17.5 %

This is what I learned today : Ethiopian wheat accounts for 17.5 % of the areas grain production. Maize, Sesame seed, and Haricot bean make up the rest of the major grain categories. I learned this because Sam brought it up as a random question. I had to know so, first thing this morning I got online and began looking into the matter and found out that wheat production is, in fact, a great big deal in Ethiopia; That steps are actively being taken to try and increase output. There is the matter of a small inside kind of a thing that made Sam and I very happy to find out about this, and it is not innaccurate to say that this small piece of information afforded us happiness. As an aside, I hope as hard as I can that production of all their crops does increase. There is hardly a more deserving place.

What I like about me...

This is an exercise in learning to genuinely loving myself. I am finding those things about myself that I like, and putting them here. I don't know how many I can list, but I am hopeful and who knows? Maybe this list will grow over time.

1. My creativity.

2. My ability to take in knowledge.

3. My curiosity.

4. That I can dance the "Hustle".

5. That I can play the piano.

6. That I can make others laugh.

7. That I write well.

8. My vocabulary.

9. That I can love people so easily.

10. My hair.

11. That I have an ear for music.

12. That I can sympathise with others easily.

13. That I am a sensualist.

14. My large eyes even if they are brown.

15. That I can sew.

16. Having large breasts.

17. I am a good cook.

18. That I find interest in nearly everything.

19. That I am good at comforting others.

20. I can be a good friend.

100 things

1oo things that make me happy...


1. Spending time with my Daddy Penguin (a.k.a Sam...) and our demon spawn.

2. Reading

3. Cheesy movies.

4. Rich, creamy, comfort food style foods.

5. Off beat stores.

6. Painting.

7. Crocheting.

8. Trees.

9. Ice cold glass bottles of Coca ~ Cola.

10. Antiques.

11. Books.

12. Playing my piano.

13. Gardening.

14. Cooking new things.

15. Making gifts for people. ( Especially my kids.)

16. Birds.

17. Teas.

18. Pretty dishes.

19. Cloth table cloths and napkins.

20. Shopping.

21. Thrift stores and yard sales.

22. The smell of coffee.

23. Glow in the dark stars.

24. One of a kind things to put in my home.

25. The smell of candles and incense mingled together.

26. Autumn.

27. Flowers.

28. Sewing.

29. Sketching.

30. Old houses.

31. Silver soup spoons.

32. Yoga.

33. Festivals.

34. The sound of rain hitting the roof.

35. Staying snuggled deep in the bed in the wintertime.

36. Kisses.

37. Embraces.

38. Holidays.

39. Pretty bottles.

40. Handmade soaps.

41. Gooey oatmeal with LOTS of brown sugar and butter.

42. Statues.

43. Velvet.

44. Tall shoes.

45. Giant bacon cheeseburgers.

46. Earl Grey.

47. Romping sex.

48. Socks.

49. Arm warmers.

50. An inviting home.

51. Pretty porches.

52. Eating outdoors.

53. Long baths with a book.

54. Music boxes.

55. Vintage kitchen gadgets.

56. chandeliers.

57. Tiffany hanging lamps.

58. Sparklers.

59. Classic books.

60. The moon.

61. Going to new places.

62. Comfortable, overstuffed furniture.

63. Crisp mornings.

64. Leaves.

65. Believing in faeries, and Earth spirits.

66. Funny tv shows.

67. Good music.

68. Garden centers.

69. Laying outside somewhere with a book.

70. Craft stores.

71. Art exhibits.

72. Museums.

73. Going for walks.

74. Old cemetaries.

75. Following our family trees.

76. Trying out new resteraunts.

77. Starry nights.

78. Marching bands.

79. Ivy, honeysuckle, morning glories, and moon flowers.

80. History.

81. Philosophy.

82. Cool picture frames...preferably old ones.

83. Buying unique art.

84. Becoming inspired to just make something and then loving the end result.

85. Rescuing kittens, puppies, and whatever else I find.

86. Teaching things to people.

87. Cooking for company.

88. Rich body butters.

89. The smell of fresh laundry.

90. Board games.

91. Live music.

92. Dressing in costumes.

93. Downy, cotton bedding.

94. Essential oils.

95. Indulging in good makeup and other body care products.

96. Reading good cook books.

97. Fireplaces.

98. Swings.

99. Singing.

100. Writing pens and ink.

There is more, so I think I may do another list at a later date. For now, this will do. A good starting point for bringing a bit more happiness, and indulgence into my life.

Today was the first day of school for my youngest son, and this is the second year of school for my oldest child. That means that again I have been faced with the wrenching one experiences when they are at that moment they turn to leave their kid. And with strangers no less. Nonetheless, he was so terribly excited and this is so important to him... such a big day in his life. So, while I reassured him that he would certainly be missed, I emphasised heavily how excited that we, his family, all are for him. I want this to be all about him without such a tiny person concerning himself about a crying mama. It would be selfish of me otherwise.

Meanwhile, my baby girl and I are embarking on a day just for us. A tea party, dressing up in all our feathered finery, playing with makeup and hair, as well as pedicures will round out most of what we will do for today. It is going to be sooo much fun. Just a good, goofy kind of a day. She is a sweet kid and terrific company. A day definitely worth anticipating, and enjoying.