The Return from Prescott

Prescott, AZ could be the place. It really could. Isn't that exciting? It's pretty exciting for me. We aren't making any definite decisions yet as wee need to sit with this for awhile, but it just felt as though everything fit into place somehow. I felt that I was a better person there- or rather, that the parts of me that are deeply connecting, warm, kind, open, and full of life were somehow more able to be expressed there. Do you know how that is? Sometimes I forget that I am a smart, fun, kind, funny person. It's nice to be in a place where my true self can come out a bit more.

Besides that general "sense" we had (not to mention the cool nights/early mornings and dry days- ah!), there were just a number of wonderful things that happened:

- We met with an acupuncturist who said good things about prospects in the area from that end. Besides that, we just really enjoyed her. She's "our kind" of person, which was a nice thing to discover.

- We met the one MT in town, who was very encouraging of my work in the area, and very open to hanging out together. This means of course that I wouldn't be the only MT in town, as I now am. Maybe alittle less isolating?

- We met up with a man who is an expert in permaculture in the area, and who has helped develop an area downtown where people are building sustainable homes. It was incredible. You wouldn't know it by driving by, but he gave us the tour and suddenly we discovered chickens, goats, gardens, yurts, etc.- right in the low-income housing area. It was VERY touching and beautiful to me. Inspiring.

- I went to THREE yarn stores. :) One of which had roving too! For a small city, Prescott has yarn galore! And, the one shop with roving gives classes in spinning- which might help me move onto a higher level. Cool.

- We drove through Sedona and had some interesting experiences (although we already knew we wouldn't want to live there), and stayed the night in Flagstaff (which we were interested in checking out as a possibility). We discovered that Flagstaff probably isn't a place we want to live. Good information. We might revisit sometime, but first impression was a no-go.

- The tarot reader we saw in Sedona was interesting, but I don't trust her. First of all, she thought we would LOVE Flagstaff from our first moment there. That didn't happen. The main other thing she said? One of the clearest things she said to us, with complete confidence: "You are having a baby. SOON!" AH! This was both exciting and scary. But, I'm not feeling pregnant yet, and that time of the month shall be coming soon, so I'm not buying it. We are both wanting a baby, but knowing it's time to wait. Our actions follow. She might have picked up on the "we want a baby" energy around us, but not picked up on the "we are waiting" part of it.

The parents with the in-laws went surprisingly well. There were the usual awkward moments and angered experiences, but in general, a good thing. They even said, "you look great!" What a winner. After all the cleaning they barely looked at the house, but maybe that says that the house met their standards. They seemed to like it.

I appreciated hearing Hashbrown's comment on her in laws. Thanks Hashbrown- it's nice to know I'm not the only one!

I'm pretty exhausted right now. After seeing clients today, I really had to force myself to work on my parent meeting notes tonight. I have the meeting in the morning, so I really couldn't put it off, but I'm just pretty burned out. Traveling is tiring, jetlag is tiring, in laws are tiring, starting schoolwork is tiring. But, hopefully I'll get some rest this weekend before my next adventure. (I really didn't think I traveled much before- but NOW look at me...sheesh!)

On Monday I leave for Philadelphia. I've already started coursework online and I have to tell you, this is pretty overwhelming. I hope I haven't signed up for too many courses. I'm signed up for the maximum. However, I'm enjoying the reading. I really didn't think "Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design" could be very interesting, but I'm enjoying it. I can't read a lot in one sitting, but it's thought provoking.

My courses this semester?

Qualitative Research in MT
Ethics in MT
Music in Medicine
Advanced Practicum and Clinical Training

Should be interesting, if I can keep my head above water. I just need to keep remembering why I'm doing this- for me, not for the grade.

The drive to Prescott

David and I arrived in Prescott, AZ on Thursday afternoon. Wednesday was a whirlwind: I finished packing, saw 2 clients in the afternoon, packed up all my instruments, drove home, unpacked all my instruments into the house to make room for our luggage, loaded said luggage, and headed to the airport.

We got into our hotel in Phoenix at about 1am. Here's something surprising- are David and I the only ones who thought AZ was just a 2 hour time change? We were completely surprised to find it was in fact a 4 hour flight, not a 3 hour flight from Atlanta, and that it was 4am eastern-standard time when we got to our hotel, not 3am. Very strange. Oh well.

Sparing you the details of a crazy rental car facility at the Phoenix airport, we made it to Prescott the next afternoon.

Quick story with a question before I go on: As we were driving north through Phoenix we were in dire need of lunch. The only place we found other than fast food was this out of the way Mexican place. We were wanting Mexican, so it was a go! Once inside we both felt pretty Gringo there- even my asian-american husband. I think we've only been in americanized places before. Funny- they seemed to think David was Mexican. He got the usual menu, and I got the english one. People were watching us a bit, but it was ok. My food was terrible, but that was ok. We needed food, and we got it.

When we got our check there were the usual charges listed, and then with no explanation, they just added an extra dollar at the bottom. We assumed that they made a mistake and so we paid the original amount. However, we were told that the extra dollar was something we had to pay because there were 2 of us. David, being very nice and interested, said he was surprised and was curious about why we owed the extra dollar. They showed us the english menu which said on the back that for any party of more than 1 person, they charge an extra dollar. So, for example: if a party of 2 came in, they would charge $1 extra. If a party of 3 came in, they would charge $2 extra, etc.

After my not-so-good food, this left a sour taste in my mouth, and I'm just wondering if anyone out there has ever had this experience? Is this a practice that I've just never heard of? If so, I want to know about it, so it doesn't catch me off-guard again. I've heard of charging extra for a party of more than 8 or something like that, but I would think that places would want to encourage small groups- wouldn't they make more money that way?

Well...getting off my pony of griping...

Prescott is truly beautiful. The air is dry (I totally didn't believe it was 96 degrees in Phoenix- the low humidity totally makes a difference). There are lovely trees and mountains and rolling hills. There is a sweet downtown area where people hang out- with a yarn store within walking distance to boot! There is a really good Indian restaurant (our favorite). Healthfood stores, a couple of colleges to bring culture to the area, some (but not too many) acupuncturists (one of whom we met with and feels there is a need for more practitioners), and there is one MT here (whom I will meet this morning for coffee).

But, besides the details, David and I are just trying to sink into the spirit, and feeling, and experience of this place. To open our senses and experience what our bodies feel here. I have to tell you- it feels good. Over the last year we've tried visiting places now and then to get a sense of where we eventually want to settle down. Last year we went to Asheville, North Carolina. It was nice, but didn't quite fit what we were looking for. We've lived in New Mexico, Wisconsin, western New York, Long Island, Connecticut, and now Florida. And, we are still looking for the right place. We know that no place will have all the details down pat. You make trade-offs. But, we have wanted a place where we can settle ourselves a bit and feel more of our true nature. A place that fits our personality and our spirit. A place where we can give to the people, the land, the space- and that space will give back to us as well. Surprisingly, I felt that to some degree in Indiana where I lived for 5 years growing up. But, we aren't moving to Indiana!

No definite decisions here yet, but Prescott is feeling good. We'll be here until Thursday. I already feel my senses opening, my body relaxing some, my sense of community and interest in interacting with people increasing. I'm excited to see how this continues.

Wish us luck!

Mama and Baba

Thanks to Steff and Clementine for your nice comments on my last post. They brought a smile to my face :)

I just finished cleaning the stove- a major undertaking in this household- and one that I don't seem to undertake often enough. However, the fact that it is being done means someone important is coming to visit. This time it means someone more important than usual is coming to visit- two important someones actually. David's parents, my in-laws. My in-laws have never before visited our home. We always visit them at their home in Los Angeles, or we meet them somewhere other than our home. This is a big deal. The fact that they will be here only one day is somehow adding a sense of pressure in me to that day, although I'm trying to relax into it.

For those of you who don't know, David's family is from Taiwan. Although David and his sister were born in the States, the Taiwanese culture is a big part of his parent's past. From talking to others and doing light research, I've come to know that Mama and Baba are unusual in many ways in that they "allowed" and were welcoming of David's marriage to me, a Caucasian woman. I have always appreciated their welcome of me into the family and their generosity, but the process of entering his family has been difficult for me at times. Well, often.

I'm happy to say that my relationship with them has grown remarkably well since David and I first met. Each year we're alittle more comfortable together. I've tried to learn a bit of their language so I can follow conversation topics at times. (They do speak English well, but as a family they often speak Taiwanese or Mandarin.) They try to get me the food that I need. We all try to understand one another, and I think we do a very good job. I don't know that it will ever be totally relaxed, but it's very friendly and there is starting to be a feeling of family among us.

However, I still (and may always) feel tense about fitting the role of the daughter-in-law. I know that I will never, and indeed could never, be the daughter-in-law that I would be if I were a Taiwanese woman. I don't think they expect that-- just the fact that we all live in the States makes that fairly impossible. But, there are other expectations that I try to respect and ways I try to fit the role of a "good wife" and "good daughter-in-law". Part of the issue is that I'm not completely sure of what I would do if I WERE Taiwanese. The traditional role of a daughter-in-law is not even in practice necessarily anymore, in which a young woman really becomes her mother-in-law's property of sorts. Although Mama and Baba don't have any of that expectation on me, the history still is there.

The main issue, I think, is that I want so badly to be a happy family with them, and I want so badly to be accepted. They do accept me- they are very loving and generous and kind to me- but I still struggle to make appearances (as I'm sure many daughter-in-laws do).

So, I'm in the midst of planning out David's wardrobe for the time they'll be here, cleaning the house, buying a new tablecloth and towels, planning foods that they will approve of, etc. They are coming the day after David and I get back from AZ, so all that needs to be done now.

It's an interesting process.

To ease my nerves I've done a bit of spinning and knitting.

Here is the almost completed first bobbin of the Cherry Tree Hill roving in jewel tones:

And, the beginning of Matthew's sock that I posted about earlier this week:


Haha! When I took that picture I hadn't though about posting about my in-laws, and yet I managed to get in our asian-themed futon cover. Go me! *clearing throat* Um, I mean...of course I themed this whole post.

Have a great weekend.

A friend in fiber

Well yet again it has been some time since my last post. Ah well- life goes on. Lots of good things happening. Some overwhelming things happening. All in all, life is happening- and that is good.

I've been doing lots of preparation for grad school, which will start at the end of the month. I had thought I wouldn't be getting started with schoolwork until our first intensive in Philadelphia (September), but I now find that a few professors will be starting with online work before then. I'm excited that it's starting sooner than later, and glad that the work will be spread out a bit more. I'm also concerned because I still have parent meetings and clinical reports to write this summer. I'll get a handle on that though. This is a big adventure.

As seems to be natural, given the nature of the thing, my excitement is well seasoned with feeling overwhelmed and nervous. I'm starting something new, and I really don't know a whole lot about what it's going to be like. I feel very good about choosing Temple- I don't think I would have chosen anywhere else. But, at the same time I know that I am a person who likes to know as much as possible about a situation before I go into it as I can. I'm a planner. I like to lay everything out. Starting a degree which will be done online mostly (something I've never done before), which will also involve flying away from home and husband 4-5 times a year (something I don't like to do much) without having met my advisor or having a sense of how many courses is too many....well, it's feeling a bit...um...overwhelming.

But, I'm breathing. I know that when I really look at it, this isn't life-threatening or a huge deal. The event will come and then all questions will have answers. I just need to wait. So, I'm trying to do that with grace- and create an environment at my desk, within my mind, and in my heart that can open to whatever this new experience brings.

In the midst of all that, wool has been a great friend. Well, David has been a better friend, but I would embarrass him if I told you too much about that, so I'll stick with wool for now :)

Let me share with you where we've been together lately.

For months I had 2 bobbins of my first singles spun up on Margaret (you remember Margaret? My beautiful spinning wheel?) The singles were happy, but they didn't know what to do with each other. They sat and became increasingly uncomfortable because I didn't know what to do with them. My intention was to ply them, but gee, that sounded pretty complicated. However, I finally decided to just do it. You know what? Plying is really easy. Easier than spinning, in my opinion.


This is the color "Peridot" from the Copper Moose. My mom got it for me for my birthday. I think it's a beautiful color. Eventually, once I've spun enough other colors I think I'll knit up a scarf. For now, I wound it into a tiny skein. 55 yards. You'll notice that one of the singles is quite a bit thicker than the other- that would reflect my first spinning versus my current spinning skill ;)


Now I'm almost finished with the first bobbin of some multi-colored Cherry Tree Hill roving. I'm really enjoying working with different colors. And, the roving itself is so soft!


In knitting news, I finished knitting the socks for David's friend. I have yet to find him to send them to him, so for now they sit on our coffee table, awaiting his feet. As far as I know, he could be in Mexico, Antarctica, Alaska, Wisconsin...who knows? But, hopefully I'll find him before winter sets in.


These are Lana Grossa Meilenweit , Colortweed 1001. I enjoyed knitting them- the stripes are fun. Although I really love the hand-dyed stuff, the stripes I get from some of these companies make for fun knitting. The yarn isn't tremendously soft, but the finished product is very nice, and not as stiff as Opal was. All in all, a nice yarn.

I knit the heel and toe with Knitpicks Essential- some brown color. I was afraid that I wouldn't have enough yarn left for a size 13 men's foot. I think I would have been fine without switching yarns, but I kind of like the look I got anyway. I've never done the switching yarn for the heel/toe thing before- it wasn't a big deal like I thought it might be.


And now I'm enjoying knitting some new socks for another man I know. These are a surprise gift for my best friend Amy's husband. His name is Matthew- not Matt like these last socks- can you keep them straight?

Amy and I had loads of fun finding the perfect yarn online for him when I was visiting in June. We found it. Funny though- when I got the yarn in the mail I found that the colorway looks COMPLETELY different. However, I think Matthew will still love it- it still suits him well.

The yarn is Lisa Souza Sock! in the Mars Quake colorway. (Click on the Mars Quake link to find her pic of the yarn.)

Here is my skein of the Mars Quake:

Pretty different, huh? But, I like it quite a bit still. And, I think he will too. Happily, I'm REALLY enjoying the feel of this yarn. It feels wonderful to knit up. The irony of this is not lost on me. I searched high and low and finally tried Lisa Souza's completely new Hardtwist yarn for David's socks- which isn't the softest, and although I love the color, and I'm putting lots of good love into those socks, it isn't my favorite yarn. I could have just gone with the tried-and-true Sock! that everyone likes so much and not had to worry about gauge changes, etc. Oh well.

And yes...David's socks are coming along. I'm trying to keep them a secret- well, the finished product a secret anyway. I don't think I'm doing very well with the secret part. I keep forgetting to put them away at key moments. Oh well. The socks are turning out nicely.

Next week David and I fly off to Arizona for a week. Might we ever want to live there? Stay tuned to find out. (I'll be interested to hear myself!)