The Call, Between The Lines

Frost Flower From 2012

It started out as a feeling, which then grew into a hope. Maybe, time would reveal truth.
Which then turned into a quiet thought. I couldn't tell anyone. Which then turned into a quiet word, you whispered in my ear that you felt it too. Then that word grew louder and louder, 'til it was a battle cry. 'Til we couldn't hide it anymore. They could all see it on our faces.
I'll come back when you call me. There's no need to say goodbye. Just because everything's changing, doesn't mean it's never been this way before. Now it's before our eyes. All you can do is try to know who you're friends are, as you head off to the war. I know it's hard, masks can fool. But when the time comes, I'll be fighting by you're side. Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light, I promise it will lead you home. You'll come back when it's over. When you have grown stronger.
No need to say goodbye. You'll see my face once again. You'll come back when it's over. When they need you. There's no need to say goodbye.
Now we're back to the beginning. we've forgotten history. It's just a feeling and no one knows yet.
They wouldn't understand. But just because they can't feel it too, doesn't mean that you have to forget, the times we had together. Let you're memories grow stronger and stronger, 'til they're before you're eyes. 'Til we live them again.
You'll come back when they call you. No need to say goodbye. I'll see you again, sooner then you think. Stronger than before.
You'll come back when they call you. No need to say goodbye.
The Call, Regina Spektor

Apple Picking At Thierbach

 My family and I went to Thierbach Orchard on Saturday.

We all had fun, though I would have finished picking faster if I was not taking pictures. Each of us picked 30lbs of apples.
We were picking Blushing Golds, my mother's favorite apple.
I found myself instinctively climbing up to the top of the tree to get the apples that had been most kissed by the sun, bringing the rose red blush to the coloring. I managed to bring down six apples at a time, with two stuffed in my pockets.
When we got back from the orchard to the building, where they have animals, a play set, and already picked apples and squash, I walked around taking pictures.

The squash are one of my favorite things to look at, because of all the colorful skins.
Especially the Jack Be Little Pumpkins. I used to grow them, along with Spookies, but the pests became to much to bear.








There were also chickens, goats and turkeys. I fell in love with the white Brahma, a breed of chicken that I have been wanting to raise. They are beautiful birds. Pure white, while laced with black pen strokes.

The one eyed goat. 

I am not sure why, but this particular goat would not look at the camera with both eyes open.

It was a perfect day to be outside with a sweater held close, while taking pictures and picking apples.

Fight Or Flight?

Milo at the watering hole in the garden.

We all have that moment, where we think, holy crikey! What now? Something jumps out at you, An object moves unexpectedly, or maybe you even have a bad feeling about that dark haired guy sitting all alone in the truck.
What happens when we have that moment of panic, but don't go anywhere, is a 'fight or flight' moment. We have three seconds to decide whether we should run as fast and as far away as possible, or turn around and beat the snot out of what might be causing us true fright. Our body prepares us, raising our heart beat, tensing our muscles, and, oddly enough, blocking out any and all other sounds and objects.
Here are my thoughts on why this happens; We need a head start, raised heart level gives us that extra boost. Muscles tense, so that when the time comes, we are ready for the final response. Lastly, we can't be distracted. Focus on the danger at hand.
I have met with someone who once heard a similar noise to that of an enemy from a video game, and within seconds turned around to punch the wall. I, on the other hand, find that I prefer to run first. If it chases me, then that is reason to believe I will need to fight.
I think that waiting for something to find where you have hidden is worse then facing death while going down kicking and screaming. Which is the way I want to go, if that fear ever does come after me someday. If it goes for the chase, you will not find me hiding behind a wall. I am going to turn around and face fear, danger and possible death.
Also, one should never tell me, "not to struggle, freak out, squirm, or fight back" When anyone says something like that, I think of a kidnapper, telling you that fighting is pointless, that there is nothing you can do. Giving up hope is the worse thing that can happen in a struggle.

Gluten/Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups milk-chocolate chocolate chips
1 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla
2  1/4 cups Pamela's gluten-free Artisan Flour Blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixer bowl, cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla. Gradually blend dry mixture into butter/sugar mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place onto parchment or Silpat sheet.  Flatten the balls to about 2 inches wide. Bake at 350ºF for 10 to 12 minutes.

Yields about 4 dozen cookies