Felt it was time for a change


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29.1.09

Looking good so far!

SO... as two of my goal set for this year, I wanted to start painting again, and sell said paintings. I've done both! Such a good feeling! I didn't sell one for much, but it was enough to restock some of my supplies! And the second I bartered with my aunt, totalling $65. Yippee, woohoo, and a big, fat, YEEHAW! So, for future refence, if you're looking for some original art at a decent price, I just might have what your looking for! Yea me! -Jeri

(To the right is the unfinished version of the painting [paid for, not bartered]"Dragon Lord Revisited". Acrylics on canvas and puzzle. 16" x 20". Finished version [left and down] has highlighted vines, exotic black and red flowers, and more shading in and around dragon.)


"Spheres" (not pictured) is acrylics on canvas, 10" x 14". It's an abstract... but not. Very controlled. A series of 6 different colored spheres floating in the abyss, surrounded by bolts of purple lightning.

20.1.09

I Love Democracy

In listening to and watching the Presidential Inauguration I was moved to tears. While I have predominately republican views, I believe above all else (politically speaking) in democracy. I did not vote for Obama, but this morning was filled with an overwhelming sense of calm and faith in the man. His speech was powerful, bold, and unwaivering. I have faith in our new President, and am grateful for the freedoms we share. I'm adding is speech here, for your reference, as well as my own. I pray we all accept him and uphold him in this great turning point in our country, as our nations past citizens in years past have upheld and supported other ground breaking presidents. I love being a citizen of our great nation. Long live democracy!

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

18.1.09

And we're back in the game!

Last Saturday, I received a call from the 1st counselor on our bishopric saying he wanted to extend a calling to me. So, Sunday came and we left early for my meeting (miracle). When we sat down to talk, he extended not 'a' calling, but three:
-Young Women's Camp Food Specialist
-Personal Progress Leader
-Young Women's Secretary
My first counselor then proceeds to ask my hubby if he can support me in my callings, what did he think, etc. Hubby was fine with it, and so then he asked me the same. my only reply was, "Are you kidding? I get to go to girls camp... again!"
Needless to say, I am VERY excited to get to go to camp. But the best part is DEFINITELY getting to be with the girls. Our ward is amazing! No matter where I've served (excluding Cub Scouts... long story... eesh!) I have absolutely enjoyed ever minute of my callings. Well, not the first Sunday teaching a new class, but that's just jitters. Over the last seven years, I have been able to serve and get to know all the youth in our ward (from primary on up). THEY ARE AWESOME!
The Stake Young Women's Presidency taught today (Ward Conference). If you ever have a first Sunday in a new calling, there's no better way to get your feet wet than with them!
Well, that's it for now! Have a great week, I know I will!
-Jeri

9.1.09

The Lion King

So, my aunt and I went to see The Lion King last night at Gammage, courtesy of my husband and one of our dear friends (her best friend), Joel. Sometime in November, my hubby dropped an email to Joel and asked if he was interested in purchasing a ticket for my aunt to go. Nothing expensive, the nose bleeds were fine (which at Gammage really is true). Joel thought that was a great idea, and thus, unknown to us, we were getting tickets for Christmas. Well, apparently, the tickets arrived at my hubby's work, and he was quite surprised to see that we were not on the grand tier (nose bleeds), but in fact, on the floor, row 24, seats 28 and 30 (which means we were only slightly higher than center stage)!
Christmas morning came and hubby gave me a box of Rice Krispy Treats (yum!) with a card in it. On the front it read "Actual Christmas Present". I opened said card and it read, "I owe you one night of babysitting the kids, enjoy a night on the town."
Well, naturally, being a full time stay-at-home mom, I was stoked! I mean really, a night on the town, sans children, and (I was assuming) some girlfriends. But then he reached into his pocket, and handed me the tickets. I was thrilled to say the very least! It was such and awesome gift!
Needless to say, I walked around with rollers in my hair yesterday, running errands, and getting all kinds of looks from people, so I could feel pretty last night. I met my aunt at IHOP, and had my favorite pancakes (Harvest Grain & Nut... yummy), and enjoyed conversing with my most treasured aunt. After dinner, we walked back over to the theatre, found our seats, teased the usher, and bought some wicked cool souvenirs (magnet, shirt, ornament).
Finally, the show started. The first scene was enough that my aunt and I were both in tears. It was beautiful, complex, and absolutely wonderful. Such artistry of the theatre is a rare and very special treat. And oh-my-goodness... THE MUSIC! If you even remotely enjoy, or can even only appreciate a tribal rhythm, you will love it. Suffice it to say, I was practically jumping up and down in my seat with excitement the whole time. I had the time of my life! Save the money, go and see it, it was completely worth every penny my two guys spent! -Jeri

7.1.09

Have you ever noticed...

Have you ever noticed that the same things that freak you out during the holidays, just two weeks later are no big deal? I dunno, that one hit me as a shocker last night. I wish that I could be this calm and collected all the time, but alas, I'm doomed to be an emotional wreck at the holidays for the rest of my life. Oh well, what's a girl to do?
Well, I've started painting again. It's been quite a while, but for me (luckily) it's kind of like riding a bike. I decided to change it up though, and I'm using oils, whereas I've predominately used acrylics. It's my first oil painting, and my oh my, it's a big one (24 x 30... my largest ever). I like it though, and I really like my subject matter: Bran Castle in Romania. It's said to be Dracula's castle, however, Vlad the Impaler never actually lived there, as it was inhabited by the queen at the time. His actual castle, Poenari Castle, is now in ruins, and was definitely more a fortress than a palace. Cool, huh? Well, cool in the non-violent, down-with-totalitarianism, impaling-people-is-a-really-bad-thing kind of way. Maybe I'll paint the fortress next, but for now, I'm very happy with how Bran Castle is turning out.

Interesting tidbits about Poenari: it was in fact the ultimate fortress. It was built atop a cliff with a 300 foot drop on 3 of its 4 sides. It overlooked a valley which was the only way enemies could aproach the fortress. As you can see, there are steps that lead up to the cliff. 1,850 of them to be exact. Most of the steps are quite tall and wide, forcing aproaching armies to face exhaustion. Also, the climb is so steep, that it is near to impossible to fire arrows in a battle. No wonder ol' Vlad never lost a war! Okay, I'm done with the history lesson... for now. I really like this kind of thing, could you tell?
Well, I hope you have a wonderful day, and until my next post, may you not be ruled by someone who belongs in an asylum! -Jeri

1.1.09

Happy New Year!

Okay, so it's a whole new year, 2009, WOO HOO WE MADE IT!!! And, yes, I want to party like it's 1999. So, I had a cousin get married yesterday (Congrats Jon and Cierra), played Monopoly last night (lost miserably), and won the first game of the year, Uno, this morning at 12:38 am! What a great year! Hope everyone else's started theirs out beutifully as well. Have fun all and I'll talk to you soon. -Jeri

Family Photo Album from TX