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.

   

A New Book Turned Into Movie

This amazing new story has become a Netflix series. It looked amazing, and the song in the trailer was awesome, so I looked into both. The story in the book is slightly different than the series, and the song is “Fall with You” by Emma McGarth.

I was able to find the eBook version of the original story and seems to be a little different than the Netflix series. When I first read it, I was a little disappointed with the ending because it felt so unended. Maybe I'm just so spoiled on happy endings. 

I enjoyed watching the Netflix version, it was amazing, and the actors were amazing. I managed to find an interview with some of the main characters, and I'm going to post it here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

People Need to Be Looking Back

Plans for the spring include working on my videos, starting my podcast I keep talking about, and try to ride my back again. I would like to be more active since I received my Fitbit Tracker, and live healthier after all we’ve been through.

I’ve been enjoying a lot more anime, and going back to some of my favorites lately, which has also sparked by interest in the Japanese culture again. I’ve also been looking at other cultures as well, French, and Italian, and I’ve been really interested in a lot of the different foods. The cultures of the other countries like Japan have fascinated be over many years, and I would like to apply some of that into my life.

Lately, a lot more shows have been back in the swing, and even some awesome new movies like Disney’s Raya. It’s made for some awesome watch time. I’ve even found some new anime, like the continuation of Inuyasha, which is all about his and his brother’s, Sesshōmaru, daughters, Yashahime. On some of the social media, there’s been a bit of negative feedback, though, about Charmed and GH too. Everyone is continually criticizing about something, when they need to stop, and wait for the good stuff. Particularly on soaps, and drama series, they like to wait until the middle, or right around the seasons middle, or end for things to get really good.

In about a year since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, things have changed, and nothing feels quite normal, or how it used to be, but maybe that’s a good thing. It gives a chance for all of us to do better. We’ll see what happens during and after the summer.

Investigating Coffee Presentations

I saw this amazing coffee drink on one of my favorite coffeehouse’s Instagram account. It was presented in a mason like jar, and it got me thinking, how could you use a jar like that? Does it have to be brand new, or can you recycle and reuse them? So, I got to make a special trip and got some of these questions answered.

The drinks in the mason jar are only available for staying inside. There’s a lot of prep that goes into getting them ready to serve. They’re bought in pristine condition, probably online, and they washed with specific cleaning solutions because of the pandemic.

In the end, I took the drink to go, rather than sitting down. It was a tasty treat, sweet but not overwhelming. I think this was a good experiment, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Through the Early 1810's: Starting with Bridgerton

On the streaming series, Bridgerton, starting in 1813, Great Britain was under the reign of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and King George III (also known as Mad King George). In the series, Queen Charlotte was the face of the crown, she was the one who debutantes presented to, and Her Majesty was presented at various events for the royal family.

They King and Queen had 15 children in total, 13 of whom survived to adulthood, two of whom were future British monarchs, George IV, and William IV; as well as Charlotte, Princess Royal, who became Queen of Württemberg; Prince Edward, the father of Queen Victoria; and Prince Ernest Augustus, who became King of Hanover. Early in King George's reign, Great Britain defeated France in the Seven Years' War, becoming the dominant European power in North America and India. Further wars against revolutionary and Napoleonic France from 1793 concluded in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Fashions of the Period

The fashion style between 1813 and 1815 was inspired by the classical antiquity, modeled into the high-waisted neoclassical silhouette, increasingly broken by trim, colors, and a new angularity as the tubular skirts were gradually replaced by triangular versions. I focus on the women, because I am a woman, and their clothes always fascinate me.

First was the shifts, or chemises, that were meant to protect the rest of the undergarments from the body’s perspiration. Corsets were necessary, yet unbelievably uncomfortable, made with whale bone, and tightened to give women a more feminine figure. And then a petticoat, which was a layer between the women’s clothing and underwear.

Clothes worn inside the home was called the morning dress, and lacked a whole lot of decoration, and was modest, simple, and hopefully comfortable. While, evening gowns were meant to be seen at parties, and were styled with more colors, accessories, and embellishments.

The classical influence extended to hairstyles. Often masses of curls were worn over the forehead and ears, with the longer back hair drawn up into loose buns or Psyche knots influenced by Greek and Roman styles. Here are some videos of modern versions of the styles I’ve been inspired by. This is just a small sample of the period, and culture in the early 1810’s.

Autumn Apples + Everything Going On

Earlier this season, we started baking some apples that we had in the house. From the second we cut the apples, the smell was incredible, natural, and sweet, but not overwhelming. As they were baking, the scent changed, but it was still amazing, and afterwards, they tasted delicious. Maybe it was some kind of sign of how things would end because everything after that calmed down a little.

Snow already on the ground, it has been getting colder, there has just been so much that happened. Between dealing with going court, surgery for someone close, and holding down the fort at home, it was pretty overwhelming to talk or write about. In the end though, we can always get through them.

Halloween came and went bye, while mom and I enjoyed the holiday quietly, watching movies, some just scary enough. Later, we drove around looking at the cool decorations at some houses. It was interesting see the different ways people can celebrate with the social distancing, I practically like Disney Channel’s star, Chandler Kinney new song, Halloween House park.

Apples are still in as the season goes on, and will change, through autumn till winter. I’m already wondering, how long before the cold turns the rain to snow. I’ve already busted out my long sweatshirts. Here’s to getting better for the rest of this year and dealing with 2021.

Handling Our Situations Head On

It can be a challenge, facing everything that comes at us. We can stand firm, and let it roll over and around us, or even roll with it. Depends on what's going on.

Dealing with health crises is scary, especially for those of us who rely, sometimes a little too much, on people in our lives, those who we depend on for a lot more than others think.  Thinking about the worse outcomes, can drive any of us crazy, and that does not help anyone. Think on this, how do we help each stay focused, and not dwell on what will happen?

On another matter, when we get caught in hard place, and we end up in a bit of legal trouble, that might go to court, or some type of judgement, that can be just as overwhelming, and you have to be prepared to face that, it can make you feel like your waiting for the worst case, just like before.

So, here’s what we can do, rather the think of the worst, just take one thing at time. Don’t dwell on anything than what you can do in the moment. Focus on handling the first steps, and get your feelings out of the way, praying and giving them to God, and/or by writing them down so they are not inside of you so much. Make it a little less hard for those around you, and yourself. Remember also, life is hard, we'll get through it, we always do!

Spinal Cord Injury Month This September

This month is about Spinal Cord Injury Awareness, by the US Senate in an effort to raise awareness about SCI, the need for better treatments and education on prevention, which can be really important in more ways than one. We need to work together, and all of us see, and reject the stereotype that confines people to those wheelchairs.

For myself, I have always felt sympathy for those stuck in the wheelchairs, because I thought they just needed them. It wasn’t until I did a little more digging, and tried to see those eyes, what it really means, and I’m still having to work on that. The people with those injuries may not walk like a lot of us, and they have a lot of other things to consider and deal with, but they are able to have a lot more independence then any one can think of if they have the right tools.

Wheelchairs can help them move freely, and even stop them from being in pain. Exercise can help them stay strong, and they can move in and out of the chair and do a lot of other activities. Those with types of spinal cord injuries, a lot of the time, learn how to be quite self-sufficient, even with others there to help them. There are also a number of activities that one can do, with or without the chair.

People can adapt when they have the knowledge, and are able to learn through their own, or other’s experiences. Organizations like Triumph Foundation are working getting others to be aware that everything that goes with SCI. I believe it’s very important to place yourself in those positions in order to understand.

Different Types of Art and Artists

Every artist has their own story. Not everyone starts off in a fine college, and ends in a sophisticated art gallery, which sells for quite a lot. Some start out in the streets, or urban neighborhoods, some start in the playground, kindergarten glass with chalk, as well as paint.

I have been working on a couple of interesting pieces. Something that has always fascinated me is the subject of street art. One of the main ways I have been discovering different artist is through the brands that promote them, mostly with Spray Planet, an online store for spray paint, and other materials and tools, either their website or on Instagram.

One of the first artists that I read about was Maya Hayuk. She didn’t always have it easy, and she used to be misunderstood when she was younger. Now a days though, she is known for her amazing murals, and other works of street art.
On Instagram, one can find a lot of other amazing artists, not just street/urban ones are using spray paint, here are some other incredible people, and their works.

Working Progress So Far

Lately, I've been work on how to make by blog better and trying to figure out what to write has been a lot harder. These last couple of months, some stuff has happened some good, some bad. Working through what life throws at you can be a challenge, especially when it's something you never thought would be tossed at you.

Among the main staples that have keeping me sane these last few months is Instagram. I like seeing the stories, and videos, and reading the post. Seeing the different perspectives has been interesting, and I like to see new things, and learn. Sometimes we see and hear things that make us uncomfortable, but we need to be able to face them because they are happening, and to people just like us.

One of the other things that has been part of my routine is General Hospital. This serial drama has been pushing me forward and has been giving some time frame throughout the days and weeks in the month. A lot of the time, I can get so caught up in the storyline, that everything else flies by, so that is something I need to work on.

With all that has been going on, I’m trying to keep a steady routine, not easy, but necessary. I’m going to continue writing, and hopefully post more frequently to my blog on what’s been going on the last couple of weeks.

Misadventure Turns to Perspective

Some of us had to visit the University of Iowa Hospital, and is was a unique experience to say the least. I thought businesses in Burlington were cautious, even a little strict at times, but over there, it was insane the screening and protocol. 

First, the place in so complex, it is exceedingly difficult to find the right parking lot, and then, to make it to any appointment is even more challenging. Entering the building, you must get screened to see if you might have the virus, and if don’t have an appointment, they will not let you wait inside. We were lucky that outside, there was a soda machine that took debit cards, and that there was Wi-Fi accessible to us.

Later, our friend was able to get something for us to eat at the cafeteria, but we could not go through the building, so we had to the LONG way around. It had stopped raining, so that was good, but it seemed a lot harder at the time. When we finally made to the entrance, we were able to outside, and they even let us go in to use the bathroom, and go into the cafeteria, where they had two machines that made Starbuck’s coffee. I was surprised, and so happy! Walking back to the parking lot wasn’t so bad after, it gave me time to think of everything that has happened, and how we all have had to adjust with the COVID-19 sticking around.

After all that, we took a short drive to this awesome store, even better than Goodwill, and we found some amazing clothes, and houseware. Downstairs, there were incredible clearance items, I am definitely saving so I can go back. The drive home was peaceful, and I got to think about how the university and the hospital, were working within the new laws, and protocol.

Even though I understand why, it is still challenging when you must adjust to the way things are set up, when you cannot go through buildings to make things easier for example. We all need to examine how things are going to work, and everyone included. That goes for those of us you need to be more patient with healthcare as well.

Keep Talking About Change

Now, we need to get a handle all the other stuff that is handed to us. People have not always dealt with our differences the best way. All of this has come to a boiling point, which has been building over the years. People have been getting hurt, people we may not know, but who are still human beings, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, and children. Whether their black, or Latino, or some other race entirely, everyone needs to be accountable for how we treat each other. We all live on this planet.

With all this going on, we need to stay connected, even from home, and keep talking about how to stay safe, that means keeping healthy, and working to fight injustice and racism. These are my thoughts, on what I have heard, read, and learned. This is my way to speak up, and I hope others do as well.