Canada's next top Lame-o

yup, this confirms it.

I'm the LAMEST person I know.

Tonight was one of those lovely nights, pulling me out of a funk that's taken over the past few days. Brisk air, sun shining down, dinner with dear friends, and a concert.

Not just any concert.

The lovely Martyn Joseph was in town.

I love this guy's music. It's from just the right spot.

here... have a video. (ok two).

So, I've had the privilege of seeing him in concert several times. The first time was out at the gallery- in the middle of '08's worst snowstorm. This summer he played at the festival- and I ran into him around the campfire a few times- he played my Uke (and put me to shame).

so of course, what's the first thing I say to him when I see him at the show tonight? (let's preface this with- I've just been greeted with "oh! hello beauty") (that would be Martyn's version of knowing he knows me from somewhere) (I'll take it)

yes, of course, I embarrass myself by saying "so, did you pick up a ukulele for yourself when you got home?"

and then... further it later with....

Singing harmonies as loud as I can- like I'm lost in church... and then he wanders out into the audience with his guitar and sits down beside me... I forget the words and stop singing.

yup.

ok.

awesome.

I think I'll go to sleep now.

back in the day

I've just spent the past few days pouring over old emails and pictures from Togo.

I miss Africa.

wishfull.

I keep watching this over and over....

and maybe I'm not watching, maybe I'm sitting with my eyes closed, even though it's very pretty.

walk a mile in those shoes.

work
walk
meeting
work.


I just took off my shoes... eeeewwwwwww.
Which made me think...

When I worked with Watoto, we had mornings that started around 6am, by the time we climbed into bed at night and took off our shoes 18 hours later... it was painfully stinky in our room (not just from me!) One of my girls took to calling me "stink wooman" (say it with a Ugandan child's accent)

I miss my kids too too much this week.

new year, new things

well.. the month is done.

and I think I'm ready to stop and take a breath.

drink some tea.

visit with people I love.

stop trying to "finish".

read a book.

play with some bunnies.

plan the gardens.

listen.

it's gong to be a great year.

hobbits

I have a lot to be thankful for....

a quick recap::
I got the keys to my hobbit house. a gaggle of people showed up to clean. hobbits and honorary hobbits helped to tear things down, rebuild them, patch them, sand them wash them again and paint them.
whew!

there is one completely livable room in the house.
and I have plumbing.
and the kitchen will be built next week.

and I haven't lost my sanity... completely... yet.

thank you hobbits. you really are the best.

sing

do you ever get so happy for someone your heart might burst?

my friend has been silent for a long time, their heart heavy. afraid to put things to life. but lately my friend has stood on top of fears. and is creating again.

*grin*

HACK.gah.

the plague of phlegm has settled into my lungs.

thank you swine flu.

I sound a lot worse than I feel.

Saturday, we jump back into festival mode (already?... no. still.) with an all day debrief.... you know, before we start planning for next September. (I've got 1/3 of my workshops figured out already for the sustainable living village, and a few leads on ideas for the wellness village).

Ukes and Toques is ready to roll out this sunday, see you at the parade?

AND 10 sleeps till I get the keys to my house.

awesome.

more fuzz

all but 2 back nails are now trimmed. no casualties.

In other news....
NUke-O had an extra gathering tonight, getting ready for the big "Toques and Ukes" event. (We're in the 'Burg's chirstmas parade!)
A really fun night tonight... I love that some other people have stepped up to lead this... it's such a funny group of people... with more than 50 years between our oldest and youngest members. You never know what direction things are going to go in.

Plans are in the works for "the hobbit house concert series".... first guest to be announced soon!

fuzz butt

it came to a smack-down between myself and Sir Pontouff Pony this evening.
I've come to realize that the poor fuzz pot, as large and disproportionate as he is... has a difficult time getting at his own tail.
so.
tonight, armed with scissors and patience,
I was able to whittle it down to a third of it's size.
a more... natural looking size.

the giant tufts of fur, large matts nearly the size of my fist... reminded me of "the teddy bear" littlebits used to sport on the back of her head. For those of you who weren't around in those years, my little sister had dreadlocks.... with one strangely shaped clump hidden underneath. It had a name.

Naturally, since poor 'Touf was upside down and couldn't do too much about it, I worked my way around to one of his oddly shaped feet. His feet wouldn't be so oddly shaped if he'd bother to groom them too. He seems to like to drag around clumps of fur the size of FynnPants.

Fur Kankles. Fankles?

I managed to clear one leg before the squirming started. Squirming isn't a problem if you're holding a normal rabbit. If you're holding a Flemish Giant, it means the grooming session is nearly over. In the first giant kick, I was pulling on the last of a clump of fur, unfortunately it meant that it tore his skin! A tiny tear, but I imagine it hurt a heck of a lot. Enough that he flipped over unexpectedly... and managed to get a nail stuck in my sweater - one more kick and he tore the nail off.
Poor giant bunny.
Some forced cuddles and a quick check, no dripping blood *phew*, the Kangaroo was back in his mansion drinking water and hopping around.

Other than a few dirty looks (rabbits are disapproving after all) I think all is well.

Tomorrow I'll attack the other foot, and maybe get those nails trimmed!