Slobodkina (1920-2002) was a pioneer in the development of abstract art and a founding member of the American Abstract Artist Group. The exhibit spans the entire span of her career, beginning with her work as an illustrator of children's books to her painting to her final sculpture completed in 2001. The exhibit includes more than 60 paintings, drawings and mixed media constructions that reflect Slobodkina's unique style based in collage and assemblage. The exhibit is organized by the Slobodkina Foundation in association with the Heckscher Museum of Art , Huntington, New York, and is curated by Dr. Sandra Kraskin. (Summary paraphrased from Harn Museum of Art's May/June newsletter).

Book accompanying the exhibit. I'd love to own a copy.

One of the books she illustrated. I LOVE these illustrations. I'd really like to have a copy of a print of one to put in my place. Actually, I'd also love to have this book. Maybe I'll get it to read to 'Liv when she gets a bit older.

The exhibit runs through September 6th. I might have to go see it again. I was so overwhelmed and awestruck when I went the first time.

the waiting is the hardest part

2009-06-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

The next step on the paper making adventure is the retting... or rotting of unwanted plant tissues. When farmers do this, they usually cut the plant and let the cutting sit in the field, or float in a slow moving bog or stream, for a few months. They then collect the crop and scrape off the unwanted tissues to collect the fibers. Unfortunately for us, we don't have a field, stream or bog. Nor am I really willing to wait for months (probably safe to say Erin isn't either). So our process is a bit different. I've completely submerge the fibers in a plastic tub with a lid and will let 'em soak until Friday. Then... more fun. Unless they're not quite ready, then I guess we'll have wait some more. I've never done this before, so I'm not 100% sure how long this should take. Patience is one of those things I'm still working on. Erin is only slightly better at it.

Only downside is it's a bit smelly. Luckily I have a lid for this container. I might change the water and check things out in a few days. I'll just have to keep an eye on it. I don't want the fibers to start rotting too!

little 'Liv

2009-06-28T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Heckatrons first little bundle of joy is coming... in 24 days. They invited me last week to attend the last ultrasound. I was honored, excited, and totally not prepared for the magic I'd witness. These images don't do my little niece (niece by choice, not blood) justice. She was so amazing in the live show. I can't even describe my feelings during the entire ultrasound. I can't wait to meet her. Little 'Liv was quite lively. She danced. At least that's what I decided she was doing. She's going to be such a bad ass.

You can click on the images to enlarge them. The Heckatrons edited the images to indicate what they're actually showing. Although, making up things is equally fun. In my head she has the voice of a gangster rapper. I have no idea why.

Tiny fits of fury

Why, hello there!

the artist and the botanist

2009-06-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, an artist became interested in natural fibers. She made friends with a botanist, who was also interested in natural fibers. The two went on adventures and became fast friends. They were constantly pulling, tugging, twinning, and experimenting with tid-bits. They ventured here and there collecting and examining. The artist nurtured the botanist and encouraged her nerdy habits. The botanist taught the artists about new and exciting materials. They collected treasure, played and shared. They learned each other's language. The universe smiled.

Yesterday, they began the process of making paper from paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera).

physics can be beautiful

2009-06-25T10:16:00.001-07:00

Lauren Nassef - Magnetic Fields

June 24, 2009

If you've been following me in real life at all, you've probably heard me complain/bitch/rant about my physics classes for about seven months now. I hate them. They make me miserable. I just don't get it, and I really would like to. The past two months we've been working on magnetic fields. Rather interesting little suckers as long as you're not being forced to calculate shit regarding them. The above drawing, by Lauren Nassef, reminded me that I do find the subject intriguing and occasionally even beautiful. I just don't care about the strength of the field or the forces involved. Fair enough.

* I recommend clicking the image to enlarge or the link to Lauren's blog. The tiny image doesn't do the piece justice.

new lust

2009-06-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

Found these on Etsy today. I came across the shop via the blog Aesthetic Outburst. I drooled a lot. It was nice to click around on the internet and look at beautiful hand made treasures. To read about people's paths and processes. Much more uplifting than the death, corruption, and destruction that is the news/current events.

Check out the designer/artists at their etsy shop: Twigs and Heather's

everyday is an adventure

2009-06-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was subtly beautiful. I started my day by sleeping late. Yep. I slept until eleven, and laid in bed with no sense of urgency or motivation to move until noon. Probably the first night I've gotten more than 5 hours of sleep in quite a while. I was tickled. Birdface and sweety were irritated. Apparently they are not into sleeping late. Sigh. They've taken to making very angry parakeet noises lately. The kind I can only imagine them making if they were being tortured. I've witnessed them while they make the horrid screeching. They sit on their perch, look at me, and proceed to let it all come out. Completely unprovoked. I think they're mad at me for something. The reason remains a mystery.

Later that day I drove around the Duckpond in Gainesville. I'd really like to live over there if I can. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I ended up stopping in to play with Erin. Much needed. I forgot how much fun we always have together. I was so relaxed and happy. She let me spin on her wheel, Mr. Spinny (I think that's what Ruth calls it...). So nice. Once I make some money from the job thing I'm gonna get me a spinning wheel. It was so lovely. I stayed for dinner with the crew and finally met the infamous Tim. I've met Ruth several times, and always thought she was pretty spiffy. Tim is equally spiffy. Both are highly talented artists, makers, and kite builders.

I must admit, I've been reading Ruth and Tim's blogs for a while now. I felt like a creepy internet stalker as I disclosed my admiration for their work... but whatever. They seemed ok with the fact that I've done so. That's why blogs/sites are there right? Check out their site WindFire Designs, and blogs WindFire Designs: Studio blog, and Instances of Make. I hope to get to know them both better in the coming months and maybe even get a closer look at more of their work. Some day, I might even get a kite...

employment

2009-06-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday I officially took a job with Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network in Gainesville Florida. My position is a Violence Prevention Advocate. My duties are to facilitate teen groups/presentations on a weekly basis, adapt violence prevention curriculum as needed, conduct professional and community awareness presentations as requested, and serve as the right hand to the Director of Violence Prevention to establish and maintain connections.

I am so excited. Not only is it a HUGE relief to have a job, but this one is something I feel passionate about and has some immediate impact on society. I'm so happy about it; I've told pretty much everyone I've come into contact with. I also gush about it upon inquiry. I fear I'm slightly annoying... but honestly, I don't give a shit. 3 months and 45 resumes later, I'm employed with a kick ass organization doing something worth while. P.S. I have yet to graduate. I'm on cloud nine. I can't wait for this new adventure to begin.

You can find out more about the organization here. To learn more about the Violence Prevention Program go to the first scroll bar, go to the last option and click.

specimens

2009-06-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Southern green stink bug

(Acrosternum hilare)

Ok so I've been on a bit of a bug kick lately. I can't help it though, they're literally everywhere. Oh Florida in the summer time! Today I came home from class and found this dude in my shirt. Jerk didn't even offer to buy me a drink! So I lured it into a plastic container... and put it in the freezer. I have no idea if I was sprayed, or stung, or whatever but while I was getting it out of my shirt my hand was burning. Hence why this visitor went into the freezer. I feel slightly bad about freezing its tiny ass, but not enough to truly regret it. Now I have something new to play with/look at... and give to a friend... they know who they are. I would post my own pictures, but my camera won't capture images that tiny. So we must make due with these I found on the internets.

I really like this diagram. The shape of the abdomen is oddly pleasing. I have a sudden urge to draw them and put in the specifics of my specimen. I also enjoy the word specimen. Specimen... it makes me feel closer to Charlie D. Yeah that's what I call Charles Darwin.

Specimen, specimen, specimen...

harder, better, faster, stronger

2009-06-15T23:08:00.000-07:00

Cannot stop laughing/crying.

Their work is clearly never over.

heavier things

2009-06-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday night. I'm sitting in the 24 hour copy store/coffee shop studying. My mind keeps drifting. I'm so overwhelmed most of the time. I don't know how I'm managing to keep it together. I have hardly any time to spend with friends and the last several conversations with my parents have been curt and short. Very down to business. Only official matters and pressing things are taken care of.

----

Last week I received an email about going to Boston for an interview. I replied with questions about if I would be compensated for the travel, etc. No response. I haven't had time to actually call during business hours. I keep thinking in the far reaches of my brain that I've ruined any chance I've had by asking such questions. No matter how logical and completely expected the questions were. I can't help but wonder...

----

I started packing up some of my books and cold weather clothes and will slowly be taking them to my parents place when I can. I don't know what else to do. I'm trying not to think about it, but as I approach graduation I feel I need to be getting ready... for something. Only I have no idea what for. Packing makes me feel as if I've made progress. If only towards moving out of my current apartment.

----

What's around the bend? I've never really had a concrete idea or picture of what life would be like after college. I honestly never could truly envision myself finishing. Now what? What do you do when you reach the end of any foreseeable path? What if you can't see the next part of the trail? Am I not looking hard enough?

----

I whipped out my tools and fixed the door knob/hinges to my bedroom and closet doors today. I also worked on the toilet... again. I felt better. I felt like I'd done something right. Perhaps I should just become a handiwoman. Even if this is the 100th time I've messed with the toilet in the past year. Maybe I don't really know what I'm doing, but I'll be damned if we put a work order in. It's not leaking, just needs some help every now and then. I then walked around trying to find some reason to use my power drill. What I should really do is patch the holes I covered with a tapestry from the last time I just drilled for the sake of drilling. Drill, baby, drill. Sarah Palin would be so proud.

Back to work.

little june buggy

2009-06-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing recently an abundance of this particular species of beetle's carcasses littering the stairwell of my apartment. I finally broke down and attempted to figure out what it was. A friend of mine used his divine internet skills to ID it. My little june bug friends are just that. Spotted June beetles (Pelidnota punctata).

For some reason all I do when I see them is sing The Presidents of the United States of America song, Dune Buggy. Except I change one letter. That's right. I modify the song to June Buggy. Every time I get a quick flashback to... well... 1995. We had their first album on tape. Yep. Tape. We knew all the words. My sister probably still does.

austin cary teaching forest

2009-06-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

Our final field trip for Local Flora was to Austin Cary forest. Austin Cary is owned by the University of Florida's School of Forestry for the purpose of teaching forest management techniques such as prescribed burns (that is what we're calling controlled burns these days), and ecofriendly(er) tree farms. The habitat is predominantly mesic flatwoods which, depending on the elevation, grades into sandhills (higher elevation) or swamps (lower elevations).

Mesic flatwoods occur on relatively flat, moderately to poorly drained terrain. The soil is acidic and typically consists of 1-3 feet of sand over a hard clayey subsoil. The habitat is prone to seasonal flooding during the rainy season and drought during the dry season. The system is occasionally prone to fire, burning every 5-10 years. Mesic flatwoods are the most widespread and common biological communities in Florida.

On the one hand I was sad this was our last trip, on the other VERY happy. It was about 90 degrees out by 10:00am. Much too hot for me to care about what this plant looks like in its natural setting. I'm all about being out in the woods having a good ol time. I just prefer not to melt in the process. I was the person muttering "Please rain. Please rain. Please rain." When there was not a cloud in the sky. A girl can dream can't she?

Hypercium brachyphyllum (Coastal plain St. John's wort)

Diodia virginiana (Button weed)

Austin Cary Forest

Woodwardia virginiana (Virginia chain fern)

Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken fern)

Gaylussacia nana (Glue huckleberry)

sari soldiers

2009-06-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

campus

2009-06-10T05:04:00.000-07:00

This is the final week of field trips for my Local Flora class. As the semester comes to a close (Summer A is abbreviated into a six week intensive semester), I can't help but feel slightly sad. This is my last botany course of my undergraduate career... and if I decide to go in a different direction when I figure my life out, possibly ever. I don't think I'll ever stop being curious or wondering about the natural world... but I honestly fear having a job that does not involve it in some way. Would I be happy? Could I be content for long enough to save money and go back to school?

I had an interview today with the local domestic violence shelter, Peaceful Paths, and I think it went rather well. But I got home and started thinking about how different I felt in that particular interview than I did in my last with Environment America. I felt nervous of course, but not nearly as excited about the idea of working there as I did previously. Not that I find Violence Prevention a lesser cause, but more because environmental protection, conservation, and advocacy is where I think I'll find my niche. It combines both the activism and move for social change that I love with the world I wish to protect and share with others. But then again, who knows what I'll be good at or what I'll really find the most joy in doing. I'll just have to wait and try things out.

I really just want someone to pay me to have a garden, make things, sit on a porch and read. Too bad these things sound more like hobbies than careers... or even short term job fixes. I've been so wrapped up in finishing school and getting out, I've forgotten how much I really do enjoy learning. Perhaps waiting to go to onto my masters is a good thing. Perhaps I'll remember why I loved learning so much. And wonder why I was in such a hurry to get out/finish. Or maybe I'll discover how to learn without wanting some sort of grade or certification for it. Learn for the shear joy of learning.

Macfadyena unguis-cati (Cat's claw vine)

Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss)

Colocasia esculenta (Wild taro)

Pleopeltis polypodioides (Resurrection fern)

Lagerstroemia indica (Crape myrtle)

Zamia pumila (Coontie)

Butia capitata (Pindo palm)

relaxation flowing

2009-06-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon creeps in like a strange chill. I'm in a funk. I decide no work will be done today. Nothing is due tomorrow and my brain needs a break. I attempt to cuddle with the kids. I put birdface in my pocket. I threaten to eat him. He tweets in a only mildly irritated protest. After all, we are seeing who can be the most obnoxious. I pull ahead, but only for a minute. Sweety sits in my hair and does some rearranging. Everything is out of place. It tickles. My laughter startles her and she yells at me from across the room. After cuddle/play time, we all fluff up and take a nap. But first, I annoyingly dance around and insist they smile for the camera.

My plants actually look quite happy. I'm surprised. I've been trying really hard to remember that just because it rains outside, doesn't mean the inside plants are getting water. Seems simple enough... but is proving to be quite the challenge.

payne's prairie, northern rim

2009-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

To experience this part of Payne's Prairie was quite a treat. The area hasn't been cleared or disturbed since at least the Spanish colonial times. Therefore, it represents one of the oldest and most diverse mixed hammocks (forests) in the region. Aside from the swarms of mosquitoes and every looming threat of wood ticks, the hike was quite enjoyable. I really did love it, except when we stopped. When we stopped walking I could have sworn I was getting eaten alive. Every inch of bare skin seemed to be fair game. They were not deterred by the bug repellent, swatting, or swearing. When I got home I counted all the bites which had to have been acquired through my clothing. Needless to say, I was quite itchy. I'd love to go on this hike again during the fall or winter and with people who like the outdoors as much as I do. It amazes me when people take classes titled "Local Flora" and don't like going out into the woods. Can. not. compute. rationale.

Vitus rotundafolia (Muscadine grape)

Prunus umbellata (Flatwoods plum)

Sideroxylon alachuense (Silver buckthron; Alachua bully)

This plant is an extremely rare, endangered, endemic. The largest population (consisting of less than 30 plants) is found in Alachua County. This species is only known to occur in the wild in three counties, Marion, Alachua, and Orange

Ruelia caroliniensis (Wild petunia)

Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurel cherry)

Payne's Prairie Northern rim

Sapindus saponaria (soapberry)

The woods.

Oplismenus hirtellus (Wood-grass)

alfred ring park

2009-06-07T11:28:00.001-07:00

I apologize that the pictures from this trip are not nearly as spectacular as the previous trips, but I spent a better part of the time fighting with my camera. We had some words. We've slept apart for several days. And I think we've made up. I also reformatted it. Bwhahaha. I win. When all else fails, play dirty.

I've also discovered that I'm becoming stranger rather quickly. I talk to inanimate objects as if they were people, more often than I actually talk to other real, living, breathing humans. I have rekindled my long term, passionate, relationship with ice cream. It might be a bit more desperate than last time. I'd rather eat a bowl of ice cream than interact with other humans. I've been watching CSPAN. On a Saturday night. And drinking a glass of wine while watching the parakeets. I have developed voices for both Pinkie and the Brain. The Brain didn't used to have a distinct voice. But now she does. And the two have conversations. Aloud.

All attempts to unleash the crazy slowly are failing. It's coming in waves. Much like the rain/monsoons.

Cercis canadensis (Souther Redbud)

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon fern)

Woodwardia areolata (Netted chain fern)

Hogtown Creek (Gainesville, FL)

Critter I was more interested in than the plant we found it on. So cute and sleepy.

Upon further investigation, thanks to some help from Erin and What's That Bug?, I've determined its Narcus sp. (sp. meaning species, or unknown variety). I'm almost certain its in the same family/genus with the Great American Millipede. All efforts to get it to roll into a ball failed. Perhaps I'm part millipede. That is my defense mechanism.

morning procrastination

2009-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

process

2009-06-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting these lovely plant specimens without much explanation as to how I'm preserving them. Well, here it is. My homemade press, key, and workspace.

Plant press in it's storing place in our living room. Two 24x36 pieces of wood with clamps. When it gets full, I sit on it to get the clamp get it as tight as possible. Also pictured are some gourds. Oh how I love gourds.

Specimens are put between pages of newspaper and then squished (pressed) in above press. If I was a better botanist I'd also place the specimens between sheets of corrugated cardboard. Perhaps I can excuse it by saying cardboard is harder to acquire than newspaper.

The plant is then 'keyed' out. Meaning I look up what it is based on certain characters and traits. I'm wrong a lot, so I usually check myself using various internet databases. I'm getting better at it. Especially since I can usually tell what family something is in without the key. It's a huge time saver. Practice makes perfect. I'm also expanding my anatomy vocabulary... so I can nerd out even harder.

For smaller samples I press them directly into my sketchbook. I've found that I like the final product of this process slightly better than the larger press. I think it's due to the paper in the sketch book. The paper is thick, slightly absorbent, and has a moderate tooth. The book is also kept closed using a strong elastic band. I'm a bit picky about my sketch books... I press plants and draw/paint/collage in them.

Where the 'magic' goes down. My 'desk' is an old library table found in a relative's basement before I was born. It's my favorite piece of furniture in my apartment.

what's the story, morning glory

2009-06-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

On my bike ride home from coffee the other day I came across this and felt the need to ID it. I have successfully done so. Many plants in the Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory) family appear to be in bloom now, hence all the pictures lately of this genera.

Merremia dissecta (Noyau vine)

Seed pods of M. dissecta

Happy June!

blueberry fields forever

2009-06-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Friday morning was magical. I accompanied several friends out to Monteocha Gardens, a U-pick blueberry farm just ten miles north of Gainesville. I was quite surprised to learn there were eight (yep 8!) varieties of blueberry found in Florida! However, only two are cultivated; Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry) and Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry). To learn more check out this IFAS extension page.

The farm was beautiful. Shady and tucked back off a country road. I fell in love. While the blueberries weren't exactly ready, most were still quite green/pink, if you patiently looked and danced with the plant ripe ones were there. In addition to blueberries, the farm was home to several other plants interspersed here and there: Tradescantia ohiensis (common spiderwort), Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa), Rubus cuneifolius (sand blackberry), Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower), and Vitis rotundifolia (muscadine grape).

Vaccinium corymbosum

On the drive back into town, I was distracted by the beautiful roadside splendor. A hazard of going anywhere with me, or my sister, is we continually check things out and make pit stops. I yield to plants, she brakes for rocks, and we both stop for turtles. We're quite a pair. Luckily I drove myself so there was no one else to inconvenience. I collected some specimens and geeked out over all the botanical treasures.

Rhychospora colorata (fine-leaved, white-top sedge)

Phlox drummondii (Annual garden phlox)

Phlox drummondii

I know the post is called blueberry fields forever, but most of my blueberry pictures didn't turn out well... and I didn't take many because I was preoccupied with the eating/gathering of the blueberries.

ocala national forest part 2

2009-05-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

This ecosystem happens to be one of my personal favorites, and has been for some time now. Yet, it is highly endangered due to fire suppression, over grazing, urban sprawl, and timbering. It is actually one of the most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Florida is a very unique place not only for the Everglades in the Southern portion of the state, but also because of these Longleaf pine sandhills, which were once very prevalent in North/Central Florida. These communities have been reduced to 3% of their original range.

Sandhills occur on hilltops and slopes of gently rolling hills of sand. The soil is very sandy, dry, and nutrient poor. These soils are composed of deep, marine deposited yellowish sand which is well drained and relatively sterile. The leached nutrients are brought back to the surface by the burrowing habits of some animals. Fires is a dominant factor in the ecology of this community. They are a fire climax community, being dependent on frequent low-intensity ground fires to reduce hardwood competition and to perpetuate pines and grasses dominant in these habitats. The dominant plant species in this community are dependent on fire every 2-8 years to induce flowering, such as in wire grass (Aristida stricta). Without frequent fires, sandhills may eventually succeed to xeric hammock (dry, hardwood forests), and dominated by turkey oak (Quercus laevis).

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) Sandhill ecosystem

Longleaf pine Sandhill

Stylisma abdita (Showy dawn flower), Convolvulaceae (Morning glory Family)

This plant is extremely difficult to see if not in flower due to its thin, inconspicuous leaves. It is also extremely rare due to habitat destruction.

Stillingia sylvatica (Queen's delight)

Croton argyranthemus (Healing croton)

*This plant exudes a clearish/yellow sap which can be used as an antiseptic on wounds.

Yucca flaccida (Adam's needle)

change, change, change

2009-05-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

A friend moved away today. The first of many. Well, not exactly the very first. Several have moved away before and while it was sad, it was oddly different. This is a mark of the beginning of a transitional period for me. Part of me would like to remain stagnant in this space I've created here.

Niche.

Home.

Role.

Comfort.

Yet, even if I remain still, the rest of the world will not. It will continue to morph and transform into something new every second of every day. Whether I participate in that transformation or not. Coming to terms with this newness is going to be difficult. And I often question if I'm strong enough to take on this challenge. I'll have to be. There is always something to learn from every experience. The good. The bad. The ugly. The profoundly beautiful.

It's happening. Embrace it. Play with it. Make it into your own. Be excited about the new experiments and discoveries lying just around the bend. New surprises and adventures. Words of wisdom I'm having a difficult time swallowing.

Hello, new stage of life.

Hello, new chapter.

Hello, first careers. Real jobs. Salaries.

Hello, friends' weddings.

Hello, children.

Hello, next phase of the journey.

World, please be patient with me. I'm just a little scared.

ocala national forest

2009-05-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Cladina evansii ("deer moss" acutally a lichen)

Ceratiola ericoides (Florida rosemary)

Persea humilis (Scrub bay/silk bay)

*edible

Quercus myrtifolia (myrtle oak)

Fun fact: Q. myrtifolia acorns are the favorite food and the tree is the favorite nesting material of the Florida scrub jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)

Rhynchospora megalocarpa (sandyfield beadsedge)

Sand pine (Pinus clausa) scrub ecosystem

Sabal etonia (Scrub palmetto)

Lyonia ferruginea (Rusty lyonia)

Fun fact: The 'rusty' color of the leaves is actually due to small scale like hairs.

natural area teaching lab (NATL)

2009-05-27T16:03:00.001-07:00

Centrosema virginianum (Climbing Butterfly pea)

Rubus cuneifolius (blackberry)

Ipomoea pandurata (Man-of-the-Earth; morning glory family)

NATL

Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow tree)

Betula nigra (River birch)

Cephalanthus occidentalis (button bush)

Cyperss sp. (sedge)

Juncus effusus (soft rush)

house guest

2009-05-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

About a week or so ago I was on my way out the door when I spotting this little friend on the stairs. I thought she was dead and it made me a bit sad because she was so beautiful, but also a bit happy because I could give her to Erin. I ran inside to grab something to scoop her up with. During the scooping process she protested by fluttered in my face. I, of course, screamed because she startled me. I was under the impression she was dead. I then spent the next 15 minutes chasing her around the stair well only to fail in my attempts at capture. There was much giggling though. I need a butterfly net. I then decided that I didn't like the idea of killing her anyway. We made a deal. If she was dead and there when I got home, she would donate her body to science/art. Fair enough.

Actias luna (Luna moth)

She wasn't there when I returned. Somethings just aren't meant to be. I do hope she comes to visit again soon. Or at least sends some friends.

cedar key part 2

2009-05-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Many Uca pugilator (sand fiddler). I wanted to name them all and make them my army.

Uca pugilator (male)

Avicennia germinans (black mangrove)

Borrichia frutescens (seaside oxeye)

Borrichia frutescens with what I believe to be Ascia monuste (great southern white) due to the habitat I found it in and the plants it was pollinating.

I used the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida to identify the sand fiddler crab and the great southern white butterfly. I love this guide for its glossy, color pictures that help me identify things I'm not specialized to identify.

cedar key

2009-05-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went with my Local Flora class to Cedar Key for some good old fashioned hands on learning. There was copious quantities of mud, fiddler crabs and awesome plants. I've been to Cedar Key before and knew must of the flora there already, but it was nice to go out and play with the excuse of being productive.

Saltmarsh

Baccharis halimifolia (Saltbrush/Groundsel tree)

Serenoa repens (saw palmetto)

Batis maritima (saltwort) and Spartina alterniflora (saltmarsh cordgrass)

Batis maritima