Summer 2009

Boom

Twelve years ago today I was in Israel on study abroad. I started the day with a security brief (which happened weekly). Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was coming to help with the peace talks and tension was high. At this point I did not have a personal connections to the conflict. I had only been in the country for 10 days. All I knew is that I want to explore an Israeli part of town. It was an area that had a European feel to it and seemed very cool. At the security brief we were advised not to go to the area of town that was on my agenda. They did not say that we could not go, only that it might be a good idea not to go. I was very reluctant to change my plans but I did. Instead of doing some shopping my friends and I went to the Holocaust Museum. It was when I came out of the children exhibit that I hear a boom, boom, boom. This was not an uncommon sound but the feeling in the air was unsettling. At that time I did not understand what I had heard or what was happening. It took about five minuets for word to spread around the museum. Three suicide bombers had been on the street where I was planning on shopping. They had killed seven and injured over hundred people. The taxi ride across town to the Jerusalem Center was confusing and chaotic. We were the last students to make it back. We went straight into the do an official role call. Brother Peterson (the director) had to see the face of every student. When he called the last name he begin to weep. This was one of many life experiences that reminds me life is short. You never know when it will all change. It is too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stuff and forget to live.

Cucumber

It is crazy how time flys. But then again, I think I get stuck in a time warp every time i step into my office. I can't think to get it all done. In the efforts to get things accomplished I put my head down and press on. As I walked into my office the other day, I found a very large vegetable on my desk. For a few minuets my life slowed and I remembered way I am working with kids. One of my former students had left me a Arminian Cucumber. It was in the shape of a big smile. Latter that day I ran into to him in the hall and he said "Miss. Densley, did you find my cucumber? I thought it would put a smile on your face."

I think I could live on this one for a few weeks. Who know that something so simple could make me feel so good about life.

P.S. I would have taken a picture of it, but it was surveyed for dinner before I could snap it.

Cape Cod

Forgotten side yard, no more.

The south side of the yard has always been a bit tragic. I came up with a grand plan to change the tragedy into a little bit of beauty. It was a major undertaking. I enlisted the help from my good buddy Travis. It was a two part deal. We first had to remove the grass and build the boxes. I made Travis work in the dark and the rain but after 16 hours the area was preped. After a little recuperation (two weeks or so), Travis helped me build protection for my plants. Thats right protection. Last years I did not get even one tomato. Between the deer and squirrels there was no hope. This year is going to be different.

Targhee 2009

I have started a new love affair with imovie. It is alot of fun!!! It must be if I am going to post twice in one month, let alone day.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Winds of Change