Jana’s back again., originally uploaded by mind on fire.

Lately I’ve been craving orange. Part of it might be the foods of the season–persimmons, pumpkins, and satsumas are all orange-y. The yoga cami I’m wearing in this pic is another orange fav (ooh, and look how long my hair is getting, people!)

The chakra energy associated with the color orange is centered around the abdomen/pelvis and is tied to creativity and sexuality. While I’m not a believer in the innate properties of chakra colors, I have been in a creative mode lately, so perhaps that’s related to my fixation for orange.

What about you, are there any colors that you’re craving?

A little ostentatious for my taste., originally uploaded by mind on fire.

This is the silly car that we rented for our recent trip to visit John’s family in NorCal. Look to the left of the pic to see three people. Note me, leaning against the passenger door. Note John’s Mom and CatGirl. Note the differing heights. Can you see why I sometimes feel like a giant around my family-in-law?

Crazy quilt, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

CatGirl assembled this quilt a few years ago with the help of Aunt Suz. She and I collected fabric bits for several years for this colorful creation.

It reminds me of CatGirl herself: full of whimsy and color. And brilliant in every way.

IMG_3605, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

A photo from the Japanese Gardens in Portland. The best Japanese gardens that I’ve ever been to, no contest. We visited on a rainy day so we had the whole area nearly to ourselves. It was a magical day–I loved the drizzly rain and it brought out all sorts of unique colors and textures in the foliage. Back then I hadn’t learned any photography (I suspect that John took this photo because it’s rather artfully rendered, but I’m not sure). Even two years ago I actually disliked taking photos because I felt so awful at it (the pics never turned out well-framed or in focus).

Now I’m still just barely learning how to shoot pictures, but I have enough knowledge under my belt to make it enjoyable. I love how I can relax as soon as my camera is in hand and I’m strolling through a garden. Though I haven’t been able to take any pics for awhile now because with my cheap little camera I need a lot of natural light and it’s been overcast everyday–I’ve been dreaming of the days ahead when I’ll be back behind the lens again.

ellykitty, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

She likes to be lazy and sleep in with me.

Meow! 🙂

poppy, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

We are celebrating a Japanese-style New Year’s with John’s family (and let me just add that their half-Siamese cat Tanuki immediately leaped onto my lap for the perfect furry welcome!) We slept last nite in futon spread out on tatami mats (so cozy!). After waking this morning I sat in the bedroom alone and meditated–the mats being such a perfect place for thoughtfulness in the morning light. Such peace.

Now we are gathered with extended family, my kids getting reacquainted with cousins that they haven’t seen in many years.

Tonite we will eat traditional Japanese foods prepared by John’s Mom *yum!*

I’ve not yet decided if I will set any New Year’s Revolutions. What about you, are you setting any goals for 2008?

The poppy flower in the photo above is from a plant on my back porch–it’s pink and yellow blossoms show through the window and bring me joy each time I stand at the sink!

kitty, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

CatGirl drew this picture (w/chalk and glue outlining on black paper) a few years ago and I came across it again recently and marveled at the ‘whimsy’ of this piece. And I just love the colors, too!

beach: self-portrait, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

Starting to get better at the self-portrait thing….

Here’s me, with the rosy setting sun turning my hair a warm reddish color.

IMG_5140, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

The presents are wrapped, the stockings are all full, and I am ready for bed. Deep breath….

What a wonderful season this has been. I can’t wait for tomorrow (or rather, a few hours from now!). And the joy that awaits as we open gifts, eat god food , and enjoy the peace that comes from spending time together.

Blessings and love to all of you!