tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209395112024-03-07T01:43:47.751-07:00I DO . . . what????After standing in front of everyone you know in what would otherwise be considered a ridiculously big white gown, there is a bombardment of suprises, wake up calls, and head scratching.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-33167690048383681452010-05-25T10:52:00.002-06:002010-05-25T10:56:44.886-06:00STUFFED:: The New Blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqys4L0wQNvJF3FOUrNmdpPx3q5zWlM664My8mVzBdG3mbZWBzhH1SBX4vvcaHQ2XdcMgJCdfwb_6I9R34JiLqukl-bz3Z3FLV7zvT_fCVXY-jATs7LnL0HRihw3OGJWQu9cV0Pg/s1600/Stuffed-Banner1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqys4L0wQNvJF3FOUrNmdpPx3q5zWlM664My8mVzBdG3mbZWBzhH1SBX4vvcaHQ2XdcMgJCdfwb_6I9R34JiLqukl-bz3Z3FLV7zvT_fCVXY-jATs7LnL0HRihw3OGJWQu9cV0Pg/s400/Stuffed-Banner1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475251866520143714" border="0" /></a><br />After four years of on again, off again blogging here at I Do . . . What??? I have decided it is time for a change. Life has moved on from the first years of marriage and the hilarity and heartache that go with it. I have moved on too. Maybe you'll <a href="http://caraharjes.typepad.com/stuffed/"> join me</a> at STUFFED:: she stuffed her food and her life with delightful things.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-26138053273190437942009-10-01T11:07:00.004-06:002009-10-01T11:32:37.138-06:00On the Ridiculousness of Dreaming Big<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmiTH8U2k_9LjYALVVCzfysRIBrol34BxJ6fGHYbOy5tJgVP750IEri_AOB0TomITr81MnebadolWS87YdnXnpPn4eZfn3CgceS7w41AJmZWOGxJ9JXISZv-l0UdLMICbb9ua6Q/s1600-h/Photo+142.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmiTH8U2k_9LjYALVVCzfysRIBrol34BxJ6fGHYbOy5tJgVP750IEri_AOB0TomITr81MnebadolWS87YdnXnpPn4eZfn3CgceS7w41AJmZWOGxJ9JXISZv-l0UdLMICbb9ua6Q/s400/Photo+142.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387684661864779522" border="0" /></a>(dreamy iPhoto taken on my Mac. not my heart lace curtains in the background.)<br /><br /></div>Lately, I have been thinking a lot about dreaming big. Putting yourself out there and hoping for the best. Better yet, believing that the best will come. This has gotten hard for me in the past decade. Not because I believed in the best and didn't see it come to pass, but because some hard things happened. Things I wasn't even thinking about - best or worst case scenario. Life just swooped in and took over. My parents divorced. My relationship with my dad all but withered up as a result. I got married only to find that my own marriage experience was extremely difficult. I simply saw how difficult life can be. So, for me, the thought of dreaming big . . . believing big . . . seems crazy. Why would I start to expect great things when I know that at the end of the day, life is just hard?<br /><br />But the reality is, I have spent the last 10 years living as a skeptic. Expecting the worst. Hunting it down. Pulling it out of people. And it has been hard. I am tired. And in a lot of physical pain. Expecting the worst was my way of protecting myself. I figured that the worst was inevidable, so I might as well be in control and find it before it finds me. In the end, it is wearing me down. Not only that, I do believe that when we look for something, that is what we will find. Well, I have spent too much time looking for the worst. But it is scary to consider my alternative. What if I start looking for and expecting the best and I don't find it? What then?<br /><br />As I look into the next decade, if I allow myself to dream, I see babies and new career paths, a tight circle of local friends doing life together, and a ridiculously rich, romantic, and even *gasp* easy relationship with my husband. And that, right there, is where I start to recoil. "Who am I to dream of an easy marriage? Marriage isn't easy. Not for anyone. It is hard work. You know this, Cara. You are being ridiculous!" The words start flooding my mind. When I begin to dream of a quick, complication-free conception followed by a dreamy pregnancy, a baby that latches easily and learns to sleep through the night, I hear the same voices. "That is ridiculous! That is not even close to reality! You can't control that stuff! It is going to be incredibly hard. You are just going to have to deal with it! It will be so hard." Well, maybe it will be hard. Maybe I will struggle with fertility. Or maybe I will be sick for nine months. Maybe. Maybe my baby will be colicky like his or her momma was. Maybe. But maybe not. Maybe not. And it is that space, the "maybe not" space, that I want to begin exploring. The space of possibility. The space of hope.<br /><br />What will happen to me if I begin hoping for the best? Expecting the best? Will it come more easily because my heart is open to it? Or will I be crushed by disappointing realities that come<br />regardless of my posture towards the future? What then? Will I feel foolish and embarrassed? Will I have a hard time hoping again? Who will protect me if I am not "prepared" or "protected" for the worst? But then I also think, "What if hoping opens you up to all sorts of magical possibilities that you would not have otherwise? Do you really really want to miss that out of your efforts to protect yourself from disappointment?"cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-65502510915555480512009-08-11T12:17:00.005-06:002009-08-11T12:20:49.920-06:00one of the few problems with living in denver is our high level of casual<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L12049589.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 551px; height: 551px;" src="http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L12049589.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>SO,<br />could somebody<br />PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE<br />throw an event<br />at which it would be appropriate<br />to<br />wear<br />this<br /><a href="http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Connected-Apparel-Womens-One-shoulder-Grecian-Dress/4027302/product.html?AID=10654383&PID=3509426">dress!?!?!</a><br /><br />please<br />and<br />thank youcara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-5705950156683428822009-07-31T15:04:00.003-06:002009-07-31T15:07:27.686-06:00Why We Work<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NXdWvu96ceiEaqSAsqg6ocJa8k2zotRVzZX7GXWq7hV9RqlIJARKzrQ4Lnoa5AEpoEcY3OpYJmYYGH8YMSuXp6He3akCijPzyKFGY_PmxB3Pors_aqUNmbzKsPjaQFXgfRrp8w/s1600-h/friday+herb"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NXdWvu96ceiEaqSAsqg6ocJa8k2zotRVzZX7GXWq7hV9RqlIJARKzrQ4Lnoa5AEpoEcY3OpYJmYYGH8YMSuXp6He3akCijPzyKFGY_PmxB3Pors_aqUNmbzKsPjaQFXgfRrp8w/s400/friday+herb" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364733285475581090" border="0" /></a>herb got some good news today. <br />not earth shattering call everyone you know news.<br />but certainly not the test results came back positive news either.<br />it was good news.<br />and frankly, it has been awhile since we have really seen much good news around this joint.<br />so we'll take it.<br />i have been sending him love all day over text messages.<br />little notes and reminders that i think he is the best.<br />finally, i sent him a smiley pic of myself.<br />and in return?<br />he sends me this.<br />i love this guy.<br />i really really do.<br /><br />what good news have you received lately?cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-1972733410695380092009-07-31T06:47:00.000-06:002009-07-31T06:54:28.671-06:00To: You Love: Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheey6j2hvjc6yI4aA_NFnYiTOo2J1Ho82EdC1e9AJegPsqwfO_wN8Qa6EmPXfpZfVj_qtGJknlJORrcBlKfWlkJPv0gkmXS7HOGaIbsJg22MlUQi0rkeT8X-3XgrvJRm0zVKJdDg/s1600-h/Photo+120.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheey6j2hvjc6yI4aA_NFnYiTOo2J1Ho82EdC1e9AJegPsqwfO_wN8Qa6EmPXfpZfVj_qtGJknlJORrcBlKfWlkJPv0gkmXS7HOGaIbsJg22MlUQi0rkeT8X-3XgrvJRm0zVKJdDg/s400/Photo+120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364445652642411602" border="0" /></a><br />happy*happy friday, friends!<br />last night i created a new playlist on itunes<br />and i thought it would be fun to share here<br />since i have never done that before.<br /><br />so, here's to you<br />love, me!<br /><br />Hey Ya! - OutKast<br />Put it Down - Mike Doughty<br />Rock & Roll - Eric Hutchinson<br />Say Hey (I Love You) - Michael Franti & Spearhead<br />More Bacon Than the Pan Can Handle - Mike Doughty<br />1234 - Feist<br />The Little Things - Colbie Caillat<br />Love Song - Sara Bareilles<br />Modern Nature - Sondre Lerche<br />1,2,3,4 - Plain White T's<br />New Soul - Yael Naim<br />Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles<br />Mercy - Duffy<br />Forevermore - Katie Herzig<br />Sitting on the Dock of the Bay - Sara Bareilles<br />To Be Surprised - Sondre Lerchecara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-35368519414119232552009-07-30T07:32:00.003-06:002009-07-30T08:03:08.027-06:00When Only Living Out of Your Heart Will Do<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoT713aNjxtmxOiqqqpT1996Z8gjqyDDb55dHtPuSaYPamG91zP72thvJzLWJYQo3QZEg0bopce4c4NSsDuLLCNyVk3KF2gTLEQbuZ44thRdRbil2vJoXlsgEVMoYTk53E3tGqQ/s1600-h/IMG_1939.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGoT713aNjxtmxOiqqqpT1996Z8gjqyDDb55dHtPuSaYPamG91zP72thvJzLWJYQo3QZEg0bopce4c4NSsDuLLCNyVk3KF2gTLEQbuZ44thRdRbil2vJoXlsgEVMoYTk53E3tGqQ/s400/IMG_1939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364248499946291442" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Back in May, I left my contract position at Foundations Family Counseling, where I did outpatient counseling and ran an internship program for counseling students. It was a great gig and a place I am grateful to be connected to. But it was time for me to step away from counseling and supervising for a few reasons. On the darker side, I just wasn't doing it as well as I wanted to. With my back pain and the ongoing fatigue and moodiness that comes with constant pain, I was distracted at best. On the brighter side, I walked away so that I would have more time and energy to pursue my dreams of writing on a professional level.<br /><br />I was still leading one therapy group at a residential treatment center in the foothills, once a week. So, in the back of my mind, I had the safety net of being able to say "I am a therapist" when asked at cocktail parties (because, you know, we are big cocktail party people here in Colorado). Then, a few weeks ago, I got notice that they couldn't afford to pay me anymore, and my contract was not renewed. Something started shifting inside, right around this time. I have been working as a nanny since the winter and have been increasingly dissatisfied with it. The family is nice enough, it just wasn't for me. So, I started looking for new jobs. Knowing that I have made a commitment to take time away from counseling, I started looking for a new nanny job. Quickly, I realized that I wanted nothing to do with nannying. I was looking for these jobs out of a sense of fear - a fear that I don't have any other talents or abilities outside of counseling.<br /><br />Herb was supportive in helping me realize that I needed to wait and come up with something that works a little better for me. So, I took his advice. Things are still being worked out, but it looks like I am going to focus on writing and taking care of my back (and the home). For work, I am planning on teaching some Creative Living Workshops at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Vaun</span> Swanson's new Pomegranate Place. The website is not up yet, but it is a women's center where people can go to take classes, workshops, and just find solace in the company of other women. She is renovating a century old mansion in the city as we speak and if all goes well, it will be up and running by the fall. This gives me the entire month of August (at least) to dream and scheme as I pull my ideas for classes together.<br /><br />As a result of pulling the plug on my nanny job, I have seen what a difference it makes to the heart when you live out of obligation versus your passion. Once I gave my notice to the family I work for, my eyes and heart expanded. I started paying attention to my life again. I came off of auto-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pilot</span> and started living the things that are important to me. I have been writing several times a week, working out and cooking healthier meals (and losing weight!), and taking better care of our home. What I am learning from all of this is the importance of doing things that bring us life and give us the chance to pour life out to other people. More than that, I am learning that when we do things that we don't like and don't fit into our value system, it matters.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-90819763428000229662009-06-30T12:12:00.004-06:002009-06-30T12:20:02.213-06:00a glorious invitation<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://assets.designspongeonline.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/madandgrow4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 475px; height: 596px;" src="http://assets.designspongeonline.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/madandgrow4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> credit: <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/06/sneak-peek-teresa-of-madison-and-grow.html">design sponge</a>; apartment of teresa grow<br /></div>this painting.<br />OH, this painting.<br /></div>i love when i see something<br />or hear something<br />that stirs so deep<br />the truest of places<br />of myself.<br />of my heart.<br />of my hope<br />for what might be true<br />about myself<br />and about life<br />and about god<br />and love.<br />i love when this place is nudged,<br />gently woken up by a warm hand<br />placed on a shoulder<br />and a whisper is uttered,<br />"it is okay to wake up now.<br />to come out and play again.<br />there is hot cocoa on the stove<br />and at least one other person<br />in the world who is glad you are around.<br />wake up, will you?<br />it matters greatly that you do.<br />oh, how it matters!"cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-47171678322061989712009-06-25T07:19:00.004-06:002009-06-25T07:44:41.770-06:00wHaT We'Ve bEEn dOing aRounD hErE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfw7FIHfbX8zEabNzQfAz2SKkPnSg1yJfFR-haISR4sVHZlpcIQBWsEouD2bvi6MIj0VBuWDPJ556wwlOknHu3jUMshHR75AZqsGIvUfeT6AUaTl9MUOA6Q5Mq3HlFxmxQRXVuA/s1600-h/IMG_1911.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfw7FIHfbX8zEabNzQfAz2SKkPnSg1yJfFR-haISR4sVHZlpcIQBWsEouD2bvi6MIj0VBuWDPJ556wwlOknHu3jUMshHR75AZqsGIvUfeT6AUaTl9MUOA6Q5Mq3HlFxmxQRXVuA/s400/IMG_1911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351258874611986258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGuI9R8WMvH20MnsE0BHA38odcFy_U8OLaXgiEdx1H5iN7TI8Xok0omUX5fzWMM8Kr0rT-UCxEMhVHuN5JMvc9VNB8wVZE0xaE3cSbJB0Ep7gv9BbU8lFpcbFz8PI4DZgM4jJlw/s1600-h/IMG_1913.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGuI9R8WMvH20MnsE0BHA38odcFy_U8OLaXgiEdx1H5iN7TI8Xok0omUX5fzWMM8Kr0rT-UCxEMhVHuN5JMvc9VNB8wVZE0xaE3cSbJB0Ep7gv9BbU8lFpcbFz8PI4DZgM4jJlw/s400/IMG_1913.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351258766176315026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />* enjoying cool, sunny colorado summer weather - complete with the afternoon rain we have not seen in 7 or 8 years!<br />* a great visit with two fun girlies from new mexico<br />* "driving miss mary, 2009" . . . a nice trip to see my mom and drive her around, post eye surgery<br />* homemade crab cakes!<br />* an amazing surprise date that i planned for herb: yummy happy hour on pearl street mall and a great mark cohn concert in boulder<br />* being introduced to the musical genius that is katie herzig . . . the opening act for mark cohn!<br />* getting sweet little thank you notes for planning said surprise date in the form of gifted iTunes songs<br />* looking forward to a week off of work, followed by a girls weekend in boulder with my sister!<br />* playing in the garden and enjoying fresh herbs in the kitchen!<br />* riding our bikes<br /><br />life is pretty nice around these parts.<br />what have you been up to so far this summer?cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-17453068918412425902009-06-06T08:34:00.001-06:002009-06-06T08:34:00.367-06:00once again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://iateapie.net/images/brands/sodelishcoconutvanillayogurt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="http://iateapie.net/images/brands/sodelishcoconutvanillayogurt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>it should come as no surprise to you that i am back on a gluten and dairy free diet.<br />or should i say, i am trying to be.<br />for some reason, this diet is extremely difficult for me to stick with.<br />but time and time again,<br />i am told by professionals that it may bring great relief to my back pain<br />by decreasing the amount of food-induced inflammation i have.<br />i have a hard time buying that and so i have not really thrown myself into it<br />like i need to in order to see results.<br />but herb has recently changed his diet and he is being so diligent with it<br />that i have been inspired to give it another try!<br /><br />what i really want to tell you is about some of the foods that i am finding<br />that fit my diet.<br />first of all, there is an amazing dairy free yogurt out there!<br />i was looking for soy yogurt for thursday's cilantro pesto, and i found this.<br />i don't really care for the taste or texture of most soy products<br />but i love the taste of coconut,<br />so when i found this, i was very excited!<br />and the texture is exactly like regular, dairy-based yogurt.<br />so even if you can eat dairy, give it a try!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/images/526_sonoma_chicken_salad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 290px;" src="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/images/526_sonoma_chicken_salad.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>next, is Whole Foods'<a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=526"> Sonoma Chicken Salad.</a><br />if i am reading the nutritional info correctly,<br />it is not low in the calorie and fat department<br />(i can't tell if that is for one serving for for the entire recipe)<br />but it is high in protein and flavor<br />and i am most nearly positive<br />that it is dairy and gluten free.<br /><br />for the past year or so i have been so inspired by<br />the <a href="http://www.glutenfreegirl.com">The Gluten Free Girl</a><br />in her attempts to embrace her restrictions with food<br />and allow them to show her new, open doors she has never<br />before noticed.<br />it is not easy, but here i am, starting again.<br />go.<br /><br /><br />(* i am not a professional in the food and allergy department,<br />so if you cannot have these dairy and gluten,<br />please double check and do your own research<br />on the yogurt and the chicken salad before consuming.)cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-19233301649673270582009-06-05T08:15:00.002-06:002009-06-05T08:18:36.088-06:00first*fruits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK_diIRb_zwIp1HD0I4fg2tkV_46syl1tPBnMJZQymezjBszyRlDDS7v9-VcBHxTJNS5k6pPRCobTnWAjxIomS7C5gxsBnWINBYJnQTXiSi5wLZGspFwNzHLkFyScbg1L74kChg/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK_diIRb_zwIp1HD0I4fg2tkV_46syl1tPBnMJZQymezjBszyRlDDS7v9-VcBHxTJNS5k6pPRCobTnWAjxIomS7C5gxsBnWINBYJnQTXiSi5wLZGspFwNzHLkFyScbg1L74kChg/s400/Photo+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343630713967000578" border="0" /></a>this summer i planted my first garden.<br />and yesterday i picked my first ingredients!<br />unlike everything else, my cilantro is<br />SPRINGING UP FAST & FURIOUS!<br />so last night i made an<a href="http://bigwhitedress.blogspot.com/2006/03/not-your-mammas-flank-steak.html"> old favorite</a>.<br />this is a very easy recipe<br />that even a novice can master and use to impress<br />all of your friends and family!<br /><br />ENJOY!<br /><br /><h1 id="recipeTitle" class="clear">Flank Steak with Cilantro-Almond Pesto</h1><div class="rcpdetail" id="yield"> <h2>Yields:</h2> <p>4 servings (serving size: 3 ounces steak and about 1 tablespoon pesto)</p> </div><!-- end class="rcpdetail" --> <div class="rcpdetail" id="ingredients"> <h2>Ingredients</h2> <ul><li> 3/4 cup fresh cilantro</li><li> 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted</li><li> 1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño pepper</li><li> 1/8 teaspoon salt</li><li> 1/8 teaspoon black pepper</li><li> 1 garlic clove, chopped</li><li> 3 tablespoons plain fat-free yogurt</li><li> 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice</li><li> 1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed</li><li> Cilantro sprigs (optional)</li></ul> </div><!-- end class="rcpdetail" --> <div class="rcpdetail" id="preparation"> <h2>Preparation</h2> <p>Prepare grill.</p><p>Combine first 6 ingredients in a blender; process until finely chopped (about 15 seconds). Add yogurt and juice; process until smooth.</p><p>Grill steak 6 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Cut steak diagonally across grain into thin slices. Serve steak with pesto. Garnish with cilantro sprigs, if desired.</p> </div><!-- end class="rcpdetail" --> <div class="rcpdetail" id="nutrientInfo"> <h2>Nutritional Information</h2> <dl><dt>Calories:</dt><dd>209 (47% from fat)</dd><dt>Fat:</dt><dd>10.8g (sat 3.9g,mono 4.9g,poly 0.8g) </dd><dt>Protein:</dt><dd>24.6g</dd><dt>Carbohydrate:</dt><dd>2.4g</dd><dt>Fiber:</dt><dd>0.6g</dd><dt>Cholesterol:</dt><dd>57mg</dd><dt>Iron:</dt><dd>2.5mg</dd><dt>Sodium:</dt><dd>152mg</dd><dt>Calcium:</dt><dd>36mg</dd></dl> </div>cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-55940834136334088722009-06-04T11:39:00.003-06:002009-06-04T11:45:57.155-06:00chasing the dream<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfItJyRGpVZl7SmDwHGRXyPwv4VZZPJ8sckLrO7DuOuSaH3r1I21fLRO9XospEh4wdBVI_-nQ-rKj6dG3mFHOXvSSt7a1NJtM1IOBhMf3Y_JR7q9DKpPXR7jwpWseFJPuvlZVR_w/s1600-h/Photo+95.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfItJyRGpVZl7SmDwHGRXyPwv4VZZPJ8sckLrO7DuOuSaH3r1I21fLRO9XospEh4wdBVI_-nQ-rKj6dG3mFHOXvSSt7a1NJtM1IOBhMf3Y_JR7q9DKpPXR7jwpWseFJPuvlZVR_w/s400/Photo+95.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343528814631635378" border="0" /></a><br />this morning i went on a writing date with myself .<br />we went to starbucks.<br />me, myself, and our computer.<br />and a notebook.<br />a comfy chair was involved and so was some fabulous<br />(but inappropriate for getting into a writing groove)<br />latin music.<br /><br />i wrote a few paragraphs<br />that left me feeling uninspired.<br />i got sort of cranky about being there.<br />then i remembered that i have made many choices recently<br />that have afforded myself the time and opportunity to spend time writing.<br />so i wrote a little more.<br />and then i left. <br />but i have to have to have to believe<br />that every 20 or 30 minute chunk of time<br />every choice to go write instead of going home<br />will eventually set a rhythm, habit, and pattern.<br />eventually all of these chunks of writing will be edited<br />and worked<br />and moved around<br />until something i love and feel proud of sits on my bookshelf<br />and hopefully yours too.<br /><br />baby steps.<br />one<br />two<br />three.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-79807228446168495122009-06-03T10:57:00.005-06:002009-06-04T11:53:09.653-06:00it's been a long long long time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK0wGKzl4mFA9hUB55Y8Ai1_oG5gVpv5ynMJ5z9ffUtpR-ue7P-uiy_oH09y_uoASQOMg10zea9so-TBj2CsULP1Mndj4uNOFESAZFhDC930ljHkYnJnExWDq6O1tOajSQAr-zg/s1600-h/Photo+75.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK0wGKzl4mFA9hUB55Y8Ai1_oG5gVpv5ynMJ5z9ffUtpR-ue7P-uiy_oH09y_uoASQOMg10zea9so-TBj2CsULP1Mndj4uNOFESAZFhDC930ljHkYnJnExWDq6O1tOajSQAr-zg/s400/Photo+75.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343148231428705346" border="0" /></a>well, well, well.<br />it has been awhile, no?<br />the past few months have been a blogland blur.<br />i was quite busy<br /><a href="http://themarriagemix.com/">over here</a> for a few months.<br />but honestly, even that has slowed down.<br />i think i am in season of contemplation<br />and prioritizing.<br /><br />did you know that i have a counseling degree?<br />well, i do.<br />and i have been practicing counseling<br />in some form or another for eight years.<br />this spring, i decided to stop the majority of my work as a counselor.<br />so i have been wrapping things up at work for the past few months.<br />and dreaming about what might be next!??!?!!?!<br />writing.<br />well, that is something i have been talking about for a long time<br />but it is time to get serious and really let my passion sing.<br />and that is taking a lot of personal soul searching<br />in order to get past a lot of internal blech before i can really<br />pursue this dream to the fullest.<br /><br />but right now, i am really missing this blog.<br />so, in this effort to reintroduce myself to blog world,<br />i thought i would share some current favorite things.<br /><br />1. OPI An Affair in Red Square<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.haircarechoices.com/prod_images/1208/250/13622.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.haircarechoices.com/prod_images/1208/250/13622.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />2. <a href="http://www.brothersbloom.com/">this film</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Brothers_Bloom/the_brothers_bloom_movie_poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 458px; height: 888px;" src="http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Brothers_Bloom/the_brothers_bloom_movie_poster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />3. and excited to see these films:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wondersinthedark.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/500days.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 691px; height: 433px;" src="http://wondersinthedark.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/500days.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/away-we-go-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 617px;" src="http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/away-we-go-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />4. day dreaming about teaching young girlies to become <a href="http://www.kerismith.com/">guerrilla artists</a>.<br /><br />5. playing games with my favorite guy named herb.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://realtoreel.ca/wpimages/camp/Monopoly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 687px; height: 707px;" src="http://realtoreel.ca/wpimages/camp/Monopoly.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />6. trying out <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=522196">new recipes.</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/ck/02/11/muffins-ck-522196-l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://img.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/ck/02/11/muffins-ck-522196-l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />7. planting my garden.<br /><br />8. listening to my wind chimes in the late spring windy weather.<br /><br />9. making new friends.<br /><br />10. ordering <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Swimwear/Miraclesuit/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2234255%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2234255%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%2224395%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C3C101C24395%22%2CcolorId%3A%22216%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB09IA_0122399_216B1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22%7E%7EcategoryId%3D24395%7E%7EcategoryName%3DMIRACLESUIT%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D101%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DSWIMWEAR%7E%7EgpCategoryId%3D3%7E%7EgpCategoryName%3DWOMEN%7E%7EggpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EggpCategoryName%3DEB%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D">new swimsuits</a> and getting excited about floating around at <a href="http://www.piratescovecolorado.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=740&page=41147">this place</a>!<br /><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?&ensembleId=34255&cs=0&siteId=1">Eddie Bauer: Miraclesuit® Solid-Color Valentine One-Piece</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2438/2112/400/2006-07-31%20J%20Cara%20%26%20Herb%20at%20Pirate%27s%20Cove.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/2438/2112/400/2006-07-31%20J%20Cara%20%26%20Herb%20at%20Pirate%27s%20Cove.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />i am happy**happy to be dipping my toes back into blogland<br />and looking forward to sharing more stories and pictures soon.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-55781480226276464542009-02-19T07:45:00.005-07:002009-02-19T07:53:59.732-07:00a new friend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOKAdg4RT6CjGwbtrNNdh0yOrd5UxCVoHGoTm30dTpq4Cuw-0Oj2XTZIBTWxX28xPbN69tQpPxzAvxrTYeSTxSp0iICrfDdgCAQcNfm3TuTnjzX4yeCNVFEJ_KO3s2gTqBB5oRA/s400/IMG_2520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOKAdg4RT6CjGwbtrNNdh0yOrd5UxCVoHGoTm30dTpq4Cuw-0Oj2XTZIBTWxX28xPbN69tQpPxzAvxrTYeSTxSp0iICrfDdgCAQcNfm3TuTnjzX4yeCNVFEJ_KO3s2gTqBB5oRA/s400/IMG_2520.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />hi there<br />this is my new friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">olivia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jane</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">wible</span><br />we met through a mutual friend,<br />also known as her mother.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">olivia</span> was not supposed to show up on the scene until may or june<br />so it goes without saying we were totally unprepared to meet her.<br />in fact, i had not even had the chance to host a little party<br />and make all of her mamma's friend's taste baby food<br />and sniff diapers<br />(i have actually only heard of that game<br />and i assure you i would never actually make anyone play it!)<br /><br />anyway,<br />her mom has been having some abdominal pain<br />and in the process of being in the hospital<br />and dealing with it,<br />miss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">olivia</span> greeted us very early.<br /><br />her mom will be having surgery next week<br />to figure out what is going on.<br /><br />so that means she will have:<br />one toddler<br />one husband<br />one church plant job left unattended<br />one home to care for<br />one post-op wound to tend to<br />and one beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">premi</span> baby<br />who is living in a hospital bassinet.<br /><br />clearly, they have a lot going on.<br />so, if you want to pray<br />or through a few dollars their way<br />or (if we know you) provide some childcare for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">alvin</span>,<br />please <a href="http://www.coloradowibles.blogspot.com/">wander over to their blog</a><br />and check out the right sidebar for ways you can help.<br /><br />THANK YOU!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">(in case you are wondering,<br />chad <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">wible</span> gave me permission to post this.<br />that probably doesn't mean much<br />because he is just some guy i met<br />with the same last name as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">olivia</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">alli</span>,<br />but i figured that might count for something<br />if i ever got taken to court for posting their story here.)</span>cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-41991775785465856362009-02-17T04:04:00.006-07:002009-02-17T06:22:59.995-07:00seriously*privileged<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfh5fMmI9Fv45ur7xB3VUflmlKd6e_lP-QRqej9WyPZwOD1cBITsTQKRo72cLRKnVxP8hu5-OGwU0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />by now, most of you have probably seen this video.<br />and while i love sharing it<br />and had an amazing time making it,<br />that is not what this post is really about.<br /><br />i wanted to share about two fabulous websites<br />that this little video has had the honor<br />of being featured on lately.<br />there are so many rockin' women out there in blogland<br />and they are doing amazing things!<br /><br /><a href="http://theartisfound.blogspot.com/">the art is found</a><br />every other week,<br />the uber impressive,<br />SIXTEEN year old<br /><a href="http://www.oldladyinateenager.blogspot.com">kara</a> and her awesome team of artists<br />post a piece of inspiration<br />for artists to take and run with.<br />they are cool.<br />this girl is amazing and i can't wait to see<br />what she is doing in 10 years from now!<br /><br />and then you must go check out <a href="http://www.vocafemina.com">voca femina</a>.<br />seriously.<br />wow.<br />a friend of mine turned me on to this local group<br />of colorado gals who are going to spread like<br />wildfire on the web!<br />they are all about giving women a place to share their<br />writing and artwork!<br />please, go check out what they are doing<br />and leave them some big time love!<br />if you really like what they are doing,<br />tell your friends!<br />anyone out there who has ever started a blog<br />knows that especially at the beginning,<br />you want to know if people are tuning in!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">thanks, to these two blogs for allowing me</span> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">to contribute to the conversation</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">of art and beauty.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);font-size:180%;" >enjoy the week!<br />cara</span><br /><br />PS - don't forget to leave a comment on <a href="http://themarriagemix.com/?p=99">the new blog</a><br />for a chance to win a great book on marriage!<br />i mean, even if you aren't married,<br />it makes a great gift.<br />or paper weight.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-89709177030596515342009-02-16T14:39:00.002-07:002009-02-16T14:43:21.883-07:00update on the book giveaway!hi everyone!<br /><br />i just wanted to remind you about<br />the book giveaway i am doing.<br />if you don't want to link the <a href="http://www.themarriagemix.com">new blog</a> up<br />to your blog,<br />that's okay!<br />just leave a comment here or on the new blog<br />and look OVER THERE<br />on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thursday</span><br />for the winner!<br /><br />i am so excited about everything that is happening<br />over on the <a href="http://www.themarriagemix.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MarriageMix</span>!</a><br />if you have already been over there,<br />THANK YOU!<br />if you haven't,<br />well,<br />maybe today is the day!<br />go check it out!<br />i am especially excited to share with you<br />the current post:<br />Kevin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Still's</span> T-Shirt<br />I believe it will make you smile as well as very glad<br />to know that there are men like him<br />in the world!cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-11326341243610904932009-02-04T18:39:00.005-07:002009-02-04T19:10:40.391-07:00who doesn't like a book give away????<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/5/52571x/main/52571x_1_ftc_dp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 433px; height: 696px;" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/5/52571x/main/52571x_1_ftc_dp.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.contentreserve.com/ImageType-100/1191-1/%7BCAC10C7F-65C1-49E4-A6E3-9D5E3B506DF3%7DImg100.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 510px; height: 680px;" src="http://images.contentreserve.com/ImageType-100/1191-1/%7BCAC10C7F-65C1-49E4-A6E3-9D5E3B506DF3%7DImg100.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />thanks to all who have given me encouragement and feedback<br />about my new blog:<br /><a href="http://www.themarriagemix.com/">the marriage mix</a><br /><br />i have had this blog for three years now,<br />and those of you who read it regularly mean so much to me!<br />so, please, feel free to email me with any<br />feedback or constructive criticism or suggestions that you might have<br />for my new blog!<br />i trust you and would love to hear what you have to say.<br /><br />the new blog is all about finding hope that marriages can work; that our generation does not have to follow in the statistical footsteps of our parents. so, it is my hope to get the word out about it, so we can create more and more encouraging, hopeful conversations about love and marriage. <p>would you like to help?<br />great, I thought you might!<br />you can help out by adding this blog to your list of links on your own blog</p> <p>OR</p> <p>you can add this blog to your blog reader</p> <p>once you do that, come back here and leave a comment and you will be entered in a drawing to win one of these thoughtful, brilliant books about marriage!</p> <p>easy as pie, right?</p> <p>right.</p>cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-83960113674520884092009-02-02T07:03:00.003-07:002009-02-02T07:03:01.534-07:00The Marriage MixThree years ago, I was a newlywed who was quickly realizing that marriage is not easy.<br />There were so many surprises and funny stories that popped up everyday.<br /><br />So, I began this blog: I Do WHAT????<br />For the first few months, I wrote stories about marriage<br />and everything I was learning about it.<br /><br />After a few more months it got hard.<br />I mean really hard.<br /><br />Things started to crumble, inside and out.<br />I stayed at home as much as possible.<br />I avoided phone calls.<br />It took me 8 months to even tell my mom<br />that my fairy tale marriage was coming apart at the seams.<br /><br />Very quickly, this blog became an escape.<br />Instead of chronicling my marriage here,<br />I used it as a place to focus on the "pretty things" in life.<br />Pictures, vacation tales, art making and recipes got logged here.<br /><br />But now we are have been doing this thing (marriage)<br />for more than three years.<br />And things are better.<br />Not perfect.<br />But better.<br />Much<br />much<br />much<br />better.<br /><br />And during the tough days,<br />when I was at a complete loss for stories of hope<br />and encouragement,<br />I was terrified that people who had it as bad as we did<br />had only one choice -<br />to get a divorce.<br /><br />We did not want to leave our marriage,<br />so we worked hard to find another option.<br />This looked a lot like<br />crying<br />yelling<br />crying some more<br />talking<br />talking<br />talking<br />until<br />we had to sleep.<br />letting friends<br />listen<br />and<br />encourage.<br />crying<br />talking<br />yelling<br />talking.<br /><br />It took a lot of hard work, prayers, and tears.<br />It is not a strategy, formula, or magic spell.<br />But it is a testament that tough marriages don't have to end.<br /><br />And now I want to provide that sense of<br />hope<br />and<br />encouragement<br />to others.<br /><br />You can find that in my new blog<br />(this time, it really WILL be about marriage)<br /><a href="http://www.themarriagemix.com">The Marriage Mix</a><br /><br />This blog is not going anywhere.<br />I will still post silly stories,<br />thoughts on faith,<br />ridiculous bed head photos,<br />and my adventures in the kitchen<br />on this blog!<br /><br />In the meantime, go check out my new blog.<br />Be sure to visit often this week,<br />as I will be making changes and improvements.<br />And please, let me know what you think -<br />I would love your feedback!cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-22997177837780020402009-01-03T19:48:00.004-07:002009-01-03T20:11:52.393-07:0008*09this is now at least my third attempt at paying tribute to 2008.<br />it is a hard thing to do,<br />saying thank you<br />and good-bye<br />to an<br />entire<br />year<br />of<br />your<br />life.<br /><br />it is a hard thing to do.<br /><br />and maybe it should be.<br /><br />not so much because you don't want to see it go<br />or that you don't trust that the next year will continue to care for you,<br />but how do you sum up a year?<br />by the events that took place?<br />the books that were read?<br />things that were learned?<br />or unlearned?<br />or relearned?<br /><br />how do you thank 365 days<br />for teaching you<br />and growing you<br />and showing you new things?<br /><br />how do you do this?<br /><br />i'm not sure.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">but here is what i do know . . . </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">things i know a little more about today than i did last January . . . </span><br /><br />* Pillars of the Earth is a great book<br />* i have a special place in my heart for the Pacific Northwest<br />* my body is capable of doing very strenuous workouts<br />* i am ready to be a mamma<br />* i want to travel to wales<br />* i have several bulging discs in my spine, which have caused me a decade of pain<br />* i will be married to herb forever . . . even though it is really hard sometimes<br />* it is good to say "i am sorry" . . . i said it a lot this year. A LOT. to a lot of people.<br />* i love my hair when it is cut like victoria beckham's hair<br />* my parents are never going to be perfect<br />* my problems are not their fault<br />* counseling is a hard job for me<br />* i must stop saying "i am going to write a book someday" and start working on it. hard. or it will never happen.<br />* i understand why god desires us to participate in community, but i don't understand why we need to attend church. i am going to have to be okay with that for a while.<br />* our country is in for big change these next four years. i helped make that happen.<br />* arguing a point in order to be right is not worth the cost of the relationship<br />* i have good friends<br />* there are four women in denver that i want to pursue closer friendship with this year<br />* denver is our home. we will probably always live here.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and i have not made any resolutions, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">but i do appreciate the start of a new year,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and i do have a few things that i would like to see happen</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">in 2009:</span><br /><br />* continue to pursue my physical health<br />* focus on what herb is trying to communicate, rather than trying to be right<br />* write. write. write. pursue my dreams!<br />* work towards having a baby this year or next.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">that's it folks.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">i hope you had a year full of adventure, forgiveness, love, and curiosity.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and here is to another one filled with the same!</span>cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-32089663874807145152009-01-03T19:22:00.006-07:002009-01-03T19:48:43.230-07:00christmas around this joint . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaETHSN6QL9XT3goA5CsiwtzdIXzJP-KohVaP0-hr2MhXZpWYPSiMvlhLZKHPjIf5frCkwTd4Ijjp3DG-gqAcKK3n5ruiFHYM5OZ8AL7mOxtEzR4M4lXw_1OeuVpKc7GnObVfpw/s1600-h/IMG_1567.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaETHSN6QL9XT3goA5CsiwtzdIXzJP-KohVaP0-hr2MhXZpWYPSiMvlhLZKHPjIf5frCkwTd4Ijjp3DG-gqAcKK3n5ruiFHYM5OZ8AL7mOxtEzR4M4lXw_1OeuVpKc7GnObVfpw/s320/IMG_1567.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287262823495885538" border="0" /></a><br />herb and i made a gingerbread house<br />a few days before christmas.<br />isn't it cute?<br /><br />well, kind of . . .<br /><br />why don't you take a closer look:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZixA78gNsppCItVh7GGqWebJljWcWdBpbqRW_Y-sGJkZgsa_gQAmACkyz3FvEZ6iJBf62_454PMYXOrhB8gQyOLn-YcDMCdJvBtqFvyL0pPFIiNrQbji_PAijnDktQhIhEFLnqw/s1600-h/IMG_1566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZixA78gNsppCItVh7GGqWebJljWcWdBpbqRW_Y-sGJkZgsa_gQAmACkyz3FvEZ6iJBf62_454PMYXOrhB8gQyOLn-YcDMCdJvBtqFvyL0pPFIiNrQbji_PAijnDktQhIhEFLnqw/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287262837884908194" border="0" /></a><br />exhibit A:<br />please note the gingertree on the left.<br />i decorated this tree with tasteful red gel frosting dots.<br />festive yet understated.<br />now, please note the tree on the right.<br />that would be herb's tree.<br />it is decorated with dots in various shades of peach.<br />it is a boob tree.<br />it is totally a tree made of boobs!<br />herb says it is "retro-mod".<br />me?<br />i say:<br />boob.tree.<br /><br />but do not worry, that is the least of it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn8cCCB6adpY4K6c3DHd9bE5YjbxC0i7hr5sMh7N_VFLiyHxQdCgx5L3kWlvsdR7LReL9xTOmGcBac3vzDxed27H9IHZoR_zGevk3scuG4gro2OqBfzOWyBAowoObtGoJVijhkA/s1600-h/IMG_1564.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn8cCCB6adpY4K6c3DHd9bE5YjbxC0i7hr5sMh7N_VFLiyHxQdCgx5L3kWlvsdR7LReL9xTOmGcBac3vzDxed27H9IHZoR_zGevk3scuG4gro2OqBfzOWyBAowoObtGoJVijhkA/s320/IMG_1564.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287262832241369106" border="0" /></a><br />exhibit B:<br />there is a ginger-sniper on our roof.<br />herb carefully crafted that snow man a sniper rifle.<br />herb says he is a protector of all things festive and christmas-like.<br />me?<br />i say candy-coated-killer!cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-61927175679907092292008-12-20T20:06:00.004-07:002008-12-20T20:19:00.417-07:00keepin' it real in blog world<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNRuM4kTq-yxxYj5m4JgKrpy7kHoxNQJoOG1Vo9uZayTBQoDVPA7V6YmaIgn9D_e-wi1i_NtlbmzoCk8Uh26WJW54gu-0CV8ANafZFIKpr8lnWqv4brxflDN71RDpEU7tbvfUQ/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNRuM4kTq-yxxYj5m4JgKrpy7kHoxNQJoOG1Vo9uZayTBQoDVPA7V6YmaIgn9D_e-wi1i_NtlbmzoCk8Uh26WJW54gu-0CV8ANafZFIKpr8lnWqv4brxflDN71RDpEU7tbvfUQ/s320/Photo+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282077569482858674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGayfxfAv0AFqgAXff8qXryrN5WHmaLvM8Xkwiqvz5W8RB9eSpAjJXtyz7GoyAzj3_vMWwNcyeEGrnsewlefFw0mu5pfz4A14d_kVgn1koTPAtTw_89bQaJ648OMwTVRapOjoOw/s1600-h/Photo+35.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGayfxfAv0AFqgAXff8qXryrN5WHmaLvM8Xkwiqvz5W8RB9eSpAjJXtyz7GoyAzj3_vMWwNcyeEGrnsewlefFw0mu5pfz4A14d_kVgn1koTPAtTw_89bQaJ648OMwTVRapOjoOw/s320/Photo+35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282074606446048866" border="0" /></a><br />every morning, my hair provides endless entertainment<br />in the harjes household.<br />every morning it is crazy big<br />and every morning i tell herb,<br />"take a picture of my hair and put it on my blog"<br />and every morning we laugh and laugh<br />and every morning, he <span style="font-weight: bold;">never </span>takes a picture.<br /><br />but this morning was too good to pass up.<br />so i took my own picture and put it on my blog!<br /><br />i hope you enjoy this, blogworld.<br />i just thought you should know that i don't always look like<a href="http://tzbrink.blogspot.com/2008/09/cara.html"> this!!!</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">link me up to your bedhead this week, i dare ya!!!</span>cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-63287799837443859472008-12-18T10:35:00.004-07:002008-12-18T10:43:20.199-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2OJS7ZeKfTdib3Xb5zH0A448E5WOfB0W4EyEX9BLCLvOnsOy8JcERdFZFzvtiLFLeJ_Q_d_HVxFgMLwlCFzR9ZdefHZuQkpVPnSggNZyy28fqBGIrxAdhsFUhCIdAsW83IbBAQ/s1600-h/IMG_1188.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2OJS7ZeKfTdib3Xb5zH0A448E5WOfB0W4EyEX9BLCLvOnsOy8JcERdFZFzvtiLFLeJ_Q_d_HVxFgMLwlCFzR9ZdefHZuQkpVPnSggNZyy28fqBGIrxAdhsFUhCIdAsW83IbBAQ/s320/IMG_1188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281185771741324290" border="0" /></a><br />well, even though i have been a naughty blogger lately,<br /><a href="http://www.kelligambee.blogspot.com/">kelli</a> nominated me for the Christmas Spirit Award!<br /><br />in order to accept this award, i must share with you all of the things<br />that i love about christmas. <br />and then, tag someone else.<br />i think i shall tag<a href="http://www.blingonmysewingmachine.blogspot.com"> rachel</a>, since she has the cuuuutest holiday decorations!<br /><br />okay, things i love about christmas:<br />* my ornament garland that herb and i bought together<br />while we were dating<br />* hot cocoa<br />* driving around and looking at christmas lights<br />* SOMA FM's christmas station (free internet radio, baby!)<br />* buying gifts for herb<br />* cuddling on the couch for a few days at a time<br />* snowy nights<br /><br />what do YOU love about christmas time?cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-48490655914960294002008-12-10T18:08:00.000-07:002008-12-10T18:09:12.305-07:00May I Have Some Community With My Eggnog?As the Christmas season washes upon us, waves of shiny green and red, gingerbread and warm fires, submerge us. Stores sell silk dresses, so pretty I have found myself tempted to plan a fancy party just so I can wear one! If we turn down the 32nd version of Baby It’s Cold Outside, we will hear a quieter chorus. This voice calls us back to the birth of a baby in a barn and a faithful teenage girl. Clearly, this Christmas season we have entered seems to split us into two groups: those who delight in the commercialism and social norms of the season (such as gift-buying, party-hosting, and card-sending) and others who feel that such activities detract from the meaning of the season, and ultimately, the heart of God.<br /><br />Though some of the fanfare of the season is noisy and loud (and even profane), we who respond to its siren cry are drawn to it for a reason, signaling something more profound than the mere success of evil genius advertisers. Engaging the man-made season may seem shallow and misguided. It may distract us and leave us exhausted, but I believe we are seeking something deeper and more meaningful in the process.<br /><br />As I hear the fringe pleading, a little bit louder this year, that we all just stop with the list-making and the party-going and the card-sending and focus on knowing God and loving our neighbor, I am beginning to wonder if by engaging these "distractions", we are trying to do just that.<br /><br />I can see now that what people are really seeking during this season as they rush around buying gifts, attending parties, and spending the obligatory morning at the local soup kitchen is expressing love to others, participating in community, and serving the poor. Throughout the year, it can be difficult to find the context in which to pursue these things. Our schedules limit us, our wounds entangle us, and our selfishness isolates us.<br /><br />Our culture is limiting as well. We who were born after the time of community barn raisings have become so self-sufficient that we no longer know how to love our neighbors; mostly because we have never met them. Dropping by a plate of cookies to unknown neighbors in the middle of July would make us feel weird. But anytime after Thanksgiving and before January first, we have the armor of “good tidings and cheer” to buffer all discomfort. But these are the things that God so desperately longs to see us do year round. And we long to do them year round, because regardless of where we think they come from, we have a set of internal desires (though sometimes quite faint) that God infused in us upon our creation.<br /><br />People gladly pursue their God-given desires when they see the opportunity. For example, in March of 2003, my home of Denver, CO experienced a snow that kept the city stranded inside for three days. The day after the snow stopped, I noticed something different at my neighborhood library. It was noisy. People were smiling. And TALKING to one another – to strangers! People swapped stories about how much snow we got and what they did while trapped inside. It was something that, though unusual, seemed to come so easy and natural. By God’s design, we long to connect with each other. Sometimes, we just need a reason.<br /><br />It is with this perspective, that I believe our culture has created noisy celebration around Christmas – that we might have a reason to connect with our community - and to pursue a Savior we long to know, but whom we don’t know how to engage. It is my hope that in the year to come, we will explore ways to engage the heart of Christmas on a daily basis. Perhaps next December we find that we have a slower, quieter approach to the month, because we sought the heart of Christmas all year.<br /><br />WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?<br /><br />Parties:<br />We are desperate to connect with others. The way we wait for those invites to roll in, need the season to throw a party, and do our best to attend them all, begs the question, do we really know how to engage community on our own? Let’s practice daily building the kinds of relationships we long for.<br /><br />Gift Giving: <br />Our loved ones want to know that we care about them, and most of us want to express our care. But what are we doing to show we care year round? And if we don’t actually care, our energy would be better spent mending the relationships and creating an actual depth of love, rather than the illusion of love through the gifting of an electric razor or tea cozy.<br /><br />General Merriment:<br />We go crazy over lights and music and festive clothes. We want a sense of celebration and possibility that is infused into the rest of the year by having spontaneous family dance parties after dinner, using the good china on a Tuesday, and creating a sense of magic for a stranger by surprising them with acts of unbelievable kindness and grace. <br /><br />Creating a Mood:<br />The desire to decorate our homes for the holidays and make intricate cards is a reflection of our inclination to create. As He created us, so too do we have an inherent drive to create. What can we give up in this New Year to make time in our lives to create on a regular basis?<br /><br />Christmas Music:<br />The language in these traditional holiday tunes highlights some of our longings for the things of God. Can you imagine how our day-to-day experience would change if we meditated on words like “joy”, “cheer”, and “comfort” year round? <br /><br /><br />Christmas pandemonium does not have to be the devil’s playground if we can learn to appreciate it for what it really is – a reflection that our deepest needs and longings are unquenched. This season can serve us like pain we experience when we accidentally touch a hot burner on the stove – it does not feel good, but without the pain, we would not know to move our hand away from the hot coil to safety. In this way, let us recognize that the extreme engagement we observe in this season is simply the heart’s cry to live out Christmas year round.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-44725676587658142052008-12-04T11:09:00.005-07:002008-12-04T11:36:39.857-07:00pictures 07<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8CPCTaTn5qFTyGm2rzndF19RisxIPiZDW0UFIQ-lWlk_mSHF9waJhlUJin9aJ0_hjFnfEHagNPgX1p5VZUmRGrHE5nvGFvCXdQmX5a3KBoar6TBEBM5CyOZ1Sxsw271olDKlqg/s1600-h/IMG_1174.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8CPCTaTn5qFTyGm2rzndF19RisxIPiZDW0UFIQ-lWlk_mSHF9waJhlUJin9aJ0_hjFnfEHagNPgX1p5VZUmRGrHE5nvGFvCXdQmX5a3KBoar6TBEBM5CyOZ1Sxsw271olDKlqg/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276000254511406050" border="0" /></a>what were you shooting a year ago?<br />look back at your photos from last year<br />and see what you were shooting today<br />(or this week).<br />and then upload a link in the comments section!<br />come on, it will be fun!cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-43265634875211237562008-11-29T12:44:00.002-07:002008-11-29T12:45:50.084-07:00waiting for the airplane . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi9fwDlvRXMFgxB3ZEyRPIBzUaIlTh_JUFoeBY-yRwg5XZ7xmuUixIImnJhl_dQht56eEeaqtUVvjvP4MNEHLaleWqKX23z6IipiqQh2FQyJNZKc-lussmZ7mSmB86lW7hfR5hQ/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi9fwDlvRXMFgxB3ZEyRPIBzUaIlTh_JUFoeBY-yRwg5XZ7xmuUixIImnJhl_dQht56eEeaqtUVvjvP4MNEHLaleWqKX23z6IipiqQh2FQyJNZKc-lussmZ7mSmB86lW7hfR5hQ/s320/Photo+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274167876542815202" border="0" /></a><br />our flight is delayed<br />weather in florida<br />and snow in colorado<br />we may just be moving into the st. louis airport.<br /><br />the computer battery is about to die.<br /><br />hope you had a good thanksgiving.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20939511.post-80686191939681017052008-11-25T16:04:00.003-07:002008-11-25T20:50:12.418-07:00experimenting with joy: part iiit is really difficult for me to let people take care of me. i might allow someone to do something i don't want to do. herb knows this to be true. all of the gold stars next to his name, earned for laundry folding and trash-taking-out, can testify. but that is really more laziness than anything else. i am talking about really being honest with someone about a need that you have. and then allowing them to really do something about it. <br /><br />as a therapist, you would think i could see the value in allowing another to walk alongside me. after all, i make a living by doing that for others. apparently i (and my clients) believe that there is something valuable in allowing another to know your pain and do what they can to help.<br /><br />it may have something to do with being embarrassed. or nervous. nervous that if i am totally honest about my stuff, that people will judge. and nervous that if i ask for help, and really allow the other to put themselves aside long enough to help me . . . in exchange for helping me . . . that they will in turn resent me.<br /><br />i know, for a therapist, i am flush with issues.<br /><br />this is both<br />accurate<br />and<br />old<br />news.<br /><br />but on sunday, for whatever reason, i allowed my friend kelly to respond to my weakness. she, like all of you, knows that i am supposed to be resting my body as much as possible. but what she also knows about me is that i am more likely to keep tromping along like nothing is wrong with me, so as not to be judged as being weak, or more likely, a drama queen. but she decided, on sunday, to give me what i needed. and that was a day of doing nothing. we spent hours on our respective couches. reading and watching movies. mostly watching movies. i did not even feel moderately compelled to get up from the couch when she started cooking lunch. not because i am lazy, but because i knew that the doctor wants me off of me feet as much as possible. and i know that kelly can handle making lunch for me, without my help, without so much as judging me or feeling resentful. <br /><br />it was surprisingly easy. and i was really happy to have experimented with living honestly out of my needs and weaknesses. it felt authentic and true. and later that evening, around 7 pm, when we finally emerged from the pit of pajamas and films, i felt whole, well, rested, present and peaceful. i was funnier at the dinner party we attended than i have been in months.<br /><br />it was like i was being rewarded for honoring myself by getting to see more of my true self emerge.cara harjeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05633544149049073597noreply@blogger.com2