the start of a good life

Well, the weather has turned nicer here in Central Oregon and that has inspired me to start the seeds for my garden! I am going to buy a bag of dirt – does anyone else feel strange saying that??? – and head out to my mom’s this week to get them going. She has a ‘container’ that will be perfect for starting them.  Plus, my sister has said I can grab some strawberry plants that are taking over her garden area so I’ll be getting strawberries too (hopefully) this season! Exciting! I will share all about it as soon as I’ve actually done it – my week is full of doctor appointments (more on that later) so I am not sure when I will actually get out there to do it. But I can’t wait! I know, it’s probably a little late to start seeds, but I figure any time before it’s actually warm enough to just plant them outdoors, is a head start. Shrug. We will see how it goes!

As for the doctor appointments, I was recommended to a new doctor. . . and new doctors are not my favorite. I get all nervous and want to do anything but go! It’s so pathetic – especially with how many doctors I’ve been to over the years. Anyway, his name is Dr. Gillett  (http://www.alignedhealthcare.com/ ) and he’s a, how I term it, specialized chiropractor. So I’m heading to him this afternoon , and tomorrow, to see if he can help me with these migraines! I am hopeful but nervous. . . thank goodness my dear mom offered to go with me today (think she knows how I am about these things?). And then, later in the week, I am headed in to the eye doctor for an exam (since it’s been two years now) and to see about getting prescription sunglasses. Now this appointment, I am excited about. (not the exam part… I hate the puffer thing… shudder. I convulsively blink and it takes forever and ever… and then that light thing that looks like something is headed straight for your eyeball??? anyway.. you can see why I don’t go unless I have to) It will help relieve the stress my eyes go under every day that I step outside with the sun shining. I need very dark sunglasses since my eyes are so sensitive  to light  – thanks to the migraines – and I also need my glasses so my eyes don’t strain  going from close up to far away, so this could be so wonderful for my poor little eyes. I’ll keep you updated (because I know you all are sooooo interested in my eye situation haha)

I want to share something  else so exciting with you (and it has absolutely nothing to do with gardening or doctors!) Periodically I will have some fabulous photos here on The Start of a Good Life that are from my dear friend, Viktorija Girton, from  Laughing Tree Photography.    http://laughingtreephotography.com/   You will easily be able to tell which are hers just from the difference between her photos and mine!  ha, but  really, I am so excited that she has agreed to share her photos with me (and you!) and fill in some otherwise blank canvases with her great capturing of the world around us. I love this shot of these flowers. I almost want a print of it for my house, I love it that much!!  Go and check out her page and if you are in the NC area, have her capture your next event! (shameless plug for my friend there!)

Today’s post was really just to update you on those three things. I will let you know how today’s visit goes and how my forage into seed starting works out!

Happy Tuesday to you all – and don’t forget, this weekend is Memorial Day weekend! Plan something fun with your family – relax!

~Laura

Okay, I just found this online (through a friend!) and have to share it with you.  Click this link to check out this ad from 1974 for a small trailer that a Bug can pull! It is super cute and is now on my wish list.

http://joeforamerica.com/2014/05/votd-5-15-14/#BjfYGoRxgRHoYm3H.01

As you might know by now, I own a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. My parents gave it to me on my 16th birthday – and I drove it daily for years until I just couldn’t take the winters in it! It has been parked for a few years but now it is out again and I am loving driving it! My OH has even started driving it and enjoys it – which also makes me happy. 

Working on the Bug for the past 10 odd years has been so much fun – spending evenings and weekends in the garage with my dad.  Presents were of the car variety – new pedals, chrome parts, new upholstery, etc etc.  And I loved it – she has been ‘my baby’ , time and money money money spent on her. I don’t plan on ever selling her.

I hope you have a car – or something else – with similar memories and fun. Happy Driving!

 “THE MAN WHO DOES NOT READ GOOD BOOKS HAS NO ADVANTAGE OVER THE MAN WHO CAN’T READ THEM.”

– MARK TWAIN, ATTRIBUTED.

My OH and I were able to make a day trip up to Portland to see family/friends this past weekend – so much fun but so tired from it! ha. I splurged the next day and got a soy milk (even though I normally avoid it) chai tea. YUM. I forgot how much I love those. This weekend also marked the end of a ‘diet’ that I’ve been on this past month. The Fast Metabolism Diet. Whew. It was harder to get through than I thought it would be…. but more on that later.

And now, for our book review for the month of April!  . ( I know, I know, it’s May now but I know you’ll forgive me for being a day late!) I did a bit more reading this past month (yay!) and also more varied (another yay!) books too.

Frederic Wentworth – None but You by Susan Kaye –loved this book! I am saddened because the library doesn’t have its sequel. continues in his perspective, how he sees anne and the others around him. Brings in new friends that you quickly learn to love.   if you want to read my review on this – check out last months’ review —- https://thestartofagoodlife.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/book-review-march-2014/

The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomeroy – My naturopath/acupuncturist suggested I try this diet to help with all my crazy health issues. Thank goodness my mom went on this diet with me and it helped so much. I broke down and bought the book brand new – I think the last time  I paid full price for a book was when I was in culinary school. Ouch. But it is full of good advice and I love the ‘voice’ of Haylie. It is designed to speed up your metabolism, heal your thyroid and if there’s weight to lose, that too! It is a strict 28- day program where you cut out wheat, dairy, corn, sugar and basically anything else that might be processed, from your diet. With how fast I burn through food, I struggled a lot, having to eat every 2 hours! Now, while I love food and am used to eating frequently, this was a lot more frustrating for me being so hungry all the time. What I did gain from it, is that my digestion is better – not where it should be, but there’s a definite improvement. Which is nice. I also got corn out of my diet, which is something I have been wondering if I have an allergy to for quite a while now. So, while it didn’t help the migraine pain, I am glad I did it.  I am debating trying it for a week sometime this coming – or next – month to continue healing my digestion.

The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis – loved it  -I read this in three days! A delightful story of another adventure in Narnia. Eustace Scrubb gets back to Narnia with friend Jill Pole and go on a journey to find Prince Rilian, son of King Caspian the Tenth. Rilian has been kept captive by the Emerald Witch in an underground kingdom. Meetings with owls, giants and earthmen bring new characters into this series that is very imaginative.

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis -loved it loved it! In this wonderful end to the Narnia series, the threat comes from inside the kindgom. From lies and treason, the King and a small band of followers must prevent the destruction of everything that they hold dear.

The Yeast Connection by William G. Crook, M.D. – pretty good. very informative book on the health problems  that can be tracked to sensitivity to the ‘yeast germ candida albicans’, of people of all ages and sexes.

The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson –  this is another novel I randomly picked up years ago at a second-hand bookstore. This is my second time reading it and I enjoyed it even more this time. It is set in the historical time during the War of the Roses. We follow Dick Shelton as he must rescue his lady, Joanna Sedley. Through it all, he must join forces with the outlaws known as the black arrows in order to gain revenge against his guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley, who murdered his father. While it is full of old english words, that is part of its’ charm, I am continuously reaching for my phone (i.e. dictionary) to look up a word. This is a must read!!!

Rudin by Ivan Turgenev  – unexpected new favorite! I knew nothing about this book when I picked it up and found it delightful. Turgenev is a famous Russian author, and this was his first novel. It is based on the life of Rudin, a man with dreams and big words but is superfluous. Apparently this type of character whose inability to act was a staple of Turgenev’s.

True Devotion by Dee Henderson – favorite for years. Book one of the Uncommon Heroes series.  Kelly Jacobs has already loved and lost one Navy Seal, Joe ‘Bear’ Baker can’t ask her to risk going through that pain again.  But when the man responsible for Kelly’s husbands’ death is back , and closer than either of them realizes, Bear has to get there in time to save her. Now, this little explanation of this book does nothing for how wonderful it is!!! You simply must read this. I love Henderson’s stories. A little bit of suspense, mystery and faith makes this military romance novel a fun read.

I already have some of what I’m reading for May picked out – including the rest of the Dee Henderson series!  I’ve picked up a bible study titled the Heartache No One Sees by Sheila Walsh that I’m eager to start.

Well, I think I’m going to go take advantage of the summer-like weather and go walk the dog. Hope you enjoyed this list of worth-reading books!

Happy reading – and please, share what you’re reading right now in the comments below! I’d love to add some new books to my list !

~Laura

What a month! Whew!  Trip to Portland to see friends, impromptu walks at the dog park and my birthday! Yes, I love birthdays – I get like a little kid counting down.  I had such a fun birthday, I just kept the Tylenol and Aspirin handy at all times (one of the hazards of migraines right there). While I could tell that I overdid it on my actual birthday I was able to lay low the next day for the family birthday party we had the next night! So much fun. And because some stores are awesome, I got birthday treasures : free spice mix from the spice shop in the old mill, coupon for Ace Hardware (I’m going to get the runner for my drawer for my dresser, I am so tired of it being broken! augh to broken drawers in all my dressers) and I also got a coupon for World Market that I bought a new shower curtain with! I have been wanting one since we got married but as it wasn’t really a priority…

But with that fabulous coupon and a sale at the store, I was able to get one that ties together the floor mat and our dark blue towels. (insert the happiest silliest grin!) Now I am thinking of getting a mirror in there, and working on a photo gallery (not sure where that’ll end up in the house yet though.)

Well, just in case you can’t tell by my intro (snicker snicker) This is the Book Review Post. I must admit that most of what I read this month was novels… fantastic don’t-want-to-put-them-down novels but not near as much variety as I intended! I will have to make sure I plan better for next month….heh. yeah. like that’ll happen. . .

• Duty and Desire by Pamela Aidan  – yes yes, another repeat on here! This book is one of my favorites – and even though I thought I hadn’t read it, I really had. Not sure how I didn’t recognize the first part! I absolutely adore the way she introduces you to the other ‘side’ of the Pride and Prejudice story. Darcy decides to banish Elizabeth from his mind and heart and so accepts an invitation to Norwyck Castle – and intrigue and marital design and danger fill the time spent there.  His relationships with his sister , Georgianna, grows as she puts behind her the devastation brought on by Wickham.
• These Three Remain by Pamela Aidan – book 3 of the Darcy series. This book literally only took me a week to finish. I had such a hard time putting it down! After finding  Elizabeth in his Aunt’s parlor, he comes to realize he loves her and promptly proposes.Getting a thorough dressing down from her, he brews and stews in anger and pride.  Afterward,  Darcy undergoes an internal change – how he learns to give mercy and not see it as a weakness. His relationships with his sister , Georgianna and friends  help round out a fabulous cast to encourage him in his endeavor. The intrigue and a whole new set of characters that cross Darcy’s path are delightful, and through all three is his reliable butler, Fletcher, who I would LOVE to read a book of his background! Finishing the P&P story through Darcy’s eyes is fun and refreshing – the conversations between him and Elizabeth, Bingley and I believe even Mr. Bennet. This whole series is simply a delight to delve into.
• The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder, C.N.  – I randomly found this at the library, and while I won’t be following  the detox plan in it, I certainly learned a LOT about digestion and some new ways to look at what you eat. She found that food is the best beauty product – solve your breakouts, belly fat and coarse hair with what you eat. When your body has to work hard to digest what you’re putting in it, it can’t focus on the ‘non-essential’ tasks, like those mentioned above. Cutting out dairy, gluten, sugar, absolutely anything processed and meat if you’re so inclined, you can turn your health around, lose weight, sleep better and have more energy. There was some new-age sections in it, but I just skipped over it, to the food-focused areas. I actually had to return this to the library before I was done, but I did write some recipes down from the back of the book. Worth the read just for the health information.( You see the Women’s Running book there—- I have a confession to make, I was so engrossed in the novels, that I barely made it 15 pages in before it was due back to the library! Oops. Seems chock full of great information though)
• Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell – One of my favorites. I keep this one on my shelf here at the house (as opposed to the three shelves at my parents’ house  – thanks mom and dad!) so I can read it whenever I want.  After being widowed in a foreign country, Frederick Farmer bought a castle and turned it into a bed and breakfast – and her own hideout from the rest of the world.  When she stumbled on some diaries of a fifteen-century girl, she never dreamed how they would be the key to a second chance at life. When a well-known author comes to stay for the long term and she hires a graduate student studying the life of the author of the diaries of long–ago, she has no idea that she has just set the stage for romance and intrigue.  There is so much more I could tell you about this novel, but I don’t want to spoil the surprises! Let me just say that this book has a great combination of everything I love. A very unique story line with faith weaved in. this is a must read!
• God’s Appointed Times by Barney Kasdan – I pulled this out to read up on Passover (Pesach) for a future post here on ‘good life’  (look for it in a few weeks!). this book covers all the biblical holy days for the Jews.  It is written to both Jews and Christians – aware that both can learn so much from these days.   He covers Shabbat, Passover, Fristfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, The Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, Hannukah, Purim and more.  Each chapter covers  “historical background, traditional Jewish observance, relevance to the New Testament, prophetic significance, and a practical guide for believers including recipes, songs and crafts.” (quote from the back of the book) From first starting to date my OH, I borrowed this book as a holy day came up so I could better understand the significance. It is very well written and easy to understand. I love all the information for each appointed time

1. Frederick Wentworth, Captain – None But You by Susan Kaye – I found this one through the Darcy series by Pamela Aidan.  The author of this book is a friend of Aidans’. Score one for me actually reading the interview in the back of the book. I started it about a week ago but haven’t picked it up too much – not for lack of interest or being engulfed in the story though. This is a re-write of Persuasion – the story of Wentworth and Anne Elliot. As in the Darcy series, this is from the man’s side of the story. When Wentworth offered marriage to Anne Elliot eight years ago, all he had to offer her was his future. Being the daughter of a haughty baronet and goddaughter of Lady Russell, Anne is persuaded to end the engagement. Broken hearted and angry, Wentworth goes to sea to seek his fortune. But now it is the Elliot family that is in financial disarray and Wentworth who has made his fortune and fame in the navy. For eight years he has shielded his heart against Anne, but should he now open it up to her or pursue a young woman in the neighborhood?  If you don’t know this story, I won’t ruin it for you, but it is such a great story and I am excited to see the elements that are added by reading it from his side of things. More on this next month!

Well, I do hope you’ve found something new to read! Happy reading friends and See you next week !

~Laura