Shake, Rattle and Roll

Oasis Life: A Wake Up Call; A view of this morning's mini-mudslides on the side of the mountain

Get out from that kitchen and rattle
those pots and pans

Get out from that kitchen and rattle
those pots and pans

Well, roll my breakfast 'cause I'm a hungry man

I said shake, rattle and roll

I said shake, rattle and roll

I said shake, rattle and roll

I said shake, rattle and roll

You never do nothin' to save your doggone soul...

Oh, come on, Elvis!

Do you really mean for her to get into the kitchen and cook some vittles?

(Or should I blame these sexist lyrics on songwriter Bill Haley?- Please forgive the aside comment here- I just couldn't resist. I digress!)

We had an earthquake this morning!

It occurred sometime after 1:00am while I was lying in bed watching Camilla (1994), a film staring Jessica Tandy and Bridget Fonda. It's kind of a female road trip film that makes me think about how I want my life to play out in the coming years. It's Jessica Tandy's final film. She plays Camilla, a free-spirited violinist who makes a difficult compromise in her life. I particularly appreciate Tandy because as an actress over 80 years of age, she is willing to skinny dip, celebrate life, and make love to her long lost lover (who happens to be her real life husband). The story is compelling- even if some of young Fonda's lines feel false.

Camilla is a real shake-up-your-life movie-as was this morning's earthquake.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I took a tour of the property to check for damage and found

just a few avocados lying on the ground but most are still hardily growing on the tree.

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We had an earthquake early this morning!

Low rumble crescendos to a smart pound as

adrenalin rushes the sleep out of our bones.

Old shoeboxed photographs fall,

upper shelves now layer the floor.

Box sets of Paul and George open and

spill a pile of The Beatles out

and into the laundry.

We had an earthquake early this morning!

Rushing outside, calling

"What happened?" while the canine pack sniff,

wag and lick the nearest leg or toe.

"A surprise visit from the entire family!"

We had an earthquake early this morning

- a cause for panic

- a cause for celebration

- all is well.

Cynthia Pittmann 5/2010

Maternal Moosings

Oasis Returns: A few notes on life, change and mothers

Espresso coffee with warm milk taste better than Mr. Coffee's rushed cup.

Do you start your day off with coffee? I can drink a pot of "American" coffee without getting "the jitters" while consuming two cups of Yaucono espresso could send me over the top. I usually get up early in the morning and put on the coffee- first thing. Though I have cut down my intake of coffee, I continued to drink a cup of coffee in the morning. (Haven't you been thrilled with the news that coffee could have some health benefits?) My motto: Healthy eating in moderation! Isn't that sentiment a contradiction coming from a lifelong vegetarian? I still like a bit of butter and cheese but lately, I prefer higher quality dairy products and avoid eggs.


This morning, I listened to the roosters crow and chickens squawk while I walked to the front gate of Green Oasis Finca. I have just planted a white rose bush that was given to me by nearly grown daughter, Miss A, which I, in turn, dedicated to mom because it was the anniversary of her murder on May 5. I found the physical act of digging deep into the earth and planting this ever-blooming floribunda rose, Summer Snow, the perfect way to connect and disperse this heavy laden grief that burdens me around Mother's Day. I feel refreshed and ready to get on with life. I just need a little sip of coffee, love from my family, and the company of blogging buddies to keep me thriving. I have appreciated the continued visits to my quiet Oasis blog, even though I feel like this black and white Holstein. Look at that face!
I have discovered that "girl cows" do have horns. And that in women, they hide under the surface until about the age of 50 years or so. My own horns are showing! Or rather I'm feeling a bit edgy-and it's not from the coffee. My daughter is soon off to college, and I feel strong pressure coming from that impending change in both of our lives.

My lovely daughter just finished this painting, yesterday.














Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that most counts. So when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope a chance to float up. And it will! Hope Floats


Amber's Sun 5/2010

Happiness Inspired?

Oasis Lifestyle:

Who needs inspiration? Me!!

I inspired myself this week by planting a little kitchen garden of sweet peppers, grape tomatoes, basil, cilantro, recao, golden marigold, and purple inpatients. It was a quick project because I planted it in a large pot and set it on the patio wall which overlooks the central mountains of Puerto Rico.

After reading a few pages from The Happiness Project a new memoir by Gretchen Ruben, I joined the website so that I receive inspiration on a regular basis. (!) I have also joined a time management site so that I can cut down my stress level.

~Are you feeling overwhelmed?~

Lately, I have been overwhelmed with tasks and stress, which has made me solution-oriented. I want to write a little about this problem. Just to keep it manageable, I have identified three common areas where we can be overwhelmed; work, finance and family. In my case- all three overlap.

@Work

What makes us happy at work? I found this John Ruskin quote at "The Happiness Project" website:

In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.--John Ruskin (Ruskin is mentioned in Enchanted April- a must-read about love and reconciliation!)

[photo credit/painting by Sir John Everett Millais]

Makes sense?! What gives you a feeling of success at work? Is it recognition? trust? validation?

Does that affirming sensation have to come from the outside or can we give it to ourselves? I'm not going to answer these questions because I think Ruskin's wise comment is enough for now. However, I'm sending out a gentle suggestion that we learn to validate ourselves-to notice the good that we often do for others. We are all connected in some way. Our work extends our connection and can be employed to uplift others.

@Finance and family (I'm giving this problem breathing room. No solutions offered!)

It is not how much one makes but to what purpose one spends. --John Ruskin

Recently, I bought a pocket size black Cash Book. I thought I would like to record expenditures there. It's not going well. I just haven't been able to record what I spend. One day passes and then another, and I still forget to record purchases. I tell myself, "I will have to start again on payday." I refuse to admit that I just don't care enough about money. I like to say "yes" when the children ask, "Could you pay me back for... I had to spend my own money for a book, a ticket, a ..."; and "Could you give me a little money for...lunch, going out, just in case...". I think they are reasonable in their requests. I don't like to say no.

My poor little Cash Book is neglected, yet again.

I'm seriously flooded with memories of that powerful money management book, Your Money or Your Life. (Vicki Robin, et al.) Have you read it? It teaches you to recognize your own spending patterns and identify the feeling of enough. It's been updated but I'm thinking of the first version. I have a strong memory of the authors celebrating the fact that they were able to wear a pair of shoes for a few years!

Weakness? I buy shoes... often. (I'm feeling a bit of guilt. I'm still looking for that perfect pair.) My parents were frugal. Yes, frugal. As a child, I could not bring myself to ask for anything because I dreaded the inevitable, "No." Concerning my own money management-or lack of-my working theory is that I am now overcompensating with "yes" but it's under control. (If only I could verify my expenditures...poor little Cash Book-we need another reconciliation.)

~My New Sandals~

I love these stress relieving shoes. I recently purchase another pair at the local health food store. If you want to relax and increase your energy, you might try these sandals. Still, I must caution you that they cause some soreness while you become accustomed to the pressure. (A bit like a bed of nails?- no, just rubber nails!-ouch!)

reflexology health shoes -Mine cost about $20 but the link here has a pair for under $4 See how I'm trying to lessen my guilt by inviting you to spend money? Shame on me! :-) ...sigh...I should have waited to buy my shoes. What is my weakness? I don't comparison shop and I seek immediate gratification. (Note: these are insights for my little neglected Cash Book.)

~Digression~

There is a delightful scene in Enchanted April-the movie-where Lottie is suppose to record every cent in her own little cash book. I remember her husband, Mr Wilkins, asking her, "You are recording every cent you spend in that little book I gave you?" She replies, "Even the flowers." (He considers flowers a waste of money because they die.) Lottie does a much better job of record-keeping than me- even if she does waste money on charity and flowers! (Mr. Oasis is not involved in my money management project.)

As I'm on Lottie's side, I want to leave you with a pot full of tiny purple lantana flowers. (I think they are a lantana variety.)

Have a lovely week!

[photo credits-me]

(Run your cursor over the text for hyperlinks)

What? No Water?

Oasis Weekend: All that rain last week and now no water?

Have you ever lived with little or no water? It certainly brings your attention to how necessary water is in our lives. Though I'm not sure of all the specifics, I know that water service is not completely reliable in this country. Recently, I read about a delightful water protest in Luquillo where residents gave a birthday party to the un-repaired water main! Cumpleanos feliz!

Happy birthday dear broken water water main...

Clever idea.

The main is on the mend!

I live in a rural area.

When people ask me, "How many dogs do you have?" I answer, "A country dozen." Some of you know about my ill-conceived-but-improving-animal shelter project but did you know how much water dogs need to drink? We are buying plastic water jugs from Walgreen's to provide them with enough water. Poor babies! The water came on for a short time tonight. It was at a little less than half pressure. I went around doing all of the essentials. I awoke everyone with, Quick take a shower! Do you need to wash your hair? Then it was on to the kitchen to wash the mounting pile of dishes!

My cooking is curtailed this weekend because of the water situation. A good friend, Mark, loaned me his grandmother's aebleskiver cast iron pan, with the intention of sharing a recipe for this Danish dessert. (-round shaped and filled pancake) We had made them together at his country house last summer. What a fun activity! My daughter and I added too much water to the chocolate sauce and the three of us made an impromptu decision to thicken with cream cheese. (Oh my diet!) It was a fortuitous mistake for the creation of great chocolate dipping sauce.

It is made up of two bars bittersweet chocolate, half coup of cream and 4-6 oz of cream cheese. The chocolate is melted in a double broiler (or microwave), add the cream, then blend in the cream cheese with a food processor.

Aebleskivers get their name from the apples that are placed in the center of the pancake ball. (Click on the link above for a recipe). I think I inspired myself to go forward with the project for Sunday's breakfast- water or no water!

Speaking of diet...do you remember my resolution to exercise? I comfort myself with the thought that it's all a process. I am mildly on track. (hummm....is that rationalization I feel coming on?) I signed up for the weight tracker so I can inspire myself to continue to lose weight. When I entered the data, I found that my BMI (Body Mass Index) means "overweight". ( Gulp, shock.) I like the program though. In my mind's eye, I imagine that the weight readings going down. I just love graph-your-life visuals...it gives one such a sense of control (false?!).

This evening, I did get some exercise while quickly washing the outdoor tiles before the water is turned off again. I have never noticed how doggies' smell can be so overpowering! I was eager to get that tile scrubbed clean.

Out of breath but exhilarated about the fresh (!) again night air, I say goodnight to you all.

Happy abeleskiver making! (If you dare!)

May you have a lovely Sunday breakfast tomorrow morning

( -and absolutely no weight gaining anxiety) !

photo credits- abelskiver pan,

birthday cake

It's Raining in Puerto Rico

Oasis Weekend and it's Raining

The sun is teasing through the clouds but light showers are predicted. What do you do when your house-bound? I thought of making croissants today. (I read that Mrs. French Fancy is touring Paris-that must have started the fantasy.) I've never attempted it because it's too great a challenge. I think the deft skill required to make a light texture for that crunchy buttery bite is beyond me-at least for now. Still, I think many of you have had success with this tempting French delight and I'd love to read your success stories. (I think I will just go and make some crunchy wheat toast!)

Yesterday, in spite of the rain, I went for a walk along the river in Bayamon.

(Paseo Rio Bayamon) It's not that I'm so determined, I had the time to spare while my daughter was touring the estuaries and learning about water in Puerto Rico. (What happened to my umbrella?) I casually walked a 5k course, took photographs, sneezed and reassured myself that it was okay to get just a little wet. Honestly, I love walking in nature. When they opened this walking path a few years ago, I was determined to share it with my family. I'm sorry to report that to this day, my children consider these family walks a lesson in "Why I hate exercise". I remember their pleas, "It's too hot!" "Can we stop?" I would determinedly push,"Just a while longer. You will feel better soon." To this day, they think that I was too much of a boot camp mom. Sigh.

Why do I like this physical struggle and success? Maybe hiking/walking is easier for me because I'm inspired by nature. It gives me a kind of excited energy that pushes me forward. Perhaps when they get older they will appreciate the effort? For now, they only remember sweating in the bright sun and too many blood-sucking bugs. I've learned to back down and let them move at their own pace but to this day neither one of them will walk with me! On the positive side, I have enjoyed many thrilling walks with my nieces, nephews and husband. The most exciting walk was to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite (California). It took all day to arrive and return just before dark. Again, my pushing ways were not appreciated. I distinctly remember being serenaded by bitter words and complaints about lack of drinking water. (Again- sigh...)

In my youth, I was influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau- you remember transcendent nature and Walden Pond? I believe nature has the power to transform- it certainly revitalizes me. Still, I think I should follow the words of Emerson when it comes to pushing others to connect with nature:

Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.

What is truly important?

Oasis Reflection:
This week, I've been thinking about how we need to remember to teach our children what is fundamentally important in life. Mary Dow Brine's poem,"Somebody's Mother" (Writer's Almanac/Feb 16, 2010) touched my heart.


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Somebody's Mother
by Mary Dow Brine

The woman was old and ragged and gray
And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.
The street was wet with a recent snow
And the woman's feet were aged and slow.
She stood at the crossing and waited long,
Alone, uncared for, amid the throng
Of human beings who passed her by
Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.
Down the street with laughter and shout,
Glad in the freedom of 'school let out,'
Came the boys like a flock of sheep,
Hailing the snow piled white and deep.
Past the woman so old and gray
Hastened the children on their way.
Nor offered a helping hand to her—
So meek, so timid, afraid to stir
Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet
Should crowd her down in the slippery street.
At last came one of the merry troop,
The gayest lad of all the group;
He paused beside her and whispered low,
"I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."
Her aged hand on his strong young arm
She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,
He guided the trembling feet along,
Proud that his own were firm and strong.
Then back again to his friends he went,
His young heart happy and well content.
"She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,
For all she's aged and poor and slow,
And I hope some fellow will lend a hand
To help my mother, you understand,
If ever she's poor and old and grey,
And her own dear boy is far away."
"Somebody's mother" bowed low her head
In her home that night, and the prayer she said
Was, "God be kind to the noble boy,
Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!"

(Public domain)

~~~~~


I think most of us hope to raise our children with the skills to be successful in life but do we remember that compassion for others is essential for a health and harmony?

These words are written on my prayer flags...

May we all reflect and connect with others while sharing the best we have to offer.

May we create harmony...and be harmonous. (I'm sending this thought to myself as well.)

May February's theme of love radiate throughout your life and all it's creations.

Amelia Earhart's Courage

Courage Needed?


I recently saw the latest film on Amelia Earhart...






her compelling spirit and life are inspirational. I need that kind of strength for the day to day challenges of life.

Have you seen the film? Hillary Swank seems to embody the character and infuse her with life.

I noticed some omitted aspects of Earhart's life and ponder the decision to leave them out. I read that she had a serious sinus condition that had to be operated on three times. (Antibiotics were not yet discovered.) She sometimes had a drainage tube that was tapped on her face. Also, she had a gap between her front teeth. I read that her husband/promoter advised her to not smile in her up close professional photographs. Why do we need our heroes(heroines?) to be so flawless- and in Earhart's case- so healthy? (The movie left out the illness she experienced in her final flight.) It motivates me more when I see that she overcame her own personal challenges.
(image and biography- http://www.ellensplace.net/ae_lflt.html)
I also wonder if the movie romance details were accurate. I could not find any evidence that she was in an open type marriage- as the film portrayed. I frequently read that she and her husband were devoted to each other. (She has another love interest in the film.) I wonder if this contemporary detail was added to make her seem more independent? Regardless of the fudging of facts, after viewing the film, I find that I am inspired to be courageous and face my own fears.

May you have a vibrant and courageous week!