Gritty City Woman
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Monkey Powered Awesomeness Right Here (Maybe)
Uh, maybe.
I may lose laptop access potentially for a few days. In the meantime, me and my monkeys will be goofing off on the Gritty City Woman Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest. Please stop by to visit and for a hearty round of monkeyshines!
I may lose laptop access potentially for a few days. In the meantime, me and my monkeys will be goofing off on the Gritty City Woman Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest. Please stop by to visit and for a hearty round of monkeyshines!
Hot Child in the City
I have recently reinforced my love of cities. Here are some
snapshots.
Last week I went on a special art tour in Tacoma that not only showcased art of all kinds, but the tour also beautifully highlighted local businesses. I toured a gorgeous spa, a groovy import place, a sassy hair salon, a quaint boutique, art galleries, and so much more. Merchants had yummy snacks (read: cheeses!) and wine (the way to my heart---free goodies and liquor). Some of the places were off the beaten city path, tucked into corners and nooks and crannies. I love making these discoveries! Everyone was so nice, too. People watching was great fun. Sure there were urban hipsters, but not in droves. I got to see it all. Literally.
I had a chance to run recently in the city neighborhoods where I grew up. I LOVE running on city sidewalks, glancing into shop windows, and hearing the cars whizzing by. I find my pace quickening, in a productive way though. And waiting for lights to change? A nice break from long miles, if you ask me.
I've been rediscovering Seattle. I truly hate to drive there. There is something wonderful about going on foot, bus, or bike to do your business. I did many years of this in my formative years while being a city dweller there. While for many a car equals freedom, it also can tie you down, too. To me, there's a freedom of finding your own way. Making a plan to get from A to B with your own resources.
Picked crab at a Seattle fish house not long ago down by Pike Place Market. I was next to a window and watched the tourists and locals alike peer in. Not a better show than this.
I've been fantasizing about living downtown. No particular city, really, but just simply to be a true urban dweller. When I was growing up, I heard in the night the calls of trains, ambulances, police cars, foghorns from the ferry, cars peeling out, people yelling, dogs barking, and the airplanes from McChord airforce base screeching overhead, flying low.
My lullaby.
A little music for the occasion.
snapshots.
Last week I went on a special art tour in Tacoma that not only showcased art of all kinds, but the tour also beautifully highlighted local businesses. I toured a gorgeous spa, a groovy import place, a sassy hair salon, a quaint boutique, art galleries, and so much more. Merchants had yummy snacks (read: cheeses!) and wine (the way to my heart---free goodies and liquor). Some of the places were off the beaten city path, tucked into corners and nooks and crannies. I love making these discoveries! Everyone was so nice, too. People watching was great fun. Sure there were urban hipsters, but not in droves. I got to see it all. Literally.
I had a chance to run recently in the city neighborhoods where I grew up. I LOVE running on city sidewalks, glancing into shop windows, and hearing the cars whizzing by. I find my pace quickening, in a productive way though. And waiting for lights to change? A nice break from long miles, if you ask me.
I've been rediscovering Seattle. I truly hate to drive there. There is something wonderful about going on foot, bus, or bike to do your business. I did many years of this in my formative years while being a city dweller there. While for many a car equals freedom, it also can tie you down, too. To me, there's a freedom of finding your own way. Making a plan to get from A to B with your own resources.
Picked crab at a Seattle fish house not long ago down by Pike Place Market. I was next to a window and watched the tourists and locals alike peer in. Not a better show than this.
I've been fantasizing about living downtown. No particular city, really, but just simply to be a true urban dweller. When I was growing up, I heard in the night the calls of trains, ambulances, police cars, foghorns from the ferry, cars peeling out, people yelling, dogs barking, and the airplanes from McChord airforce base screeching overhead, flying low.
My lullaby.
A little music for the occasion.
Mama's Gritty Advice
I am the parent of a tween and a teen. They are both at the ages where they think they know EVERYTHING. This attitude will go on, I suspect, until their thirties.
Wait.
With my kids, make that forties.
Oh well.
In the meantime, I am going to type my gritty words of wisdom directed at my kids. Or rather, youth in general. Listen up, young 'uns!
Mama's Gritty Advice (in no particular order):
1. Get outside as often as possible. Even if the weather is absolutely wretched. Actually wretched weather can be the most interesting anyway.
2. Try to visit some vast natural wonder as often as possible (mountain, ocean, lake, desert). These beauties make the world so much bigger and brighter and that is good for us overall.
3. Never align yourself with someone who lies and/or regularly puts themselves first for their own personal gain. These people are temporary (at best) and will saddle you with lots of their problems (at worst).
4. Avoid spending time with people who give you undo stress, who are irritating and frustrating to you, or you plain just don't like. Feeling pressured or obligated to hold onto a relationship you don't want? Stop. Think. Walk away. Stand firm. If someone else is applying pressure or obligation for you to spend time with non-value added people, they do not have your best interests at heart. Follow the steps. Stop. Think. Walk away. Stand firm. This will not be easy. But if you make this a habit, it will be brutal to break. Oh yeah, you may need to run away at times. This is okay. And trust me, you will need to run at least once.
5. When you come upon a holiday and you are overjoyed to spend time with family and friends, with no expectations or desire for gifts, you have become whole.
6. Whether you are a driver or a passenger in a car, please remember the vehicle has windows. You can, and will, be seen.
7. Best health advice? Find an athletic endeavor(s) that you love, and enjoy it as often as possible. If you eat a little bad junk, so what. Just don't eat a lot. You don't need that spelled out for you, either. You know what's bad and what's good.
8. Show as many kindnesses as you can. Especially towards yourself.
9. Do not be afraid to be alone. Let's face it, you may have long spells of being alone in your life. Learn to love your own company. If you can't, get help and fix it. This is an essential nutrient in a well lived life.
10. When it comes to our jobs, we all make mistakes. Most mistakes in jobs will not: Kill people or end the world. Advice? If you mess up, own it and learn. Don't beat yourself up or it will make you sick.
11. Say this aloud. I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them. Repeat! I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them. Good! One more time! I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them.
12. Always buy good high quality shoes and coats.
13. Lastly, step thirteen. Thirteen really can be a lucky number. It's all in the attitude.
That's it for now.
I suspect, dear readers, you could handily add to this list! Feel free to do so.
Wait.
With my kids, make that forties.
Oh well.
In the meantime, I am going to type my gritty words of wisdom directed at my kids. Or rather, youth in general. Listen up, young 'uns!
Mama's Gritty Advice (in no particular order):
1. Get outside as often as possible. Even if the weather is absolutely wretched. Actually wretched weather can be the most interesting anyway.
2. Try to visit some vast natural wonder as often as possible (mountain, ocean, lake, desert). These beauties make the world so much bigger and brighter and that is good for us overall.
3. Never align yourself with someone who lies and/or regularly puts themselves first for their own personal gain. These people are temporary (at best) and will saddle you with lots of their problems (at worst).
4. Avoid spending time with people who give you undo stress, who are irritating and frustrating to you, or you plain just don't like. Feeling pressured or obligated to hold onto a relationship you don't want? Stop. Think. Walk away. Stand firm. If someone else is applying pressure or obligation for you to spend time with non-value added people, they do not have your best interests at heart. Follow the steps. Stop. Think. Walk away. Stand firm. This will not be easy. But if you make this a habit, it will be brutal to break. Oh yeah, you may need to run away at times. This is okay. And trust me, you will need to run at least once.
5. When you come upon a holiday and you are overjoyed to spend time with family and friends, with no expectations or desire for gifts, you have become whole.
6. Whether you are a driver or a passenger in a car, please remember the vehicle has windows. You can, and will, be seen.
7. Best health advice? Find an athletic endeavor(s) that you love, and enjoy it as often as possible. If you eat a little bad junk, so what. Just don't eat a lot. You don't need that spelled out for you, either. You know what's bad and what's good.
8. Show as many kindnesses as you can. Especially towards yourself.
9. Do not be afraid to be alone. Let's face it, you may have long spells of being alone in your life. Learn to love your own company. If you can't, get help and fix it. This is an essential nutrient in a well lived life.
10. When it comes to our jobs, we all make mistakes. Most mistakes in jobs will not: Kill people or end the world. Advice? If you mess up, own it and learn. Don't beat yourself up or it will make you sick.
11. Say this aloud. I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them. Repeat! I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them. Good! One more time! I will listen to my gut feelings and respect them.
12. Always buy good high quality shoes and coats.
13. Lastly, step thirteen. Thirteen really can be a lucky number. It's all in the attitude.
That's it for now.
I suspect, dear readers, you could handily add to this list! Feel free to do so.
Impossible Possibilities
I had a fortune written on the little piece of paper on my tea bag today. It read:
You will be fulfilled when you do the impossible for someone else.
Don't you love it when you get that perfect synchronicity and a message from the universe and they lovingly collide?
I do!
Today I helped someone else achieve something that would have been impossible for them. I do not know what tomorrow will bring. I have learned to bask in the small glories, even if they are brief.
And the sun is shining.
Perfect little garnish.
I think a song is in order, don't you?
You will be fulfilled when you do the impossible for someone else.
Don't you love it when you get that perfect synchronicity and a message from the universe and they lovingly collide?
I do!
Today I helped someone else achieve something that would have been impossible for them. I do not know what tomorrow will bring. I have learned to bask in the small glories, even if they are brief.
And the sun is shining.
Perfect little garnish.
I think a song is in order, don't you?
Baby Talk And Language Slaughtering for the Love of Dog
If you a are a dog lover, you know you love the cute puppy in the picture above. As you read the caption, you may be thinking this:
Oh wooky at da lil' puppy wuppy! What a cutie patootie!
Okay, maybe I think this. Nonetheless, how many of us talk to dogs in this way? Show of hands, please? Just as I thought! All of us!
The other day, I was petting my border collie, Kona. We were cuddling on the couch. I took her sweet face in my hands and said in my best imitation of a three year old's speaking voice:
U iz smart. U iz beautiful. U iz sooo special!!!
The dog loved it! Her tail went thump, thump, thump, and her eyes lit up with happiness. I also got a big sloppy dog kiss for my efforts.
And I thought absolutely nothing of sounding like a complete ass by slaughtering the English language and talking like an infant.
Why do we do this? It's total instinct. And dogs seem to love it!
Oh, puppa duppa!
Oh wooky at da lil' puppy wuppy! What a cutie patootie!
Okay, maybe I think this. Nonetheless, how many of us talk to dogs in this way? Show of hands, please? Just as I thought! All of us!
The other day, I was petting my border collie, Kona. We were cuddling on the couch. I took her sweet face in my hands and said in my best imitation of a three year old's speaking voice:
U iz smart. U iz beautiful. U iz sooo special!!!
The dog loved it! Her tail went thump, thump, thump, and her eyes lit up with happiness. I also got a big sloppy dog kiss for my efforts.
And I thought absolutely nothing of sounding like a complete ass by slaughtering the English language and talking like an infant.
Why do we do this? It's total instinct. And dogs seem to love it!
Then there are the nicknames of course. I am actually surprised when my dog responds to her real and actual name. I think we have at least a dozen nicknames for her (all spoken to her like a human baby, naturally).
Why do we do this?
Why do we do this?
And why is it that we just don't care how we sound?
A couple of days, my 10 year old daughter and I were gushing over the dog. It was rather vigorous actually. My daughter then paused and started to laugh. "Mom, we should record ourselves. We sound like idiots!"
I told her we should do it! I am sure we'd be positively horrified at first, but one look at this pup and we'd be back on the wagon again.
A couple of days, my 10 year old daughter and I were gushing over the dog. It was rather vigorous actually. My daughter then paused and started to laugh. "Mom, we should record ourselves. We sound like idiots!"
I told her we should do it! I am sure we'd be positively horrified at first, but one look at this pup and we'd be back on the wagon again.
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (Too Hard)
An old school friend of mine did something that I thought was brave.
A few days ago, she posted on her Facebook page a passionate plea to all the adults out there to stand up against bullying. Her own adolescent daughter suffered at the hands of bullies daily.
This young girl recently tried to kill herself because of it.
Fortunately, this plan did not succeed. She is undergoing treatment and her family and friends are rallying around her.
I appreciated this mom's honesty and coming right out there and putting it on the table. Some families would be ashamed or afraid. Not this family. I applaud them.
The post generated a lot of discussion, as you can imagine. Everyone wished the child and family well and are praying for them in their own personal ways. Some people were moved to tears, others shocked, and some angry.
I guess I coasted between all of the camps, really. I understand this mother's plea; it's my own, too.
Long time readers of this blog have seen my posts about my own son's bullying experiences. For those who are new here, my son has had a history of bullying since the 2nd grade. Now that he is older, it has calmed a bit. Yet, the toll has been tremendous on him and our family as a whole.
When the topic of bullying comes up, some people argue that bullying has been around a long time and there's really not a lot we can do. It is what it is. However, here's how I see it:
1. With a growing population, more poverty, and more stress equals, well that equals more bullies.
2. Social media, cell phones, and the like has given bullies more access to their prey. They can also hide behind a wall of anonymity online and this makes it easier to getting away with doing more damage.
3. Kids are growing up faster due to cultural, media, and economic influences. So, younger minds are exposed to issues that some of us never even touched as kids.
4. Information overload. While there is help out there for all involved in bullying, it feels disorganized or confusing.
So, this experience is right in our faces, with its hands wrapped around our throats.
What to do?
This problem is like an octopus. Many legs, many tentacles. It's like if you chip away at it and lop off one leg it grows back just as quickly.
One thing I do notice is that parents and other adults are getting angry, especially as kids are trying to die. As they should.
I remember years ago, a mom I knew was in tears because her son with learning disabilities was getting regular bullying torture at school.
She said something interesting: "If it were acceptable and legal, part of me would love to go all Hand That Rocks The Cradle on that bully!"
Here's the reference below. The child in the movie is being bothered by a school yard bully. Here's how the nanny handles it:
A few days ago, she posted on her Facebook page a passionate plea to all the adults out there to stand up against bullying. Her own adolescent daughter suffered at the hands of bullies daily.
This young girl recently tried to kill herself because of it.
Fortunately, this plan did not succeed. She is undergoing treatment and her family and friends are rallying around her.
I appreciated this mom's honesty and coming right out there and putting it on the table. Some families would be ashamed or afraid. Not this family. I applaud them.
The post generated a lot of discussion, as you can imagine. Everyone wished the child and family well and are praying for them in their own personal ways. Some people were moved to tears, others shocked, and some angry.
I guess I coasted between all of the camps, really. I understand this mother's plea; it's my own, too.
Long time readers of this blog have seen my posts about my own son's bullying experiences. For those who are new here, my son has had a history of bullying since the 2nd grade. Now that he is older, it has calmed a bit. Yet, the toll has been tremendous on him and our family as a whole.
When the topic of bullying comes up, some people argue that bullying has been around a long time and there's really not a lot we can do. It is what it is. However, here's how I see it:
1. With a growing population, more poverty, and more stress equals, well that equals more bullies.
2. Social media, cell phones, and the like has given bullies more access to their prey. They can also hide behind a wall of anonymity online and this makes it easier to getting away with doing more damage.
3. Kids are growing up faster due to cultural, media, and economic influences. So, younger minds are exposed to issues that some of us never even touched as kids.
4. Information overload. While there is help out there for all involved in bullying, it feels disorganized or confusing.
So, this experience is right in our faces, with its hands wrapped around our throats.
What to do?
This problem is like an octopus. Many legs, many tentacles. It's like if you chip away at it and lop off one leg it grows back just as quickly.
One thing I do notice is that parents and other adults are getting angry, especially as kids are trying to die. As they should.
I remember years ago, a mom I knew was in tears because her son with learning disabilities was getting regular bullying torture at school.
She said something interesting: "If it were acceptable and legal, part of me would love to go all Hand That Rocks The Cradle on that bully!"
Here's the reference below. The child in the movie is being bothered by a school yard bully. Here's how the nanny handles it:
This is the kind of anger we are reaching.
While this is just a movie scene, and it's not appropriate to do in real life, I suspect many parents could relate. I know I could. Some bratty kids taunted my son right in front me! I was literally standing there!
They rode off on their bikes so fast I couldn't get a word in and I was more concerned about consoling my child.
Brazen.
That's what's scary too. Is the brazen attitude of some of these kids and the lack of respect for human life. It's like they think that human beings are simply disposable, for lack of a better word. There for their amusement.
I don't have answers here.
I heard this song today and it struck me. I wish more kids could feel comfortable that they are indeed alive and need help. I suppose if we reach out and help those who are suffering, in big ways and small ways, we can make them strong and whole again. Then they can help others in the same position.
I'd like to believe in the power of those kinds of numbers. This would help.
Must Have Action Figures For Every Home Part One
These action figures are really a must have for everyone.
The Love Boat crew:
The Love Boat crew:
For more serious play, M*A*S*H. Hey there Hot Lips!
Or how about the dudes from Happy Days, except Potsie (note: Gritty City Woman met Anson Williams, who plays Potsie, in an elevator in Canada when I was 20. Yes, it's true, and yes, he was very rude).
Two Happy Happy Joy Joy Pictures and One Weird One
I love looking at young girl's drawings. They are always so hopeful, full of color and life, and they make me happy.
Here are a couple of drawings that my 10 year old daughter created. She loves Japanese anime and fashion, so the art combines those interests. She used pencils, pens, and stickers.
This girl is so cool. I especially love her hair and shoes.
Here are a couple of drawings that my 10 year old daughter created. She loves Japanese anime and fashion, so the art combines those interests. She used pencils, pens, and stickers.
This girl is so cool. I especially love her hair and shoes.
Here's another groovy gal. Her boots are the bomb!
The other day I discovered some of the illustrated stories that I created in elementary school. I thought it would be fun to put our drawings side by side.
Let's just say the apple fell VERY FAR from the tree. Here's a sample of one of my drawings.
Let's just say the apple fell VERY FAR from the tree. Here's a sample of one of my drawings.
Back story: This prince was very upset that his beloved princess loathed his newly grown mustache and she rejected him for it.
Please remember this was the 1970's.
Please remember this was the 1970's.
Random Round-Up: Sunshine, Playing Tourist, Homemade Popcorn, and Spring Exposure
It's another Gritty City Woman Round-up! Let's sift the grit of some random goodness!
Sunshine
The glorious Pacific Northwest, s-word. SUN.
I was talking to a woman at the grocery store the other day and we were musing about the weather (naturally, the number one idle chit chat topic in these parts).
She said, "I LOVE living here in the Puget Sound. When we get a sunny day here, we cherish it and savor it. We REALLY appreciate it and can sink our teeth into it!"
Indeed.
In fact, I could devour spoonfuls of sunshine. NOW.
Sunshine
The glorious Pacific Northwest, s-word. SUN.
I was talking to a woman at the grocery store the other day and we were musing about the weather (naturally, the number one idle chit chat topic in these parts).
She said, "I LOVE living here in the Puget Sound. When we get a sunny day here, we cherish it and savor it. We REALLY appreciate it and can sink our teeth into it!"
Indeed.
In fact, I could devour spoonfuls of sunshine. NOW.
Playing Tourist
One of my favorite things to do is to play tourist in Seattle. Don't worry Tacoma folks, I still (heart) my beloved Tacoma. However, I lived in Seattle for a number of years, too, and truth be told, it's my benign not-so-secret celebrity crush.
Since the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair is upon us, I am particularly fascinated with the quaintness and the kitsch of the Seattle Center.
Although, I have to admit I truly loathe driving in Seattle now.
Guess I am officially old.
Homemade Popcorn
I LOVE making popcorn old school. It's damn fine popcorn, too, and there are NO chemicals or other weird things that contaminate it. Is it the healthiest snack? Nope! But it ain't bad, either.
Want the recipe and technique? Sure you do!
Ingredients:
To serve 4 to 6 people
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup of popcorn kernels
melted salted butter (to your liking--I like it very buttery so I use nearly a stick).
added salt sprinkled (optional)
Equipment
Stove
Pan with lid
Popcorn bowl
Utensils to toss butter, salt, and popcorn
Directions:
Place the olive oil in the pan and add three kernels of popcorn. Heat burner to medium high heat and cover with the lid. Listen for the test kernels to pop (that indicates that the oil is hot enough).
While you are waiting, melt your butter, ready your bowl, and tossing utensils.
Once you hear that first POP, check under the lid, and make sure you see a piece or two of popcorn popped and then add your 1/2 cup of kernels. Cover with the lid and then slide the pan back and forth across the burner fairly rapidly (if you were alive in the 60's, 70's, and 80's think Jiffy Pop and you've got your technique ready to go!).
The popcorn will pop rapidly. Keep an eye on it, 'cause it won't take long. Once the popping starts to subside, remove from the burner heat and uncover. Pour the popcorn in the bowl, toss with the butter (add extra salt to taste if you want) and you are good to go!
One of my favorite things to do is to play tourist in Seattle. Don't worry Tacoma folks, I still (heart) my beloved Tacoma. However, I lived in Seattle for a number of years, too, and truth be told, it's my benign not-so-secret celebrity crush.
Since the 50th anniversary of the 1962 World's Fair is upon us, I am particularly fascinated with the quaintness and the kitsch of the Seattle Center.
Although, I have to admit I truly loathe driving in Seattle now.
Guess I am officially old.
Homemade Popcorn
I LOVE making popcorn old school. It's damn fine popcorn, too, and there are NO chemicals or other weird things that contaminate it. Is it the healthiest snack? Nope! But it ain't bad, either.
Want the recipe and technique? Sure you do!
Ingredients:
To serve 4 to 6 people
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup of popcorn kernels
melted salted butter (to your liking--I like it very buttery so I use nearly a stick).
added salt sprinkled (optional)
Equipment
Stove
Pan with lid
Popcorn bowl
Utensils to toss butter, salt, and popcorn
Directions:
Place the olive oil in the pan and add three kernels of popcorn. Heat burner to medium high heat and cover with the lid. Listen for the test kernels to pop (that indicates that the oil is hot enough).
While you are waiting, melt your butter, ready your bowl, and tossing utensils.
Once you hear that first POP, check under the lid, and make sure you see a piece or two of popcorn popped and then add your 1/2 cup of kernels. Cover with the lid and then slide the pan back and forth across the burner fairly rapidly (if you were alive in the 60's, 70's, and 80's think Jiffy Pop and you've got your technique ready to go!).
The popcorn will pop rapidly. Keep an eye on it, 'cause it won't take long. Once the popping starts to subside, remove from the burner heat and uncover. Pour the popcorn in the bowl, toss with the butter (add extra salt to taste if you want) and you are good to go!
Spring Exposure
Isn't it great to show a little skin in the spring and summer?
Flip flops, shorts, tanks, swimsuits. Legs, arms, feet, all uncovered from their long winter's nap.
Gotta love it!
Isn't it great to show a little skin in the spring and summer?
Flip flops, shorts, tanks, swimsuits. Legs, arms, feet, all uncovered from their long winter's nap.
Gotta love it!
Lasso of Truth
Recognize Wonder Woman's powerful weapon? It's the lasso of truth (a.k.a. as the golden lasso or the magic lasso). When Wonder Woman captured someone and tied them up with this lasso, it forced the prisoner to tell the truth.
Oh, how I would love, love, love to get my hands on that kind of beauty and power right now!
Oh, how I would love, love, love to get my hands on that kind of beauty and power right now!
