On the fence

On the fence, originally uploaded by hannah8ball.
One of the things I will miss dearly about living on the edge of the city - being able to walk to pasture and uncivilized land. We'll enjoy it while we can. 

Found: Hair rules

From time to time, I venture back to check in on the highschool that I graduated from and I find beauties like this one hidden in their website.

This lovely depiction of what is acceptable (note the happy face) vs. unacceptable (poor depressed youngling plagued by his modern haircut) was followed by this delightful bit of copy:

Male contestants must have standard, conservative haircuts. The hair is to be tapered and off the collar. It is to be above the ears, with sideburns no longer than the middle of the ear. Please refrain from modern hairstyles (emphasis mine).  Male sponsors and guests may wear neatly-trimmed facial hair.

Those who require a haircut will not be permitted to register until they have located a barber and complied with the directive of Master Control.

Surprisingly, as this is your typical right of conservative Christian organization, the stipulations for the female appearance aren't nearly as explicit.  Just that you may be asked to kneel to ensure your dress or skirt is long enough.  And don't even think about wearing pants.  And you better be wearing hosiery.  But no helpful pictures - sadness.

I think I go back (virtually) to be grateful that I'm no longer in that community and to be amazed that this organization is still around.  I can only hope that at some point the children who are being indoctrinated to this way of life get a chance to meet someone who can show them that this faith that we share is more about love than judgment - both toward ourselves and others.

I love this girl!

Greeting a friend, originally uploaded by hannah8ball.

Time to retire the shoes

Time to retire the shoes, originally uploaded by hannah8ball.

These shoes were well loved.

Have I mentioned how much I love baking?

Have I mentioned how much I love baking?, originally uploaded by hannah8ball.

I do. And these little muffins are delicious. Raisins + honey + raw sugar on the crust = more please!

And did I mention these were made with whole wheat flour?  De-licious!

If you've been living under a rock all this time and haven't heard of Artisan Breads in Five Minutes a Day (and their second child Healthy Breads - from which this particular recipe comes), take a moment, go check out their blog.  Then get thee to a bookstore, so your home can become a bakery.  You will not regret it.