In no particular order: great conversation, art festivals, shopping (pottery, jewelry, flea markets, eBay, antiques, art, and auctions -- I have expensive taste, much to my hubby's dismay!), American Sign Language (ASL), trees, writing (I am published!), cookies, fabulous leather handbags, reading, changing seasons, working, teaching, eating (ahem...much to MY dismay), games, anything coffee flavored/scented (iced, hot, desserts, candles), live music, and spending time with friends
Music
Like I said, live music! Some people are surprised that my music of choice is the blues, and I love the Beatles!!! Mix those up with anything acoustic...and I'm happy! Less surprising to those who have known me any length of time is my affinity for 80s alternative music...the rest of you may be surprised! Some current favorites are all the good ol' blues guys, then U2, Nickelback, The Fray, Bob Dylan, Green Day, Jack Johnson, Five for Fighting, Goo Goo Dolls, Saving Jane, Coldplay, Stevie ray Vaughan, Mercy Me, Counting Crows, R.E.M, Foo Fighters, Johnny Lang, Casting Crowns, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, The Wallflowers, Maroon 5, The Cure, Depeche Mode...and, and, and...
Movies
Aarghh! I have to list titles?!! I'll keep it simple and say that I've little patience for just plain dumb. Don't get me wrong...I love to laugh...I just prefer smart humor where the laughter sneaks up on you. I am not into sci-fi, or horror and gore. Honestly, I typically see the good movies long after they've left the box office...thanks Blockbuster!
Television
Law & Order, Criminal Minds, Rescue Me, Numbers, Ugly Betty, most HBO series, a few sitcom reruns... Though, these days, not much time for TV!
Books
I mostly read courtroom dramas and mysteries. And even though I don't have children, I really enjoy children's literature. I like to read provocative stories that will move my emotions/spirit, while challenging my thinking. Your suggestions are welcome...
Heroes
Jesus Christ who died for my sins,Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, strong/loving mothers and fathers, teachers, soldiers, police officers, and firemen... All those who stand strong against injustice are heroes in my eyes.
"Every single person has at least one secret that would break your heart. I think if we could just keep that in mind, there would be a lot more compassion and tolerance in the world." -UNKNOWN
Just wondering: Is eating one hot dog every 10.9 seconds for 12 minutes, as Joey Chestnut did to win The Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest on Wednesday, really an athletic achievement?
My admittedly altruistic $0.02: Eating should not be a contest until no child in America and beyond goes hungry.
---Jennifer Engel in the Fort Worth Star Telegram
...be the change you wish to see in the world...
---ghandhi
"Faith" is standing at the edge of a cliff believing that when you take that next step, one of two things will happen: there will be something solid on which you can stand, or, you will be taught how to fly.
"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will." -Chuck Palahniuk
Well, at the very least, I am a storyteller and an art lover...especially ceramics!! I have a huge pottery collection, lots of one of a kind jewelry, and a few original paintings. I am particularly drawn to earthy colors and fluid forms that are rich with texture. My collection includes a breadth of artistic translations of my favorite forms, bottles and bowls.
Trite as it will seem, clay epitomizes to me the malleability of the human spirit: twisted, molded, pinched, pressed, shaped, scarred, and smoothed as we are by those who move in and out of our lives. The artist's glazes slide across the surface...coating, pooling, flowing, adding color and texture...much like life's experiences. Then in an amazing dichotomy, tremendous heat, the firing, "freezes" a single moment in time, each piece picking up traces of its environment where it is captured for eternity! Powerful!
There is so much to be said about the strength yet fragility of each piece as it BECOMES something. A vessel that holds something precious, a platter asking to serve, a bottle from which blessings pour forth...functional aesthetics...perfect!
This layout was handmade with love by the folks at My space or yours? Go get one!
I am a college instructor and sign language interpreter currently working video relay...I feel blessed to be one of the few people in the world who not only loves her job, but loves them BOTH!!!
"Nothing has been taught until it has been learned."
--Author Unknown
I am admittedly self-absorbed, yet forever working on that ugly side of my self with God's help. I will say that my biggest challenge in life is balance. I am eternally curious, but not always about truly important issues. I am good with words, but sometimes supercilious (like in my use of the word "supercilious"...ahem), therefore not great with relationships. I believe in right and wrong. I crave sincerity, and hate lies. I love to laugh...the kind of laughter that takes hold of you when you least expect it. I am disgusted by and fear the evil that exists in this world in the form of prejudice, abuse, denial, and apathy. I am far from perfect, yet have high expectations of myself and others and am, therefore, sometimes over critical. I am never finished learning and grow more and more through every moment I live, and every person I meet. I harbor few regrets about my past because I believe that all I have been through makes me who I am today. I seek to be valued for who I am and strive to let those I love not only feel, but know, my love for them. In that, I have experienced the power of words...and am learning to use them wisely.
"Tis better to be hated for who you are, than loved for who you are not... --Anonymous
Hubby and I have no children, but are permitted to share our home with three very spoiled dogs! If you are touched by romance, follow the link to NIEDERWALD...
Who I'd like to meet: I'd like to meet other professionals or students in the field of Deafness...education or interpreting. I'm also eager to meet pottery and jewelry artists...especially if they have work for sale! (wink) Truthfully, anyone who can inspire me or make me laugh is worth meeting!
hey hey..already started my Linguistics of ASL book.. LOVE IT! Already wanting to go to starbucks and discuss over coffee soon!!! also, thank you so much for my sweaters and my belt! gonna look dang fab! and i of course thank you for joining us at olenjacks! had so much fun and it was very relaxing to be with my family and my bean!! even though.. kinda embarrassing with the table dancing comment..bwaaahhh!! what timing with the waiter!! talk about RED in the face!! good laugh all around though.. well ttyl! love ya beany!
Live Music, Spoken Word, Live Art, Interactive Space. Bring your instruments or spoken word pieces if you want to jam with us! Bring cash and find unique holiday gifts.
Hi aunti Shelley!! It's soo good to hear from you! I miss you so much, and actually I've been thinking of you a lot lately. There were some opportunities for me to pick up some more sign-language! The german one though. :)
Wow, one year is a pretty long time!! It's good to know that uncle Matt made it there savely! What exactly are gonna be his duties? I'll include him in my prayers, as well as you and every one else of my "other" family. :)
