5/08/2004

 
here is something cool. i have a new and improved blog.

if you would care to visit just click here
posted by Heather 5/08/2004 08:25:00 PM |

5/07/2004

 
This week we've been entertaining guests from England. Mark Oliver from London and Steve from Crowbourogh who also happens to be Mark Knight's cousin. It has been fun and refreshing having them here. Steve left yesterday and Mark leaves Sunday. Will be happy, er, I mean, deeply sad to see him go.

I helped my friend Paula with a photo montage for a theater production she is in charge of. Last week I took photos of the rehearsals. This week we arranged the photos on a big display for the audience to enjoy. I think the display looks really nice, classy and clean. There are two performances today. I will probably go to at least one. Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower for said friend Paula. We all have been highly involved in her life in recent months especially regarding her pregnancy and we are looking forward to celebrating with her tomorrow before she heads back to Sweden next week to live with her husband who has been waiting for her there.

Last night we attended the birthday party of Juanan at his house a half hour out of town. I met a man at the party who may be a possible contact for the Triburbana website. He works for a local radio station and does commentaries on newly released music. He has written articles that may be useful for our website. He may also know of other sources that would be helpful as well.
Also had a lovely talk with friend Cecilio at the party. I felt comfortable enough to mention to him some of my creative ideas for the fall and he was so encouraging. He also encouraged me to keep facilitating the creativity course I've been trying out with different people. When I left the party I gave him a big hug and he had tears in his eyes. He is very, very sweet and I think it still breaks him up a bit that I got beat up in the street a couple months ago.

Today I am working on getting my blog switched over from Blogger to Moveable Type. So we may see a new and improved Sketchbook in the next couple days. Would like to get it done before Jonah goes to Madrid on Sunday.

Jonah, Jim and Mark are going to Madrid for a week to teach at a YWAM school there. I will stay home and take care of Kati. Also roommate Amanda will be here all week. I borrowed a sewing machine from Juanan and Inma and hope to get a lot of sewing done this week with Amanda's help. Trying to recycle and update clothes a bit.

Right now we have a typical spanish scenario going on in the house. We had water dripping from the ceiling in the bathroom so the plumber (with 2 friends) has come round to tear open the ceiling, conference with friends for a couple hours, declare that there is nothing wrong and then leave with the bathroom completely torn apart, full of debris and serious renovation. Highly entertaining. Just gotta sit back, relax, enjoy the comedy and expect that sooner or later it will be taken care of.

ok, just had a look at the bathroom and miraculously the debris is gone. The bathroom is usable and there only remains a gaping hole in the ceiling that will be fixed next week. Not as bad as I had originally pictured.


posted by Heather 5/07/2004 11:34:00 AM |

4/29/2004

 
Yay!! our house is starting to resemble a real home. Jonah has been working hard to sort through things, get furniture put together and set up the rooms in an aestheticly pleasing way...still needs a lot of work but it is shaping up nicely. I LOVE my house. I love where we live and I love my life.

This week we are having fun with lots of visitors and the Seville Spring Fair. We needed to get our guest room set up better for all the visits we have coming this month. Tonight we meet Juanan and Inma at the fair for a night out. I wonder what time we will get home...I am guessing around 4 in the morning. I better get a siesta today so I will be able to stay out late with everyone without turning into a pumpkin at 12 midnight.

Still no internet at home. maybe some day.
posted by Heather 4/29/2004 04:38:00 PM |

4/28/2004

 
Understanding the Passion...

I turned 33 last November. Same age as Jesus when he died. As I celebrated my birthday I hoped this year would be an opportunity to get more insight into the life of, for me, the most intriguing person who has ever
lived.

For some reason I thought that my 33rd year would be special. There were a couple of things happening this year that I seemed would be helpful in my quest. For example, I was quite looking forward to the Passion film which came out Easter week in the country where I live.

But another thing happened this year that I hadn't expected. Two months ago as I was walking home alone late one night a man with a knife mugged me, but before he took my bag he hit me in the face and head several times,
breaking my glasses, chipping my tooth, and knocking me to the ground.

I was thinking throughout the incident that God would protect me and help me. I occasionally still picture the laughter and smile on the man's face when he finally pulled my bag from me and ran away.

In the middle of the rain soaked residential street, in the middle of the night I began to loudly express my pain in great sobs. As shock at the trauma and relief that it was over set in, I questioned God about his whereabouts in the situation. Some answers to my questions came in the next few weeks of heavy searching and renewal. Other
answers still have yet to come.

I wouldn't wish what happened to me on any other human being. The sad fact is that way worse happens all the time to people around the world. For some the trauma doesn't have an end. As I watched The Passion of the Christ film this week I had many reactions inside of me on several different levels: as an artist, as a medical student,
as a Christian.

But as a friend of Jesus I was able to understand
just a fraction of a fraction of a bit more of what he must have went through his last days on earth. The thing that has really stuck with me this week is how he endured so incredibly much more pain, humiliation and torture than what
I barely could manage a couple months ago when I was mugged.

And he did that
for me.


Originally from California, the writer of this article Heather Bailey and her husband Jonah (see pic right) work with 24-7Prayer on an international level (Jonah is "team coach" for the base and office leaders). They live in Seville, Spain and have started a non-profit organization called Triburbana that seeks to compassionately,
creatively and efficiently serve their local community.




posted by Heather 4/28/2004 05:58:00 PM |

4/22/2004

 
I´m back!!
sorry, it´s been a bit crazy trying to get to the internet cafe and then trying to update my blog has been impossible. I don´t know how soon after this I will be able to update again so please bear with me. I am really missing blogging and can´t wait to get things set up again soon to be able to communicate better. I am also thinking about new things I want to do with my blog. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please tell me. I think pictures would be a good addition...and maybe audblog but that is a ways away I think, anyway...

I had another article published on Easter week on the 24-7 site. I will try to put it on my blog soon for those who missed it. That makes 3 published articles in one year!!

Things are going really well with the new house. I am very content. The dishwasher is amazing. And the patio outside our room, even though it is shared is such a luxury, peaceful and with plants and birds chirping in the morning. I really like it. Still full of boxes and not fully set up but trying not to freak out about it. Little by little.

Next week is the spring fair here in Sevilla, flamenco, horses, fancy dresses, food and drink are all things that will be enjoyed all week long in the fair grounds. The weather is warming up. Still wearing jumpers/sweaters but it is nice to shed at least a layer of clothes.

Happy Earth Day Everyone!!!
posted by Heather 4/22/2004 06:26:00 PM |

4/02/2004

 
This will be my last blog entry for about a week. We are moving house tomorrow and won't have the computer up and running until hopefully next week.

This is also Holy Week here in Spain this coming week. The town runs on a completely different schedule to allow for the parades and jamming of streets that happens throughout the city. People gather to watch the floats of Jesus and Mary and the penitents paying for their sins by marching in long processions behind and in front of the floats.

The Passion of the Christ opens here this week as well. Not much talk about it. It seems people in Sevilla are much more interested in their hundreds of years old Holy Week marches than they are in some slick new hollywood produced film. I am looking forward to seeing it though. Finally a film that might actually come close to showing how the bible describes what Jesus went through when he died. I am referring to Isaiah chapter 52 where it says "just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness." I don't know if I will be able to handle it actually. But I will give it a try.

posted by Heather 4/02/2004 12:25:00 AM |

4/01/2004

 
STILL MOVING!!...Tomorrow we are having a moving party...lots of friends invited to help us move our stuff over...probably have pizza or something at the end.

This week I was able to order some prescription sunglasses that are ready for me to pick up. I used some of the money I got from the insurance from the mugging to be able to buy them. It has been a couple summers already that I really could have used some prescription sunglasses...YAY I was able to order them this week!
posted by Heather 4/01/2004 07:47:00 AM |

3/28/2004

 
Ok I am really getting anxious to move now. I had to get used to the idea of change and now I can't wait to get out of here and get settled into the new place.
posted by Heather 3/28/2004 11:20:00 PM |

3/26/2004

 
Jonah and I went to look at a flat today that is for rent.
In the end WE GOT IT!! I can't believe we found a place.
It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dishwasher and a dryer!!
The renter said we could fix it up, paint it, etc. however we want.

So we will be moving into our new place this week.
Amanda will continue living with us, too.
It should be a good place for us for a while.

posted by Heather 3/26/2004 02:57:00 PM |

3/24/2004

 
pretty similar to last blog entry except I will add that today I get to go to the gynecologist.

We have more visitors coming today.

Spring is here.
posted by Heather 3/24/2004 10:01:00 AM |

3/17/2004

 
Ok, so we've got...
husband home, studying his arse off.
Lora visiting this month and studying spanish intensively.
housemate Amanda has the flu.
dog in heat.
and I've been running around crazily all day going to the dentist, eyeglasses shop, grocery store, etc. etc.
tomorrow I get to stay home and tidy things up around here. and hopefully get myself a little more centered and organized.

Seems like after a painfully slow autumn and winter things are suddenly shifting into high gear.


posted by Heather 3/17/2004 12:02:00 AM |

3/15/2004

 
This weekend was very SOCIAL. Saturday we went to the annual Alternative Encounter fair. There are vegetarian food booths, loads of handcrafts booths, workshops, theater and music. Very colorful and inspiring. Definitely a highlight of living in Sevilla. We met there for our weekly Triburbana core group meeting. Sunday we went out to the fair again, then picked up our friend Lora at the bus station. Lora is from the UK and is staying with us for a month. She is taking an intensive spanish course. We know her from 24-7 Prayer. Then Mark and I went to the Peliqueria, weekly film discussion group. The film this week was 21 Grams with Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. It was really good, well acted and well made. I would like to see it again in English. One more film marked off on my list of films to see.

Continue to be horrified by the train bombings in Madrid. I am amazed at stories of people I know that normally take those same trains but for some reason or another were not on them that day.
posted by Heather 3/15/2004 05:01:00 PM |

3/13/2004

 
Jonah's home!!!!
posted by Heather 3/13/2004 01:07:00 PM |

3/12/2004

 
just took Kati out to go to toilet and it is raining for the first time in several weeks. Looks like heaven is crying for Spain...
posted by Heather 3/12/2004 01:42:00 PM |

 
Horrific day for Spain yesterday as the heart of the country and of the people was hit by bombs. Several bombs exploded in Atocha, the biggest train station in Madrid, in the middle of rush hour, killing around 200 and wounding over 1000, according to the BBC news. The streets of my city, Sevilla, about 6 hours south of Madrid, had a hushed, gloomy feel last night as I walked home with friends. As far as I know everyone we know in Madrid is ok. Friends of friends, however, have been affected.
Today there will be protests and demonstrations throughout the country. This is just awful...still hard to believe.

Thankfully Jonah and I were nowhere near Madrid yesterday. Jonah travels from London to Sevilla today by plane. I am really looking forward to his return.
posted by Heather 3/12/2004 12:17:00 PM |

3/08/2004

 
just saw Pablo in the park today. Pablo is a homeless guy that lives in the neighborhood park. I haven't seen him in a while, since right after I got mugged and he wanted to know how I was. He encouraged me not to let the attack get me down which was nice. And he also told me that he is trying to get off the methadone that he has been taking to get off the heroin he was addicted to before that. I thought that was great news. I have been praying for him for over a year now to be able to take steps to get better and get off drugs etc. so I am really pleased to hear about his plans.
posted by Heather 3/08/2004 12:59:00 PM |

3/06/2004

 
what is it with wierd guys in jumpsuits...

i just realized another jumpsuit horror story from when we were in Sweden last week.
Jonah, Marcus, Mia and I went to this special club night with DJ's, a band and a fashion show. The guys that put on the fashion show were all dressed in yellow jumpsuits. I think they thought they owned the place because they started the evening completely rude and as they consumed more alcohol they just got more and more beligerent. They were groping anything remotely female and making general asses of themselves. They ended up stuck like bees to honey to a drag queen that must have been on a salary to dance seductively at the party. Luckily he/she had a body guard close by for protection...
posted by Heather 3/06/2004 01:37:00 PM |

 
Saw the film Girl with the Pearl Earring. Liked it a lot. My kind of movie. Still have about 6 other films on my list of films to see.

A wierd guy came round yesterday to "fix my water heater". He looked totally official and had an orange jumpsuit and ID and everything. He checked my water heater and told me I needed some stuff repaired and then he could give me a 5 year certificate stating that my heater was safe at the price of 30 euros. I told him that wasn't possible anytime soon. He left and I asked around and found out he was just a scammer.
Freaks me out a little bit that I let him in the house. Yet again I feel like a stupid foreigner.
posted by Heather 3/06/2004 09:52:00 AM |

3/04/2004

 
Sweden was Cold!! but we had an excellent time with Marcus and Mia Lind. And passing through London to visit Phil and Emma Togwell was a treat as well.
Now I am back at home. Jonah will come back in another week and a half. I am very glad to see Kati. And to be home is very nice as well. I look forward to all the adventures that await this next week and a half til Jonah gets back.
posted by Heather 3/04/2004 11:23:00 AM |

2/24/2004

 
we are off to Sweden tomorrow. I will be back in a week.
please pray for health and safety for Jonah and I. and for Kati who stays home with friends caring for her. thanks!!
posted by Heather 2/24/2004 08:37:00 PM |

2/22/2004

 
We're back for a few days. Jonah did a great job teaching in the school in Bilboa. Kati and I had a great time walking and playing in the countryside. I was able to write, take photos, and work on music. The people there were great and were so loving and giving.
Now we have a few days to get things in order again and then we are off to Sweden on Wednesday to visit 24-7 Prayer guys there.

Today Amanda and I are going to the art park. Later we have the film club with friends.

and I have got to get this house cleaned up!!!
posted by Heather 2/22/2004 10:58:00 AM |

2/14/2004

 
Gone to Bilbao (northern Spain) with Jonah and Kati. Be back in a week...
posted by Heather 2/14/2004 11:36:00 PM |

2/13/2004

 
yesterday went out to Juanan and Inma's to spend the day hanging out and teaching english to their family.

today we are going to spend the day in Gibraltar so that Jonah can turn in some of his paperwork for University.
Jonah, Mark, Costanza and I in the car. we may meet up with Amanda there. since she is visiting her town Algeciras this weekend which is right next door to Gibraltar. we will visit Safeway and Boots and stock up on British goods.

posted by Heather 2/13/2004 09:03:00 AM |

2/10/2004

 
things are pretty much back to normal. not to how they were,
but to how they will be.
i am stronger, changed, i feel glowy and good.
anything is possible, i don't know exactly what is around the corner
but i'm sure it will surprise me.
and will be better than i expect. that i know for sure.
the bad will be turned to good.
the dross to silver.
gold from the rust. ashes to breathing and living.
and it is out of my hands.
but i do my part. taking me back to the start.
that all that matters is love, truth and faith.
and sharing that with those around me
at times even using words.
posted by Heather 2/10/2004 11:52:00 PM |

2/07/2004

 
I feel really tired. this week has left me quite low on energy.
I hope that this weekend I can regain physical strength.
things are going really well with Amanda living here.
The insurance man came round today and I will be given back replacements of what was stolen.
I feel stronger in my spirit, somehow changed and a bit more whole than I was before the attack...
posted by Heather 2/07/2004 01:05:00 AM |

2/05/2004

 
thanks for the prayers and support everyone. i am doing really well. the visit from friends from Madrid and others have really helped the healing process. Jonah of course has been a star. still hard to understand why such horrible things happen in the world but i can definitely see some really good things come from it anyway.

today our new friend Amanda, the young artist that lives upstairs, is planning to move into our apartment with Jonah and I. I am soooooooooooo thankful that she wants to live here with us. I have been praying for close girlfriends here in my neighborhood. and also for a spaniard to move in with us so that i am forced to speak more spanish at home. AND she's an artist and a christian and all the things that i could use in a close friend right about now. Yay!!

posted by Heather 2/05/2004 10:45:00 AM |

2/01/2004

 
Doing better today. have occasional uncontrollable crying spells. and been working through some big self worth and personal safety issues. But I seem to be doing really well actually.

my glasses fixed up nearly as good as new. and i am surprisingly unhurt considering the man had a knife and was hitting me in the face for a good bit. just a bit of bruising on the face. a tiny bit of tooth chipped. but otherwise ok.

I am trying to go out into the street more today. i am a bit spooked but doing well. Tonight we will go out to friends house for a visit.

we have visitors the next few days and they are really good people that are good caregivers. So I am sure they are here at the right time.
posted by Heather 2/01/2004 04:20:00 PM |

1/31/2004

 
if you tried commenting on that last entry would you mind posting again or sending me an email because for some reason it didn't work...thanks!!
posted by Heather 1/31/2004 01:29:00 PM |

1/30/2004

 
I was walking home after a movie by myself last night and was half way home when a car backed up close to me and a guy got out of the passenger side with a knife and told me to give him my bag. I told him no and not to touch me. He hit me in the face a few times, breaking my glasses and finally managed to get my bag out of my grasp. He jumped back in the car with his friend and they screeched off. I was yelling the whole time. But as I sat crumpled on the wet ground my yells turned to sobs. A couple people yelled from apartments if I wanted them to call the police or ambulance and I said yes. About a half hour later the police finally came. Meanwhile one passerby offered to call Jonah for me to tell him I was ok and was waiting for the police. Jonah got there 15 minutes before the police and he was on foot. Anyway, after a visit to the hospital and the police station I finally got in bed at 4 this morning. I am ok. Just some bruising on my face and hands and soreness in my jaw and shoulder. I was able to get my glasses repaired today. And it looks like the insurance will cover at least a part of what was lost in my bag. I could use prayer though just to heal emotionally as I am pretty shook up and trying not to let it get the best of me. Thanks.
posted by Heather 1/30/2004 11:35:00 PM |

1/28/2004

 
Yesterday an aquaintance who lives upstairs came round for a visit. Amanda is a young spanish art student. We get along really well and had fun chatting about the quirks of our building and city. She showed me her artwork and ended up GIVING me a nice big painting. I am so thrilled!!! I put it up in the living room. I am very honored because Amanda is quite careful about showing her work to people. And it is the first of her work that anyone has ever put on their wall. I am very pleased. She is quite the ambitious young woman as well. She wants to see the creative swampland that we live in used to its potential. Poor Sevilla has so much potential but for some reason stays in the artistic stone ages. Amanda is involved in different projects to help solve this problem. She and I should hang out more...
posted by Heather 1/28/2004 12:35:00 PM |

1/25/2004

 
Claudia and Carmen came over tonight while their parents went to see a movie together.
We watched Barbie in Swan Lake and a little bit of Rugrats. But the highlight of the evening for both of them was of course playing with Kati. I think Kati has finally met her match. The girls had her running around crazy all evening. And since most of Kati's vocabulary is in english the girls got a good english lesson. Claudia especially is really good with animals. I was surprised at how she got Kati to obey her commands. And with barely any effort Claudia now understands sit, come, go, here, down, where is your ball, where is your toy, look, eat, stay, chair and box. Wow, Kati knows quite a lot of english, too.
posted by Heather 1/25/2004 12:43:00 AM |

1/21/2004

 
I have an itunes certificate to spend, any suggestions?
posted by Heather 1/21/2004 07:19:00 PM |

1/18/2004

 
I've made a new friend here in my neighborhood. An elderly Spanish lady called Luisa. She seems to be a true friend of God which is a highly rare find here in Sevilla. A lot of people here call themselves Catholic but I'm not sure how much they really believe in a good God that they can include in their lives and trust on a regular basis. Luisa seems to relate with God in a special way.

So I was taking Kati out for her evening poo, looking around at the buildings in my neighborhood as I often do, hoping to find a for sale sign attached to the perfect place, and I was whining to God in my head "Why can't you just bring someone into my life that would know of an apartment that would be just right for us that they would want to give us a good deal on?". Just then I passed a Spanish grandma and she commented on Kati. "Does she bite?" "No she doesn't bite, she is a really good dog". Then she proceeded to tell me about her son in laws dogs and how they are bad dogs, etc, etc. "Where do you live?" she asked. "Antonio Susillo Street, but we are looking for a house to buy". "Oh, well I have just the place for you, come follow me". So I followed her, dragging Kati. She took me up the street and we went into an apartment building and up the stairs to the first floor. A man answered the door and showed me and Kati around the small 3 bedroom, one bath apartment. He told me the price and I was amazed. It was actually in our price range which is very rare for a three bedroom. The flat definitely needs renovation. But I could live there. I got the phone number and left thanking them. Luisa walked me out and I thanked her. I told her I had been talking to God about a place to live just as I had met her and she started telling me about this place. She smiled at me and said "God knows and takes care of us and guides us".

I am not sure if that is the flat for us but after that little incident yesterday I can relax a bit more. I have a tiny bit more faith that God really is working to help us find the right place.
posted by Heather 1/18/2004 11:44:00 AM |

1/17/2004

 
Well, this week I have been able to start a few projects that I am quite excited about.

The first is that my friend Costanza and I have agreed to do a condensed version of The Artist's Way-A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. We will meet once a week to have a discussion and make sure we are doing the work. It is an experiment to see how I do leading a course like this
1. in spanish and
2. with people that do not have the same basic spiritual beliefs as I do.

I did this course before in California and it helped me so much, but I was only a participant and not the leader, of course it was in english and we were a group of women that more or less had the same beliefs about God and Jesus.
so this should be fun to explore. and of course I am hoping that this will also help me to become more creatively unblocked in different areas of my life.

The second project is that I have agreed to go once a week on Thursdays to Juanan and Inma's for lunch and to teach their family english. We will set up everyday situations like having a meal, grocery shopping and playing a game to practice common english phrases and vocabulary that occur in those situations. I really enjoy hearing someone that doesn't speak my mother language begin to utter their first words.

I really enjoy projects that I work on a little every week over a period of time to see big results.
posted by Heather 1/17/2004 12:19:00 PM |

1/13/2004

 
Jonah's in bed sick with the nasty cold bug that's been going around.
I used my day to clean house. Did a heck a good job at it too.
I love a freshly cleaned house.

Kati and I were up on the roof for a few hours today scrubbing things clean in the sunshine, her box, my gym shoes, a backpack, etc. I was scrubbing, she was playing. I had on shorts and a tank top in January. It was soooo nice.
posted by Heather 1/13/2004 08:19:00 PM |

1/09/2004

 
We are going to Sweden end of next month!! Yippeee!! Jonah just got the flight booked yesterday. We will get to visit Markus and Mia and all kinds of cool people. I never, ever, ever thought I would go to Sweden twice in my lifetime. God is so cool!!!

posted by Heather 1/09/2004 10:07:00 PM |

1/08/2004

 
Go to Jonah's blog to see pictures of our trip to Morocco.

We picked Kati our doberman up from the kennel yesterday...all she's done since she's been home is sleep. She must not have slept the whole time we were gone...

I really appreciate being home...having a hot shower, drinking from the tap, the use of a clean, sit down toilet, being able to walk in the streets on my own and talk with men without fear of upsetting social taboos, clean sheets on my bed...all things I normally take for granted...not after a short trip to Morocco. which I do love Morocco by the way and the culture and the people, but I am glad to be home.
posted by Heather 1/08/2004 07:57:00 PM |

1/06/2004

 
We made it back from Morocco!! safe and sound. no Jonah didn't trade me for any camels. no I didn't get kidnapped or diarrhea from the water. it was a really good trip. if a bit more expensive than we remembered it being 3 years ago, pre euro. The prices are now similar to Spain. But the country is so visibly poor. Economically that is. NOT culturally. Rich and beautiful culture. and the food!!!
YUM!!

So, back at home. ready to get on with the new year and all of the ideas and goals I thought up while we were in moroccan buses and trains. Should be a good year!!
posted by Heather 1/06/2004 08:35:00 PM |

1/02/2004

 
Hey!! I am writing from an internet cafe in the town of Fez, Morocco. We have just stopped here for the night and then we will continue our journey in the morning to a town called Marrakesh in the south of Morocco. We had the great luck of meeting up with a friend that we have not seen since our last visit here to Morocco. Nabil lives here in Fez and was able to meet us at the bus station and is now showing us around his city. We are having a great time with Jonah, Jim, Mark and I and Nabil and we are meeting other friends of Nabil's as well. It is good to catch up with him after so long.

Tomorrow we have a 9 hour train ride to Marrakesh...
posted by Heather 1/02/2004 09:51:00 PM |

12/29/2003

 
we are off to Morocco to celebrate the New Year...we will be there over a week I think...not real sure...just gonna play it by ear...which is actually the best way to go when you are traveling in Morocco.
we will be there with a group of about 10 friends, Jonah and I, Jim, Mark, Juanan, Inma, and their two girls Claudia and Carmen, Mariola, Esperanza, Pepi, and two others I think...ok that's like 13 people...should be fun!!

Morocco is a good place for an adventure...I'm looking forward to hanging out with everyone and eating cous cous...
posted by Heather 12/29/2003 07:05:00 PM |

12/26/2003

 
We had Christmas Day on Christmas eve...Jonah, Jim and I...huddled around our new table heater...cozy...lovely gifts...relaxing time...leftover curry that Jim made the other night for a spanish love feast we had with like 10 invitees.

I finally have the soundtrack to Amelie!! This music moves me and when I play it I pretend it is the soundtrack to my life...and Jonah brought back lovely goodies for me from England...

Later on the afternoon of the 24th we packed up the car and headed to a posh beach town an hour away. We were invited to spend Christmas with our friends Jesus and Amalia and their family...We have been good friends with everyone in their family for a while now...Pablo, Jesus and Rachel and Willem-mijn their adopted Dutch daughter. They have a mansion at the beach. We went with them to Mass and then had a wonderful dinner in their grand dining room complete with 3 chandeliers, tapestries, flowing drapes, fine art, beautiful sculptures, great fireplace with fire and those curvy, cushy wood with tapestry chairs that you see in museums.
We ate and sang Christmas songs in Spanish and English until 2 in the morning. Then went to bed.
Next morning I got up early to take Kati for a long walk/run/play on the vacant beach. Came back and had breakfast with everyone. Then we opened presents. Here the 3 Kings that visited Jesus are the ones that bring the gifts and actually they come on the 6th of January but I think some people are changing the tradition, like the family we were with...

When the presents were open we had a little outing to see the TV station that Jesus and Amalia are opening. Then came back to eat the leftovers from the night before. Then siesta time and when I woke up it was time to go home.

We drove back to our house and watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and ate sandwiches. We tried calling various family members. Talked with Dave and Eileen, Phil, Margaret, My dad...very good Christmas...
posted by Heather 12/26/2003 09:08:00 PM |

12/25/2003

 
Happy Christmas!!!
I wish for everyone a special day, warm, with nice food. maybe a special present or two...and relaxing time with friends and family and strangers, hugging, laughing, dancing, resting, helping, serving, offering peace and hope.
love,
Heather
posted by Heather 12/25/2003 10:14:00 PM |

12/20/2003

 
so, yeah, Lord of the Rings part III it was!! mighty fine film, i must say. look forward to seeing it in english someday.

man I wish this stoopid cough would leave...although the good part is I now have abs of steel without thinking too much about it. too bad coughing doesn't use my butt muscles but anyway...

Jonah gets home tomorrow from trip to England...looking forward to that...i miss him...and this week coming is Christmas...special times to look forward to...i've been going like crazy getting cards signed, packages sent, cookies baked, etc...
posted by Heather 12/20/2003 11:20:00 PM |

12/19/2003

 
I thought I was going to a choir concert tonight (Handel's Messiah) but I think I just got invited to see Lord of the Rings in spanish instead. Sometimes I have a hard time understanding what people are saying to me if they talk really fast, which Juanan usually does talk really fast. So I think he said Messiah thing canceled but would I rather see LOTR. I did get the time and place of where to be so I will just show up and see what happens...welcome to my life as an airhead in Spain.


posted by Heather 12/19/2003 04:25:00 PM |

12/16/2003

 
Lord of the Rings isn't coming out here in original version only dubbed in spanish. Bugger!!!

posted by Heather 12/16/2003 06:13:00 PM |

12/11/2003

 
I forget to say...Jonah has been taking good care of me while I am sick. He made me stay in bed on Monday, made me some good food and tea, is helping with the laundry, doing lots of chores and asking me how I am and what I need...
posted by Heather 12/11/2003 12:12:00 AM |

 
Feeling better today. Monday in bed was a good choice. I lost my voice and sense of smell and taste for a few days there.
Today it is all coming back to me and I realize the cheese I bought on Sunday at the cheese tasting fair tastes AWFUL!!!
It has that musty goat hair taste that I can't stand. I have been eating it for 3 days now and didn't even realize, i just thought the texture was incredible.

Ignorance is Bliss!!!

posted by Heather 12/11/2003 12:06:00 AM |

12/07/2003

 
Two things that I really miss since moving to Sevilla... I was able to enjoy today...
One...horsebackriding in the mountains...and
Two...a cozy fire in the fireplace to warm up after the ride.

After Gloria and I went out this morning for a rare and treasured walk together with our dogs, Jonah and I left a tired Kati with Mark to dogsit. We escaped to the moutains with Juanan, Inma, Claudia, Carmen, Pepi and Mariola and spent the day hiking, horsebackriding, sitting in pubs, talking, eating cheese, taking photos, etc.

Very wise way to spend a Sunday in my opinion.

The funniest part of the horse ride was the leader stopping halfway to have a smoke and everyone passing around lighters and ciggies before we could start to make the trip back. We had only been riding less than an hour and we only had less than an hour left of the ride. very funny...

And now I will rest. I've caught a chest cold and probably should spend tomorrow indoors. Today I couldn't resist the opportunity to get out with friends and see the country.
posted by Heather 12/07/2003 11:23:00 PM |

12/04/2003

 
click here to be part of the Aids solution
posted by Heather 12/04/2003 02:09:00 PM |

12/03/2003

 
Monday was Aids Awareness day...I was so pleased to see a Christian organization in our city passing out little red ribbon pins and promoting awareness of this tragedy.

We (humans) really need to get a handle on this problem and do what we can to help...

my heart breaks for everyone that has this disease...
posted by Heather 12/03/2003 11:19:00 PM |

12/01/2003

 
We're back. Great time at the beach. Cozy, relaxing, yummy, refreshing. Wonderful walks on the beach. Kati ran free. She drank a lot of sea water and made herself sick. She is back to normal now, poor girl. The Thanksgiving feast was so good. The company was good. Everything was good.
Lots going on this week. When I look ahead at the week I feel a bit overwhelmed BUT one day at a time...
posted by Heather 12/01/2003 12:17:00 AM |

11/29/2003

 
Thursday was Thanksgiving. Strangely Spain didn't seem very keen on celebrating. So Jonah, Jim, Rachel, Jesus and I are going to do our own celebrating today (Saturday).

It is 6:30 in the morning and today we are packing it up and heading to Jesus and Rachel's at the beach about an hour from Sevilla. Jonah and I have been cooking cheesecake and pumpkin pie this week and we will finish the turkey and stuffing when we get to Jesus and Rachel's. We will also have mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and rolls, wine, cider and tea. Should be fun celebrating God's goodness with 3 americans, one spanish and one englishman. And after the meal we can walk along the beach. May even be able to let Kati run free as there shouldn't be many people on the beach at this time of year.
posted by Heather 11/29/2003 06:22:00 AM |

11/26/2003

 
hey, this is cool. yesterday we stopped by Gloria's tea shop to say hi and get some tea. while we were there Gloria shared how her mom had fallen and broken her knee and was in hospital now for almost a week waiting for an operation. She said how hard it was that her mom had to wait so long and that she was praying that they would be able to operate soon. Jonah said that we would be praying too that she would be able to have surgery and go home soon. Later that day Jonah, Jim and I walked to and from the hospital praying for several things, one of them the quick surgery, recovery and return home of Gloria's mom.

that was yesterday and today I called Gloria to check on things and she said that her mom had been able to have surgery today and was recovering. Gloria will stay the night with her in hospital and hopefully she can go home soon. She was really, really thankful that we had been praying and that our visit yesterday and words were a comfort. it was cool to help in a small way.
posted by Heather 11/26/2003 08:59:00 PM |

11/24/2003

 
I've seen two movies lately that were tough to get through but when the end came it was worth it. One was Adaptation that I saw about a month ago starring Nicholas Cage (twice) and Meryl Streep. The other was a movie we watched yesterday called Dancer in the Dark starring Bjork. I don't recommend either movie because I get in trouble for recommending movies BUT I can say I am very glad I stuck both of them out to the end.

The final scene in Dancing in the Dark was one of the most amazing uses of music in a film that I've ever seen. Very tragic.

Today is our day off, it is raining, I am staying cozy with a cup of tea, Jonah and my dog.
posted by Heather 11/24/2003 12:22:00 PM |

11/23/2003

 
Friday night for Triburbana it was just going to be Jonah, me, Jim and Mark. But we ended up inviting Jim and Marks's new roommates round for dinner. Jim made a delicious curry, the house still smells of curry. And we had the BEST time. Their roommate Alvaro was making us laugh ALL NIGHT. After dinnner we went to a gourmet chocolate place for dessert. YUM!! And Alvaro had us laughing our heads off in there too. I was able to get to know Constanza better, their other roommate. She is really nice and a pleasure to be around. So the whole evening was fantastic.

Yesterday we were able to spend time with Juanan and Inma and their girls. They are just really quality people. Inma and I enjoyed catching up and discussing various topics including, photography, marriage, kids, travel, family history, music, creative projects.

It rained all day yesterday, today looks a bit more clear.
posted by Heather 11/23/2003 11:42:00 AM |

11/20/2003

 
Jonah and I just had a very nice spontaneous date. Saw a film we both had been wanting to see and realized 1/2 hour before it started that it was going to be playing in a one off showing. So we hurried down to the theater. Had a nice chat to and from as well. That was cool.

Pray for Jonah's back as all the sitting in bad furniture has his back really acting up. He will be spending tomorrow in bed trying to get better. Thanks!!
posted by Heather 11/20/2003 02:10:00 AM |

11/18/2003

 
Had a little bit of trouble trying to post those haircut pictures. Always bugs to work out when you try new things. Now I know a tiny bit more about html and how blogger works.

To some people computer stuff comes pretty easy. To others not at all. I think I am somewhere in the middle. Thankfully I have a Grandpa that is a very progressive thinker and he equipped all of his grandchildren with Commodor 64's in the early 80's. My brothers and cousins and I had fun playing computer games that showed up on the screen in words only, no graphics. We also played around writing simple computer programs. I remember the day that modems started to become available to the general public. My cousin and I wanted one so bad. Then we could connect our computers with other computers in other cities and play more games for example. We knew there were tons more information options when you had a modem. We weren't sure exactly what they were but we wanted to explore the unknown.

About that time our grandpa bought a modem and we were able to experiment with it. I giggle now remembering the size of the modem, how you had to hand dial the number with your telephone and then when you heard the fax like sound of the other computer answering on the line you had to stick your phone on the modem so your own computer could hook up. The things you could actually do when you hooked up compared to now were limited. It was all quite rudimentary. But the idea was revolutionary.

Now only a little over 20 years later it is almost crazy to behold that so many people have a computer in their home and use it religiously to communicate, research, work, play, etc...
posted by Heather 11/18/2003 01:33:00 PM |

11/17/2003

 
want to see my haircut? front view back view
posted by Heather 11/17/2003 04:37:00 PM |

11/15/2003

 
I think I like my new haircut...
posted by Heather 11/15/2003 01:24:00 AM |

11/12/2003

 
Last March, Gloria and I showed up for our first of 12 dog training lessons. She had a golden retriever/yellow lab mix called Maggie. And of course I had Kati. We started meeting 3 times a week with the trainer, Juan Felix, for our lessons. And not long after we decided to meet as often as possible outside of our lesson time to practice together with our dogs. We would take them out in the mornings to the local dog park where we could let them play, run and practice their lessons. We got to be pretty good friends. And when the lessons ended a few months later Gloria and I continued meeting every other morning or so to take Kati and Maggie for walks. It was during these morning walks that Gloria told me how the last November she had hurt her ankle very badly and had to be in bed for a whole month. She was very depressed during this time and unable to do any of her normal routine. But it was during this time that an idea came to her about opening a shop that sold gourmet teas from different parts of the world, China, South Africa, India and Japan. She told me about her dream that she was hoping to actually try to open the shop after the summer.

Well, 9 months after the conception of the shop, the tea shop opened. And now two months after opening, Gloria is enjoying a thriving business.

You should see the little shop. It is so cute, barely the size of a small bedroom. Well lit, organized and clean. Intimate and classy. One wall of dark wood shelves, built by Juan Felix the dog trainer, houses the loose leaf teas in big silver cans. The other side holds teapots, mugs, inscense, gift boxes and other tea accessories. Gloria stands in the middle of the shop by the front door with her scale and cash register.

When you come in Gloria offers you a sample cup of hot tea. And then she proceeds to find out what sort of tea you might prefer. She opens can after can of green, black, and red teas. There are plain teas and tea flavored with cherry, jasmine, citrus, vanilla and even chocolate. Closing your eyes and breathing deep, each tea takes you to a completely different exotic location or forgotten memory. Her high quality teas really are the best I've ever tried.

Jonah and I try to go by the store as often as possible to say hi and sample the tea of the day. We've been giving a lot of tea for gifts lately. If you come visit us in Seville we can definitely take you by the shop.

I do miss going on walks with Gloria and Maggie but I understand. Taking care of a newborn is highly demanding work.
posted by Heather 11/12/2003 10:18:00 PM |

11/07/2003

 
Michael showed up again yesterday. I heard a knock, answered the door, he looked up at me for a moment, said "Bon Jour", then walked past me and sat on the couch ready to watch TV again. I have my own personal About A Boy. Today he leaves back to France with his family. I feel sad, I wish he could come over more.

I had a fever in the night last night. wasn't doing so well. Today I feel a bit better but I am going to take it easy. Jonah is taking good care of me.

I have brother Zane on my mind. He turns 32 today (Nov. 7th) and I am praying that he can feel special and have a good birthday even though he lives in a prison cell in California. You can say a little prayer for him if you like.
posted by Heather 11/07/2003 01:36:00 PM |

11/05/2003

 
Now no longer officially my birthday but still enjoying birthday fallout...
couple more emails trickled in...saw the Matrix Revolutions...still feel a little bday glow around me.

I liked the final Matrix movie A LOT. Saw it at the only cinema in town that shows movies in their original undubbed version. The theater was one half full of Americans and the other half Spanish. Everyone was very excited to see it. For me it was definitely worth the wait.

It was raining very heavily for about a week but the last couple days have been clear so I am leveling laundry mountain. We enjoy many modern conveniences here in Spain but dryers are not a common one. We use the clotheslines on our rooftop. Works especially well in the summer, sometimes your clothes are dry in about 30 minutes. In the winter it takes more like a day and a half. One of the many ways that spanish lifestyle helps me to slowly sip each moment of life instead of rushing to gulp it down.

We had a little visitor tonight. A young boy called Michael that only speaks french came round to watch our television while his parents went out. They are visitors in the building and their son picked hanging out with us over going out with them. It was quite humorous as Jonah and I tried to communicate with him in his language while he watched cartoons. He was a nice blessing to have here, just by being himself.
posted by Heather 11/05/2003 11:11:00 PM |

11/04/2003

 
Wow!! I just had a really good day. I could feel the love...thank you everyone that made my day very special. I feel very honored and humbled by everyone's thoughtfulness.

Had a good walk this morning with Kati. Talked with one man about God and Triburbana. He wasn't a Christian but really liked what we are doing and our name...Jonah fixed a great meal...Jim and Mark gave me a beautiful Hello Kitty bag and lovely poem and card...Jonah gave me an awesome 35mm camera...I heard from my gparents, Margaret, Dave and Eileen, Linda, Cristina, Sarah, my mom, Rachel and Jesus, Heidi, several people prayed with me, went and saw a completely wierd french movie, and I am very encouraged after such a good day. Thanks guys!!
posted by Heather 11/04/2003 11:58:00 PM |

 
Happy Birthday to me...
33 today. same age as Jesus the year that he died (and came back to life). I can't imagine having my whole life's work completed this year. I feel like I've barely started...
I have been very blessed these last few days, special surprises and greetings from special people. More surprises to come this week too. Wednesday, for example, we are going to see the third Matrix movie. And this weekend Jonah and I will go with Juanan and Inma, Claudia and Carmen to ride horses in the countryside. Haven't been on a horse in a couple years. I am sure it will all come back to me. I am very excited about that.

Last weeks Friday night Triburbana meeting went well. We were able to pray for one person that was going through a tough time. I think he was encouraged. This coming Friday we will be talking about what we personally would like from the weekly meetings. And see if we can come to an agreement about what shape they will take.

Lots of other people I know are having birthdays around this time as well. Mark's was the other week, Inma's last week, Rachel yesterday, my brother Zane in a few days and Jim's next week. Phew!!
posted by Heather 11/04/2003 12:20:00 AM |

10/29/2003

 
We've got a visitor...Addi from England but she's lived in Barcelona for a while. It is refreshing to have her here. She has lots of good things to talk about and share. Topics include excitement for the arts, creativity and communities of artists living together. She's only here for a night but I wish she could stay longer.

The meeting last Sunday for Triburbana was very productive. We decided on a list of values and definitions for what we believe and stand for. We planned the next two months through to Christmas. This Friday night we will have our first home church meeting. We may have about 8 people there. It will be in spanish. I am nervous and excited to see how it goes.
posted by Heather 10/29/2003 07:38:00 PM |

10/26/2003

 
Good Stuff
the food was great, the company even better.
triburbana is moving out of port. we'll see how the next few months go.

posted by Heather 10/26/2003 09:26:00 PM |

10/25/2003

 
Cooking Day
spinach lasagna, pumpkin soup and cranberry scones...
thinking ahead for tomorrow when we have our first big official Triburbana meeting. I want to do the cooking today so I can relax more tomorrow. I am looking forward to the meeting. We will talk about what we desire from church and what we would like Triburbana to look like and what we are willing to realistically and practically commit to over the course of the next several years.

There is a wedding in our building today and the loud music and crowd is a bit intrusive on an otherwise relaxing Saturday afternoon. But I can't help wondering... is this celebration of commitment and start of something new that is going on downstairs a sort of symbolic confirmation of what is going on with Triburbana...?
posted by Heather 10/25/2003 06:33:00 PM |

10/23/2003

 
Nothing like hanging out with your dog to put life in perspective.
Took Kati for her usual walk and run today and the air was clean and crisp.
The river was movement framed in life.
Kati was elegant and sturdy, galloping freedom, black shiny friendship.
Beyond our walk, our little reality, I forget what worries me, my concerns. I can breathe, I can laugh, I can see every color and hear every sound.
I can be recharged to get back in the game with new strength.

Life is good, full of twists and turns, boring bits, stalls, false starts and surprises.
The adventure is most of the fun. Who knows what will have happened by this time next year. I have a great husband to share it with, Kati is a loyal buddy. I have loads of great family and friends in several countries. I have a super lot.

(As I type this Kati just got an asswhoopin for getting into the trash)


posted by Heather 10/23/2003 08:04:00 PM |

10/22/2003

 
well, I didn't make it into the course. kind of bummed out. I think I feel a tiny bit of how an immigrant feels...
must be something better for me...
posted by Heather 10/22/2003 03:32:00 PM |

 
ARRRGGHHHH!!! I just went to see the results of the placement for the theater costume course and they said they wouldn't be able to post them til after 2 this afternoon. So just gotta keep my mind busy on other things til then...

Did some modifications on my blog yesterday and now it's looking a bit wierd. Gotta talk to Mark about how to balance it out a bit better.

Thinking about getting Edie Brickell's new CD...listened to excerpts on iTunes and it sounds really good. Kind of similar feel as Norah Jones, mellow and slow and sultry but powerful in a natural, vulnerable sort of way...really good songwriting and her ability, singing and playing are quite skillful with a touch of originality...

posted by Heather 10/22/2003 11:59:00 AM |

10/19/2003

 
Jonah came back from YWAM meetings in Madrid last night. We are enjoying a lazy Sunday morning together. Jim and Mark found an apartment down the road and moved out this week so this is our first day together having our own house again.

I got a ton of sewing done yesterday. It is amazing how much faster I can sew with a machine. I am a mad woman with the thing. I keep going back to my closet to find more to mend. It's great!! I haven't used one in years. But it all came back to me yesterday. My grandma that just died taught me to sew when I was little and I could hear memories of her voice in my head as I worked, helping me to remember how to get things done.
posted by Heather 10/19/2003 01:18:00 PM |

10/16/2003

 
I've just finished two days of running around crazy trying to get the papers together to apply for a 800 hour course in theater costuming. After waiting in 5 lines, filling out 6 pages of forms, designing 1 resume with Jonah's help, literally running back and forth across town 7 times and surviving 1 interview in spanish I may have a chance at getting into the class. Hopefully the fact that by the time they interviewed me they had lost my resume and head shot and that I was so nervous that my spanish sounded like I had only just arrived in Spain that morning won't affect the outcome too much. We'll see by next Wednesday.
Costuming is something that I always regretted not pursuing when I was younger so it would be cool to be able to pick that up again at this stage.

Jonah left this morning for Madrid. Boohoo. I am looking forward to using my time for sewing and such. Today though I think I will have to take a long siesta as I am very tired
from not much sleep last night and the trauma of the interview.
posted by Heather 10/16/2003 12:58:00 PM |

10/15/2003

 
YAY!! some people actually read my blog. that is encouraging to know.

Well, I have officially decided not to do voice lessons this year until I can get some bugs worked out. Mainly, get a piano, a place to teach and better cross cultural resources. I will continue to help people with their here and there questions or mini lessons but as far as making a job out of it better to just let it go for now.
I am still hopeful for other opportunities to use my musical gifts...meanwhile I will keep setting aside blocks of time to work on art, music, poems, etc.

So Jonah leaves tomorrow morning to Madrid. He will be there for meetings with YWAM until Saturday night. While he is gone I hope to spend some quality time with God to get refocused on how to best spend the next several months. Quite a few things I had hoped to be doing these next few months have fallen through so I feel I need to take a break with God and get refocused and be open to new ideas.

Jonah and I had a really good time with friends Inma and Juanan today. they invited us over for a very nice lunch. Spinach crepes, cous cous, and tomato salad with wine and for desert ice cream and herb tea. Yum. Juanan and Inma are lending me their sewing machine for a month so I can get a pile of mending done.

Juanan and Inma have two little very cute girls and they really want to go horseback riding and invited me to go maybe in a couple weeks. I hope that works out because I really miss horses.

posted by Heather 10/15/2003 09:19:00 PM |

10/14/2003

 
does anyone read my blog?
posted by Heather 10/14/2003 06:44:00 PM |

10/11/2003

 
made cranberry scones with the dried cranberries that Casey and Amy care packaged to me. They weren't as good as Naomi's scones that we had when we passed through her place on the way to Amsterdam couple weeks ago. But I think with practice they should at least get better. Anyone want the recipe?

lately it seems several of my dreams and projects have not taken off like I had hoped. Am having a bit of trouble staying encouraged. Lack of funds, resources or opportunities seem to be the obstacles. Maybe I just need to relax and be for a bit. Not be so worried about doing. I am sure that what I need or lack will come at the right time. Anyone experiencing something similar?
posted by Heather 10/11/2003 07:29:00 PM |

10/03/2003

 
cook
friend
translator
dog owner
maid
shopper
voice teacher
prayer
dancer

these are all things that i was today
posted by Heather 10/03/2003 11:30:00 PM |

10/02/2003

 
been doing a lot of sorting and throwing out. Jonah, Jim and Mark rearranged the office and extra bedroom and so the house was complete chaos yesterday. I have been sorting through the shrapnel and taking care of household details. The guys did a great job on getting the rooms sorted. And now we have loads of room for our office. And I think having the guest room in the smaller room is nicer too, more cozy.

Been trying to decide how much effort I really want to put into voice lessons. I could really use a piano and a place to have the lessons. Also some more resources would be helpful. But all of this costs money and time sooo...is it worth the effort and money??

Did a ballet workout yesterday that kicked my butt. I can tell it was really good for me. I look forward to doing it more.

Did I mention I had been asking God for a cheap or free exercise bike. Saw one in my friend Gloria's garden collecting dust and asked her about it. She said I could borrow it indefinately...how cool is that. Any opportunity to incorporate more exercize into my life is a positive thing.

Today I think getting the house sorted was exercize enough.
posted by Heather 10/02/2003 10:07:00 PM |

9/30/2003

 
we're back!!!
had an awesome time in Amsterdam.
seeing old friends, making new ones.
hearing stories about what has been going on with everyone.
very inspired and excited to see what this next year will look like.

Kati is very happy to see us again. she stayed home with housemate Jim.

got a lot of sorting and unpacking to do.
I will write more soon.
posted by Heather 9/30/2003 11:13:00 AM |

9/14/2003

 
We are off to Amsterdam. Be back in two weeks.
posted by Heather 9/14/2003 07:17:00 AM |

9/11/2003

 
Jonah came home on Monday. I missed him a lot. I am glad we
are together again. We leave together on Sunday to start our drive to Amsterdam. So I have been getting the house and myself ready for the two week absence. Kati will (sadly) go to the kennel during our travels. I will miss her loads and will be impatient to see her again.

Been having a better week. emotionally more stable. more organized. little by little getting things done and ready for this next season. Trying to get singing course stuff better prepared. a bit of a challenge to find resources and then think about the language/culture difference and what I have to do to accomadate for that. But hopefully it will come together. The school I was working for is taking this year off so I am thinking of going solo. I will probably advertise a 6 week beginning course to see if there is any interest.

I am more and more creatively inspired every day and actually letting it come out in artistic ways, sometimes cheezy but sometimes actually kind of potentially good art.

posted by Heather 9/11/2003 11:48:00 AM |

9/06/2003

 
Today was very nice. I took the day off and dedicated it to working on art projects. The only thing is that I wish it would have lasted longer. I will try to have a continuation tomorrow and take advantage of the creative flow. I also need to write letters to my brother in prison and my grandpa. I have a list of people that I write snail mail to that don't or can't use computers or email.

So, today was productive. I worked on watercolors mainly. Wrote a poem about my Grandma. Cut pictures from a magazine and framed some postcards. Also listened to JS Bach, sunbathed and took a long walk to enjoy the sights. Intended to take some photos but will attempt that again tomorrow. Tomorrow I may also take a walk to the art park and see if there is anything that interests or inspires.

Poor Kati has it rough, not only is she in heat but consequently she is banned to only a small section of the hallway (which makes life and cleanup much easier for me and the rest of the household). She is doing her best and being a pretty good sport. But poor thing she is bored stiff. Can't wait for the 3 weeks to be over.


posted by Heather 9/06/2003 11:08:00 PM |

9/05/2003

 
well, this week has been wierd and good. Jonah left on Monday to go to England for a week (meetings with 24-7 Prayer). Kati started her heat cycle on Tuesday. I found out on Tuesday that my Grandma Phyllis had died (dad's mom) the day before. My dad's birthday was on Wednesday. So I made a tearful phone call to wish him a special day. I feel like I have been going non-stop all week. Lots of emotions and ups and downs. Apartment hunting, caring for Kati, hanging out with friends here, catching up here from being on holiday, mourning my grandma's death, etc. Friday is here and I could use a weekend about now.

I will try to get housework done today so I can do more enjoyable things this weekend. Jonah gets home on Monday. We have an eventful next week before leaving to Amsterdam.

Jonah bought a tent so it looks like we will be camping out on the way to Amsterdam!!
posted by Heather 9/05/2003 06:40:00 PM |

8/30/2003

 
Have swedish friends Mia and Marcus on my mind as this weekend they are getting married. Jonah and I had planned to be there but in the end were unable to make the trip. We will however be seeing them next month in Amsterdam at the 24-7 International Leadership meeting. There are going to be so many people there that I really, really can hardly wait to see and hang out with. A tiny taste of what heaven will be like...

We are back home!!! in Sevilla!! it is good to be back. Kati is the most relaxed I have seen her in months. You can tell that she thouroughly enjoys being home. As soon as we got home she went around the house checking to make sure everything was in its place. She had this silly grin on her face, tongue hanging out and then she plopped down on her chair and fell asleep for a very long time.

So we have a few days at home, Jonah, me, Kati, roomates Jim and Mark. Then Jonah leaves again for a week to England, 24-7 meetings. Then home for a week or so. Later this month we head for the Roundtable meetings in Amsterdam. YIPPPEEEEEE!!! and at the end of the meetings Jonah and I celebrate 4 years of marriage. Should be nice to be in Amsterdam for our anniversary.


posted by Heather 8/30/2003 03:23:00 PM |

8/21/2003

 
Have been to Malaga to pick up Jim and Mark from the airport. Saturday Sarah comes to visit for several days. Willem-mijn may also be here this weekend for a visit. We go to the beach on Saturday with Inma and Juanan and their two little girls Carmen and Claudia. A lot of visitors coming. Nice way to spend our last week and a half at the beach.
posted by Heather 8/21/2003 05:54:00 PM |

8/07/2003

 
My article that I wrote about life in Spain got published on the 3rd of August in the Bakersfield Californian. WOOHOO my first published thing. kind of exciting and I'm even quite proud of what I wrote for my first thing.

still enjoying being with Jesus and Rachel at the beach and catching up on my new favorite TV program CSI. I rarely have a sincerely favorite TV show but this one is really good.

Reading a book called The Heart of the Artist that is helping me to count the cost of being an artist and use my gifts for God and take steps to be more effective, etc...

We had a good prayer time with Eli and Justin yesterday. They were really encouraging and felt from God that our focus in Sevilla is to Celebrate and to Serve which Jonah and I agree with and are excited about.

Kati dug up an entire planter and chewed up a watering can so we will be paying a trip to the gardening center to replace what was destroyed by our lovely dog.

Rachel leaves tomorrow to travel to Vermont for a summer visit with family.
posted by Heather 8/07/2003 05:38:00 PM |

8/06/2003

 
taking a few days to rest and relax.
staying mostly with Jesus and Rachel at their new house at the beach.
have visitors Eli and Justin from Chichester England for a day.
trying to decide what we should do with the rest of our summer.

posted by Heather 8/06/2003 10:00:00 AM |

8/01/2003

 
We made it home to SEVILLA!!
Kati is very happy to be home. And so are Jonah and I. We are only here for a night though...and then we are off to our friends house an hour away at the beach for a week. But that is OK. It is nice to be closer to home.
I still have a bit more to share about Ibiza that I will do shortly...
posted by Heather 8/01/2003 05:39:00 PM |

7/30/2003

 
We leave tomorrow at 2 in the afternoon on the ferry.
We have one last little meeting with the team today and then off to one last night at PIN UP.
should be fun.
I am sad to leave but...
looking forward to new adventures that await...
posted by Heather 7/30/2003 04:56:00 PM |

7/26/2003

 
less than a week left in Ibiza!!
it went really fast...
I am going to miss everyone that I have met.
it has been an amazing summer.
will try to tie up any loose ends this week.

time with Mia and Marcus has been really good.
we have taken them to lots of great beaches.
I am actually getting tan.

cleaning today and Jonah speaks at church tomorrow.
the second team has arrived.
I am looking forward to hanging out with everyone one last week.

I am starting to look forward to getting back to Sevilla for a bit and then our trip to Sweden in a couple weeks.
posted by Heather 7/26/2003 04:11:00 PM |

7/22/2003

 
DC 10

plowing through the murky water
am I in too deep?
I can see the shore
and the friendly boat of acqaintances and love
not far from me
treading water now
safely floating
rationing my energy like food and water
insecurity and the black hole of selfishness
surround me like fog
my senses awaken as the familiar shadow of sharks glide past
barely brushing my skin
If I´m careful and calm
I will stay safe
no open wounds to attract attack
And I know how to kick them in the eyes
I look around and I have lost sight of the boat
But a few swift strokes and
my friends appear above the waves
they pull me in to safety
I may have given the sharks a taste for fresher blood.
posted by Heather 7/22/2003 05:11:00 PM |

 
DC 10 was really good yesterday. I had a better time than last week. Next week is James´ birthday and we will go to DC 10 to celebrate. I am really looking forward to having a birthday party there.

We picked up Marcus and Mia from Sweden from the airport last night and decided against going to Pacha because everyone was so tired. We just met everyone at a cafe on the beach and had a little friend reunion.

Gave Kati a bath.

Jonah and Jason are working on the triburbana webpage today.

Tonight we are having a team meal at a really nice Indian restaurant.
posted by Heather 7/22/2003 04:50:00 PM |

7/20/2003

 
Got some pretty packed days coming up so I am trying to rest and get over this cold and prepare as much as I can ahead of time for the next few days...

the short term team left today. the summer long team has a few days before the next team comes. Today we go out to the manager of DC 10´s house to clean. Other than that trying to rest up for tomorrow.

tomorrow we go to DC 10 all day to try to bring love and life to an extremely selfish and destructive atmosphere. we´ll see how that goes.
tomorrow night I have the opportunity to sing with a girl (she plays piano) from the team at a really cool cafe. kind of short notice to get some songs together so I am not sure how that will turn out.
pick up people from the airport, then on to Pacha with friends. tomorrow will be a very long and high stress day.

Tuesday we have a few from the team over for lunch and Kati REALLY needs a bath. She keeps digging in the garden at our house and her face is covered in dirt but she´s still very cute of course.

Wednesday I hope to go see a girl called Barbara Tucker singing in a club to DJ music. I heard she speaks truth and love to the people in the audience. Singing ad lib. I would like to experience that.
Maybe be inspired in new options for my musical gifts...

Also have lots of friends to catch up with and several "appointments" to speak with, pray with different people from the team.

this summer is amazing...
posted by Heather 7/20/2003 12:20:00 PM |

7/19/2003

 
Well, let´s see...
Mari the girl that works at the hostal where the team is staying invited me to go shopping with her yesterday. She was asking me all kinds of questions about what I believe and why I believe in Jesus. I was able to share a lot of cool things that God has done in my life with her. We had a really good time shopping too.

The manager of our favorite club DC 10 called yesterday and would like us to come out to his apartment to help him with some cleaning. We will take care of that today and tomorrow. And he was upset that we have been paying to enter his club and told us never to pay again and just go in for free. I guess that means he is putting us on the guest list. Yipppeeeeeee!! This monday when we go to DC 10 Jonah is going to wear a t shirt with Sid Vicious on it that says Drugs Kill. And I am planning to wear a shirt that says LIVE on it. We will try any possible way to be a positive influence.

We have tons of friends here visiting from Spain, England, Scotland and Sweden. It is exciting to be able to spend time with everyone.

I continue to have REALLY important talks with people on the team.

I am struggling with a cold. Lots of people on the team are getting sick as happens when lots of people are living closely and not getting the best food and rest. Jonah is fine so far.
posted by Heather 7/19/2003 02:32:00 PM |

7/17/2003

 
Yesterday a friend that I have met that works at the hostal that the team is staying at invited me to go shopping with her. I didn´t find anything but she found lots of stuff. I was really glad for her. Later that night Jonah, James, two other guys and I went to a concert together. We saw a spanish band called Ojos de Brujo. They were really good. They are a mix of traditional flamenco music with hip hop. They are quite outspoken about social issues which was refreshing to see. Plus they are just awesome musicians. So I was very pleased to be able to go to the concert.

I keep having good talks, counseling sessions with different people from the team.
posted by Heather 7/17/2003 06:46:00 PM |

7/15/2003

 
Went to DC 10 again yesterday. A bit rougher crowd than last week. Lots more drugs, rowdier, etc. But we had a good time and I was able to help a couple people. I saw a girl that I had met last week and we were able to chat a bit more and we were getting along really well. Drugs came up as a topic and I told her I don´t do drugs and she said "you tricked me" and disappeared. I got my feelings a bit hurt over that one but Oh well, I think I´m over it now.
I was very sad at how wasted people were and wanted so much to help more but what can you do? I prayed a lot and helped a tiny bit when I could. I think it is good that we are there bringing God´s presence into the spiritual darkness. What strikes me when I am there is how selfish and insecure people are. It doesn´t seem like they know how to relate to each other in a healthy way. It doesn´t surprise me that they are trying to numb so much hurt and insecurity with drugs and sex. I wrote a poem about the experience that I hope to post here soon.

I continue to have really good one on one times with people on the team. God keeps using me to guide them through some deep healing about insecurities and false beliefs about themselves and about God. It is so cool and my favorite thing in the world to do- see people really, permanently and obviously changed by God speaking truth in their hearts. Nothing like it really. Because it means that people are more freed up to be who they were made to be and more productive in the world.
posted by Heather 7/15/2003 07:59:00 PM |

7/11/2003

 
I´m having some awesome one on one times with people on the team. Helping them to work through some personal issues. I can see God working in their lives to be more freed up to serve the world and let God´s love pour through them. I love it.
posted by Heather 7/11/2003 08:31:00 PM |

7/10/2003

 
Last night at Pin Up was so good. The whole team came about 20 of us all together and we basically bring the party when we show up simply because of our large number and energetic attitude. The DJs were really good and are some of the more positive DJ´s I would say on the island. They seem to be really trying to promote positivity and community. Some of their songs were so Godly, like the one that sang about Freedom. You could see the atmosphere change in the room with all of our team in different areas really feeling and expressing through dancing the desire for freedom in our own lives and in the lives of the people here on the island. And the last song of the night was all about God and the Holy Spirit and grace. It was such a worship song and a perfect end to a great night out. We thanked the DJ´s on the way out and they realized we were the group that does the charity work on the island and they really want us to come back. The promoter of wednesday nights wants us to keep coming back as well and has put us on the guest list so that we can always get in for free.

Jonah and are hosting a few of the guys from the summer long team a couple of times a week in our home. There they will be able to get away for a bit from the crazy city life and the group and have some homecooked food and a little spoiling. Today we had Mark, Lora and Josie over for spaghetti and then we went to a cafe for dessert. It was great to have them and they were thankful for the relaxing break and good food.

Tonight is DJ workshops, prayer walk through San Antonio and hang out at the funky room at Savannah on Sunset Strip (where we hope to set up the prayer room a few times a week, we are still waiting for an answer)
posted by Heather 7/10/2003 06:57:00 PM |

7/09/2003

 
Bit o Poetry

Sol y sombra
black and white
into the Pin Up
deep in the night
arms raised
teeth flashing
feet stamping
dancing like we believe in God
the song sings soulful
when I get to heaven
what will that be like
I will dance
oh yeah, mmmhmmm
I will dance celebrando
como lo que estoy haciendo

posted by Heather 7/09/2003 08:18:00 PM |

 
Had a fruitful day at home. We are living outside of the city of San Antonio on the island of Ibiza. I am really enjoying having a yard and lots of fields around the house to take Kati for her twice daily run and play. She loves running without her leash. I gave her a bath today. A bit tough when all I had was a bucket that I had to keep filling with water. But I got it done. I got our laundry finished and cleaned up our room and patio. I also had a chance to pray for each of the leaders on the team. That is something I try to do a few times a week. I spent time with God and sensed him encouraging me to be love to people and I did a little bible study on love. I looked up 1 Corinthians 13 and had a look through Song of Solomon.

Jonah just came home from helping out people on our team and also the spanish team that just got in this week. Their van broke down and they needed a ride to the shops. Finally later this evening he came home and then brought me back into town. So now I am at the internet cafe. Then I will go back to the hotel where the team is staying and we will have dinner. Tonight we will go out to Pin Up to dance. I think Pin Up will be our weekly wednesday night club. I am more of a morning person than I am a night person. So staying up late and sleeping in has been a sacrifice for me. But I seem to be managing. And it is actually getting easier for me to stay coherent late into the night. And it is important because the people we are hoping to build relationships with have more of a night schedule.


posted by Heather 7/09/2003 08:05:00 PM |

7/08/2003

 
Have had a good rest day so far. Got some laundry done. After I finish here at the internet cafe I will walk over to the hotel where the team is staying and hang out at the pool. The entire team has arrived today and I am looking forward to meeting everyone. We will be about 20 people total, 10 leadership and 10 participants.

Yesterday we had a big day as Jonah, James and I went to a day club for several hours. It is one of the most exclusive clubs on the island and it was very cool. We were introduced to tons of people and saw a few celebrities. One of them one of the most famous and beautiful spanish actresses, Paz Vega. We danced until we couldn´t dance anymore and then we went to see the sunset and check on our proposal that we left at one of the trendy clubs on sunset strip. We would like the use of their funky room several times during the week to have a prayer room DJ style.
They are still talking it over and were not able to give us an answer yet.

My finger is almost completely healed. Now I just have to let the nail grow out where I sliced into it.

At church on Sunday we noticed a phone number in the bulletin for people interested in doing hospital visitaions. That could be our connection we were looking for for our volunteer hospital work.
posted by Heather 7/08/2003 05:35:00 PM |

7/02/2003

 
Went to the trendiest dance club in Spain last night. It is called Pacha. Normally the entrance fee costs 40 euros or more. We got in for free!! It was so fun to see the place. Jonah and I and friends stayed there dancing and socializing until 3:30 in the morning. Big highlight of my time so far.

We continue with our various social work projects. We have a few leads on the hospital volunteer work. Volunteer hospital work is not a common thing in Spain so we have to find the right connections with the right people to help them understand who we are and what we are doing. Then maybe they will figure out how we can fit in to the structure here. Jonah has a meeting with a city councilman to talk about options. We also have some leads on how to find the owner of the building called The Well that would be an excellent permanent headquarters for 24-7 Prayer on the island. We will see how that works out.

I did a beginning DJ workshop today. I love learning new things and understanding how things work. It was good for me to take the lesson.

Tonight we work again at the Bull Bar in the West End passing out free fruit etc. We may go to Soul Heaven at Pin Up again later after the Bull Bar like we did last week. It is free again this week and quite a nice dance club.
posted by Heather 7/02/2003 09:16:00 PM |

7/01/2003

 
The finger is healing quickly. I am encouraged by that and am still doing my best to give 100 percent of what I have to the team and to the island even when my body is not working perfectly or the way I think it should.

We say goodbye tomorrow to the 2 visiting DJ´s that have been with us for 10 days, Doug and Mark. They are cooking dinner for us tonight. We will be recieving new DJs every couple of weeks. I will miss having Doug and Mark around. They have been a huge blessing. I do look forward to the next visitors that come our way.

Cally and I went to the hospital today to speak to them about possible volunteer jobs that our team could do this summer. They were not very helpful and there doesn´t seem to be much opportunity for the team to serve in this way. A bit discouraging as volunteer hospital work is something that we were really looking forward to. We will try a couple of other options but it is not looking promising.

I seem to be doing a lot of interpretor work between the team and the residents of the island which is a stretch for me but very helpful for the team and I am glad to be of service in that way.

Cally took me by a building today on the way to the hospital that the team would love to one day own as a permanent presence on the island. It is a lovely old building right in the middle of town where all the action is. It is an old bar called The Well and is owned by a couple of old brothers that hate the way things are in Ibiza with all the tourism and partying and they are very set on NEVER selling their land. Jonah has gone with the owner of the hotel where the team is staying who happens to be a past candidate for mayor to see if there is any way they can talk to the brothers about The Well.
posted by Heather 7/01/2003 08:13:00 PM |

6/29/2003

 
Hello!!
it´s been a bit since I have been able to update my blog. I hope people are still reading.

I went to my first dance club a couple nights ago. Pin up was the name. Entrance was free. It was a very good time dancing to some good music. DJ was a guy from New York. One song was particularly special for me. It was kind of a gospel dance song. The words were about getting to heaven and what it would be like, that there would be lots of dancing and celebration. Very encouraging. The crowd there was cool. They were into the music even if they seemed a bit self preoccupied. There was one guy though that stood out to me. He was dancing like there was nobody else there. With all of his heart. His dancing matched the heaven song.

We´ve been having DJ workshops. Serving one of the bars on the main strip by decorating the place and passing out free fruit. Also just exploring the island and getting a feel for how we can serve the people here in the best ways. We have collected ideas and will begin our different projects this coming week when more people arrive to help. I am on the hospital visitation team. I am looking forward to that.

Jonah and I had a special time with the leadership team yesterday. We had a team meeting of about 2 hours. I gave foot massages to everyone while Jonah taught on letting go of selfishness. We also had a time of singing that was very special. The guys really enjoyed it.

Pray for my finger to heal quick as I cut it pretty badly today while chopping food in the kitchen.


posted by Heather 6/29/2003 06:15:00 PM |

6/23/2003

 
Yesterday Jonah and I picked up the missions director for 24-7 Prayer, Ian, at the airport and then had dinner with him and four others from the 24-7 leadership team. We got home close to 1 in the morning. I took a shower and went to bed. We had our second good nights sleep in our new home. I got up a little after 9 this morning. I took Kati for a walk/jog in the countryside around our house. She loves running around out there off leash. I am praciticing more with her off leash, trying to get her to stay by me and come to me when I call her. Then I got cleaned up, cleaned the room a bit while Jonah got up and ready. We went to the hand car wash to clean the car inside and out. Then we went to the grocery store to get some breakfast foods, snacks and some dinner items. We also needed to get a few cleaning supplies.
Then we went to meet the team in town to have a little meeting with them and the missions director.
The meeting went well. Ian had some good things to share with us. Jonah and I shared a bit about how we can serve the team, what are our strengths, etc. I said I was a good listener, counselor, encourager, voice coach and masseuse. Everyone was very excited about the masseuse bit. We told them if they want compassion come to me, if they want the hard truth, go to Jonah, etc.
And we both love to help people to rest and kick back.
The team is supposed to be doing some brainstorming about the kinds of projects they want to do this summer. I am looking forward to finding out what those projects will be.
Now we are here at the laundrette/internet cafe getting some laundry done and checking our email and updating blogs. We may go out tonight to a club or something. I am looking forward to getting to see some of the clubs, hearing the music and dancing.

posted by Heather 6/23/2003 07:33:00 PM |

6/22/2003

 
We made it to Ibiza!!!
We drove six hours to the coast of Spain then stayed the night there. We caught the ferry the next day and arrived at our new temporary home yesterday late afternoon. We are staying in a parsonage (word of the week which means housing for the pastor of a church). So we are staying with a pastors family. They are a family of 8 all together, I think. They are from New Zealand and very kind. This morning we went to church service at their church and it was a small jolt to suddenly see Edrick the dad in his pastor robes (It is an anglican church for those that understand what that is). I made a small scene when I went the wrong way during communion and stubbed my foot pretty loudly on the knealing thing. But other than that it was a great time. They had Jonah and I come to the front to say what we are doing in Ibiza and they prayed for us. There was a lady there that had been addicted to all kinds of drugs including heroin and credits God for taking that away from her life. That really gave me hope for some of the drug addicts in the area where we live in Sevilla.
I am really excited to start exploring the island and working with the team here.
Kati is really doing well and loves her new temporary home in the country just outside the town. We take walks in the fields and she loves to run and chase rabbits.

posted by Heather 6/22/2003 07:19:00 PM |

6/18/2003

 
This is the article I wrote for The Bakersfield Californian, they wanted to know what it is like to live abroad and how other countries view the USA. We will see if they print it and what gets edited out...

American In Spain
The geographical similarities between California and Spain are
comical:green and rainy in the north, hot and brown in the south, both with a
gorgeous coastline on one side. Because they are both Mediterranean
climates, the agriculture, landscapes and animal life are similar. Driving
down the center of Spain from Madrid to Seville one would swear they were on
the I-5.

The way of life, however, is completely different. The daily
schedule, the style of dress, the food and drink, the way business works, barely
similar. Here we get up later, go to bed later. We take a few hours
in the late afternoon to have a long dinner-size lunch with a nap afterwards
before we go back to work. Dinner is a late night snack and bedtime is around 2 in
the morning.

People dress very nice to go grocery shopping saving sweat suits
and shorts for sports and the beach. Beauty and fashion are very
important and the younger people resemble super models until the years of smoking,
tanning and a high fat diet kick in around 40. All of this seems to turn most
Spaniards suddenly into short, plump and wrinkled people. The food is
quite different with lots of rice, ham, seafood, cheese and amazing fruits
and vegetables washed down with superb but affordable wine and ice cold
beer.

Business transactions are rarely quick and hassle-free. I don't
think a word exists in Spanish for customer service. I have learned the art
of line crowding and telling the worker how to do his job. I always take a
book to read during long waiting periods.

Getting through the shock of switching cultures has been one of my
biggest challenges. I could have had a much easier adjustment if I
had been more flexible, had more fun, complained way less and, above all, let
go of arrogance about my own culture to appreciate the new one.

Living here through the 2nd Gulf War has been challenging for me
because being an American has gone from not being a big deal (save for
the arrogant, loud, uncultured stereotype reinforced by many American
students and tourists) to more of an issue. Most of Spain is not in agreement
with the choices that the Spanish president has made to support the US
military action in Iraq. The comments, marches and posters directed at my
country over the last months have been difficult for me to not take personally.
More than 4 million Spaniards turned out last February to protest the
war in Iraq. To put that in perspective, that is 10% of the total population
of the entire nation!

But thankfully the Spanish people have a highly honorable tendency
to completely disregard their own preconceptions of others if the
opportunity for authentic friendship arises. If I reach out in humility, kindness,
thoughtfulness and authenticity their response is very positive. The
misconceptions that I have of them and they of me melt away. Real
understanding through friendship begins.

It is a sacrifice to leave behind loved ones and the comfortable >
life to go where I am stretched, insecure, and afraid. But for me it is
worth it to be doing what is in my heart and what I am made to do, hopefully
breaking barriers and stereotypes, understanding others better and myself,
making the world a little better place and encouraging others to do the same.

Heather Bailey lives with her husband, Jonah, and one year old
Doberman, Kati, in Seville, Spain. They work with 24-7 Prayer, YWAM and are
starting their own local non-profit organization called Triburbana. Heather is
a singing coach and likes to write poetry. Things she misses most about
Bakersfield include thrift stores and yard sales, Dewar's vanilla ice
milk and Sonic strawberry limeade, the two beautiful weeks in springtime and
horse rides in the foothills. And, of course, her family and friends.

(the editor asked me for a little more info and this is what I wrote)

I was born and grew up in Bakersfield and lived there until 8th grade
then did High School in Tehachapi. I returned to Bakersfield off and
on in my twenties and attended Bakersfield College and Cal State.
I went to Spain to attend a Christian discipleship course with Youth
with a MIssion (YWAM). I've been here ever since.
Most of my family still live in Bakersfield. Mom Dixie Hustead, Dad
John Hustead and his wife Beth. Brothers Zane, Cody and Ward. Aunt
Donnie Ward, Uncle Dave and Aunt Dale Martin, cousins Noah and Erin,
Micah, Adam and Leslie, Amy and Casey, Amanda and Matt, Jordan and
grandparents Phyllis and Lee Hustead and Don and Dorothy Ward all have
lived in or around Bakersfield.
posted by Heather 6/18/2003 10:12:00 AM |

6/17/2003

 
Maybe it's the smell of coconut body lotion, maybe it's my new layered haircut, maybe it's Hello Kitty, maybe it is the baby tees with California swirled on the chest, but something keeps sending me back to the late seventies-early eighties. It is kinda cool, I like it. I went shopping for a red bikini yesterday and some of the clothes reminded me of the styles from when I was little and use to roller skate in the garage to Diana Ross, Olivia Newton-John and Emotional Rescue by the Rolling Stones. I saw a satin Xanadu jacket yesterday like the one I always wanted. I didn't get it though cuz I don't really want it anymore. Sparkles and ribbons were very stylish back then and I am finding myself strangly drawn to these accessories once again. My haircut right now looks a lot like it did when I was 11. We used to take a family trip to Catalina Island during the summers. My mom would get us a new outfit and swimsuit right before we left. I was wishing yesterday that I could find an outfit like my matching green and yellow terry cloth short shorts and matching tank top with ties on the shoulders. They had some terry cloth yesterday and even some short gym shorts but nothing quite as good as my original outfit. I am also thinking about getting a pair of aviator sunglasses that the corner shop is selling for 4 euros. Then I would really look like how I remember my mom looked back then. Cool!
Well, I gotta finish my rollerama mix CD and I think I will go find this one shop that sells Hello Kitty. Gonna go have a look just for fun.
It's kinda cool how styles come and go. And the good thing about the second time around is you can keep the good and leave the bad. Ta Ta For Now!!
posted by Heather 6/17/2003 12:01:00 PM |

6/13/2003

 
Happily Ever After

Staring in the mirror makeup free
my brother Cody stares back
I can hear my mom's voice when I sing
I get things done with the energy of my dad
his exitement helps when entertaining guests
Ward's jokes and way of saying things
pop out my mouth when I am with friends
Zane shows up when I need to relax and take it easy
let go of struggle and let life peacefully happen

my family
blown apart
scattered like body parts in a war
living happily ever after in me
posted by Heather 6/13/2003 03:12:00 PM |

 
marriage-two people who are discovering together the secrets of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness and love.
posted by Heather 6/13/2003 02:42:00 PM |

6/10/2003

 
Hello. Only one and a half weeks left before we leave for our trip to Ibiza!! YAHOOOOOO!!
I can hardly wait. I think it is going to be an amazing time. I hope so anyway. I am working hard to get everything ready to go. Making lists of what we need to take. What I need to get from the store. Gotta stock up on some items that will be way to expensive there.
Jonah and I will be there to be kind of the mother and father figures to counsel the individuals on the teams that will be there to serve and bless the people of Ibiza. Mainly partying Brits. We will help with different projects when possible, cleaning beaches, staffing the prayer room, assisting wasted partiers, etc. We will also enjoy the beaches, clubs and atmosphere as much as possible.
Kati will come with us. It will be fun to travel and explore the island with her. I hope to grow musically and creatively. I hope to heal more emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. I hope to be a positive influence to anyone I come in contact with and leave the island and the people in a little better state than I found them.

We can change the world with our own two hands.
Make the world a better place with our own two hands.
-Ben Harper



posted by Heather 6/10/2003 05:03:00 PM |

6/07/2003

 
We've been working and playing like crazy people. I finally have a bit if time to update my blog. Jason has arrived and Carla has come and gone. It was great having Carla here. She is a fun person to have around. She knows how to find joy in everything and livens up the party with her stories and craziness. Definitely an optimist. We drove her (in the new car, I might add) to catch her plane in Malaga last night and finally got in bed at 4 in the morning. Slept til 12 in the afternoon. And I have been workin all day on an article for my hometown newspaper. Entitled American Living Abroad: My Experience. I still need Jonah to look over it for me and then maybe I will publish here.
I gotta get to bed and get some rest.

posted by Heather 6/07/2003 12:45:00 AM |

6/01/2003

 
Had a good trip to Gibraltar. Kati stayed at "Club Buttnugg". We picked her up this morning and boy was she happy to see us. We missed her a little bit too.
We detoured out to Jesus and Rachel's country home where we let Kati run around like a crazy woman. She loves it there. The country home is getting renovated and is starting to look liveable. I can imagine what a nice time we will have there when everything is in working order. Once the pool gets fixed watch out!!
Went out to lunch with Jesus and Rachel. Came home to meet Jim and then we all went out for a Sunday stroll. Had a drink out together in Plaza San Lorenzo, beautiful...
Carla and Jason arrive tomorrow for a few days of work and play.



posted by Heather 6/01/2003 11:35:00 PM |

5/30/2003

 
Yesterday was my brother Ward's birthday. I called my mom's house hoping to reach Ward because he doesn't have a phone. The answering machine answered and I left a birthday greeting for Ward. I still had a desire to talk with one of my brothers so I called Cody. And he was there!! I have never been able to reach him before. We had a great talk. I love my brothers very much. I felt very content speaking with Cody.

Today I am cleaning house and getting ready for the new guests that come on Monday.
Tomorrow we are taking a day trip to Gibraltar. I need to figure out what we will do with Kati for the day. Not much else going on.
I am excited to have visitors soon. And I am getting more excited about our trip to Ibiza.
That's all for now.



posted by Heather 5/30/2003 12:48:00 PM |

5/28/2003

 
Sarah has been and gone. It was great to have her here. We giggled a lot. I love to giggle. Very refreshing.
Juanan's birthday party was pretty fun. I really like hanging out with Juanan and Inma. They are very kind people but silly too. I enjoyed watching Juanan enjoy his party. I danced a little which was nice because I really like dancing but don't do it much lately. I had a lot of love and acceptance in my heart for all of the people that were at the party.

Beth didn't win the Eurovision song contest. But it was VERY fun watching it anyway.
Turkey won, Belgium second and Russia with t.A.t.U in third. I am glad that t.A.t.U didn't win because they were rubbish.
Went to the beach again on Monday. Very nice, I am turning a nice summer goldy peach color.
Have some new friends coming to visit next week. A young woman from England and a young man from America. They are both here to work and vacation a bit. I think they will really like it here and should have a good time. It is difficult not to enjoy the beauty and warm weather and good, affordable food.
Matrix Reloaded was awesome. I can't wait for the next one to come out. Just several months away! Around the same time that the third Harry Potter movie comes out and the third Lord of the Rings movie as well. Big year for movies.
Tonight I teach a voice lesson. Gotta work on laundry and getting the house ready for the guests.
Oh and this weekend we are going to Gibraltar to stock up on British goods.
posted by Heather 5/28/2003 05:42:00 PM |

5/22/2003

 
Lots of really cool events coming up this weekend.
We have a visitor coming from Madrid. Her name is Sarah and she is thinking about moving down here in the fall. She will be here a few days to enjoy the sunshine.
Jonah and Jim and I are going to see the new Matrix movie tomorrow. Very excited about that although I am worried that I am not going to like it. I am afraid it is going to explain too much for me and that I won't like the explanation. The first one left me guessing enough to make up my own little conclusions and I don't want those to be ruined.
Tomorrow night after we pick up Sarah from the train station we are going out to Juan Antonio's birthday party. It starts at 12 o'clock at night. That's a spanish party for ya. Should be fun. Juanan and his family have a beautiful house in the country. It will be fun to see his family, Inma and the girls. It will also be nice to meet his friends.
This weekend is Eurovision and Sarah and I are very excited because we are hoping that the spanish entry wins. Her name is Beth and she was one of the winners of the spanish pop star TV show. She is very cool and it would be so cool if she won. She has to beat Tatu though. Which could be difficult because they have the whole lesbian thing which could be a plus or a minus, depending on how Europe will take that whole thing. But Beth does have rastas and a lip ring plus she can sing and move...we'll see.
We also may try to get a trip in to the beach. SO...like I said plenty goin on this weekend.
posted by Heather 5/22/2003 01:16:00 PM |

5/20/2003

 
a few days on my own was refreshing. Now Jonah and Jim are back and I did miss them. I have been inspired to begin writing an autobiography, so I started that today, we'll see how far that actually goes. Seems like our summer is getting more and more booked by the day.
should be an exciting summer with lots to look forward to in the autumn, as well, as our non profit org Triburbana gets underway in October. I look forward to seeing how this summer turns out. Got a really cool wedding invite today from Sweden for our friends Markus and Mia. Will be a treat to spend time with them this summer in Ibiza and then see them again in August at their wedding in Sweden. Never dreamed I would go twice in my life to Sweden. Life keeps me on my toes. I am so glad I didn't kill myself in the dark 80's like I nearly did a few times.
posted by Heather 5/20/2003 08:06:00 PM |