Most Sincerely,

Autumn's chill had made her way to Northeastern Missouri, and with it she brought gray sky and rains. I woke this morning to the faint strains of classic rock coming from our alarm clock, a melody melding seamlessly with the pitter patter of rain on our aluminum front porch awning. The chill was undeniable, I pulled the comforter tighter and my body closer to Josh. We gently dozed through a few more snoozes. After about the third nine minute interval my mind was alert and my spirit felt brighter than ever. I believe the culmination of waking to the chill (which I adore), the gray (which makes the colored leaves so much more vibrant), and cuddling close to a warm body (which always melts my heart) made for a soup of great morning joy!

I rose and came into the computer room, a room warmed by a space heater. The computer room is the only sanctuary from the chill, in our home, at this time. For very good reason, it houses our newest family member-- Mr. Sparky Bandito. Mr. Sparky Bandito is a pygmy hedgehog who must be kept at a reasonable temperature so as to make sure he does not go into hibernation, which can be fatal for domestic hedgehogs. 

There I sat at the computer to check my financial aid status (no change yet, but I have faith! You gotta!), and go through my morning internet musings. I began with logging onto an internet radio station I've been frequenting. It is called gypsy radio and plays such things as Todd Snider, Steve Earle, and Lucinda Williams. These were the notes that carried me through what proved to be a very inspiration infused morning. Here are some of the pieces I particularly enjoyed:

• Magpie Girl writes about finding calm in the chaos at the dome dedicated to all the gods.
• Susan offers a contemplative look at the musician Todd Snider (my all-time favorite), and posted this video which sent good tingles all up and down my body! She also has the most optimistic way of looking at a domestic disaster, a true inspiration.
  

Susan's post made me think about the first time I heard Todd. It was over two years ago, sitting in an apartment where I would come to live, with a man who would come to be my husband and best friend. Josh had heard Todd years ago. He and his friend Matt were on a gravel road, in an old Cadillac, when the song Alright Guy came on the radio. They both became fans and followed the musician with utmost dedication. The first song Josh showed me was The Ballad of the Kingsmen, there was something so honest and sincere about how that man could string together words and melody, capturing complex thoughts and ideals in a few simple sentences. I was hooked. Josh even used part of a Todd song in his wedding vows to me when we married a year and one month after the first day we met and we danced our first dance to another of his songs. And on the particularly rough days its still Todd clear, honest voice that gets me through.

Todd's new album, Peace Queer, is now out. There are quite a few places to check it out: Myspace, Facebook, & you can even download a digital copy of it for free from his website 'til the end of October!  I absolutely love the idea of being a peace queer. Here lately the mantra that has been floating 'round my heart is, "Do no harm." It is reflected in my humanistic and anti-war philosophy, in my spirituality, and most recently in my decision to become vegan.

After reading the book Skinny B*tch and beginning the book The China Study I have found within my heart the peaceful voice encouraging me to change my diet to this "do no harm" style of nourishment. I feel excitement towards this transformation, while I know it will be challenging I have faith that this is the right path for me and know that I will have the heart-strength to make these positive choices. Learning to cook a new way is such fun, and not to mention delicious! Last night we had Creamy Butternut Squash Soup and homemade Whole Wheat Crackers, with a huge salad! It was all so delicious, I felt as though I was sipping up bits of autumn from my spoon. 

Alas, it has grown into afternoon and there are domesticities to attend to. It will now be an time of tidying up whilst listening to the beautiful music compiled by my Pandora radio station-- The Be Good Tanyas Radio.

Ultimately I would that my life be an anthem of peace!