Still waiting for this to happen:
FYI: Chickenblog is going to get some server updates in the next 48 hours, so we may be shut down for a bit... don't know when, or for how long... but when it happens I will be lost and sad... even my email will be affected!

It's getting close to the Blogiversary, and Geoff and I have been discussing The Prize. Supose it were an Amazon Gift Certificate? Would a little Amazonian currency get you excited? Do you think it would bring out any lurkers? Being who I am, I was imagining creating an original work of Chicken art that would be coveted by dozens and dozens of people; not going to happen. I am bursting with artistic and craftistic inspiration, but I am depleted of free time, and my own space. Being who I am, I was envisioning the Blogiversary as a festive celebration of 5 years of Chickenblog... confetti would fly across your monitors and the words and imagery would go to your heads like your favorite wine; again, not going to happen. Chickenblog just ain't that fancy, folks. Being who I am, I hope to include some fun and a little token of my happiness in sharing, so I will give something away. Email me or reply in the comments, say hi or hola, and your name will be thrown in a hat for a $50.00 Amazon Gift certificate drawing!

Have a great week.

FYI: Chickenblog is going to get some server updates in the next 48 hours, so we may be shut down for a bit... don't know when, or for how long... but when it happens I will be lost and sad... even my email will be affected! Must practice calming breathing.

FYI: Chickenblog is going to get some server updates in the next 48 hours, so we may be shut down for a bit... don't know when, or for how long...

For the record: We've been out of town since last week. It was a working vacation, with the added challenge of going some place "new," and relaxing. (insert amused snicker.)

We are back, and we had fun, and Geoff did show up at the *summit,* and we did new things and we were in new places. Relaxing? Hmmm... a bit? Maybe not so relaxing, but that's asking a lot when traveling in an RV with four children. I missed blogging. I missed being able to record impressions, feelings, deep thoughts and other musings, and God help me, I have obviously become too lazy and dense to pick up a pencil and paper! So, now my head is swirling with half baked ideas and snippets and other brilliant reflections that I wanted to record for all time, but the insurmountable task of sorting it all, getting the kids to school, unpacking our conestoga wagon, doing huge loads of vile vacation laundry and trying to retrieve 1,000 photographs from the ailing computer... wait, what was my point... oh yes: I am in over my head.

For now, I will say: We LOVED seeing Dominic, Alison and Bill, and we LOVED being weekend water sports enthusiasts. We tube, therefore we are cool. We loved hiking in Big Trees State Park. Alex and I loved making a quick dash in to Gayle's Bakery, where we made off with the last olallieberry turnover. Mmmmm Gayle's. We loved waking up in the misty Monterey morning. I loved finding new subjects to point my camera at, which is why I ran out of memory... I can't wait for Geoff to figure out how to transfer the files, so I can start playing and sharing.

Okay. I got the kids to school, late, but fed. 2 points for me. Max did a lot of school work on the trip, but he is still tormented by what he missed. -3 points for me. Alex made it in time for the yearbook class photo. 2 points for me. He also suffered anxiety about what he missed and also expressed mild contempt for having to go back to school. -3 points for me. Tomorrow is some huge school Mother's Day extravaganza. 3 points for me, because I have never had the honor of a school/mom extravaganza. The boys are not enthused about the fanfare and orchestrated PDAs. -3 points for me. I had to promise Max that he would only have to move his lips during the singing part, and I would whisk him away when the time came for him to leave the stage, find me and dance with me in front of the entire school. We are shy people.

I have not forgotten my contest plans, and I see I have new messages from willing participants (?) I need to decide on a prize. Something decadent, yet classy, but not too classy, just sort of worthy of your interest and kind of whimsical, because I like whimsy. OKay, so get ready... this is going to be good.

I added a new link in my sidebar: Cream Puffs in Venice is Yummy. Seriously, even if I can't eat, or cook, like this, at least I can savor the images and words. So, if you think food and cooking can be art, poetry, and love, then buon appetito!

Look who's here...


Geoff has time off. You may have heard he works extreme hours during crunch time. We call it "Saving the world," when we are feeling light, airy and philosophical. The whole truth is that the hours are grueling for him, and for us, and we have to pull all our love and kindness together to get through the 6 to 18 months that these sessions can run. Invariably someone will question the necessity of working 80, 90, 112 hours hours per week. The implication seems to be that he could cut back if he really wanted to... No. No, he can't, not really. His industry, gaming, is tough. He loves the work and he is one dedicated employee, but the really long hours come more from the demands of the industry than his passion and zeal. Well, the game they wrote is ready to get to the stores, and Geoff is free to come home for dinner, meet friends, change the way up high light bulb in the bathroom and go to Maria's dance class... there is so much we can do, at last. And in this tough industry, where 1000s of jobs keep going to cheaper job markets in India and China, and profits go to a smaller and smaller circle of CEOs here at home, let's hope that our time together doesn't cost too much. The security and lasting goodwill between the tech industry and it's employees is all but gone.

Never fear! If all the tech jobs go to China and we've run out of art, jewels and comic books to sell on E-Bay, then all I will have to do is find the personnel office and collect on my salary as a mom, wife, cook, driver, historian, medic, cleaner, therapist, counselor, teacher, photographer, accountant, life coach and party planner. According to Salary.com, I am making good money; I guess the check got lost in the mail.

Overpaid me...


I haven't seen a paycheck, but I am getting double over-time in beautiful, bright, kind and loving children, so I still come out ahead.


Maria was tickled (what a perfect word for a giggly, wiggly two year old) to see Tutu, TuTu Grampa, Holleee and Izshe-Izshe walk into the dance studio yesterday. She was only a little distracted, but was mostly able to stay focused, tap her toes, reach up high, twist, jump and 'rock-a-bye' her bear.


She made sure her Grampa had a bear to rock-a-bye too.

Today is the first day of our vacation, so I guess we have established that we are not leaving first thing in the morning... these things have a way of revealing themselves...

Three weeks from today is Chickenblog's 5 year Blogiversary. Gee, I wish I knew how to make a bold font in my post, because an occasion like this calls for a BOLD statement. You know what? I'm going to hold a contest. Yup, I am swimming with the tide and joining the masses; blog contests are all the rage and there are always prizes. Spread the word: In three weeks Chickenblog is giving something good away. It may be a drawing, pulling a number out of hat, or maybe something elaborate... no, nothing difficult, for you or for me. Let's just keep it simple, so call your friends and spread the word. I think every person that leaves a comment and asks to have their number thrown in the hat will qualify for the big prize. I'm excited. You should be too.

I am apologizing to everyone that voted for me at the Blogger's Choice Award. I never should have asked people to register their names and personal information, because 1. It is a pain and 2. I am thinking it isn't such a legitimate game after all. I'm not saying they are purely disreputable, but I suspect at the very least they are purely commercial. I never believed that I was in the running for something truly prestigious, but I thought it was harmless fun that would give me an opportunity to play with the big kids, the beautiful people. Now I've read "A Dingo's got my Barbie," one guy's impression of the whole affair, and I am starting to think BCA is kind of bogus.

It would have to dawn on me in the middle of the night and keep me from falling back to sleep. I was especially convinced that the whole award program is one giant ad and promotion, when I considered that two complete strangers in India voted for me and hundreds of other blogs; like it's a full time job for them to sit down and randomly vote... hey! It is their job, and I think they are *farmers* for the award creator and sponsors.

I feel like such a slut, speaking metaphorically of course. I feel like a cheap date, drunk on the promise of recognition and exposure. I feel like Dorothy, at the end of Wizard of Oz...

Auntie Em: "What have you learned Dorothy?"

Me: "Oh, golly, I've learned that blogging is like high school and only a handful of people will ever be truly popular, and gee whiz, trying to buy your way in to fame and making a spectacle of yourself will only keep you up at night feeling naïve and lame. And, there's no place like anonymity, there's no place like anonymity, there's no place like anonymity... "

Look away. I'm so ashamed.

Okay, come back.
I want to share some more links with you. I'm done promoting myself, but I keep finding good stuff other places so I will promote: more art and goodness at "Joy Bucket." I am going to clear a place for my sewing machine and start making these darling flower, button things, which Maria will no doubt say are "cute, cute."

I also was really impressed with the talent and designs I found at "Ruby Crowned Kinglette. I love the blackbird.

One last crafty blog, and I am too sleepy/tired to even remember what I specifically saw at "Molly Chicken," but there's that word "chicken," so it must be good.

Finally, a Blog of Note, and an antidote, if I have overexposed you to knitting, quilting and chickens, I offer you "Female Science Professor," which is funny, intelligent, and less crafty than my usual offerings.

Umm... this is not a shameless demand for more attention. These vote icons are provided by special request, for Toby's mom's cousin:

My strongest category:


Whoa! Hey, I thought I was nominated here, but maybe not.


I am so worthy here... tee hee. I fed them 3 meals today, and they are all present and accounted for.


This is a tight race, with many worthy competitors. It would be understandable, if it's close.


Oh... did I forget to nominate myself? If you don't know me already... I am giggling, and if I laugh real hard I am prone to snorting, which is not hot.


Thank you.

Has anyone seen my pinking shears? I remember having them in 2003, and if I could time travel I would easily retrieve them from the drawer on the shelf next to my sewing table in the room in the south eastern side of the house, where outside, on the opposite wall I planted gardenias. With my pinking shears I could make the decorative banner I saw in a catalogue 4 years ago, and then I would be happy.

Does anyone know why, when there are infinite chores and responsibilities to tackle, all I can do is aspire to make doll quilts, practice knitting, and make fake cruise itineraries?

The avocado festival was huge. It was a sprawling sea of humanity and funnel cake. I skipped the funnel cake. We sat down and listened to an entrepreneur talk about his new avocado oil business. He and his wife are about 4 years into a business of taking oil from the avocados they grow, and he described the process and challenges, then gave out samples. The moderator insisted that the taste is unique and unlike olive oil, and I found it to be enough like olive oil that I wouldn't call it unique. It reminded me a bit of an over ripe avocado, which is a flavor I do not like.

After a while Holly and Rich made there way to where we had set up camp, but we never crossed paths with Ruth and Corm. Apparently my impression of the huge festival, only represented the proverbial tip of the iceberg. We came at it from the southern end and saw about one twelfth of it, while Ruth, Corm, Holly and Rich had come from the north end and had to wade through far more to reach us.

On the way home we stopped and watched pelicans flying along the shore, which was soothing and good.


If only I still had my chicas. They would be so happy for me, as my nomination in the category of "Best Animal Blogger" has leapt to a double digit!

What would my Gracie say? "Cluck, cluck."



Best Animal Blogger? I have ten votes in this category thanks to friends and family, two individuals in India (I'm Big in India) and one more vote from a fellow blogger, Calamity Kim. Now this is not false modesty, but I do feel a little funny stealing votes in this particular category. I have a lonesome bunny, 3 goldfish (one is not looking too well either) and two cats. I wish I also had 2 goats, three hens, another rabbit and some tadpoles, maybe even a chameleon, but I'm not sure how this helps. Ah, but who am to question the vision and wisdom of the voters? If I am the best, then so be it and I sincerely promise to be as good and inspiring an animal blogger as ever I can be. Thank you. Thank you all.

"Best Animal Blogger" presents: Toby Otis!

Since his official adoption announcement went out yesterday, I can now share in celebrating Toby Otis finding his way into his new and wonderful home. You can find this little honey of a dog living with Anne, Adam, Jacob and Dave, oh, yes, and Patrick el Gato, of course. He is a devoted and sweet four year old beagle mix. What a lucky family.

I think it's because of Toby's earnest expression and Anne's generous, tireless campaigning, that my vote count, in the category of "Best Animal Blogger," has, literally, shot up to 6! I am grateful, truly. It's not easy to vote. There are hoops to leap through and forms to fill out. I still haven't figured out a way to stuff the ballot box with my own X. So, if you are like my Mom, and feel queasy or unsure in the face of blogosphere culture and technology, then take heart, drop me a line... it's the thought that counts, right? And thank you Tarie, for your kind support, and Holly, you too (I would gladly link to your genius, talent and skill any day.) Geoff, darling, thank you for your vote and always for your technical support (he's even virtually designed my next iMac. True love.) And last but not least, Aziz, in India. You are a voting fool (American idiom, meaning you have voted a lot, like a raging ballot stuffer. It's cool.) and a total stranger and I appreciate the gesture. Thank you.


Now back to parenting, house cleaning, cooking


and entertaining the locals with my wit and eloquence.

As everyone is anxious to know how the contest is going, and where I stand in the race to fame and success, I announce that as of 6:55 a.m. I have 3 VOTES. Read 'em and weep! 3 votes, and a dear friend in the Philippines aching to know how she can cast her vote. (Tarie you are a sweetheart!)

So how do you vote?
No, seriously, how do you vote?
I know you have to sign-in and create an account.
I know you have to do a search and find Chickenblog.
I know you have to log in and enter a password.
My server won't let me sign-in and vote! It's not cheating. Hey, don't look so disappointed. We already discussed this... I have no pride and this is a shameless campaign of self promotion for my own amusement.

There is no instrument of torture I could use, no amount of pleading, bribing or begging I could do, to round up 200 or so, interested or annoyed friends, acquaintances or homeless people to vote for me. Even our wedding only drew about 108 guests, and 12 of them were complete strangers.

Yes, the campaign trail is tough and only the quick, clever and enterprising will come out on top. That's okay with me. It turns out I got kind of nervous thinking of attracting a lot of attention to Chickenblog. I think, honestly, that coming in under the radar is more my style. I used to send out a lot of individual emails to friends and family, and I really wanted to maintain a connection with people I cannot visit regularly. I still want to be connected and that was the main reason for starting Chickenblog in the first place, so that I can share updates and my ups, downs and sideways thinking with interested friends and family. My highest hope is that Chickenblog becomes an open hall for exchanges and dialogue, as though we were sitting around the kitchen table together, laughing, supporting one another, and delighting in each other's company. So, though I am nominated in like 5 different categories, I don't think I am qualified for top honors in any of those. I think I will accept: "Quietest Blog, Here for the Long Haul"

Now, time to make breakfast, pack lunches, clean cat barf, and get beautiful for the day ahead.

This me tooting my own horn, or am I crowing?
Clucking, that's it. I'm clucking.
I stuck my own foot in the door... tee-hee



Like I said, there are a lot of bloggers out there and in the race to be the *best,* they have a huge headstart on me, but sometimes it's fun just showing up. Mom, remember when we ran the Bonnie Bell 10K? It was humiliating, but we got *free* lip gloss! So, I'm at the party, cruising the free food, smiling like I belong. My acceptance speech is typed up.

I am giddy.
I am tickled.
I care.
I can't say I am shocked (I nominated myself, which come to think of it, is shocking.)

Pure Randomness

There is yet another Blog Award contest thingy going on. This is not The Bloggies, which were what shameless bloggers were clamoring for last month. No, this is a new way for people who post about their cute kids, pet peeves, favorite foods, destinations, sports and lotions, politics, Geek subjects, photography, humor, deep thoughts and musings, to get attention, and congratulate themselves. I hinted, none to subtly, to Geoff that he could nominate a certain headless chicken woman we know; she's been scratching and clucking for nearly 5 years. The playing field is already so full of more boisterous, talented and popular bloggers, that there really is no point in showing up.

So instead I will whine a little. It goes like this: I will gag if I read one more nominated blogger who casually refers to their nomination saying something like:

'Oh, who cares? I never pay attention to these silly things, and by the way here is a link where you can go and vote for Me in 5 categories, but only if you really think I am amazing, which I'm sure you don't, and it really makes no difference to Me anyway. Oh, and purely by coincidence, while I am mentioning it, here are more links to Me and My earlier posts when I was particularly witty, cute or talented.'

These people are so full of $@!* and false modesty! They have many followers and readers and people who regularly comment and sing their praises, so who are they kidding when they act surprised or humble? There is not a blogger out there that doesn't desire attention or recognition or validation. DUH! Or why would they have their words, talents, interests, photographs, links, recipes and drivel posted on public forums, on the World Wide Web?

Not me. If I were nominated I would be shocked, because even after 5 years of faithfully sharing and unabashedly vying for attention and feedback I still only know of 5 people who read Chickenblog. I would be shocked, because even when I, none to subtly, ask to be considered for possible nomination, it falls on deaf ears, and I only half think it was a good idea anyway, because Chickenblog is one of the longest running and most under the radar blogs out there. This isn't false modesty or sour grapes. I have been practicing self-deprecating humor, earnestly and faithfully, most of my life... I have no need of pretending I am unworthy of a big honking blogger trophy. If I were nominated I would be giddy and tickled. I would hope for lots and lots of votes and I would post a big icon button to the voting booth for the reader's convenience. And I absolutely would not pretend that I don't care.

Now, just in case that other stuff means nothing to you, I have included some highly significant and interesting pictures for your viewing pleasure, because even though I am ready to throw in the towel, I always think of just one more thing to share.


Like a truly huge strawberry. Just look at the size of that berry! Must be one of those San Onofre Nuclear Power Chi-Chi berries. A glow in the dark mutant.


Mutant berries make strong thumbs.


Anne and Adam came to our picnic and we brought Mitchell too. You missed a good time. You. Whoever you are. We saw turtles and ducks and skinny, fast moving squirrels. Maria and I loved the wholly wholesome muffins Anne brought. There was some hiking, exploring digging, laughing, and even a little lazing about... just the right balance of activities.


The ducks were pairing off and squaring off. One man duck in particular was very territorial and protective of his duck woman. He chased off the competition several times.

Sigh. It's back to school time now.

Today was not the day I planned, so I missed going to the museum to see origami and the origami man. Other stuff happened, like some house cleaning, tennis, work. I didn't go to the beach to learn about making the planet a better place. I didn't visit the high school that feels too far away... It was only sort of a productive day, and not in any particular way.

I thought of not posting today or ever again, because sometimes it is hard to rationalize the need, use, value, significance or worth of all this 'sharing.' But here I am. Again. So, what can I say?

Nothing. I agree.

This is Chickenblog, where I cluck like a happy hen everytime I think of something new to share...







800 Posts! Eight Hundred. Are you feeling the joy? The wonder? The sheer magnitude and volume of 800 posts merits celebration, and much rejoicing. Have you thought about how you are going to mark the day? I was thinking of baking a three tiered chocolate espresso cake with chocolate butter cream frosting... just kidding. It turns out today is going to be a day like most other days around here. The car needs gas. There is a lot of laundry that is clean, but it needs folding and hanging. Maria ran a fever all night; relapse, again? I'm a little disappointed, because last night I dreamed up beautiful ideas for reflecting on where Chickenblog began and where we are today, and I wanted to make witty references and add brilliant insights, but there really isn't time. Wouldn't it be great to throw in some new bells and whistles, maybe add labels in the sidebar and clever icons to Chickenblog? I nominate myself for a Bloggie: Super Prolific Under the Radar Blog. Cheers to me, the Chickenblogger!

Geoff really should consider rising to a management position, or producing. He likes programming and no doubt he's good, but sometimes I am convinced he's not taking full advantage of his natural managerial skills, like list making. I should have let him make me another list yesterday, so that I would not have come home from the store without laundry detergent. The domestic queen is foiled again. So after loathing and resenting my TODO list, I am meekly, apologetically acknowledging the wisdom of making lists.

I need a grocery list and a random household necessities list. I need a list of things I must accomplish, and even a list of things I would simply enjoy accomplishing. I need a calendar that cross references all the lists and a huge bulletin board with flow charts, maps and diagrams illustrating the execution and scheduling of all activities listed. I feel all tingly just thinking of it.

Cristina asked about my camera lens: It is a "12x Optical Zoom... Meg O.I.S." Does that make any sense? It's all built in. I used the macro feature when shooting the pickle weed, but it's not been real consistent. I'm still learning. When it works, wow! I want to fall in to this flower... can you guess what it is?



Maria is in love with these bunny folk, that stand in welcome at her brothers' school. She has spent a week tentatively pointing at them, then she shyly touched a paw.

This morning she could no longer contain her affection. "Bumbies!"


Maria loves bunnies. I do too. It occurs to me that if this weren't Chickenblog, it could very well be Bunnyblog.

A package arrived yesterday, and Maria did not need a single hint or suggestion; she immediately declared that the small and heavy box must contain, "Bumbies." Alex and Max hadn't even begun tearing off the packing tape and she was chanting, "Bumbies, bumbies." And she was right! All the way from Hawaii came an Easteriffic bunny variety, including bunny bookends and Tutu's speciality: Chocolate Marshmallow.


Max shivered in anticipation of this holiday tradition, and I think I still have him convinced that chocolate and marshmallow only grow together in Hawaii, where his grandma has special Santa choco-marsh and bunny choco-marsh connections. Big mahalo and aloha to Tutu and Poppa Corn Man.

Something numerical... this is the 797th post to Chickenblog. The idea of closing in on my 800th post has been very intriguing to me. Is 800 a magic number? Geoff thinks it is significant that I am nearly at 1,000, but I am fascinated by 800. I really am seriously considering a Chickenblog contest and prize giveaway, or confetti and horns extravaganza. Maybe I will meet myself for coffee, wear big sunglasses and grin knowingly.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

I have been very busy exploring, like a spring frog leaping from lily pad to lily pad and taking a look around at each stop. My lily pads are websites on the Internet. I began with one intention, then got sidelined here, and distracted there and enthralled with this and that. Does anyone else still marvel at the wonder, the enormity and variety of the Internet? It’s amazing to find so much talent, beauty, creativity, and humor all available from a comfy chair. I like farm-flavored blogs with cute animals and garden tales. I like farmers that cook and bake and share recipes. I like mom flavored blogs with tales from the front, humor, encouragement and the whole parenting scene. I like home school blogs and children’s literary sites; they humble and inspire me. There are some incredibly organized, disciplined and talented home schooling families out there.

Okay. We’ve had a rough 24 hours here at Garage Mahal, and I need to get out of the comfy chair, assess the damages, clean-up, and come up with a new game plan. But, before I face my reality, here are some of the places I have been escaping to: For awesome links, articles and all things related to children’s literature please visit Chicken Spaghetti. I find great resources for life, school and amusement at Chicken Spaghetti. Go there and have a look around. This morning I also was delighted to light upon Jan Brett’s homepage. She’s a wonderful children’s author and illustrator. I love her illustrations for the book “The Owl and the Pussycat.” Her website very generously offers her illustrations for use as coloring pages. They are fanciful and fun. Some time this weekend I hope to decorate my own cowgirl boots, thanks to Jan Brett.

Stop me! When I was browsing my digital photo collection, looking for Isabella pictures, I had so much fun looking back at old pictures I could not stop. Since I got my first digital camera, December 2002, I have taken kept more than 16, 000 photographs. I love it! I love the images and the memories they conjure. I love the patterns and textures of flowers, feathers, skies and bread loaves, and the growing, grinning, galloping children… captured in a digital moment, mine to reflect on whenever I want. You may have noticed Chickenblog posts a lot more pictures than it did in the early days. Back when I started we did not have a digital camera, and then we had memory shortages, plus we were a little paranoid about sharing too much. Anyway, I realize I still have my conservative habits about not posting too many pictures, and I want to change this.

If you’ve come nosing around Chickenblog, then you are going to find yourself captive to my nostalgic visit through 16,000 photographs that I think are wonderful, funny, cute, sentimental and worthy of sharing with the whole wide world. Impossible and impractical… okay, so I need a system or at least a reality check, because there are too many good ones to share, and it was all getting quite random and top heavy. Humor me. Here are a handful of pictures from 2003. They made me happy, they made me remember and they made me want to gaze at them a little longer…


Here are my guys in January 2003, at our favorite beach in Kona. The Big Island. I think William is carrying a sketchbook. Wouldn’t we love to be there right now? Yes. Definitely, yes.

I like Max’s stance. I also love trucks and riding around farms and lots, with the windows rolled down, collecting guavas and eating them with fresh sugar cane. It’s great how one picture can bring up so many good thoughts.

Did you ever get those little dime store tubes of DOW ingenuity? You stick this awful smelling gum on the end of a straw and then blow these cool bubbles. You must remember to exhale, otherwise you will pass out and wake-up in a chemically induced clown filled room. When I tried to make these as a kid I had no success, which is why parenting is so great, because you can try things out again that might never occur to you, but which can be really cool!

Max likes to climb trees, and I think this may be one the first trees he ever climbed. I’ll ask him. I’m sure he’ll know.

This definitely makes me sentimental. We had the pleasure and honor of sharing our home with my grandparents for 8 years, and I miss them very much. Grandma is in Pasadena now and we do see her, but I would love to share daily visits with her. Here she is with Gracie, who was the mellowest hen ever. Don’t they look lovely together?

Are you getting inspired? Get out your camera and take some pictures, take more than you usually do. You couldn’t regret it. I’m happy to have this picture of me with my mom and her mom. Sometimes I get too particular and worry about the right time, place or occasion for taking pictures, but now that I have nothing but time between me and that moment when we were together, I have no regrets about having our picture taken.

This was one of those wonderful Easters at Holly and Rich’s house. Nick is shy, and I can’t get as many pictures of him as I would like, but I enjoy the love and tenderness in this photograph. Of course some photographs express another kind of love and this series never fails to make me love Max even more…

Chocolate

bunny

bites

are

scrumptious.

This was taken in July of 2003. I’m sure it was a hot day. Weren’t we lucky to have a swimming pool? We loved our pool and swimming a lot, but it was most fun when friends and family came and joined us in the water. I think a lot of things are better shared.

Max’s 5th birthday and here we are celebrating with a backyard party. This one makes me think of how much Max’s birthday matters to him. He loves planning every detail of his party, from order of activities to flavor of the dessert. And it’s never too soon to get started. As sick as he is, the only thing he has asked to do in the last three days is make plans for his 9th birthday.

Another great pool day. I had my MNO friends and their families over for dinner and swimming, also in 2003. I think this was in October. So Cal has awesome fall weather. Can you believe some of these children are driving now?

Fair is fair, and if you have made it this far through my little slide show, then here is my offer: Send me a jpg image that you love and let me post it on Chickenblog. Share your reflections and observations about the picture. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but your thoughts matter too.

I wasn't going to blog today, because there is way too much I am supposed to be doing. Camping had moments of bliss, and lot's of cleaning and logistical juggling, so naturally I am whooped. Pictures later. iPhoto is slogging even more than me. So, your turn: Tell me about your camping experiences, and what do you do in case of fire?

Done!
Picture me with my arm raised in triumph. I have finished updating nearly 5 years of Chickenblog deep thoughts and photographs. Now every post should have at least one label, linking it to like posts. Those photographs that are still secure can be seen using the username “balboa” and the password “park.” That’s it, I think. In my mind there is a constant debate about the value of blogging. The process, though profoundly open and public, is isolating, and tends to make me feel a bit silly. After seeing the sum total of Chickenblog, all the deep thoughts, musings, pictures, the expressions of fear and concern, gratitude and joy, I am glad. I know, I’ve said this all before; how nice it is to have our memories recorded etc… It is good.

I sent Alex and Max back to school. Max was absent an entire week and Alex missed two days. Truthfully, I wanted to keep them home. They are not entirely recovered from their colds. They are coughing quite a bit. Max threw up, and so did Maria; both from coughing so hard. On the other hand, they can’t fall too far behind at school and I know that most sick kids are on campus… gee, how do you suppose we got sick? I wanted to keep them home to fully recover and feel well and rested, and because I miss them. I miss the activity of having all four bright, thoughtful children with creative ideas and thoughtful ways at home together. William, Maria and I get along and we accomplish quite a bit, but we all three feel so much better when it’s time to get Alex and Max from school. Hopefully they felt okay today, and won’t be sent home with a ridiculous homework load.

Maria is the most sick. She hardly slept last night or the night before. She has been feverish, coughing and congested. She looks frail and tiny, and her eyes barely open. In spite of being weak and distressed, she still says quietly, sweetly, “Pease chi-chi. Yummy, yummy chi-chi.” Right now she is serving me tea. She put a hat on my head and she is pouring tea from her toy teapot. It is reassuring to see her trying her favorite games.

Tomorrow is a very special day. I know I will be baking at least one pumpkin pie. I know he would like a pair of noise canceling headphones. Have you guessed? A package arrived from Hawaii, and uncle Hans and aunt Gretchen sent a very generous birthday greeting; all for William, the very soon to be 16 year old boy. My heart and my mind are full. They are full of emotion and memories, and expressions that have no power to match the sentiments I wish to convey. Here he is, my baby, my boy. He is tall, which makes him look older still, and he is quiet and reserved. He doesn’t make demands or insist on much of anything. He’d like some pie, because I asked him to choose something, cake or pie. Tomorrow is a special day, but I think every day is special because of William. He is a good son.

Good morning. Geoff left for work very early, like 6 or something. The children are up. They played with Maria at making railways for the wooden trains. Now they are playing a video game and hinting about breakfast. Alex suggests something "fabulous."

I was up by 7:20 and I updated even more archives. I am through last July, which means I am nearly done. I have to read or skim each entry to recognize what labels fit best. Again, I don't want too many labels, but I think I need to add more. For instance it may be appropriate to create a separate label for every time I fantasize about my Terry Gross interview. I think I could also could create an entire file of *Maxims, * from my Aspercosious and witty son. Another category could be for all the times I have groveled for feedback and comments; I think a "Pitiful" label would suffice. I like the Talent label. It's kind of broad and I look forward to browsing through all the submissions.

Max and I are still coughing, but the sun is shining and I feel like busting out of here. Reading archives has me feeling melancholy, and all the reflecting on the last few years … I don’t know what to say, but it has me thinking. I’m hoping fresh air or a different view will shake me up, clear my head, give me a new perspective.

Guess what? The house is a mess, the car’s “Fix Me” light is flashing, Geoff has to work all weekend, the backyard is flooded, and Maria cracked eggs on the carpet.

“Chickenblog scratches the surface.” That statement is my disclaimer. I do not write second drafts. I run everything through spell check, then hope for the best. I think many of my topics are simple enough not to need multiple rewrites, research, editing and revisal. And other times, when my subject is deeper, my thoughts more elaborate, well then I suppose they are fated to suffer. In those instances when I have not checked my facts, rethought sentence structure or picked up a thesaurus, then Chickenblog may be sketchy, too brief, confusing, wrong.

I write with a child at my breast, or pulling me to the floor to play with trains and teapots. I write while explaining additive inverse algebraic operation. I write when everything else in the world demands my attention. Second drafts and research, editing and revision; these are luxuries of the leisure class. I am in the trenches, writing from the home front and there is no time for Starbucks and book clubs in this foxhole. Some days it smells bad around here, like standing water, stale flowers, exhaustion, and still I climb my way over the laundry, around the Lego bricks to my desk and I report it as I see it. It is raw and gritty, uncensored. My thoughts come pouring out, honest, fresh, dazed and dirty. Four children, pets, bills and home schooling, being a room mom, a wife, a citizen; these are not only my subjects; they are my obstacles, my speed bumps.

Chickenblog scratches the surface, comes up with something juicy or merely sustaining, then it moves on to the next task, the next crisis, project, tea party. But some day I want to grow up and be a real life writer. I want to be a writer that understands syntax, absolute modifiers, split infinitives, and the value of research and elaboration. Some day I hope to develop a fictional character with unique, intricate qualities and then set her life in motion in a world of my creation and yet intimately real. My story will be alive with facts, but sustained with emotion and thought provoking philosophies about human values and ideals. (Spell check says two of the sentences in this paragraph are sentence fragments. Hell.)

Apart from being a real writer, I wanted to list the modern miracles. I believe there are miracles all around me and I delight in them. When I thought of listing the modern miracles, it occurred to that I should know the true definition of a miracle. I wasn’t sure if Christians own the word, and whether I would be committing some variety of blasphemy by applying the wrong usage of the word “miracle” to “television remote.” So, in contradiction of Chickenblog’s disclaimer, I did some research.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Miracle: Main Entry: mir·a·cle
Pronunciation: 'mir-i-k&l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin miraculum, from Latin, a wonder, marvel, from mirari to wonder at
1 : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
2 : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
3 Christian Science : a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

Which led me to ask, “What is spiritual law?” And here is the problem with asking questions: There are a lot of answers. I’m supposed to be paying bills today, plus I need to move the tent off the lawn before we kill the grass. So, now the quality of my research can be called in to question, because frankly I am looking for a quick fix. I am looking for a bumper sticker definition of spiritual law.

Spiritual Law is many things to many faiths, but I think this works: “To love God and to love our neighbor is the fulfillment of spiritual law.” But there are 11, 200, 000 other articles and authorities on the subject of spiritual law. Now I am feeling the pressure, the constraint of time, the looming aura of domestic responsibilities, so let’s keep it simple. Let’s say that a miracle is an extremely outstanding event that may be a divine intervention and that could arguably be fulfilling a spiritual law, if spiritual law includes love of God and neighbor.
Does that work?
No time to revise.
Must trudge forward.
Where was I?

Miracles. I find miracles all around me and I’m not sure we take the time to be in awe of and grateful for the many seemingly simple occurrences and devices that make our lives wonderful. With my car keys is a small black control with buttons, and by pushing these tiny buttons I can cause my car doors to unlock and even to open remotely. I do not have to touch the car, pull handles or even be standing near my vehicle to open two large, sliding doors. When my arms are full, as I approach my car I can prepare it for boarding, and it even turns on welcoming, guiding, assuring lights. This is a convenience, a luxury, a stress reliever and it also gives me a sense of security, amuses me and makes my life more pleasant. The remote key is a miracle. I love God and my neighbor and the inventor of the remote key. I love Geoff for working to earn money, so we could buy the nice mini van with sliding doors and seat heaters and remote control key.

There are more miracles, but I am out of time.

Another round of archive updating, so now there are only two years left. The Maria/Papaya pregnancy is covered under the label Expectant. I realize that some events are so life altering that there is a distinct Before and After mind shift; it's made me want to somehow distinguish Life and Details before Maria arrived from our complete family of today. I would also like to create a sidebar menu for all the different labels. In spite of my wish to keep it simple, I have created a lot of headings, including: El Rancho, and Oregon.

Max has joined me on the cootie wagon. We are both pretty miserable. We cough. We ache.

This was the big 4 day weekend we were all looking forward to and I feel so bummed about not being able to play. Alex's report card came Thursday and he has improved in every subject. He has all A's and one B (for Tae-kwon Do) His citizenship and effort scores were all excellent . This boy deserves a weekend full of adventure, escape and fun. We should be out chasing Chinese dragons and feasting on New Year egg rolls. We could have camped in the mountains... sigh. We will recover and we will compensate.

The new camera is a Panasonic BBCC (*Big Black Complicated Camera*)
Okay, seriously, it says... Lumix, Mega O.I.S., and DMC FZ50. I am still studying the instructions, which is an activity I very rarely bother with. Learning the lingo and operations is daunting, illuminating, frustrating, eye opening, interesting... it's got me experienceing the full spectrum of cerebral mind crunches. Let's see some of what we can do. Disclaimer: I take pictures of all the children, but Maria is the most cooperative and willing victim and she does not prohibit me from posting, unlike some children who shall remain anonymous.


okay... I can take color pictures and I need to remember to turn off all the bells and whistles, so I don't get noise. "Noise" I am interpreting to mean "unfocused." Benjamin looks pretty good here, but the camera picked up a lot of background detail, like the window screen... is that "noise?"

The iMac can adjust color and now the camera can too, so I can shoot in sepia. He's backlit and I didn't use flash. Handsome, isn't he? Purrrrrr.

Besides color and sepia, I can shoot in cool colors, like this one. I can shoot in warm and black & white too.

There are a gazillion different options to choose and adjust and whoosh! It's very confusing. I can see it's mostly a matter of focusing on what I use most and also playing around a lot more.

Not my *best of* entry, but check this out... I took this from across the room (about 15-17' away!) Again, on the iMac I can superzoom and crop for the same effect, but this was right off the BBCC. I imagine sitting in the woods; what's that moving in those trees? Is it? Could it be? Then I superzoom and instantly we determine it is Bigfoot. Cool.

I should get up, stretch and breathe cold air. I’ve been continuing my project: Updating Chickenblog archives. It is a very time consuming process that includes labeling each post and changing the URL for photographs. So far I have finished every entry from May 2002 through May 2004. Yikes. I wrote a lot. The label system is a nice addition. At the end of every post you will find a label, which is a link that will bring up all other posts on the same topic. Sometimes it’s not easy deciding on a key word to sum up the deep thoughts of the day and I am trying to limit the number of subject heading labels. Keep it simple.

The photographs were tied to an old URL and are now being transferred to our ‘home’ address. The bummer is that when I was paranoid about Internet privacy I put a security link on many pictures. You can still access the pictures easily enough… just punch in the username: Balboa and the password is: Park. It’s a pain, I know. Later I will export the secure photographs and just let them show up without security.

It’s quite a journey to look back and read detailed accounts of life, my universe and everything. Some things I had forgotten, and other things were merely forgettable. I like it all. Reading Chickenblog is an amazing way to remember details and think on how we got here. I was surprised by some events I didn’t mention. Maybe there were things too difficult to accept or process at the time. It’s interesting to note what I have, or have not, been self-conscious about sharing. For example, I thought I had written more cooking/food posts, and then I realize I deliberately avoid the subject because I dread being pegged as a hungry fat girl. I think skinny people believe overweight people are food obsessive and that it is the root of their fall from grace. Ya, so I have censored myself there and other places. I’m glad I wrote about so many things, like the Chicas and visitors... I look forward to writing more.

Let's play with Google's translator. First English to Spanish, then back to English. Please ready aloud for maximum amusement:

"And here we are tomorrow of Christmas. We were for above in 6 and now it is almost noon. Maria still has gifts no opened. She is occupied piling up of the boxes of the light that came from their Tutu and Grampa Corm. Geoff has been who mounted and of reading of instructions from dawn. Alex constructed a dragoon already. Guillermo still is using his shirt of superman. The Maximum took to its transport its site and it has probably everything in sequence now. And I? I am trying to share it everything with you, the aunts and the uncles and the cousins and the friends and grandmas and grandpas, because the only thing that could be ed ***reflx mng tomorrow of Christmas more would be tenerte with us here. Thanks for the national geographic subscription, books and the CDes, for the collection ducky of rubber and the new cloth of the table, the sweater for Maria and the pretty wood marks (I have put pictures in them already) He is not everything on the presents, by all means. I am enchanting the collective alcohol, love and the will that east day drives of celebration and maintains the tradition and the joy to us together. La Paz May and the aclamation is with you everything with the New Year."

Guillermo and I are rolling.

How do I manage it? How do I take simple tasks and botch them utterly and completely? This is a very bad day for Life to prove my incompetence, again.
I went to the template to add a new link. I've done it before, but today my programming skills made a mess of my links... I cannot understand why it should be so, except that Life is petty that way sometimes. I have two options, no, maybe three...

1. finish the bottle of wine Holly brought
2. Drop off Hans and Gretchen's Christmas presents before it's Easter
3. Crawl back to bed.

I found an interesting piece of mail this morning from Allison. She has a site about chickens: "Chicken Video..." another kind of Chicken Blog Some of you may recall that Chickenblog began when we were Jolly Green Ranchers, living in the country with our chickens and a tractor. I write about many subjects, but those 3 chicas and Sunshine, the surprise rooster, were always a source of happiness. Life takes many turns, the chicas are long gone, but some day I hope Chickenblog will return to the farm or to some rooftop city garden with free ranging city hens. The timing of Allison's email is interesting, because the chicas have been on my mind quite a bit. Going through the archives, I've had plenty of opportunity to remember how much joy and wonder those chicas gave me. This is a reflective time of year for me, when I am wondering about my life and how I am living it, and yesterday I was daring myself to go buy some chicks. We can't have hens now, not here. Sigh. Allison sells a bumper sticker that reads: "Wherever chickens are outlawed, only outlaws will have chickens." Tempting.

An update: Geoff saved the archives! I don't know how, except that it took many hours, and now the archive links work again. Now I am working to update the archive photos. The old photos were linked to the old domain name and have to be individually switched to our new domain. Remember our old *privacy* system for pictures? Obviously I've thrown that security issue out the window, but a lot of pictures are still secure, so if you are exploring in the ancient archives you can plug in "balboa park" for the username and password. Okay, the updating is going s l o w. Geoff is better at it because he doesn't stop to read every entry. I am almost through July of 2003.


Here is the Santa that Maria kisses. She enthusiastically waves hello and good-bye to the little guy by our front gate. And in her arms is her other sweetheart, Frosty, the plush doll her Grandma Boo-Boo left her for Christmas.

Last night I was feeling comfortable and content, when I suddenly remembered this is our last week of winter break. It occurred to me that I really love having all the children at home. I love that the rules, expectations, impositions and chores of School are slipping from my memory, and our own family rhythm is taking over. School culture is very consuming and for us, it's still foreign. At least we have this break. I wish Geoff had a break. His work is all consuming too, and this morning, with rain coming down, and new toys to be played with, Geoff has to leave us and go to work. Sigh. If I were benevolent leader of the world we would have 4 day weekends, 6 hour work days, health coverage for all, nap time, peace on earth and 10 weeks of paid vacation. More on this later.

Happy birthday Debbie! My Colorado cousin and I share the distinction of having post Christmas birthdays. Debbie I hope you are enjoying a very nice birthday with all the trimmings.

Holly has a pre Christmas birthday, which she celebrated with grace and good humor. Rich organized a surprise party for Holly, which I think worked... she looked surprised when she walked in to the pizza place and found friends and family waiting to fete her with pizza, beer, balloons, presents and cake. Here she is radiating wit and beauty...



And for no particular reason, here is picture of our kitty, Benjamin Franklin Thunder Cat, cowboy and explorer:

Has anyone seen Chickenblog today? I haven't. And I haven't seen my archives or comments since the big switch to Beta Blog. I am starting to believe that the whole new Google/Blogger marriage has destroyed my blog. Though, I can apparently still access my posting page... but even this has gotten complicated.

What have I got to blog about?

We had our gingerbread house building gathering which was simple and simply fun. My camera battery won't hold a charge, so no pictures of hot gluing and gumballs.

We got a BIG tree, which I think we will decorate over the course of several days. We agreed to go for more drama, so we need colored lights, rather than the tasteful-trendy all white look we've been using. I guess the big bulb "retro" look is in. I remember the big bulbs. Didn't they crackle a little? I seem to remember them making a fizzy electrical crackly noise. Hmmm, probably not good.

Geoff and I went to a company holiday party. Free food. Free drinks. Big giveaways. I loved being out in the world with my handsome husband. We found a comfy couch to share and watched hundreds of people swirl, whirl, twirl and mingle, we grabbed some Cracker Jacks for the kids, posed for a digital, green screen photo-op, then we went back to relieve Holly and Rich from babysitting our four.

Did I mention I made bourbon pecan cake? And William has been asking whether there will be tamales this Christmas. I guess my vague responses were what prompted his offer to help this year. Help? Awesome. I am totally inspired to make tamales with my son's help.

It works!! Do you know the dread of wandering in the cyber world without a flashlight or guide? I am sighing. I am really relieved to see that I didn't delete everything or cut myself out of the system.

Note the label at the bottom: "Gratitude." Those set up subject files, so you can find topics in Chickenblog. Cool. After years of blogging I know sorting things by subject would be nice.

As I was saying before, I woke up early and my head was buzzing with deep, bright thoughts and mostly lots of gratitude. It isn't early now, considering all the cooking and cleaning I need to do, but I do want to say my thank-yous. Thank you for...

my family... especially my husband and children
my friends
my pets
shelter
my cowgirl boots
aloe vera
DVR
HDTV... no, I'm not shallow... these are the modern wonders!
our health
my car
the rosemary I rooted from the Treehouse
the smell of Thanksgiving
my children's friends and teachers
my new dress
my camera
our green bed and the comfy quilts I sleep under
anticipation
Christmas music
the peace that surrounds us, and I pray it spreads.

At 4 a.m. I was full of bright thoughts and eager to share them, but Blogger has a new arrangement with Google and I have been waiting to see whether the changes are going to work. For the last 3 hours I was afraid I had locked myself out of Chickenblog for keeps... so let's see if this still works...

I thought backing off on Chickenblog would be good for something... maybe distancing myself, maybe shutting up, maybe having more time to play online games... but I miss sorting out events, recording the daily doings, goings and showings. I realize the kids like the regular reflections on where we've been and the interesting points along the way. Blogging is sometimes trivial, sometimes whiney or shallow, but as I cruise the archives at Chickenblog I have found that blogging has also been a time capsule of our highs and lows. Chickenblog keeps track of good times and reflects on what we have done with our days and months. I like that I can be reminded that we had chickens and we were snowed in on a roadtrip, that we saw bison, elk, prairie dogs and redwoods. We oversaw the construction of a swimming pool, we ice skated at the beach and rapelled Stonewall Peak.

I haven't blogged much lately and perhaps a year from now it will seem like that there was a gap in our lives, a lull. No lull here! We've been very busy, but I haven't been writing and I miss it.

If you weren't here, then you missed the party. Okay, the party wasn't actually Here, because it rained here, so we moved to one of Max's favorite restaurants to celebrate his 8th birthday. Holly and Isabella were there and so were Rich and Nick, and Adam and Alex and William, Geoff and Maria and Me. We feasted, and Max opened his presents, and then we went to a park to light up the volcano cake and play the grabby game. It seems that when we plan a party and decorate the night before it causes climatic changes, but fortunately Max was able to overcome his disappointment and go with the new game plan, so I think we can call the event a success.

In a few days, when it is Max's actual birthday, Alex plans to make a second volcano cake... our volcano cakes are original and quite impressive, but we accept that there is room for improvement. We like the dry ice effect, but we need to adjust the natural disaster look. And later this month, when Tutu and Grampa Corm are here, we will make another attempt at having a Mt. Tiki-Soki sprinkler party with tiki bar and pizza... just for the thrill of it.

I enjoy sharing family news, but I am once again confronted with the two-headed beast of frustration: 1. I don't feel like I am reaching very many people, because I am either boring, or people don't care, or people don't know about Chickenblog. 2. I feel like there are some very strong subjects I want to address and I am not really opening up about a number of key topics affecting us. I realize not all subjects should be discussed over the internet. I had hoped that there could be more feedback, more dialogue, more reader response at Chickenblog... and thankfully there are a few people that exchange comments with me. I'm just thinking outloud... life is opening a lot of new and unsettling truths and maybe I just need to go find a couch and talk to someone. Sorry if I've made you uncomfortable, I'll post pictures later.

Questions...

1. Are our personal dreams more important than daily responsibilities?
2. Can a person live *freely* if they depend on other people's resources?
3. Should we be true to our own needs at the expense of others?
4. Does Diet Coke have more caffiene than regular Coke?

I was lost in a link to link to link explore of the internet. Maria was sleeping in my arms, which is my justification for sitting on my asset for an hour and forty-five minutes. There are a lot of blogs out there. "A lot" being some huge, incomprehensible number. Interesting: When you find an artsy blog and then visit their links, you are very likely to find many other 'artsy' blogs. Most of them are kept by pretty women about thirty years old, educated, just starting families or so fabulously hip their friends and dog/cat/new car serve as a family. Many of them wear dark rimmed glasses, take amazing photos, and have creative names/ideas/lives/personalities etc... Lasting impression on me?: There are many talented, expressive people blogging and making art. Wow. Strangely though, there are so many voices, views, flavors and styles that very little seems particularly unique... even though all of them are original and unique. It's as though: "A point in every direction is like no point at all."

I tried to stop blogging because I felt pointless. That didn't last. I can still feel pointless, but there remains an irresistable compulsion to say something. Print something. Capture feelings, thoughts, self and other. Hmmmm. So much to ponder.

Enjoy... not martha

Vegan Lunch Box... there's so much out there. I was going to write about the immunization cards once again spontaneously disappearing, and about how much work is not getting done, even though I am working. Forget it.

Guess what... Maria is walking. Yup. She took her sweet time about it, but as I suspected she's a natural. She simply had to decide that she wanted to walk. Today she has been cruising all over the house. She moves so smoothly it's almost like floating. Her balance is refined and graceful, which is not the typical image of a new walker.

I keep thinking that Chickenblog has run its course. It began in a faraway place, a long time ago. Maybe it just needs to go on hiatus. I don't even know what hiatus means, but if it means take time off to regroup and find new purpose, then it's the right word. In the beginning I was not sure what blogging was for. Sometimes it seems like the right vehicle for getting across a message, sharing some news, but most recently it's felt somewhere between useless and self absorbed. There are millions of blogs out there. So many photos and words and opinions, talents, views, gifts, and useless things too. I think I need to step back for a while. I'll sit quiet for a bit, then I'll probably be overcome by the irresistable urge to spout deep thoughts and other musings...

Okay. If I am going to "blah, blah, blah" and express every other emotional spark that crosses my threshold, then I guess I'd better be prepared to explain myself.

1. I am not depressed. I do get severely bummed, but in an explicable, non-chemical-imbalance kind of way.

2. I agree, Chickenblog should not be my public forum for all my dirty laundry and unseemly thoughts voiced aloud.

3. I disagree. Chickenblog is a perfectly suitable place for me to let it all hang out... we all need an outlet for our issues and stresses... for some it's coffee, then gin, or coffee and gin, for some it's running, shopping, manicures, or online poker, the perfect lipstick, yoga... Writing about my fears and disappointments, worries, wrinkles, gray hairs, backed-up sinks, and other daily grime is a means of managing reality, and it never overrides the predominate feeling of awe, wonder, gratitude and amusement I feel about my life.

4. Darn. I don't have a fourth point, but I really felt like I was on a role, and having a fourth point seemed like the best way to make my insights legitimate.

5. My mom made a point... next time I feel slighted I need to address the issue head on, so I don't let it fester (my words, not hers) and stagnate and spill-over and make me feel pitiful and small and unworthy and confused... something like that.

6. William just told me there will be a sequel to Elf. Elf 2! 2007! See? Life is a balance. And now, even though Maria has a mystery rash, El Nopalito burned down and I still haven't found the nerve to call Bob the landlord, I feel happy, optimistic, hopeful, encouraged.

I was away for awhile. Did you miss me?

First I Googled "How to stop being bitter."

Then I looked for other blogs. There are millions. Most of them are more sophisticated than mine. A Bored Housewife in Utah posts artistic photographs of her cleavage, and wears jewelry in her nose. Plus her house looks really clean. Not just surface clean, but genuinely sanitary, organized. Another woman is enjoying literally thousands of visitors to her blog. She says she's a 'geek' and wants to 'explore geek subjects like internet marketing.'

My Google search for petty emotions yielded several gossip sites and an article about weddings and how they make people jealous.

So, I wasn't actually away, gone. I was just surfing the w.w.w. After awhile of slipping from one link to another... from Utah to New Hampshire, to New Jersey then to Amsterdam, you start to feel like you have left your own corner of the world. I did. I felt far away.

Where am I?
Looking for Chicken Blog on Google resulted in about 3,000,000 chicken blog links in 0.13 seconds, and I can tell you the first 150 were not my Chicken Blog.

It is strange to delve in to the Chicken Blog archives, back in time when there were Chickens to blog about. In the beginning I did not know what to write or why, but Geoff was persuasive, so in I dove. And I have written quite a bit, since, but sometimes I still hesitate and ask 'why?' Apparently there are at least 3 million other people out there with something chicken related to share...

I can share this: Max loved his birthday party. He told me as much at least 4 times. He said it was fun. He said he had a good time. He said it was a good party.


Time passes, children grow, chickens come and go, but we are having a good time.

Someone posted a comment on a friend's blog: 'another mommyblog... blah, blah, blah.' Harsh. There are people like that; people that dismiss what they don't understand, people that choose to ridicule what they have no appreciation for. And what is the point of criticizing something you don't know about or even have the interest to learn about?

Of course it still made me feel self-conscious about my Mommyblog. Am I 'blah, blah, blah?' Maybe yes. Maybe I am only thinking out loud, or taking meticulous notes about the daily rituals and passages in a mundane life. The state of my hamper is not nearly as compelling as the suspense of watching the housing bubble inflate, or debating the pros and cons of boycotting France. I rarely spare my time to ponder the lyrics of the latest rap artist or to rant over the overexposure of Brad and Angelina.

I wonder... if more of us took care of our own children, our own spouses, our own gardens, our neighbors and friends, and if we focused on compassion and encouragement... I wonder if life wouldn't be a bit nicer? I don't mean mindless-smileyfaced nice, but nice in a considerate, thoughtful, and supportive way. Nice in a way that friends in need feel they can turn to us for help. Nice in a way that a discouraged child knows that love at home is unconditional. Nice in the way that camping in your own backyard is an adventure delightful enough to make your summer vacation the best ever.

I want to think and write about the greater world, but right now I am a Mommy, and I mean to immerse myself in my Mommy life. Mommies have influence and power, great responsibility and tremendous potential for making life nice. Mommyblogs are for families and friends, for people in similar circumstances and drawing on each other for encouragement, inspiration, humor, for sharing experiences great and small.

Maria is sleeping. She is content and cute. William is working on his homework for his programming class. Alex, Max and their friend Adam are checking out the robot Alex and Geoff have been building. And I am getting ready to make lunch. It's a nice day.

Warning: Whiner Ahead.

Geoff has been home lately, and consequently my space at the computer has been invaded. He's updated software. He's been mucking with all the dials and buttons, and my comfort zone is completely gone. It takes me a long time to figure out how to operate programs and make things on the computer work. I don't figure any of it out with natural geek intuition. Understanding software and navigating the secret passages and backdoors of the computer world is way difficult and foreign, and frustrating.

I can't rename photos and export them as jpgs anymore, because he changed Something. I can't work on my movie project, because he changed Something. I can't post pictures to Chicken Blog, because I can't export them, because he changed Something (technically this is not a third problem, but I am trying to get whiner mileage from the first complaint.) It's not fair to shake my fist at Geoff. If it weren't for him I would not have any computer opportunities, but if he had not changed Something, I would be productive right now instead of cranky. I'm so cranky that a small pain is spreading from between my eyes to the back of my neck.

The small pain may also be coming from other frustrations of my own creation, but the problems we make are never as satisfying to whine about as the problems we are the victims of. I am a victim of good food, and an ample supply of it; it's made me overweight. I am a victim of material possessions; our stuff is all over the house and not keeping itself in order. I am a victim of hormones; strands of my hair are falling out and I find them everywhere, reminding me of getting older, and balding.

One more thing: Geoff and I haven't been to our old neighborhood, together, for fun, since we moved. We went to our favorite feed store/ice cream saloon yesterday. Our neighbors have horses and like ice cream so it seemed like a fun excursion to make with them. We were enjoying the ambiance and sharing some ice cream when Duke and his daughter Donna walked into the saloon. Duke is the man that bought El Rancho, our former home, and his daughter kept our Chicas. They are very nice people, but it was a little awkward for us, because Geoff and I are shy people, and because they are living in the house that we worked very hard to make a home and then chose to sell for a higher purpose, which has turned out to make finding a new home unexpectedly difficult. Alex whispered in my ear to ask about the Chicas. He wanted to know how our hens, Gracie, Rosie and Luna were doing. With reverence and apology, Duke explained that one at a time, since early in December, they had been taken by coyotes.

This is Chicken Blog and those dear, silly hens were the inspiration for a lot of joy and fun. There is a great deal I can think to say about their significance to me, but it's the very affection and regard that I had for them that makes me silent.

Last night, during a brief spell of insomnia, I remembered that I used to write about chickens. I used to post images of chicken shaped pancakes. Baby's crying. Gotta go.

I just tried Googling "Ginormous Tin" just out of curiosity. There were more than 600 sites that included the phrase "Ginormous Tin," including this one: Feet Firmly Planted: 12/01/2004 - 12/31/2004 It's a Blog. I'll have to check it out. We may be kindred spirits.

Hmmm... I thought I could publish a movie link, but it ain't working.

It might as well still be 3 in the morning; my brain is behaving in delayed mode.

Okay.

That's about it for me.

Oh. Supposedly I am going to a baby shower... for the girlfriend of a nice guy that plays tennis with Geoff.

?!! How do we get in these situations?

I am still trying to get comfortable with the new system for posting images. There are more steps to go through, and I am obliged to learn codes!


Check out this cloud looming in the east county, August 17. We get these great formations, but still no rain. At least now the weather is cooling. Yesterday a crisp, brown leaf rolled across the pavement, and I was overcome with great emotion for Fall.

Hey. Check me out: I'm blogging from my Blackberry (patch)!


In my mom and Ron's backyard are juicy blackberries.

Geoff gave me a "posting images refresher course." And Holly gave me a whole new look to go with the new format. It's still my hen Luna, but she's looking sassy and modern. Thanks Holly.


I did it! I did it! I did it!
Here is Max climbing dunes at Bullards State Beach.
He's happy!


Here are William, Alex and Max. Also happy!

It's just so shiny and new! If it weren't for Geoff's experience and determination this technological advancement would not be possible for me. I would be more likely cross stitching my musings on dish towels, than deciphering codes and networks.

Give me a few days, or a succesful morning, and I will figure out the new set up for posting pictures. Geoff showed me and he wrote some notes too, so I may be able to share more than Coos Bay Farmer's Market radishes. He also arranged it so I can post video links. Look for a "clip" button in the near future, then witness small, grainy video footage of us.

I am excited about the prospect of hearing from people through the comments feature. I already heard from someone that had fallen below my radar. Julie of the Northwest: I hope to hear more from you.

Aunt Carol answered my questions. I literally had a basket of very small pink, purple and delicate girly clothes waiting for their first ride through the spin cycle, but I needed counseling about soap. I know better than to wash precious little things with area rugs and four boys' shorts. I guess I will look into the cleansing powers of Ivory Flakes or Dreft. It was reassuring to hear that early baby preparedness is not uncommon, and that the real power is with Hilary Clinton. I really miss Aunt Carol.

In Vanity News: I found a better looking pair of jeans. They are definitely slimming and more stylish. I fit in my old favorite pair of jeans. They accomodate loosely, like a comfortable slumber bag, butt they do not make the "most" of shapely me (they apparently make "more" of shapely me.) The new jeans are form fitting and look good, and are really, really uncomfortable after about 27 minutes (something you can't realize in the Baby Gap fitting room.) The wide band across my abdomen feels yucky, plus they have to be hoisted up from slipping down... Yesterday, on NPR there was a report about the significance of Blogging in journalism. They obviously have not found Chicken Blog or they would not have questioned the informative and insightful usefullness of Blogs.

Behold: The All New and Improved: Chicken Blog!

Your patience is appreciated while we figure out all the goodies and features. With some reservations we have added comments, which at this point I cannot edit, so hopefully no strangers will be crude or rude.

Also, we have new hope: Ant Killer

They (Blogger.com) have removed the little icon that links me to my catalog of exported photos. In the "Help" section they describe an elaborate sequence that is meant to instruct me on how to post pictures the new way. I want the little icon. I want "click" and the comfort of all I knew and trusted. Now I am confused and locked out.

I have learned that an effective means of learning computer tricks is to play with the computer. If you play around and explore a bit you are likely to learn a few secrets. William, Alex and Max explore the computer with the ease of children in a toy store. They are learning all the methods and means of programming and trouble shooting. They speak Geek, and practice Geek cultural habits. They move from site to site to site, and from program file to program file, with the confidence of a local resident. I am still a tourist. So long as I stay on the main streets and avoid the tap water, I can manage in the cyber world. But when my precious and tattered guide book becomes outdated, then I am woefully lost. When I attempt to wander and explore I find myself at the same fork in the road, but tired and frustrated.

There is one subject on which I can speak with certain and confirmed authority: Science and health. Though I cannot find the medical reference to back my claim, I am quite sure that I can trace the source of my fog and diminished cerebral clarity. It begins in my uterus. There, in the comfort, safety and mystery of my womb, another human being is taking form. She has developed limbs and ears, eyes and bones. Her muscles are stregthening, as she twirls and kicks in her nightly dance. And she has an appetite. She feeds on olives and cantaloup, chicken tacos, apricots and asparagus. There she is in my uterus, all linked up with her life line, the umbilical cord. And somewhere, in a spot, still undetected, the umbilical cord travels, discreetly and directly to my brain. Yes, like her brothers before her, she has linked up to my own brain and she is draining off whatever remains of my cognitive prowess. No doubt she will finish off the last of my brilliance when I breast feed her for 2 1/2 years.

I need a little nap.

What's wrong:

A subcutaneous goliath is pushing it's way to the surface of my face. It calls out in a foreboding drawl: "I am a large pimple, and I will emerge in time for Thursday's dinner party where you will sit in bright light and in close proximity to beautiful people." Perhaps the pimple will detract attention from the swollen mosquito bites I have been exhibiting on my face.

I have reached the outer limits of my computer skills, and unless I spend 9 weeks in a community college seminar, I may never get to free up more memory for iMovie, or resolve the mystery of not being able to access private images on Chicken Blog. Not sure which is more depressing: My dependancy on email, the internet, and iMovie/iDVD, or my ignorance of computer maintenance + lack of resolve to change.

My resolve to stay home has slipped, again. We're flying to Chicago and driving to Wisconsin. I want to BE there, but flying is not my sport. Really, really do not like to fly. Don't like to think about flying. Must think of something other than flying...

I can't dance.

There's a recurring smell at the front door. It's not a good smell. We don't know the cause.

On average, 9 out of 10 emails I receive are for antidepressants, sex enhancers, mortgages, and weight loss pills. Sometimes I want to proofread and correct them.

Okay. Today's blog is all about: How much can I write before my computer has a seizure and commands me to shut it down. So far so good. For a week now I have not been able to doing any surfing of internet, checking of mail or anything computer related with my computer. It's been almost like an imposed Lent. And if I had to think up somehting that would be a really, really big thing to abstain from it would be writing and playing with iPhoto.

This is somehow stressful...writing and anticipating being cut-off at any moment...naturally, the computer has chosen to cooperate, and I may be lulled in to a false sense of security and actually try to accomplish somthing meaningful...THEN I would be shut out and all my precious work would be fried in the cyber pit of doom.

And now that I am being granted time to write, I cannot think of anything to say. I am tired of campaign ads. I am looking forward to the Oscars, but I have no particular favorites. William's ankle is back to being messed up. He twisted it badly in Hawaii and we thought it was healing okay, but now it has *popped* and won't straighten. Definitely going to have that looked at. Geoff took my car to tennis and now I have to think of domestic projects to accomplish, rather than behave as though going to the market is crucial...My cousin sent us the Avon answer to bug bites, which was super thoughtful of her and timely, since Alex is getting bit when he plays in the yard. One of his bites blistered and swelled like a huge grape...then it broke and the skin clung to the *especially made for blisters Band-Aid* I bought. Sad, and painful.

So why is my beloved Mac dying and forcing me to shut her down with alarms blaring, and then when I dare to publish a blog, which I anticipate will be a brief update, suddenly everything is fine?

I did get to make a slide show from the wedding pictures of James and Deanne's wedding, and for that I am extremely grateful. But I am a greedy non-techy woman, and I expect a computer to function always. My work chews through memory like a kid with a box of Captain Crunch, and I NEED to check email often. How else am I to know that there are plenty of caring citizens eager to sell me sex drugs, and home mortgages.

This machine hasn't let me do a damn thing for more than 1.75 minutes at a time, and now?! I could have written something beautiful.

Last Blog from the Rancho...well, I can't say this is anything like I imagined. We have lost our belt of clear sky, and all around is a murky and ashen fog. I feel keenly in tune and yet completely oblivious. Reality has reached a level a surrealism that is interfering with my senses. I do not want to drive away. I do not want to believe we have reached a point of certain danger. I do not want to accept a probability of loss. Damn. I'm stubborn.

Anne asked whether there will still be a Chicken Blog. Yes, I will still sit at a computer and think deep thoughts and share little bits of this and that. I will still wear my boots and hat, and dig in a garden. And I will look forward to a day when I can raise chicks again.

Thanks to everyone that wrote or called about Nena, and about the fires, and about our big changes. Stay in touch.

Brain catching up with reality: I'll need a new Chicken Blog introduction. Something like: "You are visiting Chicken Blog: Deep thoughts and other musings from a woman who writes about the man she loves, their 3 sons, 3 cats, and their life in a home with rent due." Hmmm...perhaps by tomorrow we will have found our new view. No sense rushing these things.

This is not easy for me, but I have finally managed to return to the laptop and throw some more links on the page. Some time ago Geoff showed me how it's done, so it was also necessary for me to strain my brain and recall all the necessary moves.

This fellow Blogger, and chicken fan, found Chicken Blog in a Google search: Gator's Chicken Coup! Check out her lovely chicas. Alex is inspired to add to our flock.

When I first started researching hen houses and chicken coops I stumbled across these fun loving Aussie comics at Winsome Ridge. I want to write to them and thank them for affirming my dreams of being a "rancher!" Go straight to "Meet The Family," for a taste of their humor and affection.

Here are more Chicken sites I have enjoyed visiting: For coop inspiration. And to meet another chicken fan. Ever visit a hatchery?

Say, I think I've got this figured out! Learning feels good.

The other thing I should be attempting is making more links to other websites, articles and fascinating tidbits. The speed bump to this endeavor is that the Mac doesn't carry the format for making the links and the laptop does, but I seldom ever use the laptop, which is slower and less familiar to me. When reading other Blogs, I always appreciate discovering interesting sites and ideas through their links.

We have mixed feelings about posting pictures of our children on the internet. Perhaps you believed I only photograph cats, daffodils, chickens and original Sponge Bob art, but we are just trying to be discreet. Last night Geoff added yet another technical ingenuity to our already fabulous Chicken Blog. And if you haven't figured it out already, it is semi-sorta secure. You gotta know the username and password. Email me and I will clue you in, or test your knowledge of our past: Where did Geoff and I date, and marry? We spent at least 24 anguished minutes thinking and debating the merits or short falls of dozens of passwords. I vetoed 'dead/aging pets' names.'

I need to figure out a better resolution for the photos. Too big and they take forever to download. Too small and Alex looks cross eyed. I may just revert to sending family pictures through email and continuing to publish pictures of carrots, limes and hencakes for all the world to see.

Welcome to our fancy new feature! We can discreetly post family pictures, to be seen only by members of the inner circle, and hackers who can figure out the user name and password. Send me an email and I will send you the password.

My next ambition for Chicken Blog is to post links and create a page for reader comments. Really this means hoping Geoff has some free time to decipher all the Blogger techno language and to then install it somewhere in Chicken Blog. The result will be that I can share and You can share too.

As it is, whenever I try to make a web page link it doesn't light up and become 'linkable.' Very disappointing. A prompt for reader comments would be nice, because then...assuming there are readers...people could add their views or correct my spelling, whatever, and the remarks would pop up in the Blog. Neat, huh? The future is bright.

Much coughing and nose blowing from me. No more fever or bone grinding body aches. My favorite torture of being bed ridden sick is the time spent horizontal imagining all that I could be doing if only I were healthy. If I were healthy...I would clean the garage, heat and clean the pool, organize the pantry, drive to Capitola, finish hula lessons, finish a quilt and start another, sign up with a personal trainer and make a plan, clear the spice cabinet, turn the compost, prune the roses, read and discuss "Romeo and Juliet" with the boys, get a facial, get a haircut, do sit ups every morning, put photos in albums, burn cds of road tunes to carry in the Odyssey, take down the Christmas lights from the front porch, get passports, touch up the house paint, call a piano tuner, learn to knit, plant some trees, pull some weeds, mail Lily's fox tail (which I just found,) buy rabbit feed, make our bedroom look beautiful...
ambitious sick woman.

"Why I Married Sponge Blog"

Have I formally introduced my husband? He is the genius inside the sponge, my life and delight. He couldn't bear the technological void in my Chicken Blog, and so he pushed some buttons (technical stuff) and: Ta Da! Chicken Blog is a bigger, better and illustrated site. And, I might add, what a superb "sparingly sprinkled" choice he made for the first published image.

Well, a picture may be worth many words, but I will add just a few more: This is Geoff, with Max, in Wisconsin, on Halloween. Needless to say, we did eventually make it out of Custer State Park.

Someone asked 'what is a chicken blog?' It had not occurred to me before, but 'chicken blog' does sound like a term for some sort of chicken act or deposit. We do get little chicken 'blogs' on the sidewalks, so careful where you step. But a blog is someone's log posted on the web and published by a server called Blogger or Blogspot. There are thousands of other logs posted. Blogger formats and posts the websites for people. Mine is the no frills, free publication, but there are other more elaborate blogs with links, and graphics. I am geek dependent, and rely on Geoff to do my technical support, and in exchange I remind him what month this is and where we keep the Christmas lights, stuff like that.

Another point someone made is that the "e-mail me" button doesn't have my actual address installed. Initially, I left it blank, because I was too much of a wuss to want to hear responses, or worse yet to see there were no responses. This morning I tried to set it up, a daring act technically and emotionally. Unfortunately, technical support has already left for the office. Anyone compelled to responded to Chicken Blog, please write to me at: layaya@sbcglobal.net

There was an inquiry about the men working here; no, they have not been "checking me out." When I speak of "my cupcakes," I do not flatter myself. I have actually been practicing shameless acts of baking bribes and trying to keep the crew working, without succumbing to heat exhaustion, by passing out popsicles. The men are guilty of some bragging, being patronizing and breaking a few pipes, but they are otherwise respectful gentlemen.

The swimming pool update is somewhat discouraging: they aren't done. Well, I didn't really expect them to be done yet, but work has come to a grinding halt and the woman who schedules the crews says she can't have the next group out until after the 8th of July. The plumbers and electricians are supposed to come next, and then we get inspected. After that comes gunite (the concrete), then plaster and tile. By all accounts, the closer we come to being finished the slower the work gets done. In the meantime, the landscapers, who work very fast, are going to be stalled by the open trenches Mission Pools has left for the gas, water and electrical lines. Hopefully they can stay occupied finishing the retaining wall and begining to install irrigation in other parts of the yard. Mission Pools has too much of our money already to be influenced by my cupcakes!