Just Another Crazy, Yet Awesome, Moment

A couple of days ago, I had an interested moment when I was about to come home after doing some errands. I was heading back to the bus depot, but I decided to get something cold to drink on the walk there. I ended up getting a large milkshake from my favorite spot, Beancounter. I didn't think I was going to make it there without finishing my Oreo Milkshake, so I ended up taking a different route, enjoying the day.

I didn't quite make it to the Port of Burlington, because I was running out of time, but I enjoyed walking near the river, and enjoying the cool air. As I walked back to catch my bus, I made plans to try and actually head to the port next time I got the chance, and I plan to make it next time.

Events Leading Through January and February 2024

I have a really bad habit with not writing in the winter, usually due to hibernating, and becoming a hermit, but I’m trying to be better on that front. 2023 has come and gone and going into 2024 has been a challenge for a lot of reasons. The first of the year, we got hit with snow and rain, and it was like we were stuck inside for the whole month. However, in that time, I have been getting inspired again, so let me begin.

Around February, there was enough decent weather for me to go out, and get some important errands done. The piles of snow are still about but were starting to melt. Downtown Burlington is full of hearts, and good stuff to see and do before catching the bus home.

I also got some serious house cleaning done. Things have been starting to look up, so I’ve just been keeping at it. Our cat, Dulce, hasn’t made it easy, but we’re working on getting around him. I’ve found some order in my room, including my futon that I bought.

I thought of some great series for my edited videos. Comichorde is what I label several of the series of videos I edit, the series, and seasons based on comics, like the DC comic, including The Sandman, and now, The Dead Boy Detectives. And these are just some of the projects I’ve gotten started.

Church Community Coming Together

Our church has worked together to convert an old building in town into our place of worship. We've gotten a lot done, and we've finally been able to go in and have worship, and it looks amazing.

The building used to be the old Hawkeye Newspaper, but we were able to buy it and convert it for our church, and when we first saw the building, it looked abandoned, and kind of sad.

  

Ever since we it got fixed up, we've had worship there, and even potlucks and it feels awesome to have a space just for us now.

   

All That’s Happened This Past Year and Going Foward

Again, I’ve neglected my writing for my blog, but I’m back at it starting right now. So, here’s some of the stuff that’s been going on with me since I last posted. We’ve cleaned and worked on the house, I’ve been taking the bus around town more, our new church is finished enough for us to attend worship there, and we have a brand-new member of our family.

So, this fall brings a lot of changes. As the weather turns from warm and sunny, then to cloudy, windy, and rainstorms, so a lot has been going on around me, and my community. For starters, my mom's car broke down, so I've been taking the public bus a few times, and although it can be a rough ride at times, it's provided me with some insight, and some independence of my own. I've gotten to Walmart on my own, so I can a bill, which for someone with autism, is a big, personal deal. I've also made it to the bank and have been to walk around downtown to see a lot of things, I usually can't when driving, so that is an interesting bonus. I've also been able to go to the library more, which I've enjoyed.

Next, is something even more awesome. Our church community bought an old newspaper building, and has been converting it, which is so amazing to me! So now, we have a place we own, and have made it our own. We had a potluck awhile back, and recently we've been to attend Sunday worship and sermon there on a regular basis. And soon we'll be having another potluck there, which is incredible.

And here is the most recent and sweetest news, we got ourselves a new kitty cat! We're not totally sure yet if it's a boy, or a girl, because she's only a few months old, but we've named her Dulce, because 1, she's the caramel orange, and cream white color, and 2, she's a sweetheart. She's made our lives richer, and we already love her so much. On top of everything else, she's learning to hunt mice, and they haven't been bugging us lately.

That's about everything right now, but I intend to start doing some more research, and history projects based on where we live right now, in Iowa. There is so much interesting local history around us, so now I can ride on my own. I'm going to try and learn more, and report back. Please subscribe, and come to read more, and also try and support on Ko-fi.

Life Throws Us All Kinds of Curves

The First of January was insane, we had a major change of plans. Sometimes, it's hard to go with the flow. First, you can get excited for an adventure, but then reality hits your plans. I’ve always enjoyed road trips, but they can be really hard on the budget, especially in the future, after you use your credit, and you end up overcharging a lot.

So, we had to go the doctor’s in Iowa City the first of the month. I was looking forward to that, until I realized I wasn’t going to have as much as the month before. Getting to the city wasn’t that bad, but the University parking was crazy as usual. All of that went pretty smoothly, and the hospital had Pepsi, and chips in the vending machine, so I was good. It’s what happened after, that through us for a loop.

We were supposed to keep lunch inexpensive, and we were trying to find a good place for waffle fries. But the place that I looked up on DoorDash was permanently closed, so that was disappointing. We ended up settling for Subway, which wasn’t terrible. After that, we were supposed to have only two stops. Chong’s, the Asian store, and Walmart, for my favorite brand, and blend of coffee.

The Asian store wasn’t that bad, I was able to find most everything we needed, including some good ramen for my sister, and some chopsticks. For me, I just needed a key ingredient for my miso soup, and Mom wanted some coconut water/juice. Next, we went to Walmart, but when I went in, they didn’t have what I was looking for, even though I checked the website. So, mom took me to three different places, until finally we found a Walmart close to Burlington that had it, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.

Needless to say, we were pretty tired when we got home. I don’t usually regret what do, or get, but I have a habit of regretting the choices that put us in hot water. I really need to control my spending habits. There’s a phrase I’m looking for, but I can’t place it right now. Anyway, the start of February seems to be coming down, in a good way. I’ve been working on video projects, and my blogs, while doing house work. Imbolc passed by, and I made an interesting dinner, inspired by what I read. There’s been some warm days, so maybe the cold front will end soon, and next month will hopefully be better.

Clothing and Fashions Inspired By the Ages

Two of my favorite things, clothes, and history, are combined when shopping at vintage places, or even inexpensive places, like Goodwill. People give up old clothes, and you never know when you'll find something worthwhile.

A while back, my sister took my mom, and me shopping for some clothes. I was inspired to try and find jeans, something between “borrowed jeans” of the 1940s, and the wide legs, that made a comeback in the 1990’s. I was going for loose, but fitting, and comfortable, retro style.

In the end, I was able to finally find some awesome options, with some help from my sister, although she does like to take charge, and I mean complete control. But I ended up with awesome stuff, including some amazing shoes, so it wasn’t terrible, although I need to be able to cut myself off more times.

Grocery Haul & Healthy Foods to Cook With

I don't usually talk about what I buy, but I wanted to share some of things I've found at the grocery, and the health food store near us here in Burlington, Iowa. My mom has a lot of allergies, so it's really important that I find, and work with ingredients that are ok with both of us, and I've been very lucky to find these ingredients, sauces and flavors, that don't have anything that can make us sick.

My mom loves her sauces, so I've been trying to come up with some of my own. One of my first, that she seemed to like a lot was coconut aminos, with sesame seed oil, especially on chicken. I also was able to find a health food store near us called Nature's Corner, and they have a vegan mayonaisse, made without eggs, or soybean oil, which is very important in our diets. They also have a ketchup made by the same brand, Primal Kitchen, as well, and later I was able to find it our local HyVee store, as well. 

Recently I also discovered another brand that is a little healthier for us, called Noble Brand (by the New Primal), and they have a good, and spice bbq sauce. Plus, at Nature's Corner, they have soup packets, that don't have anything bad, like soy, wheat, or any added perservatives.

I've always enjoyed cooking healthy, and even doing things from scratch. Sometimes, when I'm working on the basics, it's nice to have quality sauces, and it makes it easier on me. It can get pricey if your not careful, but I always say it's worth it.

A Different Perspective for This New Year

A lot of the time in January, the days can start off cold, foggy, and seem off, but give it some time and, the sun can try to make an appearance. What could seem like a complete disaster, could shape up to be not bad, even awesome.

There have been a lot of moments this month, the first of the new year, where it’s felt like a seesaw, one moment things are pretty hard, and then they are looking up, and the next day, you get some news that tries to bring you down again. I guess we all need to try and keep an open mind and maintain a balance of some kind.

A New Style for a New Year

Starting this new year, I'm going to be working hard on making things different. I know I don't write and post as often as I want, but I'm working really hard on changing that starting now. I've been getting really inspired and going to start using that as motivation for my many projects.

This blog has a new template, and hopefully a new style. For now, I'll keep writing about the things that interest me, but all video's will be posted on my other blog, please go my storylines page for further information.

I do have a couple different blogs, and that's because I have so many ideas I want to share, and there are so many awesome, incredible templates that I want to use to showcase them. From my favorite movies and tv series, to my adventures when I travel. Not to mention all the different styles of cooking I like to try.

Misadventures and Oriental Shopping

We went back to Coralville again, the first of this month. The trip was supposed to be quick, considering we didn’t have Missy, and we knew where we were going for the most part, and what we were supposed to get. However, the best laid plans,… often turn into misadventures.

We got started pretty well, we went to Walmart, and I found the coffee I love best, and we were leaving, but we got to looking around, and found some other food stuff that was important, but they didn’t have a great selection of some other stuff we were hoping to find there, like dog food.

After that, we went to a store, World Fresh Market, I though they would have an amazing selection of oriental foods, and the key items on my list. But as it turned out, they didn’t. Most of the stuff was Indian, and was interesting, but now what I was looking for, except for some miso.

Next stop was Trader Joe’s. We got there, and we went looking for the things on our list. We had trouble finding one of the key products, but we found it with help from someone who worked there. We also found some amazing foods, potstickers, and macarons, two of my favorite things. We didn’t find everything we were supposed to though. However, as we were getting ready to checkout, one of the ladies who worked there, told us the place to go for oriental food and ingredients, and things, was a place called Chong’s.

So, we took a chance, and payload! All items on my list were practically there: miso, kombu, Benito flakes, and boba pearls. I was so happy! Even though our time there was cut short, it was nice, and now, I know where to go.

We got coffee, and headed home, so even though the trip was kind of crazy, it was awesome. We didn’t find everything, and we went to some wrong spots, but now we know better, so we can plan better for next time. Isn’t that the point of living?

Overview of the Batte of The Brushes 2022

It was my first time going to an event at the Art Center, downtown. My mom and I had reserved a table, beforehand so we would miss out on anything. I was so excited for the event, I planned a special outfit, and go my hair redone, cut and colored, just for the occasion.

When it was time, we got there a little late, but it was okay. We had time to find our seats, got something to eat and drink, and got settled to watch the artists go. We were supposed to go with two others, but they couldn’t make it. When we arrived, we met up with some friends of ours from church, who joined us, so that all worked out.

There was some awesome food, catered by an awesome local vendor, Tasty Endeavors, and the price was reasonable, at least to me, and they an awesome selection of sodas at the bar, and they also served an amazing charcuterie board, with cheeses, crackers, salami, and a balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Each artist had their own unique style. The task they had was to take topic, in this case: Riverfront, I think, and paint, and as a added twist, they had to include a mayfly. Some of the artists used acrylic, or watercolor, but I was amazing to see them go, and be around all that energy, including all those who were there to support the arts as well.

In the end, there was one artist, I liked better than the others, even though they didn’t win, and my mom and I didn’t get chosen in the raffle drawing for a finished work, I was still impressive, and was totally worth going. In the next couple of months, we may try and go to another event.

         

Everything That’s Been Going On This Spring

I’ve been a little lazy in my writing lately, so allow me to catch up with everything that’s happened around me lately. A lot has been going on, and I’ve even experienced some new stuff as well.

Spring is a time of cleansing, and renewal. For me, it’s also the time when the weather warms, for me to get my hair redone, and to get ready for some awesome things to come, like the farmer’s market here in town. There was some other stuff I didn’t expect, but we’ll come back to that, maybe.

We finally got rid of my broken frame, and by laying my futons on the floor, I can fold them up each day, and really get working on my room. It already looks so much better, although I did run into an unexpected problem. I’ve been trying to sort through all of my stuff that I want to work on and all of my projects. But I think I need to just get rid of a lot of the dead weight that’s been holding me back, and start fresh.

I got my hair redone, cut and colored, and I’ve done some pretty new, and interesting things this summer, it’s just hard to get back to work, and I’m trying to get that mojo back, starting now. 

Farmer's Market This Year

One of the things I’ve been looking forward to this year is the farmer’s market, downtown. I love seeing, and walking down the stalls, and hearing this saxophone player, and smelling all this incredible produce, baked goods, and other stuff.

It’s been a little tricky, keeping the budget straight, when we try and go, every Thursday, but we managed to make it work for most of the months that it’s been going on. That’s because it’s always worth it.

Road Trip to Doctors and to Find Coffee

We had another road trip today. To me, these are always an adventure, because we can go somewhere new, and different, if just for a day.

Today, we had to go to Coralville for a doctor's appointment. I did a little research, and found they had a Walmart Supermarket, and they carried my favorite brand, and roast coffee, Coralville also had a Traders Joe's!

We got started by grabbing something to eat at Hy-Vee, and coffee and tea at Starbucks. After that, we started driving for a long couple of miles. A lot what we saw was open, wide fields, valleys, and hills, from West Burlington, to Danville, and to New London.

When we finally reached Coralville, we stopped by their Walmart, and it was a mega store, way more wide, and fully stocked then the one I usually go to. And I was able to find my coffee of choice, YAY! After that, we headed to the University of Iowa Medical Center. After we parked in the large, dark garage, I went to Trader Joe's, which was right across the street, very convenient. I looked around, and finally found some amazing nut butters, with out soy, corn, wheat, or peanuts, which was impressive. There was also some good flat bread, and amazingly, some black garlic.

The doctor's visit was long, but afterwards, we went to Red Ginger, and had some sushi, and miso soup, and onion soup on the way home. It all was incredible! All in all, the trip was long, and the day was tiring, but everything ended on a pretty good note. Next time we go, we'll be better prepared, so here's to next time.

Local History & Architecture: Burlington Public Library

I’ve posted on interesting sites in other parts of Iowa, and other states, but I’d like to write about some incredible places right here, in Burlington, Iowa, where I’ve lived for a couple of years now, after leaving California.

One of the first buildings I fell in love with was the public library for a lot of reasons. Last summer, I discovered that the first library is now converted into the Historical Society and I'm going to join sooner or later. Right now, though, I'm learning more about this awesome place we call home, and its own history.

Reading the booklet, the library passed out, I've discovered that in 1868, Senator James Wilson Grimes donated $5,000 to start a subscription library, which is financed by private funds either from membership fees or endowments. Shareholders contributed $10, and those who were unable to join, were encouraged to purchase borrowing allowances for $4 a year. All of this didn't stick around very long, but it was apparent there was a need for having a library in the community.

The People of Burlington

More to Come....

Goings on in the Beginning of the New Year

Not that’s it’s an excuse, but so many things have happened this last summer, it’s been difficult to do any writing, but I’m going to get caught up now. I’ve mentioned quite a bit of what’s happened this summer, so let’s wrap it up, as we go into autumn, starting with Halloween.

From now on, there’s no more farmers market, the last time we dropped by, there was fewer stalls, and vendors. It’s been getting colder too, less sun, and more clouds, and winds. I’m just waiting for the rains, or skip that, the snow.

One More Road Trip Turned Upside Down

My last road trip was a crazy road trip/adventure. We packed up and headed to Columbia, Missouri, and the car drive was pretty nice, with fresh hot Starbucks, and open roads, filled with beautiful scenery.

We got started around seven in the morning by getting the essentials first: gas, breakfast burritos, and did I mention Starbucks coffee; and then we started driving till we go to US-24 Hannibal, Missouri. After that it was smooth sailing for a good long while, here was a lot of hill valley, lots of little farms, some goats, and lot of black cows, probably of the Angus variety.

We stopped at this gas station in the town, and I spotted on of my favorite ice cream bars, along with some awesome Pepsi and Coca Cola soda options. After refueling, we hit the road again. We drove further south through Stoutsville, MO. While going through Paris, Missouri, we saw the public library, which was a beautiful building. We finally got to Columbia, but there was a little mix up with were we need to go, but did find other places we needed to be, and wanted to go. The area was a little confusing, being an industrial area, but it was still pretty nice. 

I got go by Best Buy, and as I was looking for a charging cord for my mom, I was able to look around a little, and I got a question I've had for a while answered. I've been thinking about getting a camera for my blog, and other projects in the future, and I'd believe it will be a Sony Alpha, probably the Sony A6400, or better.

Before we started on the way back home, we were able to get another Starbucks coffee, and gas for the car. It was a little easier going home, and we still saw some pretty scenery. When we got closer to home, it was such a relief to recognize the landmarks, and places. So, now that it's over, it'll be interesting to see where we can drive too next.

Making Memory Journals and Prayers

Lately, I've been working on some projects that I've been putting off because of budget restraints, but I'm hoping to save up to get some projects done. Starting with some my junk journals and going into some other mixed media.

I was able to finally get the cover for my memory book cut and trimmed, and ready for the next step. This is something I've been meaning to to do for some time, in honor of a dear friend, who passed away recently, and it's still sad to think about. I wanted to do this in her memory, to gather some pictures, and things that remind me of her.

I aslo made some "prayer bottles", and travel altars. I found this Altoids box, that I converted into a travel alter, and Idea I got from The Witch of Wonderlust. I also found these bottles that I'm using to put in, and maker prayers with. I picked up some beautiful, and healing, stones that I'm using to help me open my mind and heart.

I've found, with the renewal of my faith, so is my creativity abound. Basically, I've been feeling inspired, both creatively, and in life. Now, I've also been able to reconnect, and find the will and motivation to keep going. Stay tuned for more writing, photo, projects, and videos. And, check out my other blogs, for my trivia, and storyline favorites.

What’s Been Going on This Summer in Our Backyard

These last couple of months have gone by, and we’ve done some fun things, starting with barbecuing in the back, going to the farmers market downtown, and going on short road trips. Just shaking things up this summer and having fun.

Between June and July, mom and I started going to our local farmers market, downtown, and it was awesome! We enjoyed walking down the streets, and smelling all the local produce, not to mention the other stall with crafts and projects, and the other sights and sounds, like the horse drawn trolley cart, or the saxophone player. I especially enjoyed the fresh herbs we’ve been finding, and I tagged some of the businesses in my Instagram. So, we’re trying to keep making a habit of going the first of every month when we get our money, and enjoying fresh herbs and produce with our cooking and meal prep.

We’ve also gone back to barbecuing in our backyard again. I’ve enjoyed that singular taste, of charred meats and veggies, not burned, but intense. It’s been nice, not to heat up the kitchen, and to season the food, and cook over an open flame. I like to think it’s helped a lot, and that I’ve been better with everything going on.

We started to drive to Macomb, Illinois, to check out these winning tickets from a car dealership. Usually, it’s not about the prizes, but getting out of the house, and taking a long, awesome trip along the beautiful farmlands, and nature. We usually try to pack something to eat or have some money to grab coffees and something to eat, or much on. It’s always nice to be able to go and enjoy the ride.

Our next trip is to Davenport, Iowa, to check out the Best Buy. I’m going to pack up some sandwiches, and we’re going to drive up, and then we’re going to this diner, Steak n Shake, and enjoy a meal as a late birthday celebration. Hopefully, we can enjoy some more small adventures along the way.

Standing Up to Harassment Today

There are so many different types of harassment today. From physical, to social, for all kinds of reasons, but none of it is ok. We all need to take a stand against harassment.

Some time back, I saw a promotion, sponsored by Hollaback and L’Oréal Paris, on helping prevent street harassment. The video was uncomfortable to watch, but I knew it was important. Later, I took the time to go through the steps on being harassed and helping others who I believed were. A long while ago, I remember, I was back to my car, and these guys whistled loudly as they drove by, and I remember it made me want to cringe.

Around the time I took the steps to learn more on how to deal with it, I just followed this guy who had started following me, and he just kept messaging me, and for some reason it made me really uncomfortable. I was finally able to tell him to stop, and he did, but I was the second time it happened. Social harassment isn’t like physically, but it can make you feel awful, and it’s wrong.

All of this needs to stop, we need to take a stand, and keep talking with each other. It’s not right how other people can make us feel about ourselves, with attention, with hounding that person, even if they believe it’s flattery, it doesn’t feel good.

Inspiration for Moving Forward this Summer

If any of what we’re seeing and hearing is true, then the vaccine for COVID is a serious game changer. Recently, I saw a Google ad video on YouTube, using search terms, business listings and events to illustrate the country's transition to life after COVID-19 closings lift. Hopefully, we’re going to able to do so much more, as long as we try and stay healthy.

Time to do some serious Spring and Summer cleaning. Everything that doesn’t fit or have serious meaning must go! I’m also thinking of getting a new look and being more active. Recently, after the 3^rd Stimulus installment, we took care of a lot of bills, and then, I was able to replace my phone, and do some other stuff. I’ve been going outside, and walking, along with getting back to stretching and exercises in the morning with my mom. It has been invigorating, and I’ve been able to be inspired by a lot around me, I’ve been taking so many pictures.

Going forward, we all must be better, not just with our health. We need be inspired by the future and remember to count our blessings every day. For example, I’m working on getting up early so I can help my mom for work, and get the housework done. Time to do what I want for a while, and lastly, get a meal, or even just tea ready for when she gets home. It’s important for us to work together and take care of each other, as well as the world we live in right now.