So Many Queens, So Little Time

I'm almost done reading my history of Henry VIII! And I've only written about one out of six of his wives! Clearly I've got some catching up to do. In my previous post, I talk about the faithful Katherine of Aragon, daughter to Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, first wife of Henry VIII. Here is a portrait of Katherine:

Henry VIII was becoming more anxious for a male heir, since the peace of England depended on it. Katherine was in her late 30s when Anne Boleyn caught Henry's eye and heart. He pursued Anne for 7 years (!) before she finally submitted to him. Anne Boleyn had great control over Henry, and she and her family came to symbolize reform at court. Here are some quick facts about the witty, flirtatious, and powerful Anne Boleyn:

-She was already pregnant when she and Henry were married.
-Although she didn't have the most virtuous past, she made Henry pursue her for 7 years and give her an official title before she fully became his mistress.
-She is the mother of one of the greatest queens of England, Elizabeth I. She was also pregnant two or three more times although none of the other children survived.
-Henry had a habit of taking mistresses while his wives were pregnant and Anne openly chided him and protested against this, much to his displeasure.
-It was Anne who gave Henry the idea that he should be the leader of his counrty in its entirety, including leader of the church.
-Anne and Henry had only been married for 3 years by the time she was executed for treason due to unfaithfulness and plotting to kill the king.
-At least half of the charges brought against Anne have been shown to be made-up by those who wanted to see her out of power, and she was very unpopular with everybody.
-She was charged with many counts of infidelity, including incest with her own brother. Many of the men also accused were convicted and executed as well. There was a major power shift after all was said and done.

Being falsely accused was a horrible thing to happen to Anne, but how she had deposed the faithful and kind queen before her was also very horrible and underhanded. The pattern that I am beginning to see in this history is that the striving and fighting for power may last for a little while but it always comes to an end, and that fall from the top can be a very long fall. Anne Boleyn continues to fascinate me although I do see what a vicious and manipulative woman she was. Here is her picture:

History!

Recently, I have been completely enthralled with a history book! I normally stay far away from non-fiction unless I want to fall asleep faster at night, but with Alison Weir's look at the Tudor court under Henry VIII, I can't put it down! I have always had a fascination with Henry VIII and his family but with Weir's book I have decided to dive a little bit further, and read the book cover to cover.

Henry's six wives have always been one of the most intriguing parts of his life to me. This book is helping me get a more well-rounded view of them. Rather than pawns being pushed around by a mighty (and moody) king, the queens had a great deal of influence.

The first of Henry's wives with Katherine of Aragon. What most people know about her is that she was ousted by Anne Boleyn, who became Henry's second wife. This is true, but here are some lesser known facts about Katherine:

• She had been married to Henry's older brother, Arthur, who would have become king if he hadn't died at a very young age. It was said that the marriage was never consummated, which made it possible for Henry to marry his own brother's wife.
• Katherine was six years older than Henry.
• Katherine and Henry actually had a very loving and happy relationship for many years.
• Katherine's only surviving child was Mary, who ended up becoming queen, but she actually had 4 other children, none of whom survived longer than a month.
• Henry thought that his lack of a male heir could be a judgement of God for marrying his brother's wife, although there had been special dispensation given for their marriage. Many people think he just wanted to marry Anne Boleyn, and while that's certainly true, he also doubted the legitimacy of his first marriage on religious principle.
• Henry and Katherine were not actually divorced; their marriage was annulled.

Poor Katherine was loved by the people of England, and a devoted wife who never acknowledge the annulment of her marriage to the day she died. There's a quick look at some of the fascinating things I'm reading, but be sure I will post more!

3 Months

June 27th marked 3 months since Dad died. Yesterday, June 28th, was his birthday. He would have been 54 years old.

It was a very strange day for me. Things felt out of balance. I had this feeling that there was something I should be doing but I didn't know what. I ended up having a girl's night with Rachel and my friend Heather. Heather lost her grandmother 3 years ago on June 28th, which also was her grandmother's birthday. So we drank some wine and watched a movie and talked and laughed and took silly pictures. I'm sure our family members that have gone before us would be happy to see us enjoying ourselves. But I still feel unsettled.

What am I supposed to do to honor your memory, Dad? Especially when, on one hand, I don't feel like you're really gone, and on the other hand it feels like you've been gone longer than 3 months. I'm the one who's caught in this limbo of grief. I want to remember everything, even the horrible, frightening times in the hospital. Memories are some of the only things I have left and I'm grasping for every one I can get.

Oh 2011, You Can Just Go...

Alright, so, it hasn't been the greatest year for me. While graduating college and doing the Camino de Santiago were great accomplishments and life-changing, this year has all previous years beat. My Dad is no longer here. He was battling melanoma for who knows how long, and on March 27th he lost. And I lost him for the rest of my life on earth.


However, I actually did not set out to just post a random, depressing vent session. I have been thinking more recently about things I enjoy and skills/interests I would like to develope. Artistic things have been on my mind like drawing and especially photography. But also writing. I enjoy writing. I have been told once or twice that I'm good at it. One space where I can write freely (and randomly, hinthint) is this blog. So, once again, I'm going to try blogging. We'll see if I post more than 2 things this year.

2011, you can just go... get creative!

If it's so easy, why don't more people do it?

At the Capitol, there are metal detectors at every entrance. You have to walk through them to get into the building. There are people who monitor the metal detectors. Whenever I go through a metal detector at the Capitol, I say "Thank you" to the monitor. It's really easy, it only takes a second, and I imagine the monitor appreciates it even though they would have helped me anyway. The thing is, I don't hear very many other people saying thank you. They're in a hurry to get to work or maybe they just don't say it because it is the monitor's job. True, it's not necessary. But isn't it nice? Isn't it good? Isn't it right? One thing it definitely is, is easy. So next time someone helps you, even if it's their job, just say a quick "Thanks".

The Only Constant Is...

Change.

Looking back on my blog after many, many months of neglect has made me realize that a lot of new things have happened in about a year. It is ironic that my last real post was about being single because a month after that I started dating a wonderful man who is still a huge part of my life.

So, Change #1: Not Single!
The culprit: Ulric; carpenter by day, asleep by night. I'm sure you'll read some anecdotes involving the man so keep your eyes out for that!

Change #2: New Job!
Location: State Capitol Building. Turns out, I love the building. I didn't think I'd be good at public speaking (which is part of the job) but, turns out, I'm not too bad.

Change #3: New Pet!
Name: Artemis. Species: Feline. She's a beautiful orange rescue kitty and makes me crazy because she's just so soft!

Those are the most significant things that have happened to me over the past year, and all are changes for the better!

I'm Back!

Ok, after a year of silence I feel the need to write again. Here I am!

Singledom

Jason: So you're back on the market then?
Becky: The Meat Market!
Me: Ugh.

Singledom, Singleness, Singlehood. It's funny how people treat this part of our lives. Many people treat Singleness like the plague-- they want to avoid it at all costs. We're all striving to find somebody and we're not content until that void is filled, even just temporarily. Do you know what I mean? We can have great relationships with family and the most supportive friends, we can go out all the time and have full social calendars, and still feel unfulfilled. What is it that compells us into romantic relationships? I've often wondered this even when I'm in the middle of a relationship myself, and perfectly happy. When I'm dating someone, why do I always think about them and want to spend all of my time with them, why do I chose this person over my best friends? My first impulse is to answer "because I'm crazy," but I really don't think that's it (at least not all of it). I think most people act this way when they are in a dating relationship. In fact, the emotions of love, lust, and infatuation are known to inhibit the rational decision making parts of the brain (so it's not just me!). And if there are any guys reading this, don't just chalk it up to me being female, I know plenty of guys who would rather be in a relationship than single-- in fact, I'm having a hard time thinking of any guys I know who would choose a life of bachelorhood. So it's not just the ladies who want "someone special."

Now, I don't personally believe in "the one" theory. In fact, it really bothers me. I don't think there's one particular person meant just for me and all I have to do is find them. Although if that were the case, I guess it would explain the high divorce rate. I mean, how easy would it be to find that one person? Not very. There are more than 6 billion people on this planet! Even if I narrow it down to just California, that's 35 million people or so that I have to sort through. And what if he gets tired of looking and settles for someone who just happens to be around? Lame for all 3 of us, right?! Nope, I don't like "the one" theory. I like to think of love as more of a choice, rather than destiny. I choose the people I date and I choose who I'm going to marry. I choose to stop looking for some other potential and choose devotion and loyalty instead. Does that sound unromantic? Maybe. But to me, it sounds lasting, and I think a love that lasts is very romantic.

If you have any theories on why we all strive to be in a romantic relationship, I'd love to hear them. I have some of my own so perhaps I'll share those another time. xoxo, Alison

New Friends

Wow! I am really getting bad at this blogging thing. Micro-blogging is taking over my life! But anyway, if you haven't stopped checking my blog for updates, I'd like to share something fabulous with you. My friend, Brad, introduced me to this family and I think they are simply hilarious. Meet The Fuplers!

For the Love of...

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world-- the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches-- comes not from the Father but from the world. And the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live for ever." 1 John 2:15-17

I have been thinking about loving the world a lot lately. Well, really, I guess I've been loving the things of the world a lot lately. I want a nice new car, I want more clothes and shoes and things for my apartment, I want to go out to nice restaurants and bars. But aren't these all desires of the flesh and pride in riches? And besides that, I just can't afford this kind of lifestyle! But let's just say I get a better paying job. Or let's say I get an extraordinarily good paying job. Then how do I live? Where does the line cross over from comfort into excess or greed?

I don't think God necessarily wants us to live in poverty, to be like the medieval monk who sat on top of a pillar for weeks exposed to the elements and starving. Or even the little hermits who lived alone in caves with only a candle and a Bible. I think God has a lot of blessings to give out, and that He likes giving to his people. It's all over the Bible, like with Solomon and David and Joseph and even Job. Job had it good, then was tested by being put in absolute destitution and misery, and then was given everything back ten-fold. I mean honestly, I hope God doesn't feel like testing me like he did with Job because who knows what I would do or if I would be as faithful. Plus, being covered in boils would just be uncomfortable! But how does God want me to live here and now?

I think He wants me to be responsible with what I have been given. So, ok, I can't go try a new restaurant every weekend and go out to lunch every day and buy new clothes all the time. That is not what I have been given. I also think He wants me to be satisfied. I have a nice apartment and nice things and I'm taken care of. I can still go out and have a good time. There are more satisfying things in life than possessions. Friends, family, nature, grace. I can find joy in the simple things instead of the complex and expensive things.

Alright, if you've stuck with me this far, I appreciate it. And as a reward here are a couple interesting and related links. First, this guy has been living on $0 a day for a decade! Also, this song is great!

Thanks Again Twitter!

Recently, I have seen a number of interesting links posted by people I'm following on twitter. First, @ksalazarthomps linked a review of twitter written in 140 character increments. The author I think tends to have a fairly idealistic take on twitter, even though the tone is nonchalant and sarcastic. Of course, I liked what he had to say and agreed with him for the most part. An interesting read if nothing else.

I also started following @sacbee_news to keep updated on current events around Sacramento. Most of the time I find it really depressing-- news about terrible budget deals, deaths, fires, unemployment on the rise, that sort of thing. However, today there was a brief but intriguing article about a proposed bill that would allow the sale of marijuana in order to generate revenue for the state. I have mixed feelings about that but nonetheless, here's just a teaser from the article:

"California is considered by federal authorities to be the nation's top marijuana producing state with 8.6 million pounds a year, valued at $13.8 billion, making it one of the state's largest agricultural crops..."

Surprising! Read more here.

The Mysteries of the Dead Sea

Did you know that the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on Earth?** True fact! The extremely low elevation can have interesting health benefits because of the increased atmospheric pressure and the reduced UV rays. Did you know that the Dead Sea is shrinking? Also true! It has shrunk by a third since the 1960s! This shrinkage (if you will), has been creating dangerous sinkholes that can suddenly burst open and ruin roads and beaches and even swallow people whole! I read all about it here in a fascinating article. I learned even more from wikipedia. Read it-- you'll learn something new.

** The Marianas Trench in the Pacific Ocean is the lowest spot on the planet's entire surface, while the Dead Sea is the lowest spot not in an ocean.

Social Media: My Take

Oh. My. Gosh. It's been over a month! I'm so sorry little blog and to all those who have checked only to find nothing new and interesting! With that, on to the writing!

When you hear the words "social media" what do you think of? Maybe things like twitter or facebook or myspace or bkite or.... There are so many social media outlets! There are so many feelings that go along with sites, too-- people have a lot of varied opinions. Some people are absolutely addicted and participate in as many as they can find whereas others scoff and pick and choose. There was a very funny article that I read in the Sacramento News and Review about how twitter is an example of everything that is wrong with the younger generation and where people are headed. Is it a good thing that we're sharing the miniscule details of our daily lives with friends and, often, complete strangers? Another side to the coin is that we can keep in touch with friends and know what is going on in people's lives in detail with very minimal time and effort (and I mean that to be a positive point). So, what do I think?

Well, I am on facebook, I have this blog (obviously!) and I recently joined twitter. It's hard to keep up with! I used to obsessively check facebook and now instead I'm obsessively checking twitter. What kind of information am I sharing with my "followers"? Mostly pointless (but hopefully clever) thoughts. It takes up a lot of time! Also, facebook and twitter can be very creepy! And I'll be honest, I'm just as creepy as the next person when it comes to this. 'Oh, he was cute, I'll see if he's on facebook!' Or, take it one step further, 'According to Facebook, his relationship status is single! Giggle, giggle!' Then there's all the looking through people's photos and learning where they work or what their favorite book is. While this person has technically given me permission by accepting my friend request, would they feel creeped out if they knew that I was looking at every single one of their pictures at least twice? Then there are the random guys who start following me on twitter. Who are you? We have nothing in common... Weird.

Still, here I am. I'll admit that it's a little bit of an addiction, and that's one of the reasons why I'm still participating. But, I do think there are benefits to these sorts of things. I can keep in touch with friends and family who don't live near me much better. And even if we're not writing to or calling each other, we have the option of checking in and seeing what's been going on. Also, it is a bit of an outlet for creativity-- I'm able to demonstrate just how witty I am to the greater masses! Plus, I can follow some of my new favorite sing-songwriters on twitter. Anyway, I think I'll just stick to the 3 social media sites I'm currently involved in and that's plenty (or perhaps too much) for me.

A week later, and a year older!

So. It's official. I'm 25 years old now! Would you believe it? It's true, and so far 25 has been so good! Last weekend was dedicated to celebrating! Here's some of the highlights:

Friday: Dinner with Tori and Rachel at Tapa the World for amazing tapas and my favorite Sangria in the whole world!

Saturday: Breakfast and shopping with Mama-- I got an ipod! Now I just have to sync it... Then party with the Graff's that involved delicious appetizers, wine tasting, and interesting Liquors. Finally, a bar hopping extravaganza that actually only included two bars: Whiskey Wild (just had to) and de Vere's (a new favorite). I stayed out too late and drank too much and had a great time!

Sunday: Brunch with the church crew at Capitol Garage then a movie night in.

Thanks to everybody who shared the celebration with me-- it definitely would not have been as fun and meaningful as it was without you! Everybody has been so wonderful and I am definitely blessed to have such great people around me all the time. 25 is going to be a great year, I can tell already!

Annual "I Love Springtime" Post

I've been watching it coming for a little while. All of a sudden I was driving down Riverside and there were billions of magnolia trees in bloom! Then it was the daffodils, then the stinky white blossoms outside of my apartment, and camelias! Now it's lilac, tulip, and calla lily time! And as of last Friday, it's my favorite season of the year-- Spring. First of all, Springtime represents new beginnings, which I think is neat. Also, my birthday is in the Spring (more about that later!). But really, my favorite thing about Spring is all of the color. The bright, fresh green and the flowers of all different types. It just looks pretty! There's no getting around it! Fresh and new and pretty. So, Happy Spring everybody! Go outside and enjoy it!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Most of us know St. Patrick's Day as the Irish drinking holiday, but where did it come from? Who was St. Patrick, and why is it celebrated on March 17th? Well, let me tell you!

St. Patrick was not actually born in Ireland-- he was born in Wales. The first time he went to Ireland was not by choice; when he was 16 years old he was kidnapped and forced to be a herdsman. He escaped and returned to his family only to be called back to Ireland a few years later by God through a vision in which the Irish people said to him, "we appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us." And so St. Patrick began his missionary career.

Another thing that St. Patrick is known for is chasing all of the snakes out of Ireland. Well, most people agree there probably weren't snakes in Ireland to begin with, but this could have been some kind of metaphor for converting pagans who used a serpent as their symbol.

And why do we celebrate on March 17th? That was the day that St. Patrick died. He is believed to be buried in the town of Downpatrick in Ireland.

And what would this blog post be without a factoid about alcohol?! Did you know that more Guinness is consumed in Britain than in Ireland? It's true. But even more interestingly, the second top consumer of Guinness in the world is Nigeria, with Ireland coming in third.

Weekend Update

I had a great weekend! Here are some highlights:

Friday: Costco run with Rach and Heather right up until they closed. We got eco-friendly laundrey detergant, toilet paper made from 100% recycled materials, and St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc which I didn't know they sold outside of the winery.

Saturday: Slept in (woohoo!), went to captial nursery to get necessary items for a potted herb garden (hopefully I won't kill everything this time!), then dinner and dancing for Alicia's birthday!

Sunday: 6th grade girls at church are a great way to get the morning started, ultimate frisbee with some great people (good exercise + new and old friends = sooo fun!), movie/dinner/hang out with Andy.

All in all, it was a really great weekend.

On this Day in History...

On this day in 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from the island of Elba where he had been exiled for less than a year. While on Elba, Napoleon was given sovereignty over the 12,ooo inhabitants, and he was able to retain his title of Emperor. In the few months he spent on Elba he created a small army and navy, upgraded some agricultural methods, and developed some iron mines. I guess he really believed that "idle hands are the devil's tools." That or he was just an egotistical work-aholic.

Turns out Napoleon was a fascinating person, and not as short as many people believe. If you want to find out more, click here.

Super Sappy Valentine's Day

Another Valentine's Day has come and gone. It's a day that has never really bothered me. Sure, I've bought into the whole "it's cool to hate Valentine's Day because I'm single" thing every once in awhile. But really, to me Valentine's Day is just a commercialized holiday that makes people compelled to give each other chalky little heart candies. I feel just as love-sick (or just as happy) on Valentine's Day as any other day of the year.

One thing I can appreciate though, is the history behind Valentine's. The day is named after St. Valentine who, legend has it, continue to perform marriages even after Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage in the third century AD, and was martyred for doing so. That's how the holiday got it's Christian name, but the celebration goes farther into pagan Roman history. It has it's roots in the festival called Lupercalia-- a celebration in which naked men would whip young ladies in hopes of increasing their fertility. Those crazy Romans! What didn't they do?

If you want to check out more fun facts and history about Valentine's Day, go here. Ok, love you! Mean it!

Happy Spainiversary!

Tomorrow, my sister and I are headed down to Oakhurst, CA to visit one of my very best friends, Tori, for a celebration we call "Compostella Day." January 28th, 2007 I completed a 500 mile pilgrimage with these two women in Spain: the Camino de Santiago. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'm going to spend the next two days reminiscing about it. If I haven't ever told you about it (which is unlikely) please ask! I love sharing the stories. For now, Buen Camino a todos!