Ice cream scoop blooper

While enjoying the ecclectic musical talent in Denver at UMS (Underground Music Showcase aka South by Southwest of Denver) this weekend I had a purely comical experience with my friend Stef. We were strolling a long on a lovely day admiring the weather and in conversation. Suddenly her ice cream scoop fell right off the cone. We had no idea what to say. After several moments of silence we starting laughing our heads off - finally realizing passerbyers had already done so. We rushed back to the ice cream place and she bought another cone, although I was shocked they charged her...when a five-year old drops a scoop, I'm sure they get one for free.

I realize this story is one of those "had to be there" moments, but I couldn't resist sharing. Particularly since I have a pic of Stef on our way back with her new scoop still feeling sad about her old one.

Today I'm grateful for Sweet Action, cameras, and jazz music.

Crouching tiger, hidden cockroach

I have a new roomie who has arrived in the form of a cockroach. It has been quite the morality rollercoaster deciding how to handle its move-in. I don't believe in harming sentient beings and as much as that insect/part rat scares me, I didn't have the heart to kill it. Instead I placed the creature under a clean, plastic container with a bowl on top until I figured out what to do with it. Several minutes later while I'm reading in bed I hear a noise and look over to see the little booger escaped!! Cockroaches are strong I realize, but it had a ceramic bowl on top for heaven's sake!!!! I heard they can live a week without a head and a month without food. It isn't everyday I have a superhero living under my fridge.

After avoiding my kitchen for a day and not eating, I couldn't go on this way. (I love naturally occuring rhymes.) I called the apartment manager and they brought a bug guy. Before allowing them into my apartment I needed to be certain they wouldn't kill it and instead create a barrier for it to enter my apartment again. They agreed and sprayed and I feel much better. Although I'm a tad worried after a month of hiding it will come out again for food...

Today I'm grateful for Liz, pancakes, and reading under a tree.

From the Universe

For the past two years I've been receiving the Notes from the Universe (aka Mike Dooley). I can't believe I haven't shared sooner about the notes! Anyone/thing who uses phrases such as "crazy,sexy, cool" and on occassion "hubba hubba" has my upmost respect. For several moments a day through these emails I remember who I am and usually get chocked up, I hope they do the same for you.

*Happiness comes first, Becky. Partners, abundance, and cool shoes come later.
Or at least this is how I'd line up my duckies.Ungawa - The Universe
*Dreams create their own pathways, if you don't try to force things.
Taking action summons miracles, whether you recognize them or not.
And, Becky, it's never too late in the day for breakfast.Dream on, wild thing - The Universe

*Dearest Becky, I wish for you flowers and sunshine, gentle breezes and clear skies, calm seas and rainbows. But, perhaps most of all, I wish for you a glorious breadth of experiences so that these tidbits are mere icing on the cake, of a life that's rich in adventure.Huge hug - The Universe

*As many stars as there are in the night sky, Becky. As many grains of sand that exist on all the world's beaches. That's how often opportunity really knocks. That's how many second chances you really get. And that's how many voices whisper your name each day.You have no idea... The Universe

*Do you know what one of the most exciting things happening in time and space is right now, Becky?
Your life.Whooooooohooooooooooo! The Universe

*Rainbows and butterflies, cattails and dandelions, waterfalls and rainforests, puppy dogs and dragonflies, sea foam and orcas, sunshine and comets, snowflakes and ice cycles, wildflowers and Becky Farrar....Did I think of everything, or what? Crazy, sexy, cool, The Universe

*Love where you've been.
Love where you're at.
Love how you think.
Love the power you pack.
Love all that you seek.
Love all that you feel.
Love your rocking emotions
and the thoughts you make real.But mostly, amazing Becky, I really, really love you in this very moment. What? Loving you from every angle - The Universe

*Don't try to figure out the "hows" of it, Becky. That's not your job. You only need to know what you want, like a job. Then just follow your instincts and let the Universe figure out the hows.Think, think, and let go - The Universe

*I don't like to make predictions, but the way things are going, Becky, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this year you have a ball, go to a ball... and put the pics up on Facebook.You are so poised for the time of your life - The Universe

*Warming planet - check.Species on brink of extinction - check.Ice caps melting - check.Economies in chaos - check.Becky Farrar "in the house" - the one and only.Grab a seat. We're about to witness the most exciting comeback in history. How do you always get these leading roles? The Universe

Today I'm grateful for new places, new people, and news.

BRM (Bicycle Riding Machine)

I'm unsure how it started, but somehow I became a bicycle riding machine. Today I went to the free Denver Botanical Gardens day and it just escalated from there - I couldn't get enough. (For future reference, don't go to the free days before 3 p.m., too many children's groups, not an ounce of serenity in the entire park.) Then I rode to the Post Office and the library, just kept going. Before I knew it I was planning my bike route for the entire week! This coming from the girl who has said on several occasions how much I deteste bicycles. Between a falling down spell and then a flat during a triathlon last year I had for the most part sworn off two wheels for life.

Now the bike sleeps with me, or at least close to it at the foot of my bed. Far away from the other bikes in the bike garage at my complex. It needs it's space and nurturing where I can see it and remember that at least for one day, I was a BRM.

Today I'm grateful for freedom, popsicles, and clean water.

Show and tell

There has been an ongoing "coolness" debate between my friend Stef and me about live musical performances. I prefer to call them "concerts" as I believe they have been called for the past 700 years. She prefers shows, it may sound more simple and not so easily confused with a philharmornic or other sort of concert, but show has too many meanings. Show reminds me of a thing in elementary school called "Show and Tell." No thanks, I do not want to see that live after the age of 10.

It has become a very personal decision what to call a live music performance. Maybe it depends on the location of said event. Performing Arts Complex = concert. Someone's basement = show. Why I'm writing an entire blog about this I have no idea other than it seems an important distinction for a decision. You see, I am going to a show/concert with Journey and Heart on Tuesday and am getting confused about what to call it. So confused I don't even know if I'm allowed to go.

Today I'm grateful for concerts, shows, and gigs.

Rumi and love

Our task is not to seek for love but merely to find all the barriers within yourself you've built against it. - Rumi
This quote from wonderous Sufi poet Rumi has really described my internal struggle the past few weeks. I don't usually write about romantic love because I believe all love comes from the same place whether it's platonic, romantic, or spiritual. However lately romantic love has been a large part of my life. I'm learning to not need to have all the answers at once. I'm learning when I'm wishing things were different than they are it can't be love because love is acceptance. Most of all I'm learning what has held me back from truly loving others in the past.

It seems so obvious to me lately that the extent and capacity I'm able to love myself reflects how much I'm able to love and accept others. In the past few years I notice my capacity has only grown. This has been the greatest success in my life thus far.

Today I'm grateful for poetry, Rumi, and my new waterbottle.

80s hair ornaments

I did a double take yesterday when I saw a woman wearing a banana clip (or jaw clip as another way they are known). Aren't those extinct? Thank goodness not it gave me several moments to bask in gratefulness of all things 80s hair ornaments. Most of my close friends know I sleep in a scrunchie. Yes, those large, fabric things worn on wrists when not in use. I used to make them in every color and pattern to match every outfit. They are wonderful to reducing hair breakage whilest sleeping. In my (and 80 hair ornament) defense, sleeping in 80s hair ornaments is completely different from wearing them in public - let alone in business casual attire.

I would also like to draw your attention to other 80s hair ornament such as bandanas and large puffy headbands. These two have also gone by the wayside (besides of course on Rock of Love) and I'm grateful. For heaven sakes just keep the scrunchie!

Today I'm grateful for my scrunchie, Harry Potter, and Dustin.