A Library In a Small Town...

A lonely library in Toppenish, WA.

Hundreds of people pass by blinded by ignorance. I've witnessed these people full of emptiness talk and laugh about nothing. To their misfortune they are as foreign to knowledge as a prisoner to freedom. It is unknown for sure whether this case is the result of a failed system or whether this is the work of societal brainwashing. However, for this crime there is no investigation nor will there ever be one.

Those of higher power will say, "the resources were there but they have failed to utilize them, we have done our part." This will justify the cutting of funds and loss of jobs for those who believe in change. 

Pray, I say. Pray, that things do change because I believe. If only one or two make it to sea that is death to an extinction that's predicted to be.

Seek love, seek faith, and seek knowledge. These three traits will send a person further than college.  

The Simplest of Things

There's no doubt that the simplest things in life are those that bring us the most joy. This spring, I find myself growing a whole lot of pepper plants, blueberry bushes, and a wide variety of food. I have learned quite a bit about plants and also about the soil. I have even gone into Starbucks to ask whether they participate in the grounds for gardeners program and it's been great! I don't know if this comes with age or with home ownership, but I can tell you this is a new founded way of life. It's inspiration at its finest.

A Pinch of Wisdom 

All people come to a time in their life when they no longer know what direction to take. Even men of great strategy that had a plotted course in the darkest of nights come to a moment that they are at a loss about their next move. However, the big question is whether there is fear in the heart. 
Not in mine... I am well aware of my position and I proceed with cautious curiosity. Within my years, I've learned that we maneuver the ship but we need the wind to guide us. The wind, the same invisible hand that uplifts our tired body after long hot day of work with a subtle breeze. 
Like in life, gardening teaches us a valuable lesson. That if we are able to plant the seed with love, water it with hope, the hand of God takes over, and provides us with sustenance to continue our journey. For that is why I do not fear because I know you are with me.

The Captain

Throughout the years he had worn different hats, worked with the best, and come up the ranks until he was in a position of command. However, after many years at sea, the captain asked himself whether he was going in the right direction. His original pursuit wasn't obtaining power, wealth, or even status. His only concern was finding the two ingredients that brewed so many dreams: love and happiness. Two ingredients that he himself could hardly fathom yet he would wander in his mind and reminisce. 
He remembered his long days in the kitchens perfumed by the smell of fresh garlic, and bread baking in the ovens set ablaze with large oak logs. What power the flames had to break down such hard wood, yet the flames were gentle enough to provide a plentiful supply of succulent bread. 
In those days, he was only a boy, but he had a firm grasp about life in his own way. Not once had he ever won any battles in love nor in war, and when he fell back he found glory in defeat and a wealth of knowledge from a broken sword. Even the most dangerous of adversaries were not a threat; any threat was more importantly a learning experience. In years to come there was no promise he would win, but he could promise that if he lost he would lose on his feet but never on his knees. 

Still with the Old, In with the New

Cinnamon Rolls made by me!

Baking is one of my passions and this I found out during an unemployed summer of much free time a few years ago before finishing college. That summer, I defeated my fear of working with yeast and I constructed my self made degree in baking at a small town bakery. I would constantly think about wondrous bread creations and delicate flavors. I even joined cake decorating classes and learned the deadly sugar art decor. Then I toned up my brain with baking textbooks, recipe books, and any books I could find regarding baking. However, some where down the line I faltered. I temporarily took off my baking shirt, apron, and hat. :( 
I started to wander the lonely streets within the world of adulthood and transition. The profession of a man with a bachelors degree in Social Services has to grow, and that was my situation. This meant baking was put on hold... 

Life without baking is simply an empty bowl - A. Hernandez (Me) This photo does not depict me though.

 As much as I love working with the disadvantaged in society and advocating for the voiceless. I, myself, need time to simmer and vacate into my pleasure realm consisting of resting, reading, writing, hanging out, and getting down with my hobbies. However, one thing leads to another and sometimes life takes a turn, and you pick up another hobby, bad habit, or countless other things. In my case, I picked up a new hobby and a not so usual one at that. I decided to make natural soap!

Bottom Soap: Soy Tropical Soap (contains soy milk) and Top Soap: Cafe Soap (made with brewed coffee)

Soap? Yes, soap! Like I mentioned life takes a spontaneous turn sometimes, and what put me on this war path was a chemical burn while I cleaned the commercial oven with some nasty stuff. Even though it was a small burn it had a big impact. I began to think about safer and natural products. I made a natural Windex with vinegar, a laundry detergent, and an oven cleaner that works. Then I moved on to soap and I liked it!

Chocolate Swirl Soap made with real chocolate and smells like chocolate!

I have made many types of soaps and I have yet to make more; however, my baking passion is feeling left out along with my other hobbies and I start to feel sad. :(  

I start to feel like a Rocky Balboa that's been out of the game for a while. I wonder, can I still do it? Am I still the best baker? Then when it's show time I slip on my baker shirt, put on the apron, get my weapons ready, and I start whipping. In less than 15 minutes, I already have a batch of banana nut muffins in the oven. I am still the best! When they come out nice and warm I cut, I taste, and I conquer. I am still the best! At least, I think that. ;)

Similar to what mine looked like. Unfortunately, they were eaten before I could get the camera.