i'll post some non-rat like items. this fall has been busy. B-U-S-Y. crazy busy. boarding school life is intense, and i always seem to make it more so with taking on lots of extra stuff (knowingly or not). but there is a bit more to my life than just that. here are some things that i've enjoyed/loved/learned from lately: 1. i have been really loving listening (gotta love the itunes conference podcast!) to and reading lds general conference. stand outs so far are pres. uchtdorf, elder scott, elder christopherson . . . pretty much all of it. it is such a blessing to have modern day oracles of truth and guidance, i gain so much instruction, peace, and inspiration from conference. 2. i read 'home' recently by marylin robinson- which is a companion volume to her 'gilead' which i loved. 'home' was also a home run filled with slow, beautiful and so poignant details of a prodigal son story. the end made me cry and feel deeply the mercy and redemption that happens in unexpected ways in each of our lives. 3. the other night i watch the loveliest french film 'the girl from paris' about this computer science girl who quits her job when she is 30 and goes to agricultural school and buys a goat farm in the rhone alpes. its such a sweet film about relationships and doing what you love. pretty much i really just want to live on a farm. 4. some new music i've been listening to is the passion of st. matthew by bach. i just love the resonant choral pieces and find it good meditative background music. 5. i've been making a quilt! i don't have pictures yet, but promise i'll post some soon. i've knit a bit too, but quilting has had the main stage. 6. i've been making this bread recipe again and again. it's so easy you could do it in your sleep. seriously if i have time to make fresh bread once a week anyone does. do it. you will love it. 7. photo of my mom's dog ernie on a recent trip to little wildhorse canyon in the swell- the amazing perks of my job make the busyness totally worth it. :)
The Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a lemur, a strepsirrhineprimate native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth a special thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world's largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unusual method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood and inserts its narrow middle finger to pull the grubs out. The only other animal species known to find food in this way is the Striped Possum.[4] From an ecological point of view the Aye-aye fills the niche of a woodpecker as it is capable of penetrating wood to extract the invertebrates within.[5][6]
i'm taking students to best friends animal sanctuary in kanab this weekend. it's a wonderful place filled with lots of darling animals . . . and i'm worried about coming home with some new furry friends. however, having just watched this little dude, the bar has been raised. i'm not bringing home a dog unless he can do ALL this. that should keep me safe right?
ilja wachs was my beloved don at sarah lawrence. he is the most amazing teacher i have ever had and he changed the way i learn, write, teach and approach literature forever. if only i could sit in on his class from time to time . . . this is as close as it gets. Literature Discussion: Ilja Wachs on the 19th Century Novel
last night i had a lot of really scary bad nightmares. i've been having a lot more of those lately then ever before. :( i called a friend this morning to try and get the bad taste out of my brain. he sent me this link to the cutest otter pics in the world to cheer me up. it totally worked. how could anyone not be cheered up by these little dudes? zina trivia factoid: when i was five years old i got lost in the monteray bay aquarium because i was transfixed by the baby sea otters playing and totally lost track of my family. now i'm going to spend the rest of the day figuring out how to get a baby otter and wondering if reubs will get along with it.
school started today! and while i'm excited for this new year and LOVE my job . . . i'm pretty dang excited that i purchased tickets to fly here for the first week of 2011. part of having a job where you work so hard all the time, is the great vacations. and i have learned that one really needs to relax and rejuvenate. i think by the time jan. hits i will be ready to take on the beaches in puerto vallarta (remember how last feb. i bought a time share condo on a whim at a live auction? that spur of the moment decision will be paying off in the bleak midwinter). happy start of the school year to you all!
i've been a really crappy blogger this summer. and i only check email about once every two weeks. and i never listen to voicemail. i just love being on vacation! i realized that i haven't updated my acquisitions in a long time. and frankly i've not been as precise it what i've aquired- it's been more organic over the summer. but here is a list of some of the movies and books i've gotten and what i think of them: this book is really fantastic. i'm only half way through and it is so wonderful. fromm speaks my language relating everything back to the story of adam and eve. my favorite. the principles he teach make so much sense to me and align so perfectly with my beliefs and understanding of truth, love and relationships. highly recommended. thanks dana for turning me on to it! next up is the criterion collection box set of three of the amazing danish film maker carl dreyer's films. i recently watched his 'passion of joan of arc' and was blown away by it. his film 'ordet' is one of my all time favorite films, and i've been wanting to own it for some time. however, you can only buy it on dvd in this box set, so i went for it (especially since i found a super good deal on a slightly used set). his films are very intense, sparse, and magnificent. at one point this summer i wound up with six hours to myself in the albuquerque airport (coming home from visiting some friends and my flight was overbooked so i opted to take the next flight which earned me a free ticket!) and i quickly ran out of reading material. so i bought this in an airport bookshop as i've always wanted to read it and it was the perfect summer read filled with mystery, literary allusions, complex ideas and plot and lots of nerdy medieval history details that i loved. such a great read.another trip this summer was out to missouri to see my grandma and aunts and uncles. my grandma bennion and aunts are all amazing quilters and fabric magic workers and i have finally decided to try my hand at sewing. my aunt lucy and i went to one of her favorite quilt shops where i fell head over heels in love with kaffe fassett's designs and fabrics and bought this book to guide me in my first quilt.
thanks hailey for finding it, reubs would be the cutest little halloween shark. i went and saw 'how to train your dragon' yesterday at the dollar theater. so great. and toothless the main dragon, so reubs.
well i am settled in a birch creek service ranch for the 8th year (i think? losing track . . . ) sleeping in a bunk bed, playing ninja destruction, constantly filthy, making hemp bracelets, having a ball. you get the picture. the kids are as great as ever, but i find as i get older that i am in a continual burn out phase. my energy just does not match that of these bouncy 12-15 year old girls. sigh. oh well. i saw this photo on my friend rosie's blog and it made me cry i laughed so hard, so i had to share it. that dog, that kid. amazing. peace out teens.
sweet glorious summer is finally here and i am relishing in sleeping in till the sunlight is so bright and the birds are so loud i have to get up. then i read and eat breakfast on my porch swing. and then i garden planting lots of flowers and veggies. then i putter- lots of work to do around the house, office, etc. and i make food. and i read. and i am getting ready for the rest of summer. this photo is lovely, i think i'll have to try this in my backyard, i'm envisioning some pretty sweet garden parties there. mmmmmm. . . .summer. popsicles, drive in, evening walks. so good.
i sure love you . . . in months like nov. dec. jan. or feb. however, in may (almost june) you make me feel like this. right now my lilacs are waiting to bloom, my garden is trying to grow, my trees are breaking from the weight of their leaves + you, so pretty please, pack your snowy bags and start moving south, they are waiting for you down there. love, zina NOTE: ALL PHOTOS TAKEN THIS MORNING ON MY WALK TO WORK
my udall grandparents and my sister and i circa 1985
one thing my grama ALWAYS taught me was to write thank you notes. i try to. i'm not always the best at it, but i was always good at writing them to her. so when i was asked to speak at her funeral, i decided one last thank you note was in order. if you would like, i'm sharing it with you to help you understand the wonderful wonderful woman my grama was, and just a little bit of the many things she taught me.
Dear Grama,
How are you? I imagine you are very happy right now, reunited with your loving Addison, Noel, dear parents, brothers and other family. I am so happy for you. But I will miss you, and I wanted to take this time to write you a thank you letter. There are so many things I am so grateful to you for, so in no particular order, here are just a few that I think all of us grandchildren are grateful to you for.
First of all, thank you Grama for being such a wonderful mother to my mother. Thank you for raising her in kindness and love and supporting her in whatever she wanted to do. You taught her well because she raised my sisters and I the same way.
Thank you Grama for being so present in my life, even when you lived far away. You did so many thoughtful things to show us how much you loved us. I remember when I was little Louisa and I always kept an eye out for ‘the package man’ in his big brown truck who often came bearing boxes addressed specifically to us that contained all sorts of treasures like cassette tapes with recordings of you reading us stories like “Blueberries for Sal”- I can still hear your voice saying “Kerplink, kurplank, kurplunk!”, you always sent something special like a new stuffed animal, or a pretty bow for my hair, holiday decorations, and of course, no package was complete without some See’s candy sticks.No holiday or special day came without a card from you, and as I got older you wrote me individual letters with details about your life and wanting to know about mine. In college you always sent newspaper clippings you thought I’d like. I always knew you were thinking of me, and I always felt your presence in my life.
Thank you Grama for so many wonderful visits to your house. My childhood is filled with memories of summers in Merced with other Udall cousins. The cookie jar was always stocked with iced oatmeal cookies, the pool was ready and waiting, and you always had a host of fun activities planned and you were never too busy for a game of Gin Rummy, Hearts, or a spontaneous Matinee movie. Being at Grama’s house was always so wonderful and I enjoyed so many happy times there. Some of my favorite memories are of getting up early and taking walks along Bear Creek with you and Grampa while it was still foggy, I loved getting to be a part of that special time of day with you and Grampa. I also have a lot of memories watching Mystery Theater or Masterpiece Theater on your waterbed, playing games around the dining room table, or going along on shopping trips to Long’s with you. I loved helping you in the kitchen and getting things out of the back pantry for you. Wherever you lived, your home was a wonderful place for all of us grandkids where we felt welcome and loved.
Thank you Grama for teaching me that homemaking is not just keeping your house clean, but is an expression of your love for your family and friends, and a calling as a steward over a home- a space that is as holy as the temple. I remember going to your house and each day you would give us grandkids four quarters. Each time you found something of ours lying around, or if we left our bed unmade you would take a quarter from us. I learned to keep my stuff neat, and came home with pockets sagging with quarters. I never make my bed or change my sheets without thinking of you Grama and the loving instruction you gave me of tucking in corners, folding fitted sheets, and arranging the pillows just so. You taught me tips on loading the dishwasher, getting out stains, and still today I cannot set a table and not put the silverware in their proper places- in fact it bothers me to sit down at a table with the fork in the wrong spot! But beyond the ‘how to’ of homemaking, you also made things special with little garnishes, snacks by the poolside, and a feeling of love that accompanied all your household duties. I never sensed resentment or a feeling of obligation, but rather delight and love in taking care of your home and family.
Thank you Grandma for teaching me to turn the other cheek and to love my enemies. I remember one summer I was staying with you for a month while Louisa was in Japan. I had made friends with the girls my age in the ward, but there were two who were being mean to me, and had spread some unkind rumors about me. Rather than allowing me to get angry or hurt, or being angry yourself, you sat me down and explained that those girls probably just wanted to be my friend but didn’t know how to. And then you did just the right thing Grama, you threw a party! You invited all those girls over for a big sleepover and pool party and made it so special with a big ice cream sundae bar and a fun games to play. We had such a good time, and spent the rest of my visit in Merced all best friends. You were so good at making people feel comfortable and helping build friendships instead of enemies.
Thank you Grama for always loving me even when we didn’t agree. Once I grew out of my pink ruffly stage in childhood, we stopped seeing eye to eye in regards to fashion and personal grooming. I remember you took me shopping before I left for college and you thought the long black pleated skirt from the ‘Mrs. Traditional’ section of JC Penny was just right. . .. and I did not. You didn’t fight or insist, and bought me the skirt that I liked (and you did not) but never made me feel bad or loved me any less. You have always supported me in whatever I’ve done and I know you always love me.
Thank you Grama for teaching me to love and adopt more family. In Merced Algae and her family were like our family, and the Hmongs were our other cousins. You always adopted those who needed a home and taught me to love everyone the same. Even during the last few years when I lived with you, you had adopted a Sister Missionary you’d met volunteering at the MTC and you wrote her on her mission and sent her cards and gifts. Her family was not supportive of her mission, and your love for her was such a blessing to her. You were also willing to share your family with those who had none. You graciously shared us grandkids with your neighbors Jackie and Chuck who were not able to have children. You were never jealous of the love we had for our second Grandparents, but were happy to share.
Grama, thank you for telling me the story of how you and Grandpa met so many times. I loved hearing it, because each and every time you told it (which was a lot in the end there) your eyes lit up and I could feel how much love you had for your Addison. Your unending devotion to him in all times, good and bad, sickness and health, taught me what true love is. You always told me to wait for that special someone who makes me feel the way you felt about Grandpa . . . I’m still waiting, and I’m hoping now your on the other side you can speed things up for me and the other single grandkids!
Thank you Grama for teaching me to be childlike. You were always delighting in small and simple things. You laughed easily, and always expressed wonder at the world around you. I remember one late summer night you loaded all of us grandkids in your car and drove far enough out of town to see a lunar eclipse that was happening. You were so excited! During the last two years my favorite times we shared were the drives I would take you on to see the fall leaves, or spring flowers, or frozen Utah Lake. I loved hearing your exclamations of delight at the beauty of the earth.
And last, but certainly not least Grandma, thank you for being a woman of faith. Your constant faith and dedication to the Gospel and church have had a lasting impact on my life. I cherish the conversations we had in which you expressed your faith, and your assurance that you would be reunited with Grampa. I remember when I received my endowment, sitting in the Celestial room for the first time with you and my parents, and there was an empty chair near us. You and my dad remarked that Grandpa was there. I’m grateful you were there to share that special day with me, and that you always valued your covenants. I am so happy your faith has been rewarded and you are back with Grampa. I’ll miss you, but I know I will see you again.
Thank you Grandma for everything, you will live on in all of our hearts and actions as we love others how you did, as we set our tables with love, and as we embrace the world around us with delight and wonder.
my sweet, lovely grandma udall left this life with grace and peace on friday night. a true lady to the very end. i love my gramdma so much, and am very close to her. while i'm sad, and will miss her very much, i am so happy for her to be reunited with her dear addison and out of the confused state that her body was in. i'm so grateful for the peace and assurance that she is reunited with loved ones, and that i will see her again through the divine power of the atonement. my feelings are tender, but i mostly feel a profound gratitude for the wonderful life she lived, all that she taught me, and the faith that sustains us in these difficult times. here is the obituary that my mom wrote with her siblings.
Ada Vera Webster Udall, born March 13, 1927 in NYC died peacefully May 7, 2010 in Provo, UT. Ada was the eldest of 5 children born to of LeRoy Kingsley Webster and Mary Olive Mason. Ada married the love of her life, Addison Richard Udall on August 22, 1946 in The SLC Temple. They had 54 wonderful years together here on earth. Ada and Addison lived 40 years in Merced, CA where they raised their 5 children. Addison practiced medicine and Ada became a consummate homemaker, mother, wife and devoted member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a generous hostess and often shared her home and resources with those in need. She loved her husband, children, grand children, nieces and nephews, and all of her extended family of Websters and Udalls. The Udalls had many dear friends in Merced. Ada and Addison moved to Provo, UT in 1992 to be closer to their children. She will be remembered for her concern for others, a life of spreading joy and of service, her warm laugh and smile, her gift for making friends and putting people at ease. She also had a great love for animals, and many a dog and cat found heaven on earth in her home. She was intelligent, well read and a willing traveler of the world when she had the chance.
She was preceded in death by Addison (2001) a son Noel (1968) and her parents, and brothers Wayne Webster (Mary) and Scott Webster.
She is survived by 4 children, Marc Richard (Ruth), Sara Henderson (Robert), Lee Bennion (Joe), and Matthew (Geri), 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sisters Gayle Sims (Bob) and Sharon Harvey (Ray) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held at Berg Mortuary, 185 E. Center in Provo, Utah from 6-8 pm on May 14. Funeral services will be held at the Lindon 19th Ward Meeting House, 44 S. 400 E. Lindon, Utah on May 15th , viewing from 10 am to 10:45 and services beginning at 11 am.
green spider chrysanthemum left over from last weekends prom, keeping me company by my kitchen sink
sometimes i really think there is power in flowers. just having them near, to contemplate their glorious existence, the subtleties of their creation, their life cycle, what they represent. and right now, they are pretty much just saving me from the despair of waking up to 8 inches of white fluffy stuff.gorgeous tulips from my backyard, bless whomever planted them, and foliage from the prom and laura
winter is back, like a desperate ex-lover trying to sink their claws in one last time in an attempt to remind us of what we'll miss when she's gone, but really only making us more grateful she's going. don't get me wrong, i love winter, but in her proper season and time. right now i just want to plant my garden and watch my flowers grow. good thing i have all these beauties in my house right now.these darling tea roses were a gift from my friend laura, and the funky vase is a recent acquisition from my local thrift store
oh, p.s. last weekend was the jr prom and since i'm a jr class sponsor, and was the admin on call, i got to go chaperone. my friend christopher came as my date (and totally outshone me in his dapper 1930's vintage tux) and we had a great time cutting the rug and wondering at how the teens only know one dance move . . . and it ain't pretty.
i'll post some non-rat like items.
