ideas observations

Questions About the Microbiome

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the microbiome … all the microorganisms that hang out in and around human beings, many of which don’t (necessarily) kill us. A number of articles about the microbiome have come to my attention recently, including this one that makes me think Charles Schultz’s character Pigpen was an accurate representation of human beings.  My sister-in-law shared this YouTube video, “Live Dirty, Eat Clean! Why The Microbiome Is The Future of…

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olio

Olio – August 27, 2015

Olio: a miscellaneous collection of things The internet is such a treasure trove of wonderful things that sometimes I just have to share. (Seeing how much other folks share via social media channels, I am not alone in this.) First up, a powerful video shared by a friend on Facebook. In it, Francine Christophe relates a story from her days spent as a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp. It’s amazing how much humanity can…

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observations writing

Barely Managed Chaos

My husband Erik and I have been living a life of barely managed chaos since his dad, Art, died on August 16. We’re not alone in this roller coaster, whirlwind day-to-day. Erik’s mom, Jan, is there too, as is my co-worker, who lost her mom two weeks after we lost Art. As if massive grief from the loss of a loved-one isn’t enough, two close family members are in the process of moving (we’re helping…

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art

Purple Petunias to Soothe the Soul

Two days of physical labor preceded by a day that featured me giving a driving/walking tour and I’m bushed. My brain is numb and my muscles are begging for the comfort of bed. I am most assuredly feeling my age. I did manage a first today. After toiling away at hanging insulation and skipping lunch, I ate an entire frozen pizza (heated up, of course) by myself. Time for a soothing photo of purple petunias…

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reading

YOCR #13 – Constructive Wallowing & Let’s Be Less Stupid

I have finished my Loft online class, having learned some of the ins and outs of plotting stories and novels, and am returning to my Year of Creative Reading. I’ve recently completed two books, “Constructive Wallowing” by Tina Gilbertson and “Let’s Be Less Stupid” by Patricia Marx. “Constructive Wallowing” was a surprise find in a bin at the Goodwill in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The book looked brand new and only cost me $1.50. It was…

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