I Miss The Wildflowers

Texas has some gorgeous wildflowers. I took two plant taxonomy courses as an undergrad, the second because "upper level credit" would not transfer at Baylor, and I L-O-V-E-D them. Everyone struggled with the botanical stuff, the hundreds of definitions all in Latin, the many hours involving patience and a keen eye to key out (identify) an unknown plant -- I loved every minute of it. I would go all over central Texas ("The Wildflower Capital" as of 1990's) and collect plants, identify and press them in a portable drying apparatus, noting the location in my field notes. Later, take out the dried plant in the permanent shape I had given it and mount on botanical paper. Many are still in the herbarium at Baylor. It was a labor of love and I was so proud to contribute.

Of course, you see a lot more than wildflowers on these excursions. I love birding and I would see many feathered friends -- would quickly switch from plant to bird field guide as I donned binoculars to see who was in the area. Some snakes, amphibians and other reptiles were there too - probably enjoying the warmth of spring as much as I was.

This past spring we did not have ANY wildflowers. The drought that besieged Texas and other regions put a halt to those little seeds that needed water to germinate. Many birds did not even stop here to feed along their migration route - no food. There was a general lack of any wildlife, and certainly a lack of color. It was, quite literally, a spring without flowers. Some personal things added to a feeling of grey in what should have been very vibrant Spring days.

Not this Spring. Thus far, we have made up for our lack of rainfall and are no longer in a drought. We are on track for what should be an awesome spring. My plan is go out and explore the places that I have written in my logs - I'm sure some of them are covered over in concrete, but there are still farms and acres of fertile soil to be combed over. Take some flowers, identify, press them and place the best ones in protective glass frames.

I can't wait for Spring and flowers. Not the kind someone brings me, but the kind that I find...planting my own garden and decorating my own soul. Those are gifts from God.

Vertical Blinds and Words on Paper

I deal with stress by cleaning. I always have. My apartment was the cleanest one in Austin during finals week. Something about the whir of the vacuum or the smell of clean that settles the soul in turmoil....

In the "much ado about everything" column of life, there has been much ado. First, I have successfully prepared two manuscripts for publication. One goes out tomorrow (after a final read in the morning) and the other over the weekend. So much work - writing, editing, and then the formatting (and then of course I have my JOB to do)--- each journal has it's own set of formatting rules. It's ridiculous. It took me just as long to correctly format the 2nd manuscript as it did to write it!

Then, last weekend the cleaning bug persisted. 216 vertical blinds each cleaned individually by hand (as I mulled over my papers). 4 sets of sliding glass doors that needed attention. Filthy. So was the mini blind I cleaned. It was so filthy I tore the thing out of the hangers and threw it in a bathtub full of chlorox and Mr. Muscle. On Saturday, some big brawny guys came and cleaned the carpet and baseboards. Even Ella couldn't escape-- got a clip and a bath. Many clothes and some shoes donated to Salvation Army and we called it a weekend and back to work.

This week -- another paper (another idea) and there are those pesky cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

This tenure track deal will either result in a fully tenured me or at the very least a sparkling place to live. I hope, and pray, for both.

Meet the Luckiest Dog Ever

Annie came across this black lab puppy in a WalMart parking lot several weeks ago. She called me - had the dog in her car, what to do with the dog? I suggested the local animal shelter. She calls a bit later, "They're full. Now what?". I suggested the local no-kill shelter. Unfortunately, it yielded the same result.

The puppy came home with Annie. She called everyone she knew to find a home. No luck. She heard from the lady at WalMart that the puppy had been there for two days - eating trash from the dumpster, being friendly and telling everyone hello. He wore a collar, no tags. It was obvious that he had been dumped and was waiting for his former owner to pick him up.

So, Annie took the dog in. Bathed him, took to the vet, had him treated for mange and worms, had him neutered, enrolled him in obedience school. Named him Charlie. Charlie was smart, funny, loved the cats, Audrey and anyone that would pet his head. We all fell in love with Charlie.

Then, the apartment folks got wind of Charlie. Annie was told no pets over 25 lbs...Charlie came in at 40 and is still growing.

We were devastated. Annie tried to find a temporary home with friends, friends of friends, and their friends. No luck. We couldn't bear the thought of taking Charlie to a shelter - some shelter somewhere that wasn't full.

But now, good news. John, Annie's boyfriend, has wonderful parents that have a black lab and were thinking of getting another - some day. That day has arrived. Charlie is flying to Virginia this weekend. He will have a wonderful home until Annie is done with her nursing school this summer and then will have a place that will include Charlie.

My heart is full at the goodness of some people - I don't know them but am so thankful that Charlie will have a great home and people that will care for him. A stray at Walmart is going on a plane ride to a very cozy home. What a lucky dog!!!

Happy Birthday!

Note I did not say which birthday - but it was super happy! Celebrated with Mom over the weekend and shopped till we dropped. Ate lots! And then, with Annie, Audrey and (Annie's boyfriend)John -- Charlie the dog would have come too but he and Ella are still making friends. Happy Happy Day!

Spring Cleaning - early or late?

"There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening, we shall hear the right word." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cleaning cleaning cleaning. The carpets, the closets, the windows, the balcony, my heart. Listening while cleaning. The turmoil ceases and paths become more apparent. Priorities identify themselves, and truths unfold. Prayers are answered. Love increases as does strength and resolve -- and peace.

Still cleaning.

IPod Here We Come!

Annie is working in the hospital as part of her training, and so I have Audrey spend the night, get up with me in the morning, take to daycare, pick her up at the end of the day, and invariably, after hugs and kisses Audrey wants to know where we are going. You see, going straight home is not a given. I usually ask her what she would like to do. Last night, she exclaimed,
"Let's go to IPod!"

I didn't understand. She repeated it. I'm still confused. "What do you want to do at IPod Audrey?" Her response explained everything....

"EAT PANCAKES".

Yes indeedee...IHop for smiley face pancakes!

New Year Resolutions

This is going to be CHALLENGING year --- up for Promotion and Tenure this year - a lengthy year long process of being reviewed by the department, college, university and A&M system in that order. Bottom line is --- does she stay or does she go? It's pretty involved and my portfolio is due mid-year. Then there are 5 science research/education research conferences I'm attending. I know...I submitted five proposals thinking 2 or 3 would be accepted for presentation. All five? It's a mixed blessing. Lots of travel, classes to cover and work continues whether I am here or away. Oh and there are conference proceedings to write...and two more journal articles that need to be in the pipeline by end of semester. And, 2 grants that have been submitted and if accepted - more work.

It's such a blessing to be in a place where there are so many opportunities.

But the biggest challenge, by far, is a personal one that I have undertaken. Details another time. Suffice to say, if I make it to my one year anniversary in October, you will be the first to know.

In the meantime... choir, work, friends, family, exercise, prayer, some fishing, birdwatching, beach time, more work and more prayer.

Happy New Year - it's going to be a great one!