tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65031786405801128602012-01-26T15:03:51.535-07:00A place of curiosity, enchantment, nerdery, imagination, humanity, fantasy, appreciation, and beauty.Heidinoreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-49216030674381928852012-01-25T19:51:00.003-07:002012-01-25T19:51:53.055-07:00

The results of some serious solar storms this last week.  Gorgeous. (via)

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-6759436761794962992012-01-09T21:22:00.000-07:002012-01-09T21:22:00.103-07:00

One of my latest favorite discoveries out on the interwebs has been a site called Street Art Utopia.  People from all over the world submit photos of street and world art as they come across it, and the art found is often just as amazing as what can be found inside a museum (sometimes more) - it's funny, beautiful, and often poignant.  Here are a few of my favorites...    

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-72813584549120031162012-01-01T21:28:00.000-07:002012-01-01T21:34:13.302-07:00

Here are some words of wisdom and food for thought as we start a sparkling fresh and clean new year, where anything is possible. Happy New Year!  

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-2906894013310528442011-12-16T00:25:00.002-07:002012-01-25T19:56:08.277-07:00

A few years ago I finally grew up and started to care about news, events, and general goings on in the world.  This was due in part to discovering NPR, which made these goings-on interesting and digestible.  I mostly listened while in the car, and eventually the 15 minute commute would often leave me hanging and wanting more.  Which of course led me to what has become a growing addiction and

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-36392658745975571782011-12-12T23:35:00.000-07:002011-12-12T23:35:52.920-07:00

There really is a contest for everything.  The goal is to attract as many bees as possible to your body in 60 minutes.  The beekeeper winner of this contest (bottom) attracted 57 pounds of bees in 60 minutes.  Apparently this is done by rearing a queen bee to attract the swarms, and then stand on a scale as they accumulate.   The world record is for 87 pounds of bees!  Seriously...can you imagine

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-62952596230467691612011-11-22T23:32:00.001-07:002011-12-14T09:38:03.743-07:00

One of the first fantasy loves of mine as a young girl was the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey.  She wrote the most remarkable and creative stories, not just of dragons (which are probably her best), but of x-men like telepaths, crystal singers, creatures who could weave light, and even a severely disabled girl who chose to become a starship.  Her characters all interesting, and

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-74174136609448261342011-10-11T00:04:00.000-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.802-07:00

I thought this time-lapse was stunning.  I love the color, the lights, the clouds, the lightning, the rising sun, all of it.  We are so lucky to live on this beautiful planet - I just wish I was one of the lucky handful that has the honor of seeing it from this viewpoint! From the YouTube description: A time-lapse taken from the front of the International Space Station as it

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-36067704317783823712011-10-03T18:31:00.002-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.776-07:00

I have a really vague recollection of shock and horror when I found out the horrible truth that Vader was Luke's father, but unfortunately that's as much as my memory will give me.  Alas.  However I this  dad had the genius idea of filming his kid just as he finds out - and it's classic. Pay attention to the son only, apparently the daughter already knew the secret and was just playing along, and

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-62647376587641314542011-08-10T00:24:00.001-06:002011-08-10T00:27:15.564-06:00

Something I think a lot about is the definition of beauty - society's definition, men's definitions, women's definitions, and ultimately, my own definition.  Recently I came across a woman who I think is strikingly beautiful, someone who has found success in the world's toughest critic and manipulator of beauty - the fashion industry.  I have a love/hate relationship with this industry - I am

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-62599370768820757772011-07-28T23:38:00.002-06:002011-07-28T23:40:38.056-06:00

There have been quite a few stories/pictures lately that have struck me, all centered around the giants of the sea.  The first one that blew me away was this - a diver almost swallowed up by a giant whale shark while it was eating plankton.  They are the largest fish in the sea, and have mouths up to 4.5 feet wide. and if the diver had been swallowed, he would have just been spat out.  But still!

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-63581133231821227002011-07-25T22:35:00.006-06:002011-07-28T14:17:45.910-06:00

*****UPDATE***** Alas, it was nothing - the anti-climactic explanation came early -->  http://8-3-11.info/Water.html.   It went viral and was hugely popular, especially in South America, where it made news broadcasts.  Crazy. It was still fun though! ****************** So…this is my current and latest curiosity/obsession/craziness.  Of course it could mean nothing, turn out to be a total

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-54408339668496704952011-07-24T11:40:00.000-06:002011-07-24T11:40:14.653-06:00

As I also work at a dot com, this made me laugh - especially Microsoft's.   It was sent to me originally by itself, and I thought it was more fun to just guess what it meant,  but I just found the original post while trying to find who to credit…it gives an explanation of each one, and is still pretty funny.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-75958595648471819232011-07-22T12:10:00.001-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.808-07:00

Here is are of all the dwarves that will be appearing in the upcoming The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey which hits theaters Dec. 14, 2012.  Excited and ready for more Middle Earth! (via)

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-82141824192036992092011-07-19T23:03:00.001-06:002011-07-19T23:26:45.959-06:00

I am plenty familiar with fish have sharp, scary teeth.  This is evidenced first by my thumbs next to the piranha I fished out of the Amazon.  Sharp teeth, little fish.   This is secondly evidenced by my love of deep sea creatures, and the nature shows that portray them.   These creatures are true freaks of nature - fascinating, monstrous, and armed with even more seriously pointy, deadly teeth (

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-10280335369512073242011-07-17T16:30:00.002-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.746-07:00

(via)

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-44304537999465883822011-07-16T14:47:00.001-06:002011-07-18T01:49:36.689-06:00

My aunt forwarded me an email with some of the pictures of this celebration, and it was so gorgeous I had to learn more and share (thanks Shari!).  Every two years almost three quarters of a million begonias are laid down in an extravagant carpet design in front of the Grand Palace in Brussels.  It started in the 70s because one man (landscape architect E. Stautemans) realized early on this would

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-48342730781972392772011-07-15T00:29:00.003-06:002011-07-18T01:52:45.449-06:00

I feel a twinge of sadness when I think of the shuttle program coming to an end.  It has captured the imagination of generations, and certainly impacted mine.  My first real related memory is of the Space Shuttle Challenger - I was nine when with my school class I watched the shuttle leap into the sky, only to meet a disastrous end as we watched live on TV, gasping in horror.  That same year, the

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-63378323989305094702011-07-04T19:25:00.002-06:002011-07-18T01:27:05.460-06:00

While I have always appreciated (and am utterly grateful for) the independence and freedoms we are so lucky to have in this dear nation of ours - I have never been terribly struck with interest in American history.  That changed recently however when my husband and I watched HBO's miniseries on John Adams - based on the book by David McCollough.  It was fascinating, gripping, and gave me a deep,

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-79517058975752860332011-07-03T21:42:00.001-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.829-07:00

I am making some changes to my blog - frequency (hopefully more often), topics (varied, and more of my favorite things - insert Julie Andrews song here), images or phenomenons I am struck with, and who knows what else.  My personal event horizons - based on my own fascination and curiosity with the world - because there is so much to be curious about!   Amongst these event horizons, you will find

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-5840092476233908072011-04-12T22:34:00.005-06:002011-12-14T09:33:36.790-07:00

I could almost present this without comment…it cracked me up. A little girl who owns the stage, knows her own mind, and goes against the norm… OR …never underestimate the power of the dark side. (Disneyland - the Jedi Training Academy Show, where they pick kids from the audience to come on stage).

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-85175442896293476492011-03-21T23:06:00.057-06:002011-07-18T01:52:45.450-06:00

Ahhh, the sun. I have recently realized that my most delightful moments with the sun come when it is gentle enough that I can turn my face to it and bask in it's warmth. I love feeling the cozy rays caressing my face, seeing muted colors through my eyelids, and relaxing in the generally pleasant, comforting feeling brought by our star's life giving light. It is glorious. Of course, that's not

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-88984411687553874722010-12-01T21:34:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.465-07:00

I signed up for work training in Skokie, IL, and I was able to go for a long weekend beforehand so I could explore the city of Chicago, having never been there before. It was fabulous! I arrived around noon on Friday, and checking the weather for the weekend, I realized it was going to be my only really good sunny day. So after walking from the subway to my hotel (which I found only thanks

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-91034610425839011782010-10-31T18:48:00.026-06:002011-07-18T01:30:16.153-06:00

Other than being a catchy song from The Little Mermaid, life under the sea is one of my favorite topics. In fact, marine biology has been a true lifelong fascination for me. I love learning about, looking at, and trying to wrap my mind around the amazing and crazy creatures only found in the depths of the ocean, both large or small, mammal or fish. I like how they look, how they move, how

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-60002525410443063862010-08-31T21:34:00.015-06:002011-07-18T01:30:37.313-06:00

Time for a more light-hearted post. The topic of the day is one that has for some reason become ubiquitous for me over the last couple of month...the utterly insane, absurd, implausible, hare-brained, (and the list could go on) things people take or try to take with them on airplanes - either in their luggage or on their person. As a person who loves to travel, I consider myself somewhat

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-84671079379194574082010-08-24T22:43:00.020-06:002011-07-18T01:37:49.361-06:00

Frank Buckles is 109 years old this year, and is the sole surviving American veteran of World War I (which ended in 1918). I first came across his story late last yearon CNN.com, and this humble elderly gentleman's plight touched me. According to the article, "Last year, Buckles visited the District of Columbia's World War I Memorial. In his wheelchair and bundled against the cold, he

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-11718428421297025992010-08-23T21:32:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:41:14.285-07:00

To celebrate Jim's last days of vacation before starting internship we decided to head up to Yellowstone for a long weekend. Neither of us had ever been there before and it's amazing and gorgeous. We had a huge buffalo greet us at the West Entrance, and it was a great start. It was very difficult to pare down the many pictures we took to a reasonable set for this blog...but it's a good

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-52422410494072479732010-07-29T17:25:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.410-07:00

I totally scored with this trip. Through a fluke of timing and circumstance, I was able (and willing!) to fill in for my sister as temporary Executive Director for my father, who was hired by an international company to speak at a huge convention to be held in Singapore. As a result, this would be the first trip that my Dad and I would go on just the two of us since I was 12 – over 20 years

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-91506833246365365622010-06-27T18:56:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:43:14.914-07:00

My husband Jim and I decided to celebrate our one-year anniversary by going on a 7-day Carnival cruise to the Mexican Riviera. This included 3 days at sea on the Carnival Splendor and 3 days in Mexico – one in each of the following cities: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.I had never been on a cruise, and I have always thought they seemed cheesy somehow, and I prefer to usually get

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-2894171241087292422010-05-12T19:11:00.007-06:002011-07-19T23:18:23.962-06:00

Exactly one month, one week, three days, and some odd hours and minutes ago a new little person made an entrance into this world, and an indelible impression on my heart. One Finnegan Locke to be precise. Finn is the first baby born into my immediate family for the last 27 years, a wee gift to my brother and his sweet wife (and to my thrilled grandbaby-starved parents). I had the honor and

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-67971238878935017562010-04-25T18:34:00.016-06:002011-07-19T23:18:23.963-06:00

My dear grandmother Inez Allen Baker passed away last month. It has taken me 6 weeks to finally be able to go back through my memories and notes, and write everything down from the night of her passing, and then to finally be able to write her the tribute she deserves. I had the honor of writing and reciting her life history at the elegant funeral held in her honor. She lived an amazing life,

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-8774233776432182422010-01-31T23:31:00.018-07:002011-07-18T01:31:32.983-06:00

I have a Little Sister, and her name is Hope. She is not biologically related to me, but after over a year of spending time together, I love her as if she was a real little sister. She was 10 years old when we met, and already strong willed, sassy, and quite sure of herself. I wish my 10 year old self was a little more like her! She is in my life because I signed up to be a Big Sister with

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-11584274193021102432009-10-19T16:30:00.004-06:002011-07-18T01:53:51.064-06:00

This is a photograph of my brother as he would look should a time vortex sweep him up and drop him in 1925. A dapper gentleman hanging out in Paris, wearing a three piece tweed suit, a stylish fedora hat, and sporting a full bohemian poet beard...smoking a smart-looking pipe as he ponders his future (at the beginning of a long and distinguished career), all while thinking literary thoughts.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-10769049787949691482009-08-21T00:20:00.002-06:002011-07-18T01:34:36.606-06:00

I have spent hours and hours over the last week and a half creating my wedding album from the digital prints our photographer gave us. I used a website called Mixbook, and I really like how it turned out. It's using flash, so I can happily embed it here in my blog...so for all of you that want to see our wedding pictures, enjoy! P.S. The is a little quirky, once you start it will autoplay

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-53476320070126846592009-08-05T10:13:00.001-06:002011-12-14T09:35:41.362-07:00

For those of you that watch this blog more than the others, I finally posted about Jamaica, our honeymoon. It's over here if you're interested!

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-63429975016527276212009-08-03T16:50:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.439-07:00

For our honeymoon we wanted to go somewhere really relaxing, but still somewhere neither of us had been before, preferably foreign, something that didn't require much planning or sightseeing (because while wonderful, it is not very relaxing). We decided that an all-inclusive resort somewhere in the world is the perfect answer. For those of you that are familiar with my travel habits, I usually

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-40463240647997913782009-07-31T16:42:00.004-06:002011-07-18T01:48:16.038-06:00

"When the first baby laughed for the first time, its laugh broke into a thousand pieces, and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies." – J.M. Barrie, Peter PanI love that idea, and think there’s something to it. The following is an illustration of what has become a favorite of life’s little moments....…standing in line at a store, I look over to the right to see a

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-73178508246266815502009-07-08T17:06:00.004-06:002011-07-18T01:47:59.550-06:00

My friend Terri shared this, and so I had to share too - it's amazing! Richard Heeks is a photographer obsessed with photographing bubbles. His flickr website has great commentary on all of the pictures, so I highly recommend checking it out. I particularly enjoyed the "popping" of the bubble...which in his words is less like popping and more like ripping and tearing - I love it!I really

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-90835476404001286152009-06-11T13:28:00.010-06:002011-07-19T23:17:46.919-06:00

It has been quite some time since my last joyous post. Not surprisingly it has been a rather busy five months, and sitting down to write was a luxury I could not really afford. I am absolutely floored by the amount of planning and work that goes into a wedding. It was fun, but a little overwhelming. Luckily I had the best planning partner on the entire planet - my sweet Mom. It was uncanny

Heidinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-29716300599722103312009-01-04T23:32:00.012-07:002011-07-18T01:53:38.326-06:00

It has finally happened. I found the love of my life....and I'm going to marry him! It's taken a long time – a lifetime of wishing and hoping, frustrations and disappointments, loneliness and ultimately, a serious case of needing to just (usually impatiently) bide one's time.Then, two years ago, I met Jim. Oh, Jim. We initially met because of two dear friends that decided we needed to (and to

Heidinoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-78848118184531607242008-11-12T21:19:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.458-07:00

Carmel is a little jewel on the coast. It's a little fairytale type town with lots of Cotswald-like cottages and houses that hold art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. We spent the day walking around and seeing all the amazing art (even some Picassos and Rembrandts!), and had some really yummy sushi. Then we went to the beach - and it's a GORGEOUS white sand beach with beautiful greenery

Heidinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-4659129783659838672008-11-10T22:52:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.402-07:00

San Francisco is an exceptional city. Crossing the Golden Gate bridge into the city at night was pretty dang cool - it's such an American icon. The morning of our first day of San Fran exploration we went first went to Ghiaradelli Square - a fun little area built with red brick and lots of black trim, light posts and a couple of fountains. There are a few different Ghiradelli chocolate shops,

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-60234338849144887472008-11-09T21:43:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.434-07:00

We just finished two wonderful days up in the redwoods of Humboldt Redwoods State Park. I apologize in advance to any readers if this post seems slightly laborious...there will be a wee bit of gushing and perhaps too much detail, but….nonetheless I wish to capture the experience for my own sake.I am completely in love with those colossal trees...I love them with my whole soul. Their ancient

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-66616458269920433812008-11-06T22:38:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.445-07:00

Today we went to The Monterey Bay Aquarium - largely known to be one of the best in the country. So we went prepared with that expectation......and were NOT disappointed. It was amazing - I don't feel like I have ever seen one like it. The sea otters were adorable, the sun-fish was absolutely insane (huge and ugly), large schools of fish swimming in and the list goes on. They had an amazing

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-20624638140467257892008-11-05T01:50:00.005-07:002011-12-14T09:35:41.354-07:00

....is finally being fulfilled. I am currently in Northern CA, and have thus been writing on my travel blog Wanderlust - for those of you that are interested. Pictures will come after I return (I forgot my camera cable, of course). Cheers!

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-73802115787382449922008-11-05T01:48:00.000-07:002011-12-13T00:40:53.454-07:00

One of my favorite things so far has been a little jaunt down Monterey's Fisherman's Wharf. It is quaint and cute - lined with colorful restaurants and shops. As I started my walk I saw someone in an apron in front of a little restaurant with a big vat of clam chowder offering samples. I, a lover of all free samples, of course took one. I walked down another few feet and lo and behold...

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-28524117440635264952008-11-04T22:07:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:36:12.088-06:00

I don't think I've ever been more proud to be an American right now. Whether you voted for him or not, we all witnessed history last night. It is not common to know when one is doing that in the moment - being a part of "history" is not usually observed until after the fact. I am proud to be in a country where an African American can be President, and for the vision and hope we can have as a

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-54845575189953268262008-11-01T20:48:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.418-07:00

I am as of right this moment in lovely Monterey, California. I have been here for a few days now, and I quite like it. My journey here was mostly unremarkable - the one exception being my connection flight. After a long walk down a seemingly government-style-secret-underground tunnel (that had me wondering if I was next in line for human experimentation), I awaited the bus for my unusual and

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-46546473339839384252008-10-16T16:34:00.003-06:002011-07-18T01:36:12.089-06:00

Today, I went to the county Elections office in order to change what county I vote in. Afterward, I was told that I could vote today if I so desired - so I did! I figured the next three weeks are not going to change my political stances one bit, so I decided to avoid the crowds and just do it. I MAY even be wearing my little I Voted Early Sticker. I had also prepared locally and read through

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-1858883573837416582008-08-10T11:03:00.007-06:002011-07-18T01:47:18.540-06:00

I have always wanted to master a foreign language - to be able to be in one of the many foreign countries I have visited and just fluently speak the vernacular, thus delving deeper into the culture (and to me the pinnacle - to be able to read the books of that country in it's native language). To my chagrin, I have never managed to make it a priority and do so. I started to learn French in my

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-81374939853311115332008-08-03T22:33:00.002-06:002011-07-19T23:18:23.963-06:00

"Love is friendship set to music." - E. Joseph CrossmannThis entry is entirely to celebrate and congratulate my little sister Arianne. Yesterday she married Brandon, the love of her life. She was gorgeous, glowing, and gracious - an exquisite bride. He was very handsome and beaming out his happiness. Each hour of the day was pure perfection! Their obvious, perceivable love was inspiring.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-59380652071544947462008-06-26T22:35:00.023-06:002011-07-18T01:41:26.141-06:00

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity." - PlatoI think it is essential to appreciate the happy, simple things of life to help avoid the doldrums of it, and keep things in perspective. So for my own reasons, I put together a list (in no particular order) of some of the simple things I love and appreciate.Reading a good, good book. I love the escape of an

Heidinoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-17062262254423551602008-03-04T22:07:00.012-07:002011-07-18T01:47:06.397-06:00

I haven't known much of Dr. Jane Goodall prior tonight, other than a general knowledge of her association and study of chimps. But tonight that changed after attending a lecture/speech she gave. After finding out she was coming (and being a long time fan of Dr. Jane) my ever-inspired boyfriend got us tickets, and I am very grateful! It has been some time since I have been so inspired by a

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-57658581782468078522008-02-06T23:06:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:18:23.964-06:00

"The soul leaves the body as a schoolboy jumps from a school door...suddenly, with joy." -- from A Rumor of AngelsThis has long been my most cherished thought about death. I love the imagery and the idea itself - both resonate with me. That very image is how I choose to picture my grandfather today. A man who today looked death straight in the eye (he always was courageous), said, "I'm ready",

Heidinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-23582582444503097882008-01-08T19:14:00.000-07:002011-12-14T09:33:36.764-07:00

My siblings and I have recently discussed having A Night of Nostalgia - in essence a movie marathon of many of the movies we adored growing up. This has not yet come to fruition (only a matter of time), but I keep thinking about it. It is amazing how these kinds of things have the ability to create that wonderful feeling of nostalgia, reminiscence, and maybe even a little touch of wistfulness.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-394565142459904732007-12-27T23:37:00.000-07:002011-07-19T23:20:15.688-06:00

I should have been more diligent and written this when the season was "Tis" instead of "Twas", but unfortunately the very nature of this time of the year often precludes much free time. But it is now in the final stages, and things are slowing down. This year's season has been one of the more delightful of the last several years. Unlike my Scrooge-ish disposition of the past (and almost

Heidinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-91578421034828229782007-11-19T17:47:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:42:49.082-06:00

This touched my heart so much my eyes welled up uncontrollably with big, fat tears which then tumbled down my cheeks. While I don't expect the same reaction from all viewers - it is nonetheless inspiring, lovely, and extremely worth seeing (if you haven't already). I think there are many reasons this touched me so, starting with the man himself. A shy, humble, sweetly awkward man with an

Heidinoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-34105790134344866032007-11-13T00:21:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:46:19.744-06:00

I don't think anything could quite accurately describe my current feeling regarding my daily work life as this demotivator:This sardonicism hits on a few levels for me, the highest one is tied to my actual job. My career is just that - Quality Assurance. I manage a team of QA engineers, leads, and testers while doing the same myself - all of us working to ensure the website quality of a rather

Heidinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-42625884481021242242007-09-17T15:45:00.001-06:002011-12-14T09:38:03.731-07:00

"The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth return again." -- Eye of the World, by Robert JordanA friend of mine showed me this article "Robert Jordan dies at age 58" this morning. I gasped out loud, and immediately felt like I had swallowed a whole gallon of sand.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-47747167650451772082007-09-03T07:17:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.405-07:00

One wouldn't think we would be able to wrap both of these lovely places in one entry, but given our luck with the weather, methinks I can do it! We got to Rio just as a cold front moved in, and it was cloudy and/or rainy most of the days we were there! It opened up a little one morning, and that day we rushed to see Christ The Redeemer - one of the New Wonders Of The World, only to see JUST the

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-35812102955004838062007-08-29T05:40:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.385-07:00

When we walked out of the airport in Manaus, I immediately began to perspire a little. It is SO humid there. Fitting, as it is only TWO degrees south of the equator. I have never before been so close to the scorching midriff of the earth. It was then a two hour van ride from the city to a Jungle Lodge we had booked with. This is one of the few places I have actually booked a tourist package

Heidinoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-78896783765341840542007-08-26T14:29:00.000-06:002011-12-14T09:35:41.373-07:00

I just wanted to post a quick message on here...I know it has been too long again. Lately however, I have a good reason - I am travelling abroad. To read about it, take a look at my blog called Wanderlust. I have a link on the right of my page. Tchau!

Heidinoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-56348749930892643952007-08-26T14:00:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.431-07:00

Oi! This journey begins with three sisters planning, packing, and getting on a plane...one returning to a land she loves (Rebecca) and the two of us that want to see it with her. So fly the long flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil we did. We planned six days in that remarkably enormous city – approximately one for each of the areas she served on her mission. We got to the hotel in the area of Sao

Heidinoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-58910202551287750012007-06-14T01:32:00.000-06:002011-07-18T01:45:55.166-06:00

I was driving home the other day and saw a random guy riding a bike across the street…..he happened to be African American. I found myself thinking, “Huh, a black guy. It’s been a while since I've seen anyone black in this area….” I then caught that thought and just held it up to the light with perplexity and slight surprise. I have often verbally lamented the fact I live in a (relatively)

Heidinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-71747142555279225912007-04-18T21:05:00.001-06:002011-07-18T01:42:15.115-06:00

This is kind of a fluffy post - but I feel kind of fluffy today, so there you have it. These little critters have almost arbitrarily become one of my favorite animals. It's incredibly fun to say their name, but mostly I love their awkwardness, flightless plight, and funny shape - complete with baby wings that will never be of any use. I also love that such an awkward creature became the symbol

Heidinoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-92145695022467638672007-04-04T12:32:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.475-07:00

This little Italian jaunt was a first among all of my travels...not just because I saw a new part of the world, but because I ventured into that world all alone. This came about because my wanderlust was quickly kicking in, and I was finding it difficult to find friends who were able to travel with me. So I figured...well, then I'll go by myself! I have been to Europe enough to feel

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-45204034305191481652007-04-04T12:31:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.397-07:00

THE GIRLS! First night out. Puerto Rico was an amazing place, and it was really fun to be there with my fabulous girlfriends. We were there for a week, and stayed in a nice hotel within walking distance from the beach, which was fabulous. We met some fun people, and loved every second of it. There was serious drama regarding our travelling arrangements, which were all done standby. I barely

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-39016328961381527732007-04-04T12:30:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.393-07:00

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-54938449024205419792007-04-04T12:23:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.422-07:00

OZ - Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns/Great Barrier Reef, NZ - Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-37466370002484683832007-04-04T12:19:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.389-07:00

Oahu - with friendsMaui - with family

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-80356582086899753432007-03-28T17:35:00.000-06:002011-07-18T01:45:23.306-06:00

This little girl killed me...I had to share.

Heidinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-18168568980929584732007-03-14T22:55:00.000-06:002011-07-18T01:45:41.153-06:00

After moving approximately a dozen times in the last 13 years, I have finally made a (hopefully) more permanent move into my very own little house. Happily it is a real house, one complete with walls NOT touching other people's walls. The simple act of blasting music without a wall-pounding accompaniment from neighbors makes me feel free as a yellow-crested cockatoo. Part of the allure of this

Heidinoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-72225886841189505442007-03-14T02:34:00.001-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.449-07:00

France, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland....

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-55164622665009451492007-03-14T02:34:00.000-06:002011-12-13T00:40:53.427-07:00

England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England again...

Heidinoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-6893476360229982382007-01-03T02:13:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:52:45.451-06:00

There is something positively enchanting about the night sky. I have loved it's sparkles and mystery from my youth, up until this very night. The sky holds a near full moon, and I am amazed as usual at how well it can light up the world below. Especially now, when there is so much snow on the ground to reflect the moonlight. I think I genuinely prefer the glacial blues of the moon to the harsh

Heidinoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503178640580112860.post-22080122296262829182006-12-28T00:14:00.000-07:002011-07-18T01:51:02.093-06:00

As I finally enter this relatively new medium of communication, I find I am all of a sudden feeling very inadequate in comparison to the brilliant bloggers whose words I have so enjoyed. However, I am also discovering such comparisons also seem to stifle my own sense of what to share and how to express those whats. Though I am grateful for their examples. As a side note, I am also already

Heidinoreply@blogger.com5