tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62232270289126238372024-02-02T13:27:56.857-06:00My Ideal RealitySeeking common ground among the dreams in my head and the life in front of me and hoping for the wisdom to know when those two worlds collide.Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-65615318601127366882022-05-27T16:04:00.005-05:002022-05-27T16:04:59.972-05:00Sending Kids to School: Fingers Crossed. Hoping for the Best.<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauJttgUQPZw-9m8IDVPnmT4rxin2vcc3_uuyXb-4UO9fpLDFUCGCf_JZm7atF6Ed7us-len-K2-al8Z8CplKyurc1QZCzpqjXETuy87D6lK9xe36kLUnnDGlKV514YKrnNd3_wb06WC5nlBSKQNxIT-t4-5gKOXgk3BCWgez-wakgcuGGn5a4e6sx5A/s275/broken%20heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sugar cube heart on blue background" border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauJttgUQPZw-9m8IDVPnmT4rxin2vcc3_uuyXb-4UO9fpLDFUCGCf_JZm7atF6Ed7us-len-K2-al8Z8CplKyurc1QZCzpqjXETuy87D6lK9xe36kLUnnDGlKV514YKrnNd3_wb06WC5nlBSKQNxIT-t4-5gKOXgk3BCWgez-wakgcuGGn5a4e6sx5A/w400-h266/broken%20heart.jpg" title="broken heart" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/30478819@N08/51289114545">flickr.com</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Earlier this week, 21 people were shot and killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. Nineteen of them were children between 10 and 11 years old. I've struggled this week, with emotions, fear and anxiety. I scribbled the thoughts below on a piece of notebook paper the day after, watching the ink smear as I sobbed, the first hard cry I've had in months. They are raw, sad, angry rambling thoughts that I needed to get out of my brain and out of my heart as I tried to process what has happened. The "them" referenced are my two 15-year-old daughters. This is the first day I felt I could share my heart here.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And just we're clear, I don't advocate taking anyone's guns away. That sort of talk is just stupid. But I think we can find some common-sense laws that can reduce instances like this. <br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Uvalde, TX</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Hard to talk to them, to tell them to be vigilant and kind to everyone, hoping that will help them be spared from messed up kids because they were nice. I try to reassure them, but in the same breath, I have to tell them it's a new way of life. It breaks my heart they have to know about it and live with the fear of being killed at school. At the end of the day, the best we can do is cross our fingers, tell them we love them and pray and hope they come home with only the scars of a normal life of a high school girl. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It was easier to reassure them they were safe when they were younger. Now that they're older, they know just as well as I do that is the luck of the draw. They are sitting ducks. There is nothing they can do if someone wants to shoot up the school except get lucky. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">You tell them you know it's scary but that we cannot live in fear. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And our politicians aren't doing anything - won't do anything to protect them because they love their power, their money, their connections and their jobs more than the lives of people who mean nothing to them. They won't even pretend to try to find a solution. At the same time, there are too many people in this country who vote with their gun rights and keep these people in office.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm crying at my laptop now. I have to do it when they're not home so they can't see how scared and sad and heartbroken I am.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There is too much pain in this world right now. I can't control it. I can't fix it. I feel so helpless. I haven't cried in forever. Tears pouring and I have a meeting in 24 minutes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Sending love, thoughts, hope, prayers, hugs and donations is meaningless. Posting messages on social media that vilify the shooter and shame politicians are worthless, useless.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, we'll continue living with our fingers crossed, hoping for the best every time we walk out our front door. This is Real Reality</span></div></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-3406274775577279842022-02-18T07:48:00.001-06:002022-02-18T07:48:27.931-06:00Dear Wanna-Be Book Banners: Bless Your Little Hearts 💖💖<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiorENLpEqhw_XtzE4HJa856FLYamRlR7s1-nwi0i4R_whaGqaJ-CymBqg7ruvjl_RNdgBXCLCEsVuXSnkfAimrBb2sAD7-N6PEfhFh69gbrXks8w4EbYlEju0-T8UuZONYdaE86TewTqyusajwRujskiaof2UuZ6d6Y93nF9rndDKJs1GIfb6aXbXiQ=s300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Illustration brain in light bulb books in background" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiorENLpEqhw_XtzE4HJa856FLYamRlR7s1-nwi0i4R_whaGqaJ-CymBqg7ruvjl_RNdgBXCLCEsVuXSnkfAimrBb2sAD7-N6PEfhFh69gbrXks8w4EbYlEju0-T8UuZONYdaE86TewTqyusajwRujskiaof2UuZ6d6Y93nF9rndDKJs1GIfb6aXbXiQ=w400-h224" title="Your Brain on Banned Books" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.maxpixel.net/Books-Light-Bulb-Brain-Mind-Vintage-Background-5540399">Source: Maxpixel.net</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What the hell with the book banning mobs lately? It makes me mad, but it also makes me sad because it means people who take a stand against intellectual freedom have never read a book that touched their heart; opened their mind; gave them a new perspective; or made them feel seen, heard and maybe a little less lonely. Otherwise, they wouldn't try to snatch books out of the hands of everyone else. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What a small world they must live in. How scared of life they must be. I mean, seriously, fear is a great motivator. What are they so afraid of that they want to ban books? Sad, sad, sad sad sad. I feel sorry for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't get me wrong. There's plenty of content in this world — printed, digital and otherwise — that I don't think is fit for public consumption. But, I don't believe in banning it. Making sure it's age appropriate? Absolutely? I stand strong in my support of freedom of speech despite how ugly, frightening and complex the topic can be. It's part of America's story. If you don't like something, don't read /watch/listen to it. Guide your kids to do the same, but don't try to restrict my access or my kids' access to it. So simple. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">News Flash: Your Kids Have Access to Banned Books ... and Worse</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What I can't figure out is why these fervent book banners don't realize that books are the least of their worries. Kids have access to graphic content, gay content, drug use content and mind-opening content on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Discord and who knows where else. Even if parents ban/forbid their kids from having social media accounts or reading certain books, they still have easy access in ways you would never imagine. Kids are pretty smart about getting their hands on stuff their parents don't want them to have. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>True story:</i></b> When I was 12 or 13, I babysat for a couple who lived a few townhouses away from me. It took me two minutes to walk from my house to theirs. They had tons of books on their book shelves. Guess which one I zeroed in on after I put their kid to bed? <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82172.The_Joy_of_Sex?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=aPcC6JerWq&rank=1">The Joy of Sex</a>. I thumbed through those illustrated pages and read Q&As while my dad sat just two minutes away watching TV. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Another true story:</i> </b>My best girlfriends and I learned about love and sex by reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37743.Forever_?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=CeFfoPgscS&rank=1">Forever by Judy Blume</a> (banned) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Krantz">Judith Krantz novels</a> (super steamy romance stories). Where did we get them? Older sisters and moms. Easy access. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Parenting Must Shift From Protect to Prepare</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting when they were in third grade, my peeps began busting through the door after school full of stories and questions about sex and drugs from information they gleaned from school friends. I was not prepared to start so many of our serious life conversations so early. But I had no control over what other people told them. So, I had to pivot from a parent who protected her kiddos to one who prepared them, staying as age appropriate as possible. I've always asked them to talk with me whenever their friends tell them something about sex, drugs, relationships — anything — so I can either set the record straight or confirm and educate, as needed. I guess some parents are just too scared to have tough, uncomfortable, awkward and embarrassing conversations with their kids. In other words, parent their children. My peeps are 15 now. Do they come to me with every question? Probably not. But they still come to me enough to know that they trust me to be understanding and straight up with them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Books, videos, podcasts and TV shows hold so much worthwhile knowledge about the world, life, other people, other perspectives. They can help kids process thoughts and feelings. The up side to having access to so much content can make people feel safe, seen, heard and understood. I pity the kids whose parents think that by destroying books that introduce ideas that are different from their own, or depict lifestyles they don't agree with will keep their kids safe. It won't. Denying kids age-appropriate access to books will stunt their minds, put them in danger when they go out into the world on their own, and force them to hide who they truly are. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Sad, sad, sad sad sad.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Challenged Book Lists & Recently Banned Books</span></b></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking for something to read? </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10">Top 10 Most Challenged Book Lists</a>. </span></li><li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46037381-gender-queer?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=bMH0OkE7nl&rank=4" style="font-family: arial;">Gender Queer: A Memoir</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44280883-all-boys-aren-t-blue?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=5av984E08K&rank=1">All Boys Aren't Blue</a> </span></li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Censorship Resources</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorship">American Library Association</a></span></li><li><a href="https://ncte.org/resources/ncte-intellectual-freedom-center/" style="font-family: arial;">NCTE Intellectual Freedom Center</a></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://ncac.org/">National Coalition Against Censorship</a></span></li></ul></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real — and take a stand against censorship! Or, to put it more positive spin on it: Stand up for intellectual freedom!</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-56242649459945041012022-01-17T19:23:00.002-06:002022-01-17T19:23:40.332-06:00My 2022 Focus Phrase: I Am Here<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjusqs7SEq5ds1_4XkuGNOof9C-clVbhnYfDhib_3qqY1_3E83Ea6Y6Sq9Y_hbgNmdTzhywQD_3eIiLouBYzWW6v6iZRO_hWRNxnFMUuVIa99fBLqQDtNjCFRLC-XNSJcIoa1jfBddfB4t5gZZ3mTOha1eNu6s9Aaq9qV9Xijhtrrepstj8VyOMvmWJsA=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjusqs7SEq5ds1_4XkuGNOof9C-clVbhnYfDhib_3qqY1_3E83Ea6Y6Sq9Y_hbgNmdTzhywQD_3eIiLouBYzWW6v6iZRO_hWRNxnFMUuVIa99fBLqQDtNjCFRLC-XNSJcIoa1jfBddfB4t5gZZ3mTOha1eNu6s9Aaq9qV9Xijhtrrepstj8VyOMvmWJsA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Some years, I set a one-word intention or a focus phrase for my year. I think for the past two years, it's been "Survive." I need to get back to <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2022/01/adjusting-lifes-lens.html">adding some structure</a> to life, plan some things for intentional focus. As part of that, I've chosen a focus phrase for 2022: </span></p><p></p><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>I AM HERE</b></span></blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am here for my family</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am here — worthy of my space in the world</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am here — worthy of being seen, heard and loved</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Did you set a one-word intention or focus phrase for the year? I'd love to hear it. Please share it in the comments!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-14932065449958884482022-01-17T19:23:00.001-06:002022-01-17T19:23:21.633-06:00Adjusting Life's Lens<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBHii6IM3ZusbHheWFdawmXnX_yBHDyKn-FjoA2fzFvmF5_wXHH6i3xvDs-9ljckn2o7hqDs9pCUgizBBFNRcrN2oNwbk19NBljFWyFOZOS74wx8fRPB3Nouhql1UAqMb4Ks4xEyFchXeLnlIQl6z2iZJyR8XF3SsPi8ZAt7Eic_dd1AxU_G8qAeE23w=s288" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2022 May it be a colorful year for all" border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBHii6IM3ZusbHheWFdawmXnX_yBHDyKn-FjoA2fzFvmF5_wXHH6i3xvDs-9ljckn2o7hqDs9pCUgizBBFNRcrN2oNwbk19NBljFWyFOZOS74wx8fRPB3Nouhql1UAqMb4Ks4xEyFchXeLnlIQl6z2iZJyR8XF3SsPi8ZAt7Eic_dd1AxU_G8qAeE23w=w400-h243" title="2022 May it be a colorful year for all" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
<br />After nearly two years of stumbling through life, I gotta get back on track. I'm tired of the head spinning uncertainty. I've done everything I can to keep myself, my family and others safe. I'm tired of the chaos. Even though so many things are still out of control, I'm using 2022 to adjusti life's lens to put parts of my life in focus. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I want to really focus on something, I write it down. So, I decided to go with 22 in '22, a fun and challenging strategy that mixes creativity with big to-dos. I got the idea from </span><a href="https://gretchenrubin.com/" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Gretchen Rubin</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, one of my favorite authors. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Below is my 22 for 2022 list (minus two ... I'm still contemplating a couple of ideas). </span></p><p></p><b style="font-family: arial;">1. Listen more. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">I want to put down my book/phone, or stop what I'm doing for the few minutes it takes for the people I love to share with me. I've gotten really bad about half-listening, asking questions and not waiting for the answer, of responding with, "OK" or "Uh-huh."</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: arial;">2. Catalog my mom's 45s.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> My mom passed away from cancer when I was five years old. She left behind a mini collection of mint condition 45 records. I've moved them with me I don't know how many times over the years, mostly for sentimental reasons. As I've gotten older, I realize they are a snapshot into the early life of a person I never got to know. They reflect her musical tastes when she was young and single — Elvis, Ray Charles, waltzes, orchestra music, operas, popular artists in the 50s. I've created a spreadsheet to catalog them. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">3. Create a cocktail notebook.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> I'm a pandemic bartender. Probably the slowest one in the universe, but I love learning the science behind mixing drinks and the different techniques used in crafting them. I have drink recipes earmarked in every issue of Imbibe magazine and I want them all in one place for easy access. Just gotta decide how to organize my notebook. By season? Base ingredient? </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">4. Create a travel notebook. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">The list of places I want to see in this world is never ending. I clip magazine articles, bookmark websites and jot down names of interesting places. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Like the cocktails, I want them all in one place. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">5. Get our stucco project done.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> We contracted with someone in April 2021. Rainy weather and other obstacles have kept this from getting done. Fingers crossed!</span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">6. Have the house painted.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> It's overdue but ... see No. 5.</span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">7. Add some curb appeal. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">Our landscaping is a hot, scraggly mess, and I hate it. But, see Nos. 5 and 6.t has to wait until the house gets painted. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">8. Write at least one blog post a month. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">Stop laughing. I'm still trying to figure out how passionate I am about this blog!</span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">9. Watch at least one movie a month.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> This is a hold over from 2020, where I wanted to go to the theater by myself once a month. I got January and February in. So, whether it's in the theater or streaming, I'm looking forward to seeing some great stuff!</span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">10. Attend at least six City Council meetings.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> I've lived in our town for 10 years and have attended maybe two meetings. I'm curious about how things works. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">11. Plan a trip to Canada. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">We hope to travel later this year. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">12. Plan a dream trip to Bali.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> This was on my 2020 list. Maybe I'll get it done this year. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">13. Get the elm tree trimmed. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">Another house to-do. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">14. Create a plan to makeover the main bedroom.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Just a refresh. </span><br /><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial;">15. Complete all 30 days of </span><a href="https://mailchi.mp/rachelcargle/dothework-course-all-30days" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Rachel Cargle's #DoTheWork course</a></b><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>.</b> </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">16. Watch at least one PBS show a month,</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> other that Masterpiece Theatre because I do that anyway. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">17. Establish 10-minute Tuesdays.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> A sneaky effort to get the peeps to spend 10 minutes with me engaged in physical activity. Stop laughing. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">18. Improve the look of my hands.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> I'm a nail biter, cuticle cutter, handwringer. I want to develop habits that make them and keep them pretty. As a first step, I bought a NAME OF HAND MASK and link. </span><br /><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">19. Eat at least two servings of fruits and two servings of vegetables most days</b><b style="font-family: arial;">. </b><span style="font-family: arial;">It's not the recommended daily serving, but it's achievable goal for me. Just want to be more mindful and create a habit. </span></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: arial;">20. Learn how to create my own social medial graphics.</b><span style="font-family: arial;"> Beyond photos. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>21. TBD</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>22. TBD</b></span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you've set goals or have just been thinking about things you'd like to do/hope to do this year, I wish you the best! Please share!</span> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Looking for More?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2018/01/18-in-18.html">18 in '18</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2020/02/2020-goals-why-i-took-step-back.html">2020 Goals: Why I Took a Step Back</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2022/01/my-2022-focus-phrase-i-am-here.html">My 2022 Focus Phrase: I Am Here</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://api.gretchenrubin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2018/12/GR_22_for_22_List_Gretchen_Rubin.pdf" target="_blank">"My 22 for 2022" pdf (Gretchen Rubin download)</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real. </span></p><p><br /></p></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-42954766680653575952021-12-31T09:00:00.001-06:002021-12-31T09:00:00.157-06:00Books I Enjoyed in 2021<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJydVKoZdCHOHa828VH3o2hniEr24ye2dfrdMF9cjNQuWfEB_ujLEpSFrqVKQ6-XTRRYBOtwqDNuMP2kqL12156QE2WITHGnagr--xe8z3eVYiIavjjWVO0EKJYkQQBUvFE_Giqm3QbJmf0QiX_s5xMJl3pGYgKA3JC6u5e_Q-ggpww02wkECvC1mWEw=s512" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="379" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJydVKoZdCHOHa828VH3o2hniEr24ye2dfrdMF9cjNQuWfEB_ujLEpSFrqVKQ6-XTRRYBOtwqDNuMP2kqL12156QE2WITHGnagr--xe8z3eVYiIavjjWVO0EKJYkQQBUvFE_Giqm3QbJmf0QiX_s5xMJl3pGYgKA3JC6u5e_Q-ggpww02wkECvC1mWEw=w296-h400" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: <a href="https://www.lookandlearn.com/index.php">Look and Learn</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Several years ago, I realized how separated I was from my love of reading. I decided to do something about it, and so for the past several years, I've set a reading goal via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/22128856-mari-rydings">Goodreads</a>. My goal in 2021 was 32, and I hit 35! I'm proud to say that only a handful of books are "easy reads." The rest are pretty hefty, both in volume and content, so 32 is pretty reasonable. But, I think I'll challenge myself in 2022 by hiking my goal to 35. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Book recommendations flood the internet and social media, but just in case you're in need of some ideas, here are my top recs from what I read last year in no particular order. They made me laugh, think and rethink. They filled me with inspiration, awed me with their writing, reminded me of people I love and people I've lost. They helped me understand life, reminded me I'm not alone when it come to certain thoughts and feelings, and encouraged me on my quest to mesh my ideal reality with my real reality. </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51959287-she-come-by-it-natural">She Come By It Natural - Sarah Smarsh</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51152447-caste">Caste - Isabel Wilkerson</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18281738-the-biology-of-luck">The Biology of Luck - Jacob Appel</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53914958-the-restoration-of-celia-fairchild">The Restoration of Celia Fairchild - Marie Bostwick</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31324335-one-good-mama-bone">One Good Mama Bone - Bren McClain</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151.Anna_Karenina">Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26074147-the-bridge-ladies">The Bridge Ladies - Betsy Lerner</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2924318-home">Home - Marilynne Robinson</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20575411-lila">Lila - Marilynne Robinson</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52783.Henderson_the_Rain_King">Henderson the Rain King - Saul Bellow</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38746152-the-book-of-delights">The Book of Delights - Ross Gay</a></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What should I add to my list for 2022? Put your recs in the comment!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year!</span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-48897010513786599242021-12-23T00:00:00.001-06:002021-12-23T00:00:00.167-06:00From the Way-Back-When-Archives: Hey! Unto You a Child Is Born!<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMzQIv8rcMnJkycMFfWboDJaC0NW6ruDr4COyVAUSt94UCEjni3fy7Firqo3swzerQb905p8y-WzvkwAfrM4NgV1JItsYPXpzcJclRXfHaREcYfM9QG0YJZQD5ARpJ72SMS6w-149nWnd/s1600/best+christmas+pageant+ever.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMzQIv8rcMnJkycMFfWboDJaC0NW6ruDr4COyVAUSt94UCEjni3fy7Firqo3swzerQb905p8y-WzvkwAfrM4NgV1JItsYPXpzcJclRXfHaREcYfM9QG0YJZQD5ARpJ72SMS6w-149nWnd/s1600/best+christmas+pageant+ever.jpg" width="197" /></a></p><span style="font-family: arial;">Recognize that line? It's from the book <em><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Best_Christmas_Pageant_Ever" target="_blank">The Best Christmas Pageant Ever</a></strong></em>, written by <strong><a href="http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/Kids/AuthorsAndIllustrators/ContributorDetail.aspx?CId=12649" target="_blank">Barbara Robinson</a></strong> in 1971. I had forgotten all about this little gem (a tidy 80 pages) until I stumbled upon it in a box of books while gearing up for a personal project I'm going to launch in 2013 (more on that later).<br /><br />If you haven't read this story, or if, like me, it's been decades since you have, you owe it to yourself to grab a mug of hot cocoa and dive in. Written from a child's point of view, it's a hilarious and realistic take on the Christmas story, complete with cigar smoking, baby burping, and collection plate stealing. It made me giggle, and it sparked my Christmas spirit. It's also a charming example of Real Reality Vs. Ideal Reality.<br /><br />I must confess: I also like the story because it takes me back to my childhood and my own experiences with the church Christmas play. I was always tapped to play Mary, and my friend, Kurt, suffered the role of Joseph year after year. (To this day, I do not believe this seasonal pairing was a coincidence. I highly suspect his mother had visions of the two of us hooking up in real life.)<br /><br />In the 80s, the novel was made into a television special, starring <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loretta_Swit" target="_blank">Loretta Switt</a></strong>. You can watch it <strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4KSXrz28uE" target="_blank">here</a></strong>. <br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Related Reading</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2016/01/a-book-on-brink-of-censorship-or.html" target="_blank">A Book on the Brink of Censorship? Or: The Inappropriate Book I Read to the Peeps this Christmas</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Originally published December 4, 2012 (an oldie, but a goodie!)</span></i></span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-36685716239308165232021-12-19T15:02:00.002-06:002021-12-19T15:05:48.546-06:00Oreo Train or Demon Slayer Mugen Train?<span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX5ZrvT2CR65r1U0F7czu58cpLQ4q5dNSMh4S4i3yZ_g9huCGf0eh6MLQa4rhn6CysRq-wZTPRzUavYUIWJFtnlijGsDGVL-ur-DKfEpqopWjjIFMAyCDi148FKMXtIAat-OB3bCsw5mJgHUiKkhjyvm3aQ24eesnN3ySW147YCkaEEFFoFJT29mwy2A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="oreo train kit box and an attempt and making train kit" border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX5ZrvT2CR65r1U0F7czu58cpLQ4q5dNSMh4S4i3yZ_g9huCGf0eh6MLQa4rhn6CysRq-wZTPRzUavYUIWJFtnlijGsDGVL-ur-DKfEpqopWjjIFMAyCDi148FKMXtIAat-OB3bCsw5mJgHUiKkhjyvm3aQ24eesnN3ySW147YCkaEEFFoFJT29mwy2A=w400-h225" title="Oreo Train Kit Fail" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I always have high hopes for success with baking kits. For some reason, they bring out the eternal optimist in me. They never turn out quite right. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This kit had eight easy steps. Um ... yeah. In hindsight, and with a little research into how to craft the perfect gingerbread house, patience and an abundance of royal icing are the two secret steps we needed. Turns out, we were supposed to hold pieces together for at least 5 minutes for the icing to harden. Lessons learned. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottom line: The train wreck was tasty, and the peeps and I had a really good time putting it together-ish.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy Holidays! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, Keep It Real.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/22128856-mari-rydings">Connect on GoodReads</a></span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-15648324040917761482021-12-07T20:28:00.002-06:002021-12-08T08:47:00.221-06:00At Present<span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfjWMFZ0NA-FWLdZJF3F0PpHfV75GVsPo9Sla4ELguO43iFE-_1aMA5wClmk7RzRRpdBfoMrGGMw8mv7GB7JPgU8iRY7OS-uYc3Vye8H2vpI-ExrqybIvvqEeE2EFo3bTt3i32cL1sVTLqDQMk3BV2brINMT7FIULFofWx1BYfgqoupANAuMVyODBmXQ=s525" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfjWMFZ0NA-FWLdZJF3F0PpHfV75GVsPo9Sla4ELguO43iFE-_1aMA5wClmk7RzRRpdBfoMrGGMw8mv7GB7JPgU8iRY7OS-uYc3Vye8H2vpI-ExrqybIvvqEeE2EFo3bTt3i32cL1sVTLqDQMk3BV2brINMT7FIULFofWx1BYfgqoupANAuMVyODBmXQ=s320" width="213" /></a></div>Finally made it back to my space. Since I Iast dropped in, I made a life move. After thinking and daydreaming and researching about my next career move for nearly THREE YEARS, I made a change. I quit my job last Friday, and I start a new one this Thursday! A little bump in title, a bigger bump in pay, an opportunity to engage my brain in a new industry ... personal insurance. I'm excited about my new adventure and this much needed change! I still can't quite believe I took the leap. But I know in my bones it was time. So. Burnt. Out.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What else? Thanksgiving has come and gone. We revived our TG tradition after skipping last year because of COVID. The Friday after TG, we headed to <a href="https://www.crowncenter.com/">Crown Center</a> for dinner at <a href="https://lidias-kc.com/">Lidia's</a>, the <a href="https://www.crowncenter.com/events/mayors-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony">Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony</a>, a tour of <a href="https://unionstation.org/holidays/">Union Station's holiday lights</a> and a night at the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mciwi-the-westin-kansas-city-at-crown-center/">Westin</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I didn't miss my dad, who died in January. I thought of him briefly, and I spent time feeling guilty for not missing him. I spent time wishing our relationship could have been closer so I would miss him more (my ideal reality), but I know that was not possible (my real reality). I have to be OK with that, take a breath and move on. That's what's on my mind right now as I type. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's me at present.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-72194592823279126692021-10-12T20:01:00.001-05:002021-10-12T20:01:07.307-05:00At Present<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLhK3-_JCFnpTyXuCky1H96AOHPNCktwDE9sQhqeWhGY_PDduFVPzo1dFzjdVXtd0xJiPMgKtQ-bBRow9xLTm-mdvGf6_HAu_4V2B_1YMzexyQTq-XvMsADx32MZMK-FFEn37t4uPQjM2/s525/orange+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLhK3-_JCFnpTyXuCky1H96AOHPNCktwDE9sQhqeWhGY_PDduFVPzo1dFzjdVXtd0xJiPMgKtQ-bBRow9xLTm-mdvGf6_HAu_4V2B_1YMzexyQTq-XvMsADx32MZMK-FFEn37t4uPQjM2/s320/orange+fabric.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Can't believe it's been a couple of weeks since I've checked into this space. Would love to say that super cool, life-altering and magical things have happened, but ... not so much. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I finished Anna Karenina. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I always find great comfort in knowing the internal problems, external issues (relationships, politics, religious questions), personal conflicts and self-doubts we experience today are universal in time and place. I'm looking forward to watching the 1935 movie version starring Greta Garbo. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We've pumpkin patched and apple picked. We've cocktailed fire pit-side, started watching Squid Game and continued watching Only Murders in the Building.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've met a friend for brunch, got my professional website/portfolio <a href="http://marirydings.com">marirydings.com</a> up and running, worked on my miniature project, and stepped out of my comfort zone with a top secret adventure that I hope I can reveal soon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">How about you? What'cha been up to lately? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-53328672812615809242021-09-23T19:52:00.000-05:002021-09-23T19:52:23.509-05:00Let People In Your Life And ...<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfBm6X2N1QHHdV7r3AfCZk1HWJdkljrnYeuz-BNW82sVFYAJqobR1yBZzTs-G5H-002oiA16cs7dS-YCVb2W-qdhdlRCSjlWJDSl4q4FLtt0xFHBHBK8WMF-cQISD5Yw40Xtf04JudQw6/s2048/Quotefancy-2488555-3840x2160+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Text that reads If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing." border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfBm6X2N1QHHdV7r3AfCZk1HWJdkljrnYeuz-BNW82sVFYAJqobR1yBZzTs-G5H-002oiA16cs7dS-YCVb2W-qdhdlRCSjlWJDSl4q4FLtt0xFHBHBK8WMF-cQISD5Yw40Xtf04JudQw6/w400-h225/Quotefancy-2488555-3840x2160+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Text that reads If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing." width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="http://Quotefancy.com">Quotefancy.com</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I<span style="font-family: arial;">n my previous two posts, I shared I had just finished reading</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">the adult novel</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5P8cMF1jUU&rank=1" style="font-family: arial;">The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie</a> <span style="font-family: arial;">and that three scenes really stuck in my my mind after closing the book for the last time. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Scene No. 1: The concept of <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/09/be-open-to-lifes-metaphorical-boners.html">metaphorical boners </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Scene No. 2: <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/09/where-do-you-want-to-go-everywhere.html">The dreams we all hold in our hearts</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last but not least, Junior's realization that ...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be pretty damn amazing.</i></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Whew ... such a scary, hard truth for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p></p><p></p></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-1368288606487857642021-09-18T15:49:00.000-05:002021-09-18T15:49:07.286-05:00Where Do You Want To Go? Everywhere<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx6YfGa_LpXTLdlBjSu4bnkaCmQObDYiT1LexRtJW3i64_xmzX-1LIP5v2a64ixkemrFSjfBmyKZMMUcmfZFt8BAk9mq457IpZuXpp2nfT-6Yw_JaKatpzTd2QFTPM8O6xAKbXutmcJrc/s1920/map-vintage-world-travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vintage map of the world" border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1920" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx6YfGa_LpXTLdlBjSu4bnkaCmQObDYiT1LexRtJW3i64_xmzX-1LIP5v2a64ixkemrFSjfBmyKZMMUcmfZFt8BAk9mq457IpZuXpp2nfT-6Yw_JaKatpzTd2QFTPM8O6xAKbXutmcJrc/w400-h234/map-vintage-world-travel.jpg" title="map of the world" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />In my previous post, I shared I had just finished reading</span> <span style="font-family: arial;">the adult novel</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5P8cMF1jUU&rank=1" style="font-family: arial;">The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie</a> <span style="font-family: arial;">and that three scenes really stuck in my my mind after closing the book for the last time. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Scene No. 1: The concept of <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/09/be-open-to-lifes-metaphorical-boners.html">metaphorical boners </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Scene No. 2 touched on my ideal reality of seeing the world. In the book, Junior (Arnold), and his kind of girlfriend Penelope about dreams and how everyone in her town had small dreams.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Junior: "What do you want to do?" </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Penelope: "I want to leave here as soon as I can. I think I was born with a suitcase."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Junior: "Where do you want to go?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Penelope: "Everywhere. I want to walk on the Great Wall of China. I want to walk to the top of pyramids in Egypt. I wan to swim in every ocean. I want to climb Mount Everest. I want to go on an African safari. I want to ride a dogsled in Antarctica. I want all of it. Every single piece of everything."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Same. And I have no idea how to make it happen. I have felt so stuck for so long. Not unhappy. Just stuck. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What about you? What's your ideal reality? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real. </span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-69646609126936046612021-09-12T19:27:00.005-05:002021-09-12T19:27:29.050-05:00Be Open to Life's Metaphorical Boners<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpW2fHrh097q9xFJF795sSIT-LcXwgsh8sg0xMsH0PDd816oVrj56b_4h_yQ2xNXLX-mJp-1lJb6kwk0CUqpjgJU32cYoAPzHoaGqDxb7Hq2B-PHVxQiRjdq7e9UxhIGBaJHpkrjsv_LC/s720/Red-Gift-Surprise-Confetti-Box-Birthday-Gift-6067262.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpW2fHrh097q9xFJF795sSIT-LcXwgsh8sg0xMsH0PDd816oVrj56b_4h_yQ2xNXLX-mJp-1lJb6kwk0CUqpjgJU32cYoAPzHoaGqDxb7Hq2B-PHVxQiRjdq7e9UxhIGBaJHpkrjsv_LC/s320/Red-Gift-Surprise-Confetti-Box-Birthday-Gift-6067262.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.maxpixel.net/"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Source: Max Pixel</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Last week, I finished reading the young adult novel <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/693208.The_Absolutely_True_Diary_of_a_Part_Time_Indian?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5P8cMF1jUU&rank=1">The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.</a> It's a book I've been wanting to read for years, and I stumbled across a copy at <a href="https://www.onceuponatimebooks.com/">Once Upon a Time Books</a> on our mini vacay to Bentonville, AR, earlier this year. It's a funny, engaging, heartbreaking yet hopeful story about life on the Spokane Indian reservation told from the perspective of a 14 year old boy. Give it a read. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I marked three scenes that really stood out to me because they spoke to my never-ending quest to merge my ideal reality with my real reality. The first scene was part of a conversation between Gordy and Junior about books and the mysteries they hold. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Gordy: " ... you should approach each book — you should approach life — with the real possibility that you might get a metaphorical boner at any point." </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't know about you, but for the past 18 months, nothing in life has given me a metaphorical boner. In my ideal reality, I'm full of hope and curiosity and excitement for what life holds. In my real reality, every day is filled with the same responsibilities, obligations, tasks, arguments, fears and exhaustion. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When I realized that, it made me sad. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, here's to seeking, discovering, being open to, and embracing life's metaphorical boners. I know they are out there. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What about you? I hope you've had a few metaphorical boners lately, and I hope you'll share in the comments. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking for my insight from my other two scenes? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll share in later posts. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real (and keep your boner radar on!)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-59379442164819750292021-09-05T18:26:00.000-05:002021-09-05T18:26:39.149-05:00Discovering Wanda Ga'g and Millions of Cats<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI_K_QMz9x2hJ-woBtD9ony1jlnI5F05twFYj4toUejiV2tSpSNZ1RE4SN7ILOwhJb2HFMjiHvl7hlihWahZ4hS23TOjtfxIvmzFJdFCCJ7GFmHsEbDP6yG6vzrp4aQk8Hyo3Iu_Cr_Vd/s4032/20210905_180038.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photos of the books The ABC Bunny, Millions of Cats, Snow White and Nothing at All by Wanda Ga'g" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI_K_QMz9x2hJ-woBtD9ony1jlnI5F05twFYj4toUejiV2tSpSNZ1RE4SN7ILOwhJb2HFMjiHvl7hlihWahZ4hS23TOjtfxIvmzFJdFCCJ7GFmHsEbDP6yG6vzrp4aQk8Hyo3Iu_Cr_Vd/w400-h300/20210905_180038.jpg" title="Four Wanda Ga'g books from the library" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i>Four Wanda Ga'g books from the library</i></span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/08/im-diggin-rabbit-hole.html">The Rabbit hOle</a> is creating an exhibit around <a href="http://www.wandagaghouse.org/gag-family-artists/wanda-gag/">Wanda Ga'g</a>'s children's book Millions of Cats. I'd never heard of this author/illustrator so I let my <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/08/stay-curious.html">curiosity be my guide</a> and did a little researched and checked a few of her books from my local library. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Turns out Wanda was a pioneer in children's literature, both for her writing and for combining illustration and text. Apparently, Millions of Cats (copyright 1928) is the oldest American picture book still in print. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I really enjoyed Snow White and Seven Dwarfs, not only for the illustrations, but because it's a version of the story I hadn't heard before. Decidedly darker than Disney, and Snow White didn't wake up because of a prince's kiss. No spoilers here, so be sure to check it out for yourself! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I forgot how much I enjoyed reading children's books. The peeps and I used to bring home stacks from the library and pile onto the couch for a good long reading session. If you have littles at home, I encourage you to pick up a few of Wanda's books. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real (and keep reading). </span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-58737705496197546512021-08-29T20:14:00.000-05:002021-08-29T20:14:02.122-05:00Ideal Reality Vs. Real Reality: Anna Karenina<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: arial; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNiiEdfwXsvDOlfZiPrJxBtERIj_FYACDlx7TiHawg7jADu3d26dZgx_DfrXp-Pich9eQcNnM5VbgdtMBdKh74QVS4LSLFw856-brIr2K5_HsbLcV3IDvmFWEVhp6V8ljo7rTXBdGmLDj/s1200/anna+and+vronsky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNiiEdfwXsvDOlfZiPrJxBtERIj_FYACDlx7TiHawg7jADu3d26dZgx_DfrXp-Pich9eQcNnM5VbgdtMBdKh74QVS4LSLFw856-brIr2K5_HsbLcV3IDvmFWEVhp6V8ljo7rTXBdGmLDj/s320/anna+and+vronsky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">When I started this blog way back when, I did it on the premise of finding ways to reconcile my ideal reality with my real reality. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I love it when I stumble on examples in the world. One of the books I'm reading right now is <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/151.Anna_Karenina">Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy</a>. I love a good Russian lit drama, and this one does not disappoint.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anna Karenina is cheating on her husband with Count Vronksy. And she's pregnant with his child. Yet, the excitement of a new (albeit illicit) relationship is wearing off. After the couple quarrels, Tolstoy writes,</span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: arial;">"She placed both hands on his shoulders and gazed at him for a long time with a deep, rapturous and at the same time searching look. She studied his face to make up for the time in which she had not seen him. As at every meeting she was bringing together her imaginary idea of him (an incomparably better one, impossible in reality) with him as as he was." </span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A perfect example of ideal reality vs. real reality ... and one that beautifully captures human nature. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real. </span></p><p></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-57979567424040175432021-08-24T20:58:00.003-05:002021-08-25T20:24:52.804-05:00The Shingles Shot: Painfully Necessary<img alt="architecture, structure, window, glass, roof, wall, pattern, line, green, color, tile, colorful, yellow, material, circle, painting, shingle, art, design, symmetry, shape, house roof, flooring, dormer, shingle roof, roof shingles, Free Images In PxHere" height="267" src="https://c.pxhere.com/photos/a7/7e/roof_tile_structure_colorful_pattern_house_roof_dormer_shingle-1227590.jpg!d" srcset="https://c.pxhere.com/photos/a7/7e/roof_tile_structure_colorful_pattern_house_roof_dormer_shingle-1227590.jpg!d" title="multi-colored house shingles with rounded edges" width="400" /><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I really don't feel like writing tonight, but I gotta keep the writing muscle flexed. So, this is a weird little post that serves that purpose. Remember, I'm writing just for me so I can write what I want when I want and how I want.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I celebrated 50 years on this planet in April. With this milestone comes many health-related musts, namely the shingles vaccine and a procedure that I don't want to talk about. 😁</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">First some backstory, just because. I had grown increasingly dissatisfied with the primary care provider I've seen for years. I'm pretty healthy overall, which means I'm a low-maintenance patient. If a doctor sees me twice in one year, that's a busy year. You'd think a doctor would love having me on their patient list, but mine actually seemed a little annoyed when I'd come in for my annual check up. She never asked me questions about lifestyle habits or offer advice and guidance. I felt like I was bothering her. So, I vowed to switch docs this year, and I followed through. I had to wait until August to get in with a new one, but it was well worth the wait. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, the shingles shot. It hurts like a mother. My right arm is so sore. It is also red and puffy around the injection site and several inches beyond. I Googled it and apparently, those are common side effects. And I know the shot is way less painful than getting shingles, but man it hurts! And, I have to get a second dose in 2-6 months.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So there you have it. A mundane, random post about the healthcare needs of a 50 year old woman. Just what you were hoping for, yes?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep it Real (and stay up to date with your own health needs).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-23416984420529299802021-08-22T18:29:00.002-05:002021-08-22T18:29:39.976-05:00Content Share: There's Now a Willy Wonka Hotel Room With Lickable Wallpaper<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6V7n5BFtAvsuIMPPBaurJcpKaIYO7WWctNrBOeD95f92TNDfnUK8gQRkB3EcQmYAG52yZNWM5NCY74QTVNcau7ScsrpyGk4KHcLaMD8IuzOcT7qM_OV_paHr2IxsRAxhOBsOGrgUcPYY/s630/willy+wonka+room.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="630" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6V7n5BFtAvsuIMPPBaurJcpKaIYO7WWctNrBOeD95f92TNDfnUK8gQRkB3EcQmYAG52yZNWM5NCY74QTVNcau7ScsrpyGk4KHcLaMD8IuzOcT7qM_OV_paHr2IxsRAxhOBsOGrgUcPYY/w400-h279/willy+wonka+room.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Image Credit: <a href="https://blog.laterooms.com/2021/08/willy-wonka-inspired-hotel-room/">LateRooms</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the ultimate example of ideal reality meeting real reality.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is my all time favorite movie. How awesome would it be to experience an Willy Wonka hotel room? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Read all about it on <a href="https://www.hunker.com/13767828/how-to-book-willy-wonka-hotel-room">Hunker Willy Wonka</a> and <a href="https://blog.laterooms.com/2021/08/willy-wonka-inspired-hotel-room/">LateRooms' blog</a>. Would you splurge for the chocolate bath? I'm a little on the fence about that.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyone else looking forward to the Willy Wonka prequal flick starring Timothee Chalamet?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real (even when licking wallpaper).</span></div></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-72673836330966166522021-08-21T15:12:00.000-05:002021-08-21T15:12:20.596-05:00The Blue Peanut M&M and the Hot Car<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRosIU9-d2T6Rke3rsyDnHO56tJ3Ht615qorjBbyrfRJ6VyOybF1EIlURL8nSu7IBU9mCZnIM9VAL1OZ5e2xx-rGkVHOB-fb5-JCj_LZwbOj216vWxjePkRzHpdtbJxpFaKXgDn3_mbcd8/s1080/20210811_094403.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="blue peanut M&M" border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1080" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRosIU9-d2T6Rke3rsyDnHO56tJ3Ht615qorjBbyrfRJ6VyOybF1EIlURL8nSu7IBU9mCZnIM9VAL1OZ5e2xx-rGkVHOB-fb5-JCj_LZwbOj216vWxjePkRzHpdtbJxpFaKXgDn3_mbcd8/w400-h276/20210811_094403.jpg" title="blue peanut M&M" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Troublemaker</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">On two of our past three road trips (<a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2019/08/">Michigan</a> and <a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2021/08/ideas-for-where-to-stay-what-to-do.html">Breckenridge/Denver</a>), I've lost a M&M in the car while we were driving home. Not a huge deal to anyone in the world except my husband. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">He keeps the inside and outside of our cars clean. It's a symbol of his love language, and I love him for it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The thought of an M&M rolling around inside a black car in the August heart, or worse, melting into goo in some crevice makes him insane. He doesn't trust that I'll find it at the next stop or when we get home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The first time, it was a green plain M&M, and he couldn't handle it. We had to pull over at the next gas station and look for it. It didn't help that he was stressed from work, and I painted a verbal visual of the melting process (the car was pretty new at the time). The description made him really made. We found it, intact, not melted. In fact, one of the girls popped it her mouth with an exuberant, "Yum!" That about put the poor guy over the edge. The green M&M incident became a family joke (more to me and the girls than to him.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, it happened again. This time, it was a blue peanut M&M. I searched and searched at the next stop, but no luck. I searched again when I got home and almost gave up. As a last ditch effort, I lifted a floor mat, and there the little guy was, intact, not melted. I lovingly brought it inside, snapped the pic above and sent it to my husband as proof that all was right in the world (at least in terms of melting M&Ms in hot cars.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's what love is ...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-54571767747227033142021-08-17T18:36:00.005-05:002021-08-17T18:36:46.181-05:00Food Rules: Breaking Even?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozbTOIKbIE4oHYc2NImAwLpYh_0c0fxt7oCwEVHk1e2UGbaJcr0zCYtbyBk84NrHyELZ9OvQlEfgNRO2px1VButo_ShXRAzRgAz6zcaseE7SVkgKq6X08ok6w4yRW3ETjCLLBAbjqnJJh/s4032/20210817_120751.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="water bottle, apple, plate with bowl of chili, pepperoni slices and spaghetti" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozbTOIKbIE4oHYc2NImAwLpYh_0c0fxt7oCwEVHk1e2UGbaJcr0zCYtbyBk84NrHyELZ9OvQlEfgNRO2px1VButo_ShXRAzRgAz6zcaseE7SVkgKq6X08ok6w4yRW3ETjCLLBAbjqnJJh/w400-h300/20210817_120751.jpg" title="Lunchtime" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lunchtime</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">That's a picture of my lunch today. It's not a great picture because I was eating outside and I'm not a great photographer. It's a small bowl of canned chili leftover from the last time we had hot dogs (which was who knows when.) joined by side of leftover spaghetti, a few pepperonis slices, an apple and some water. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">You'll also notice a copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7015635-food-rules?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=q62dSfIhSO&rank=1">Food Rules: An Eater's Manual</a> by <a href="https://michaelpollan.com/">Michael Pollan</a> nestled on the table. I finished reading while eating lunch. It's a fantastically interesting read. You should check it out. It's a quick read, entertaining and informational This was the first book I've read by this author, and I loved his writing style. Easy going, yet authoritative. Perfect blend. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The "rules" Pollan sets forth are completely reasonable common sense. For me, the book was the perfect refresher to kickstart my approach to food and my relationship with it. I highly recommend it, but you have to get the copy with the illustrations by <a href="https://mairakalman.com/">Maira Kalman</a>. Beautiful and timeless. Her illustrations complemented the book perfectly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, back to my lunch. Here's how I see it, at least for today. The chili and pepperoni are likely food rule breakers and the spaghetti is a slightly better option (but it wasn't whole wheat). But the apply and water? Totally followed the rules with those choices. So, I think I pretty much broke even. Right? At least, that's how it works in my Ideal Reality. (Seriously? I'm supposed to avoid cereal that changes the milk's color? The struggle is real. Fortunately, my milk-altering cereal binges are few and far between. I think that means I follow the Treat Treats as Treats rule.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real. </span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-47586038147506004612021-08-16T20:18:00.002-05:002021-08-16T20:18:53.287-05:00A Big Fudge of Awesomeness<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9D665WiJb3PdkTbYiQrY81bvKb1xuUx2ReGnphHQR3scnSPjnEpYHz5oxJo0bXB3dWHReJmStkEz2Bdn0Srmvk-AChAyFcxvvVDZlxrl_WV0i_AS83v99gXQjRV0NLHBZifTOnnWly5I/s1920/awesome-5257905_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="circle with stars with the word awesome across the middle" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9D665WiJb3PdkTbYiQrY81bvKb1xuUx2ReGnphHQR3scnSPjnEpYHz5oxJo0bXB3dWHReJmStkEz2Bdn0Srmvk-AChAyFcxvvVDZlxrl_WV0i_AS83v99gXQjRV0NLHBZifTOnnWly5I/w320-h320/awesome-5257905_1920.png" title="Awesome" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">I love my Alexa. She tries to hard to make me happy. She doesn't always get it right, and I love it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, I was goofing around and asked her to add "a big batch of awesomeness" to my grocery list. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">She added "big fudge of awesomeness." Who doesn't need that? </span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-62529482603543073612021-08-15T16:39:00.004-05:002021-08-15T16:40:17.035-05:00Ideas for Where to Stay & What to Do: Breckenridge/Denver Areas<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Just spent five days in the Breckenridge and Denver area (two days driving to/from Kansas City). Wanted to get a quick trip in before school starts and also find relief from the excessive heat warning in our area. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where We Stayed</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNIUxhvbys5j-MHrQFyZyqCyVYhTsCfB4tsZqx1nyG7rWHgTeonckgh0ZznEUnVcPtuFMz3ErxClHQEySnk0dbgW6sychi1s9AVr0UTznEBCcWkNGOiHl-hJeUhSGK5wjflubjY8F65Mf/s4032/20210809_073325.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNIUxhvbys5j-MHrQFyZyqCyVYhTsCfB4tsZqx1nyG7rWHgTeonckgh0ZznEUnVcPtuFMz3ErxClHQEySnk0dbgW6sychi1s9AVr0UTznEBCcWkNGOiHl-hJeUhSGK5wjflubjY8F65Mf/s320/20210809_073325.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Irish Rose</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After looking at umpteen Breckenridge condos, we decided on a <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/">VRBO</a>. We wanted something a little less cram-packed with people, somewhere quiet where we wouldn't hear our neighbors all hours of the night. I can't recommend the <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/13578?noDates=true&unitId=13578">Irish Rose</a> in <a href="http://townofalma.com/index.html">Alma, CO</a>, enough. PERFECT. Mountain views. Plenty of space. About 20 miles south of Breckenridge and not far from Pike's National Forest. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiinl2COGBAXJ8vVKazjGWRv0eWvvfMp3ByOJz4EgE-D1XnzJtaR0E5tdWMQFBkD-4scHnVTykux7-JWl31BRrDva9old-m_nEpXWd3HJ0ycjKH1PeGPSALdS1TrkClxnnIPxJ2WOgGvgA/s4032/20210808_124828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiinl2COGBAXJ8vVKazjGWRv0eWvvfMp3ByOJz4EgE-D1XnzJtaR0E5tdWMQFBkD-4scHnVTykux7-JWl31BRrDva9old-m_nEpXWd3HJ0ycjKH1PeGPSALdS1TrkClxnnIPxJ2WOgGvgA/s320/20210808_124828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">View from the cabin</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What We Did - Alma, Fairplay, Breckenridge</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We explored the area around the cabin (several old abandoned mining areas), hiked a small stretch of Mosquito Gulch Road and tooled around <a href="https://fairplayco.us/discoverfairplay.html">Fairplay, CO</a>. We toured the <a href="http://www.southparkcity.org/">South Park City Museum and Visitors Center </a>(worth it!) and ate a pretty good meal at the South Park Pub & Grill. Mark pick up a "souvenir" from <a href="https://www.southparkdistilling.com/">South Park Distilling</a>. Our first night in town, we stopped at the <a href="https://southparkbrewingcolorado.com/">South Park Brewing Company</a> for some dinner. Great food, service and craft beer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We had planned on spending a day in Breckenridge, but when we got there the roads and streets were packed. Parking was at a premium, and our tolerance for crowds (and COVID-19) were at a low. So, we drove through town and headed back to our cabin. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h3><span style="font-family: arial;">What We Did - Denver</span></h3><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIYemQwdwgIdh2Cj0YnXppyv7Is4ZEJxWkQRRLWbTNjyEp7AnX6A-J4-cCdrUTNsP9PQPGcgPa3aQFXdLPRXFNAnd9FUGByjlPqlmlLJxg6APWb_ph7A65nY9XiaIk6wxdB61Ub0AXncb/s4032/20210809_172418.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIYemQwdwgIdh2Cj0YnXppyv7Is4ZEJxWkQRRLWbTNjyEp7AnX6A-J4-cCdrUTNsP9PQPGcgPa3aQFXdLPRXFNAnd9FUGByjlPqlmlLJxg6APWb_ph7A65nY9XiaIk6wxdB61Ub0AXncb/w300-h240/20210809_172418.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My Brother's Bar<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">W</span><span style="font-family: arial;">e spent one night in Denver, wanting to cut down on some of the driving we'd need to do on the way home. We walked the <a href="https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-attractions/16th-street-mall/">16th Street Mall</a> and went to the <a href="https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en">Denver Art Museum</a> before heading to our hotel. We stayed in downtown Denver at the Fairfield Inn. It was a great location for us, easy highway access and within walking distance to the Platt Park neighborhood, a trendy spot with shops, an REI store and several restaurants. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We ate dinner at <a href="https://www.mybrothersbar.com/">My Brother's Bar</a>, the oldest bar in Denver (AMAZING food, best onion rings ever) and grabbed some delish homemade ice cream at the </span><a href="https://www.insidescoopdenver.com/" style="font-family: arial;">Inside Scoop Creamery</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">That's it. Pretty low key, like we wanted. One of those beautiful moments in life where my Ideal Reality and Real Reality coexisted in peace and harmony. </span></p><div><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV22iSvde1Zv47oWPgeKcz-6UvgpT_CFBxcztqgb9R34AmAgPQeErgiQ70HTNqy9XDmCeXAe5SXE6tePLM8Q2ihHxQL5Vxk6GqC4oCRqxtFhmHy-1ITTXKNPYWdw4AvpdNvSlcP1A2GbYA/s4032/20210809_174511.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV22iSvde1Zv47oWPgeKcz-6UvgpT_CFBxcztqgb9R34AmAgPQeErgiQ70HTNqy9XDmCeXAe5SXE6tePLM8Q2ihHxQL5Vxk6GqC4oCRqxtFhmHy-1ITTXKNPYWdw4AvpdNvSlcP1A2GbYA/s320/20210809_174511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Inside Scoop Creamery</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Keep It Real. </span></p></div><div><p></p></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-5537649018893120392021-08-13T21:15:00.003-05:002021-08-15T15:35:42.681-05:00 The Queen's Gambit:: The Beauty of Human Connection<span style="font-family: arial;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcadfjIDRrlrsTJExHKO5yosrbnUty6rubdPbIO67wnKMNQZSwBwNo3utSma6AmwyKYHYi2GInHRTvO4PGUun5_wYVcikeYtdFXDBi7IiMwJWd_vt8rgig40yCdE72O_8k4XcQSNz3-7ri/s998/chess+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chess board with pieces" border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="998" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcadfjIDRrlrsTJExHKO5yosrbnUty6rubdPbIO67wnKMNQZSwBwNo3utSma6AmwyKYHYi2GInHRTvO4PGUun5_wYVcikeYtdFXDBi7IiMwJWd_vt8rgig40yCdE72O_8k4XcQSNz3-7ri/w320-h319/chess+board.jpg" title="chess board with pieces" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: Wikimedia Commons</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>I just finished watching The Queen's Gambit on Netflix. I wasn't a chess fan before I started watching and the show didn't change my mind. But I enjoyed every minute, and two scenes stuck out in the final episode because of their humaness (is that a word)?</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As Beth, the main character, battles the Russian player Borgov, she believes she is on her own, having alienated many of the people she met in the chess world with her arrogance and feelings of inadequacy. Beth only saw her interactions with them as chess lessons or people to best at the game. She didn't realize she was forming friendships and connections. When a group of chess players she has known forever calls her in Russia to help her plan strategy, she realizes they are her friends and also the family she never had. She realizes they like her and genuinely care about her. Is there a feeling better than the moment when you realize you belong somewhere?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, at the end when Beth is on her way to the airport with her State Dept escort, he is going over her itinerary and talking points for the Russians delegation of chess players she must meet with upon her return to America. Tired of hearing how careful and wary she must be around Russians, Beth asks the driver to pull over. She steps out of the car and begins walking. She walks to a park filled with older. chess players who immediately recognize her as the new world chess champ. They greet her, shake her hand and ask her to play. In her heart Beth knew the gentleman were just like her ... humans, people, who enjoy a good game of chess. Is there a more beautiful or authentic connection?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Image license: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">ShareAlike 4.0 International</a></span></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-67703106817828256072021-08-12T19:36:00.001-05:002021-08-12T19:36:19.288-05:00Stuff I Find in My Yard - "I Need Weed"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzcdW1fPyYsQub48wQcwkaTTp_uO51itBvqJhF9yZR-j-lNvHG52aeIEYRN8cE5Ba3FHPhi3WIlX3NBip3m3kxUnQag34G_0gLHIREH7XFP_rw4QPX18WkOsVaqJGMULinUI8bgfFG6_l/s1600/Resized_20210811_123331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="handwritten cardboard sign that reads i need weed" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzcdW1fPyYsQub48wQcwkaTTp_uO51itBvqJhF9yZR-j-lNvHG52aeIEYRN8cE5Ba3FHPhi3WIlX3NBip3m3kxUnQag34G_0gLHIREH7XFP_rw4QPX18WkOsVaqJGMULinUI8bgfFG6_l/w400-h225/Resized_20210811_123331.jpg" title="I need wee" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">My 1942 house is parked on a fairly busy thoroughfare, which means we find all sorts of trashy treasures in our yard on the regular. Some of the treasures blow their way from the Sinclair station across the street; others are dropped there by late night passersby. It's really a fascinating study in human nature and provides curious insight into the people around us. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I found this sign in the yard yesterday. It was written on a piece of cardboard from a Jack Linl beef jerky box. Another random piece had "Bronell be goin' bald" written in black Sharpie. People crack me up!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real (like Bronell and the weed needer). </span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-90146271444954829972021-08-11T20:38:00.000-05:002021-08-11T20:38:12.366-05:00Stay Curious<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUunt-N7kNc8i9e9fjczZf1dmmIZLq8NcCD8xUhV7QBEuKS9nrNXM_qmGbe2FPGKvwxcSXPcBqrUdi6JYpYWDY_CDTLOSMpxIwZykBAu6X7gFpyR-kh9inPOE_UIa4WOVwwOag3EePi5Z/s400/art+of+noticing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book cover for the art of noticing" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="305" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUunt-N7kNc8i9e9fjczZf1dmmIZLq8NcCD8xUhV7QBEuKS9nrNXM_qmGbe2FPGKvwxcSXPcBqrUdi6JYpYWDY_CDTLOSMpxIwZykBAu6X7gFpyR-kh9inPOE_UIa4WOVwwOag3EePi5Z/w305-h400/art+of+noticing.jpg" title="The Art of Noticing" width="305" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been a fan of Rob Walker and his book and newsletter <a href="http://robwalker.net/noticing/">The Art of Noticing</a> for a few years. Such incredible, fun and interesting food for thoughts comes out of Rob's brain. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out my previous posts:</span><p></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2020/04/"><span style="font-family: arial;">4 Must-Read Enewsletters for Your Inbox</span></a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://myidealreality.blogspot.com/2019/11/"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fire Hydrants & Snacks in the Stairwell: How I'm Paying Closer Attention</span></a></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of Rob's recent newsletters, <a href="https://robwalker.substack.com/p/committing-acts-of-curiosity">Committing Acts of Curiosity</a>, really stuck with me. He shared the joyful video <a href="https://improveverywhere.com/2021/07/15/stand-here-for-dance-party/">Stand Here for Dance Party by Improv Everywhere</a>. It's a beautiful and fun example why being curious is a trait that should be practiced, cultivated and encouraged.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">On our recent trip to Denver, CO, we ate at <a href="https://www.mybrothersbar.com/">My Brother's Bar</a>, an unexpected gem. Great food, good vibe. <span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">On the sidewalk outside the door, there was a
decal encouraging passersby to scan the QR code to find out "what happened at My
Brother's Bar." I was treated to a short audio clip sharing fun history
about the bar. My family thought I was crazy for scanning something on the
sidewalk. :) </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></span></div></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-45007722066627767092021-08-10T19:40:00.003-05:002021-08-12T20:13:18.624-05:00Out of Range<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEFUmli3JToglXZZdBZVmD0nNU_mZNDaGZ8fuJQI5MDQfdAcUcWVBfBa1MZri3Gvvb_vkFM0nVn-sCHDZGy_inuEETpB10c_1RT5VsRCI7dkpLTrH7evAkz4AtzO-nQfpuEFVPjEZ9wI8/s4032/20210807_071047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEFUmli3JToglXZZdBZVmD0nNU_mZNDaGZ8fuJQI5MDQfdAcUcWVBfBa1MZri3Gvvb_vkFM0nVn-sCHDZGy_inuEETpB10c_1RT5VsRCI7dkpLTrH7evAkz4AtzO-nQfpuEFVPjEZ9wI8/s320/20210807_071047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Alma, CO</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We headed out west to Colorado for a few days. Just got back. No chance to post because no reliable service. It was glorious! Just days of gazing at a mountain, nights of sitting in a hot tub, mixed with a little hiking, movie watching and and exploring. I'll post pics and recs soon. Everyone deserves the chance to unplug!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></p>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6223227028912623837.post-85167240090071611802021-08-05T21:18:00.002-05:002021-08-12T20:11:34.878-05:00With Intention<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4VPubxMnn9vLaih5dHuNrmPkpHbu7vbTkDx-FExw5LCfvs3-v-v_djNY2rMlLWwQLqxVli8U9q5gtIqcP9jb_Nvr2hMCC-bmJ1mySryH8jIy_joYcNGrIzUpsASRlGGQvZu8eN5msAkL/s2048/The+Afrominimalist%2527s+Guide+to+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4VPubxMnn9vLaih5dHuNrmPkpHbu7vbTkDx-FExw5LCfvs3-v-v_djNY2rMlLWwQLqxVli8U9q5gtIqcP9jb_Nvr2hMCC-bmJ1mySryH8jIy_joYcNGrIzUpsASRlGGQvZu8eN5msAkL/s320/The+Afrominimalist%2527s+Guide+to+Living.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I just finished reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55711709-the-afrominimalist-s-guide-to-living-with-less?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=iXjnNlqUO2&rank=1">The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living With Less</a> by Christine Platt. I highly recommend the book. One concept that has stuck with me is that of living life with intention. Doing things with intention. I have several little mantras I repeat everyday. They all start with commands. The one I have been working on a lot lately is Stay Calm. Sounds easy. Is not easy.. In her book, Platt talks about setting intentions. She starts statements with, "I will ... ." I started adding those those two little words to my mantras. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"I will stay calm."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It's working. I love simple solutions.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.</span></div></div>Mari Rydingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03424091097747719594noreply@blogger.com0