pricklygirl

New stuff happening.

2012-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Rocket Boat is a new project by someone I hold very close to my heart. I hope you enjoy it!

2012. Let's go.

2012-01-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing trip to Colorado and I'm getting ready to do some new work -- knitting, decoupage under glass, baking experiments, I may even learn to quilt and silkscreen. Winter is a new beginning, right?

I've become sort of obsessed with instagram -- basically a photoblogging program for mobile phones. I love seeing what people all over the world are seeing -- here's what I see. I also love pinterest -- a site aggregates member's interests and likes into boards. Here's mine. And have you used spotify yet? Very cool. I still love twitter and facebook, but I find that I use these other options far more often. They've kind of taken the place of this blog. One of my goals for the new year is to change that -- to figure out a way to use this space most effectively. I hope you'll come along for the ride.

My first question for you in 2012: are you doing thing-a-day this year? So far, there haven't been any posts about it, and the main page of the site is littered with spam emails (heeheehee -- they're kind of funny.) It usually begins on February 1, but I'm undecided about continuing this time. I could use some persuasion (and I'm surprisingly easily persuaded), so if you're doing it and want company, let me know...

You cannot be sad...

2011-08-16T07:27:00.000-07:00

when you have ice cream.

Make It: Canteloupe Two Ways

2011-08-11T11:07:00.001-07:00

So Maggie has been begging to cook in the way that only six-year olds can beg. I remember doing the same thing to my mom, so it's kind of a proud moment. The only problem? She wants to make cakes or crepes or bread, and our old house tends to hold kitchen heat in the summer. My solution? Something frozen. And healthy. That doesn't require a ton of ingredients. Here's something that has just three ingredients (four if you want to get fancy) and can be mature or immature, depending on how you feel. (We did a bit of both.)

I give you...Canteloupe Granita & Popsicles.

(makes six popsicles and a few cups of granita)

1 medium canteloupe, cut in chunks

juice of 1 lemon

1/3 cup sugar (more or less, depending on the fruit and your preferences)

red seedless grapes, cut in half (that's the fancy part)

In a blender, puree the canteloupe, lemon juice and sugar until very smooth.

For the popsicles: Place a few grapes in the bottom of each popsicle mold, then carefully fill the molds with the pureed canteloupe, close the molds and freeze until solid. Warm the mold exteriors with your hands or run under warm water for a few seconds to make unmolding easy.

For the granita: Pour the remaining puree and grapes into a shallow dish and freeze. Mix with a fork every 30-45 minutes to keep the mixture relatively smooth (otherwise you end up with a big flat popsicle.)

That's it. So simple a six-year old can do it.

Things you can cook at 120f

2011-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can cook steaks to rare at 120f?

And smoke prime rib. And jerky. And tofurkey.

Eggs, duh.

Fancy lobster ravioli? Mais oui.

Sous vide? You betcha. Roast cocoa nibs.

Fudge. You can make fudge. And jam. And cookies.

Dehydrated meals, too.

You can also get rid of bedbugs by heating them for one minute in your dryer to 120f. And you can proof yeast.

There's a book about torture where people are tied up in 120f heat. It's called HELL ON EARTH.

The upside? Tomorrow is supposed to be worse. (Also, it's only noon. This afternoon will also be worse. Worse. Worse.)

Cleaning up & moving on.

2011-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

I've developed a worry. I worry that I'm something of a hoarder. Proof? You should see my yarn stash. Or the thousands of photo files on my hard drive. Or the decade of back issues of Martha Stewart and Print magazines.

While no one will get injured by falling piles while in my home, I do worry that I keep stuff that I just don't need. One of those things: blogs. So today, I've deleted two of my blogs, ChvChick and PunkRockGardenClub. It was a bittersweet decision, but here's my thinking...

If you're a Cheverly resident, you're aware that CheverlyExchange (the listserv) has grown into a big information/opinion hub. When we (Stella Scott, Liz O'Leary, Katie Troyner and I) started the blog, it was in response to the main Cheverly blog (ChvBlog) -- there was no Exchange, there wasn't really a way to pose different points of view (other than comments, but we wanted more.) It was fun for a while, then posts dropped off, then we thought about changing the direction, but it never really took. And now, with Stella and ChvBlog co-founder Dan moving away, it seems like the right time to put ChvChick to bed. It was a good run. We still have each other. I love you guys.

I also closed PunkRockGardenClub today, in favor of concentrating on things that are closer to my heart. Maybe someday I'll revive something like it, but it's not in the cards right now. I still love DIY (if you know me, you know that) and I'l always try to figure out a creative solution before buying, but I've felt guilty about not posting too much about this one.

So there. Some cleaning. Now, about that yarn stash...

July. July.

2011-07-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

We had an amazing time in Massachusetts. Amazing. Our second year at Solid Sound was phenomenal (even drenched) and I've developed a deep love for Thurston Moore's solo work. Also, a deep love for Western Mass. Surprise, surprise, I took tons of photos of decay and rust and chickens and people, and came back ready to make stuff again (I was a little worn out.)

One of the things I love best about rural Massachusetts? People don't ask what you do. In the DC area, within the first five minutes, most conversations wind up at "Where do you work? What do you do?" There, I asked people twice, but no one ever asked me. Refreshing, especially since I always feel like a fish out of water. It's hard to explain what I do, beyond "I make stuff". I think that if you aren't constantly trying to validate your position, it's a lot easier to get on with actually doing. I aim to find out.

And I want to figure out how to cobble together some sort of career that I don't need to explain to anyone. That's my new goal. Also, I want a pony. Or a really big dog.

Where is all the time going?!

2011-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

School is over. The pool is open. The Market is in full swing. My sister and her wonderful family have come and gone. We're a week away from Solid Sound. Summer camps are on the horizon. This summer is speeding by at breakneck speed.

I'm worried that I'm going to wake up and it'll be time for the new school year! We're all sleeping late, but I don't feel like we're really well rested. And my plans for plumbing the depths of a bourbon slushee have yet to be realized, though we have made it to Cantler's (Annapolis -- the best crabs!) twice in a week, so I suppose there is some sort of balance. One good thing about all this activity -- I have been completely distracted from the stupidity that's been going on in politics in the past few weeks. It's a good thing, because I think I'd be willing to read the riot act to a few people if I paid more attention.

I had fun at Handmade Mart! Now I'm a slug. With Cable.

2011-05-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm still sort of recovering from the flurry of activity of the past month. This past weekend was, in my head, the final big push of the spring -- the opening of Cheverly Community Market on Saturday, and Handmade Mart on Sunday. After all the excitement, I gave myself Monday to regroup (and sleep.) Now it's Thursday, and I still haven't done a whole lot this week (though I have caught up on all sorts of shows and movies, thanks to the cable teevee to which I finally gave in). I keep telling myself that this is much-needed rest. That summer is coming and I'll have wall-to-wall kids. That I deserve a break. The truth? It's hot. I'm tired. And needing a teeny little creative break. Ideas are just starting to flow again, so I'm thinking it's not all bad... Now, back to some cake show. There are a lot of them. They're hard to turn off.

I have to step away from the wax and paint fumes for a bit...

2011-05-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Handmade Mart and the opening day of Cheverly Community Market and I think I need either a nap or food. And probably a bath, since I seem to have coated a good part of my left hand and arm with silver wax.

And here's my big confession: I've never been in a craft show before. I'm a little (lot) nervous. Selling stuff through third parties (stores, etsy) is no problem, but the whole people interacting with me thing? That sends me right back to middle school, where I was painfully shy. Funny, since I blog in three places and take thousands of photos of everyone else. What can I say? It's a quirk.

2011-05-16T15:02:00.001-07:00

Have I mentioned that I'm getting excited about Sunday and Handmade Mart? Look for my banner between 10am and 5pm on Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring -- there are a ton of great artists who will be represented, and I can't wait to get a look at their work!

Here's my vendor profile...

Cheverly Day. Amazing Place. Amazing Community. Amazing Day.

2011-05-16T14:35:00.001-07:00

Definitely an Only in Cheverly kind of weekend...

We had a great time at ChvProm (that's our table!), though I have come to the conclusion -- perhaps a little late -- that I am old and full of bad decisions. My apologies to anyone who heard us singing Guns & Roses songs at 2am. That was champagne-fueled, as so many questionable ideas are. Come to think of it, I think we made plans to form a lounge act...I'm going to have to learn some Journey songs...and learn to do a beehive again, because I was definitely channeling early '80s-era Tama Janowitz with the 'do and the clothes.

Cheverly Day itself was a blast -- from the great parade in the morning to the rain-soaked fireworks at night. I've posted a lot of pictures -- a lot of pictures -- on flickr.

(These two photos are from the lovely Katie Troyner, who is full of awesome.)

2011-05-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Cheverly Day is this weekend! I was very lucky to be asked to create the program for the 80th anniversary. The book was mailed to every household in town, and contains many, many recollections from friends and neighbors about what makes this a great place to live. Click here to take a look!

We're also getting ready for a big ChvProm on Friday night. The table decoration contest is particularly fierce this year. Can't wait to post photos, but for now our theme is under wraps! All I can say is that many cans of spray paint have

been used.

Finally, I'm very excited to announce that I'm returning to work with Cheverly Community Market this season -- my fancy title is "Digital Outreach Manager"... there'll be a lot of new content on the blog and website coming soon, as well as some cool new stuff!

And...it's almost GROTTO SEASON!

I'm excited about a lot of things right now!

2011-05-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

The next three weeks are crazy. Crazy I tell you! Spring break is over for the kids and there are only a five weeks left before summer, and I'm fairly certain that every minute is going to be a whirlwind...

* Cheverly Community Market kicks off an exciting new season with a potluck this Saturday night. Details here. You'll be hearing a fair amount about the Market from me this year...and I'm glad to be part of it again.

* ChvProm is next Friday! This is one event that makes Cheverly a magical place to live. Our group has big plans this year...big plans. I can say no more.

* Cheverly Day is next Saturday. If you've talked to me in the past month, you know I've been sort of preoccupied with getting the program ready -- it's a big one. I think that the very best thing about this program is that there are so many stories of people who live here, why they came here, why they stay. And a bunch of stories of families who have been part of Cheverly for multiple generations. Can't wait for everyone to see this!

* Cheverly Community Market opens the 2011 season on Saturday, May 21.

The thing I'm most excited about? I'll be in my very first craft fair on Sunday, May 22. Silver Spring's Handmade Mart is a juried fair of super cool vendors, and I'm thrilled to be part of it this year. Please come visit me there!

A plea...and hopefully I'm preaching to the choir.

2011-04-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

This afternoon on the way home from the park and groceries, the kids and I nearly became a nasty statistic. We were in the left lane, northbound, on Route 202. There were cars on my right, two cars in the left turn lane, and two cars very close behind me. Evidently, the driver of the second car in the turn lane realized that the car in front of her was not going to move, because she swerved directly in front of me, and took the turn from my lane.

Did she signal? Nope.

Did she look before moving into my lane? Nope

What made it much, much more dangerous? The two cars behind mine, both way, way too close. They had to be going 60 in a 35 zone. And you know what? The guy right behind me was on his phone THE WHOLE TIME. And he stayed on his phone as long as we saw him...he may still be on it.

Thank goodness our brakes are good. Thank goodness I was paying attention. It was very much a prepare-for-impact moment. I was already trying to remember if I had our health insurance cards with us. We were seconds -- two or three at most -- from being sandwiched. Paul and Maggie are fine -- Paul did hit his head on the side of the car but he says he's okay. Mostly, we got a BIG scare.

So here's my plea to everyone: use your turn signals. Stop driving like you're playing a video game. Slow down. And most of all...STAY THE HELL OFF YOUR PHONE WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING!!!

- I wrote this on my iPad

2011-04-22T19:03:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, Thing-A-Day came and went and I stopped blogging. The long, long winter got to me and I became sort of catatonic (I watched two -- two -- full series on Netflix: Ugly Betty and Larry Sanders, and I actually sat down to watch several episodes of Real Housewives of New Jersey.
I am not proud.) oh, and I severely sprained my knee. Call me grace. And then a bunch of other stuff happened, including an episode in bad judgment in which I took the cat in the car to pick up the kids from school. I am scarred. Literally. The cat, on the other hand, is just fine.

Mostly, I've been really busy putting together the Cheverly Day 2011 book. For the town's 80th anniversary, we did a 56-page program filled with thoughts from the locals about what makes Cheverly so great. Honestly, I didn't think so many people would respond! I'll post a link when it's time...
Next, I'm preparing for Handmade Mart in May (details soon) and some graphics projects that I'm looking forward to. I haven't been doing nearly enough cooking lately, and I picked up knitting needles for the first time in at least a month today...my hands ached!

Just thought you might wonder what's happened and whether I'd really fallen off the face of the earth. More soon. Promise. Really.

PS. I wrote this on my iPad but was forced to try to post from my phone. Oh, the humanity. And then had to try again from my iPad. Without photos, so you'll have to use your imagination. This doesn't feel very much like modern communications right now... Pretty soon, I'm going to hook up some yarn and two tin cans.

- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

mom failure, sort of

2011-03-16T05:56:00.001-07:00

So Maggie had her annual checkup yesterday...three months late, but we were kind of doctored out earlier this winter. She's the size of a 10-11 year old (if you know her, you know how tall she is -- it's hard to remember that she's only six). She may need glasses. And an orthopedist. Those cute little pigeon toes -- or duck legs as Maggie calls them -- aren't quite as cute as they were at four. She had four big shots, a very unsuccessful attempt at blood drawing (yay, we get to go to another specialist), and she even got to pee in a cup. It was a banner day, and I'm pretty sure her rosy opinion of doctors underwent a sea change.

The mom failure part? When the doctor asked her about what she eats:
Dr.: What do you usually eat for lunch?
Maggie: A sandwich.
Dr.: And for dinner?
Maggie: A sandwich.
Dr.: Okay. What kind of sandwiches to you eat?
Maggie: Um...cheese!

Here's what Maggie left out: she did have a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner. It was on multigrain bread and paired with apples and a small glass of low fat milk. Breakfast? A banana-orange juice-yogurt smoothie. Morning snack? Prunes. Lunch? Half an apple, strawberries, a small banana, grapes, and half of a peanut butter sandwich on multigrain bread.

How the hell does that translate into cheese sandwiches for every meal?! The doctor was talking to Maggie so I didn't feel like I could cut in without looking really defensive. As it was, I may as well have been feeding her marshmallow fluff sandwiches on white bread with a side of velveeta.

Awesome. And yes, I know there are no vegetables in that sample diet. She doesn't like them anymore since her classmates made fun of her repeatedly for bringing sugar snap peas, red peppers and broccoli in her lunch. As it is, both kids complain that they never get "good" stuff (chips, cookies) in their lunches, just dumb healthy stuff. Because I am the meanest mom. Ever.

- I wrote this on my iPad

We live in a golden age.

2011-03-13T18:32:00.001-07:00

The cat doesn't actually have anything to do with this post, but she's been staring me down, so...

On Friday, we visited the Apple store in Annapolis and came away with two shiny new iPads (1st generation...did you see the lines of people waiting for the new ones?!) I have to admit that, even as we were leaving the store, I wasn't totally sure why we needed yet more equipment. But I am oh so glad we did. I love love love my iPhone (and it seems to be attached to me at all times), but the iPad is really all about engaging with information visually in a way that the small-screened iPhone just can't. Don't get me wrong: I'll definitely use my iPhone for all sorts of things (especially the camera -- I can't imagine effectively using a camera on the iPad) -- but I feel like a new way of seeing the world has been unlocked. I've definitely drunk the kool-aid.

I can't wait lot see what they come up with next.

- from my iPad

In the very merry month of March, aka Pathetic, aka I may or may not need an intervention

2011-03-03T17:38:00.001-08:00

So. This has been an awesome week. Really. Truly. No, not really. It started out fine -- finished Thing-A-Day, started working on a new project... But Tuesday morning, I had to get out of the car at dropoff so I could embarrass Paul with big hugs and kisses in front of the 7th/8th grade security patrol kids. I had to. It's a thing I do. Unfortunately, once Paul and Maggie had escaped me, my left leg lost communication with my left foot and, well, I sprained my knee. Glamorous, eh? I. Know.

I've been on the couch for three days, thanks to a very helpful husband and several helpful friends. Well, three days of watching old movies and tv and I've become weird. And smelly, but that's neither here nor there. I realized tonight, as I told Charles the high points of my day, that I'm in trouble.

And what were those high points? I watched Antiques Roadshow and a long Masterpiece Theater series. Also, I shared a can of tuna with our cat.

That second one was got a reaction from Charles. He tried to play it cool, but I could tell by the look on his face that I'd forged ahead into uncharted territory.

** Also, I saw "Ghoulies" yesterday. I let the twitterverse know how disappointed I was that no one had let me know about this film earlier. I am lashing out.

- the iPhone of awesome

Out of the frying pan...

2011-03-01T06:55:00.001-08:00

...and into the fire. Did you know that March is National Craft Month? Well, it is!

Coming off of Thing-A-Day, I'll admit that I'm a little worn out on the craft front. But there are things I didn't get to in February that I really do want to do...especially screenprinting. And metalwork. I'm going to make a point of learning a few new tricks in March.

So...how about you? Will you be doing anything for National Craft Month?

My Thing-A-Day 2011 Map.

2011-02-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

Now...what to do next? Hmmm....

I made it all the way through Thing A Day 5!

2011-02-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

There were times when I really didn't think I would make it this year. For some reason, this February has been a creative void and I've really had to push myself to do anything. Except knit socks. Four completed pair and two well on the way...maybe February should be known as Sock-A-Day.

I'd planned to finally learn to silkscreen, do some embroidery and some metal work, and some sewing, but it was pretty much socks and photography and cooking this time. Maybe March can be New-Thing-A-Day.

I'll put together a map of everything I made this month, but in the meantime, click on any of the links to the right to see what I made this month.

Cupid at ten.

2011-02-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Do you remember when you just started to discover the opposite sex? Did you get giggly? Kick people? Run from the room screaming? Practice your dance moves? Try out new (lower) voices? In our house, it's all of that. And more. And I assume it's going to get worse -- a lot worse -- before it gets better.

It seems that every boy in Paul's class has discovered girls at the same time. And every girl in Paul's class is completely uninterested. Trust me, I think this is a very good thing. But it is funny to watch the boys trying to play cool and acting so goofy. I was at the school at lunchtime a few weeks ago and asked one of the girls why they sit at a separate table from the boys. The answer: "Well, look at them." And you know what? The girls were totally right. The boys were doing every goofy thing in the 10-year old boy's arsenal of goofy things.

I guess what I'm trying to say is be yourself and enjoy a Happy Valentine's Day with the people who truly love you for being you. And don't hurry to be more mature. Especially you, Paul. Stay a young boy for as long as possible.

(Also, yay for Arcade Fire!)

2011-02-14T07:38:00.001-08:00

I took a field trip last week...

Glenndale Hospital is an amazing abandoned site. I found this place about a year ago, and it keeps pulling me back.

There are tales of ghosts and people who are much braver than me who have actually gone inside. Anyhow, click here and here to see my photos...hopefully I'll build up some courage sometime soon and make it through the doors. Eee.....

The best video you'll see today. Maybe even tomorrow.

2011-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. I promised to post more often, and now it's all videos. But this is really good.

I'm a Artie girl

2011-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Netflix is killing me. I am catching up on all sorts of amazing shows that I never got to see when they came out (because we were down on the teevee, which, if you know me, is ridiculous.)

My latest teevee obsession is "The Larry Sanders Show", and while every character on it is amazing, Arthur is really above and beyond.

Rip Torn's Arthur is about the single most brilliant comedic character I've ever seen.
So brilliant, that I'm going to give you both parts of this...

Thing-A-Day 2011...It's Alive!

2011-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

Well, February 1st is here, and you know what that means...it's Thing-A-Day! I'll be posting links to my projects over there on the right, but you really should go to the main site and take a look at all the cool things that people are doing. It's definitely an inspiration.

Today, I was a little lazy -- just detail on the sweater I was already working on. Actually, I don't think "lazy" describes my state, so much as exhausted. I spent a few hours with Paul's fourth grade class today (Teacher Appreciation Day), and knitting a few inches is really all I have left in me. Honestly, I don't know how Miss Hall does it day in and day out.

Things I learned about 4th graders today:

1. The boys and the girls do not sit together at lunch. Duh.

2. The girls coordinate their tag day (out of uniform) outfits. It entails a lot of discussion.

3. No one wants to sing. Again, duh.

If you had to get a report card...

2011-01-30T15:35:00.001-08:00

Here's a question I ask myself frequently: if you, as an adult, were to get a report card, what would the the main comment on it?
My answer: Does not follow directions well, if at all. For example:

Pretty cute, huh? And three hours...what's not to like?

Here's what I'm doing instead:

It will have sleeves. And ruffles. Because I cannot for the life of me ever just follow the damn directions. And that three hours? Pfffttt.

I'm making my list of Thing-A-Day projects...I think the first one (for February 1) will be to finish this sweater.

- the iPhone of awesome

Snow days!

2011-01-27T08:19:00.001-08:00

DC finally got some decent snow -- and we've had two days off of school because of it. The Federal Government closed two hours early Wednesday, so you know it was quite a storm. There are many stories of commutes that normally took 15-20 minutes taking hours.

Paul and Maggie couldn't help themselves last night. At the height of thundersnow, they broke out of the house, determined to battle.

This is what we're left with today: icy, wet snow covering everything. Lovely to look at from the warmth of a cashmere blanket, a giant cappuccino and the couch.

- the iPhone of awesome

SolidSound!

2011-01-24T06:45:00.000-08:00

Today seems to be about annual events. That I'm really excited about.

Here's the second:

SOLIDSOUND FESTIVAL at MassMoCA, June 24-26

YAY!

We had an amazing time last year (proof here). Three days of music and art and great food, for adults and kids. Cannot beat it. I even bring knitting.

It's almost February...and that means Thing-a-Day!

2011-01-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

Brrr...it's so cold! And it's been cold for a long time...we've been below freezing for days in the DC area. You'd think we'd at least get some of that sweet, sweet snow, but no. I digress.

Whether you're burrowing under covers wearing multiple sweaters and socks (so sexy!) or enjoying t-shirt weather (I hear you, happy Californians), February is the time to make stuff. Thing-a-Day 5 is here to goad you into doing just that. For the fifth year, hundreds of artsy/craftsy types will pledge to make one thing every day and post about it online.

This is my third -- maybe fourth? -- year of Thing-a-Day. Twenty-eight days of creativity shouldn't be a challenge, but believe me, it is. Sure, you could just do the same sort of thing every day...you know I'd be tempted to knit every single day...but the fun is learning new skills and stretching your abilities. Having said that, I'm definitely going to knit. And bake. And paint. And make plates. And, and, and... You get the picture.

Here are a few postings from my other TaD projects -- I'll post the link to the posterous site on February 1!

pricklygirl Thing-a-Day 2010

pricklygirl Thing-a-Day 2009

I hope a few friends register this year. Hint. Hint. Hint.

Like my new socks? I'm on a kick...

New Etsy Treasuries

2011-01-21T15:03:00.001-08:00

I've been making quite a few Etsy Treasuries lately -- I'm part of the TFTeam. Don't ask me what that means because I have no idea...

Click on the cool mask to see one of my latest.

The weather guy is saying it'll be 17-18 degrees (f) at 7am tomorrow morning. Crikey!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Holy moley, it's been a long time.

2011-01-21T13:28:00.000-08:00

I decided to start the New Year -- and the resolutions that accompany it -- very late. Still, it is January, so I'm not totally out of the park.

Lots has happened since last I blogged...Paul's headaches are under control (thank you, modern medicine), my parents visited for three weeks at Christmas, we had a slew of birthdays, my iPhone screen shattered and Charles repaired it (because he's that fantastic), I finally learned to knit socks...lots of other stuff that I can't even remember right this minute. It's been a busy time.

So, my resolutions:

* Take care of my health. Make a doctor's appointment. For me. Keep it. Exercise. Lay off the chocolate.

* Take some creative risks. Stretch. Learn to do something new. Market what I do do more effectively.

* Garden. For real.

* Have fun and don't worry so much about every little thing. And try to be more patient.

* Jettison stuff that really doesn't matter.

* Blog better. Blog more often.

There you have it. Let's see if I can do it.

Etsy Treasuries -- Buy Handmade

2010-11-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Do you know about Etsy treasuries? Sellers curate collections of their favorite work by other Etsy artists and it's an interesting way to see what others are looking at. I started making lists only this month -- you can see mine here -- after being featured in nearly 20. Believe me, every time I'm in one, I'm absolutely thrilled -- and honored -- to be in such amazing company.

This holiday season, consider using the Etsy treasuries to find handmade, unique gifts. When you buy handmade, you have a connection to the artist. You contribute directly to a small business. You get something very special.

Learn more about the Buy Handmade movement here. And get 15% off anything in my etsy shop when you enter "Buy Handmade" at checkout.

Warning. This is a kind of dark post.

2010-11-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm warning you now. This is not a funny, fun post. I'm having a hard time feeling fun. Or funny.

Okay. You're still reading? These mushrooms represent my family. My tightly knit clump of a family. We've been hiding out in plain view, occupied by school and work and trying to get the wheels moving in one uniform direction. But mostly, we've been bound by illness this fall.

Recently, we've all suffered sinus and ear infections, increased asthma, strep and colds. For over a month, at least one person in this family has been sick at any time. Nothing brings a family together -- for better or worse -- like multiple people staying home sick.

Some of you know that Paul has been suffering from an especially bad bout of debilitating headaches since just before Halloween. He's missed a lot of school this November (thanks, by the way, to his class for making all the great cards -- much appreciated.) The headaches are severe and persistent, even though sometimes he seems to have crazy bursts of energy that leave you wondering what's really going on. I've asked why he can read or watch tv at home, but can't make it through a school day (and yes, I felt terrible for asking), and he explained that he can lay down at home while doing those things, but at school he has to sit up, and the noise and light and all the movement make his head feel like it's exploding. And no child should ever wake up every night of the week yelling because of the pain in his head -- it's terrible to watch as a parent and makes you feel quite powerless. We're trying all sorts of things -- medications, etc. to get Paul up and back to school, but there hasn't been a lot of success so far (zero success. Zero.) We're waiting for an appointment with a pediatric neurologist (earliest availability? End of January. Really.) In the meantime, we've started acupuncture, which seems to make Paul dizzy, in addition to the headaches. I hear that improves. I hope that improves soon. Something has to help, right?

Yesterday, I felt like I hit a wall. Like there's no end in sight and I don't have any plan how to proceed. Like things are falling apart and and I don't understand how or why and I'm powerless to do anything about it. And then I think about those parents who have children with terminal illnesses and I'm filled with jealousy -- they handle this stuff (and far worse) every day. I can just barely handle it for a month. And I feel like I'm failing at this whole parenting thing.

UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for all the kind words -- it means a lot to all of us to know that so many people care. We're trying lots of different options -- the acupuncture works for a bit, until it doesn't; we're trying to get into the pediatric neurologist earlier (they'll call, they say, they'll call); and we're trying different types of pain management. I think the real lesson here is that not everything gets fixed fast.

Tuesday Morning Music

2010-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't really posted much about this summer -- and I've really wanted to write about Solid Sound Festival. But, as you can see from my etsy shop, I've been awfully busy making weird art (yay me). So watching Jeff Tweedy perform this amazing acoustic version of Spiders will just have to do until I have some downtime. Which is highly unlikely.

(Many thanks to NoMorePoety for posting this video on YouTube!)

Hmmm. The dawning of a new era. For me.

2010-09-15T11:32:00.001-07:00

Those of you who have known me or followed my blog for any time (and many thanks to the five of you I know about!) know that I love to take photos -- lots of them. I've always been proud of being able to get really great results with a point & shoot camera. Well, those days are over*. I have finally traded up to the big leagues. I looked for a long time. I got advice from all sorts of sources.

I am so happy with my Canon T1i. Thanks to my sweet, patient, understanding, wonderful husband.

(Who am I kidding? I'm still going to carry my trusty Canon PowerShot SD900 and my beloved iPhone, but you know what I'm saying.)

I'm totally becoming my mother.

2010-09-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

I really want those glasses. And the dress, which she made.

I have found a new love and we're going to be very happy together.

2010-09-04T04:24:00.001-07:00

(Yes, yes, I know. It's been a few months -- all summer, really -- and I have a lot to tell you about. And I will in another post. I promise. The reunion was fine. Solid Sound Festival was amazing. School is off to a rollicking start. I'll do all that next week, but I need to get this off my chest now.)

If you know me very well (or at all), you know that I have something of an obsession with espresso. Remember when my last little humble machine died? The tears? The move to the moka? For you old-timers, the month of cappuccino experiments? Good times, good times.

When we moved from San Francisco to DC, one of the most difficult things was trying to find good coffee beans. Luckily, at that time, we lived right across from a Quartermaine. But then Starbucks moved in and Quartermaine closed the store and...well. Sigh. But then Peet's started their delivery program and all was right again with my world -- I could have good California coffee at home. And Trader Joe's moved into the DC area. No need to move back to California. Phew.

I've been pretty faithful to Peet's over the years. My three-pound boxes from Peet's come every month, and one of my favorite things in the world is opening that box and burying my face in its caffeinated bags. Happy. Happy. Happy. Of course I've ordered many a iced venti americano, extra shot, no room at Starbucks (who doesn't?) but I've kept true. I've heard about the local coffee scene (Murky and the rest), but I have been true to Peet's.

Until this summer, that is. First, it was intelligentsia at Solid Sound. The best espresso I'd ever had in my life. Fantastic. Amazing. Charles thought it was a little strong. Not me. Life affirming, that's what I say. Life. Affirming. I was an addict. Can't even count how many shots (and iced coffees) I had over the two days that intelligentsia was open. I even kept my last little paper cup. And I nearly shed a tear when the barrista poured the last of the coffee down the drain as the festival closed. He understood. He talked me down. (Actually, in retrospect, that was a little embarrassing.) We came back home. I made my iced espresso with Peet's and it was...okay. But I'd tasted something more. The bloom? Off the rose.

And then yesterday, I found my new love. Peregrine Espresso. I'd read a lot about Peregrine and was jealous of my hipster friends who actually get to visit espresso bars (two kids ruin my cred). But with the onset of the school year... We went for a late brunch (and homemade poptarts) at Ted's Bulletin on H Street, NW. Then we walked up Pennsylvania Avenue and, after a little searching, found my new home. The staff at Peregrine is very knowledgeable and extremely nice. The barristas are fantastic. I had an amazing shot of their Apollo. We came home with a pound of that and a pound of Espresso Aficionado. I've made the Aficionado as straight shots and as an iced americano now, and I couldn't be more pleased. Really. It is that good.

I just thought you might like to know. Also? I'm having an iced americano and a couple of squares of a Hershey's bar for breakfast. I'm nutritionally complete.

660 Pennsylvania Ave SE Washington DC 20003

t.202-629-4381f.202-747-5861

Hours Mon-Sat. 7am-9pm Sun. 8am-8pm (We should go for an espresso.)

I think Maggie really captured my good side.

2010-07-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

Especially since it's the mid-point of summer.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Two days and counting.

2010-07-05T08:09:00.001-07:00

Maggie lost her first tooth on Saturday morning...

Since she and The Boy were going to a special sleepover at DC Grandma's house, we packed it up in a little bag in preparation for a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Maggie decided she wanted to keep the tooth -- at least for a little while -- and that someone should let the tooth fairy know so she didn't waste her time trying to get a tooth that would not be hers. That's fine, I thought. The tooth fairy knows where you live. It's better at home.

It's Monday now. She doesn't want to part with the tooth. It's still in the bag with a white ribbon tied at the top (for identification purposes.) Pretty soon, I'm going to tell her that the tooth fairy has a tight timeframe for such matters and can't keep rescheduling her visit.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

We had this conversation.

2010-07-01T05:48:00.001-07:00

Someone I am married to (aka SIAMT) cares a lot about his clothes. He has cultivated that effortlessly put together, "This old thing?" look, but he truly cares. Way more, it should be said, than I care about my clothes...I mean, have you seen me lately? There is balance in our marriage.

But this morning I got a look behind the great curtain. It was startling. And weird. You see, SIAMT was having a shoe crisis.

SIAMT: "These shoes drink Negroni and have an Italian girlfriend who doesn't talk and always looks angry. They eat good cheese."

"These shoes are married to a girl from the Midwest. She smiles a lot."
Me: "But they're falling apart."
SIAMT: "Oh, they'll stay together. We should get some Negroni."

I'm proud to say that he wore the Midwesterners.

EDIT: Charles points out that the Italian girlfriend has ringlets. And she does smile, but only under very specific circumstances, which I won't go into here.

Summertime...and the poster is lazy.

2010-06-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Makes me happy.

So...how's your summer going?

2010-06-26T08:38:00.001-07:00

I always associate the 4th of July with the midpoint of summer, so I'm kind of amazed that we're nearly there already.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

I said yes to my high school reunion.

2010-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

What have I done?

I've managed to avoid the others (pregnancy-related bedrest, opera jobs, general disinterest) but I'm going next month. True story. If my parents and sister weren't in Colorado I probably wouldn't really consider it, but we haven't been back for a few years so it seems like a good time. Honestly, I've become much better friends with some former classmates through FaceBook than I was when we were in school. And I learned that my assessment of my high school experience seems to have been at odds with other people's assessment of me in high school. Here I always thought I was a total awkward pathetic weirdo. I may have been a little mistaken. OR I was right all along and this will be horrible. Maybe I should start a pool...

Okay, I'm kind of looking forward to this. And if John Cusak (circa Gross Pointe Blank) could show up, that would really seal the deal. Really.

Maybe I'll skip parts of the weekend (just like I skipped most of chemistry -- I figure the statute of limitations has passed and I'm safe in that confession) and hang out at the Market drinking espresso and trying to be cool. Or maybe at City Park. Or the IHOP in Cherry Creek. I still wear pointy shoes, maybe I can dig up a black tutu. Gee, this is already getting weird...

(Also, that's me in high school. I know.)

2010-06-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

End of an era

2010-05-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Our family has been part of the Cheverly Weekday Nursery/Mother's Day Out family for the past seven years. Both Paul and Maggie attended nursery school and summer sessions in these programs, which have been running for 30 years (give or take). WDN/MDO is an institution in Cheverly, and we've been very happy to be part of it. Today, we're done.

I remember carrying Maggie through the halls in her carseat as we delivered Paul to preschool. I remember how terribly excited Maggie was to get her chance to stay at school (how could she run off without even kissing me goodbye?!) even as Paul would sob and cling to me when it was time to begin class. I remember the days spent with other parents painting murals in the hallways to enliven otherwise drab areas that the kids & teachers use. We had fun creating the first concert series last year, and our favorite parts of each holiday season have been the Halloween parade and the Christmas pageant. I don't know how many cookies I've baked for WDN/MDO over the past seven years, but I suspect that number is in the thousands.

Today was Maggie's last day at WDN. She's now an official graduate of preschool (with a diploma to prove it), ready for the rigors and challenges of kindergarten. And that ends an era for our family. I'll miss seeing the very capable, creative, compassionate teachers whom I have come to count as friends over the years. I'll miss the murals in the hallways. I'll miss the countless art projects. I know she's ready for new challenges, but it seems like these years have gone by so fast. Too fast, really. We don't have a very young child any longer. We have two elementary school kids. The door to very special time of our lives closed at 12:15pm today. I'm sad. I'm happy. I'm all sorts of things. I guess that, most of all, I'm delighted at the thought of what's next on the horizon.

Nothing much to say, really.

2010-05-24T10:36:00.001-07:00

The pool opens in five days. That's about it.

Thursday afternoon.

2010-05-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Incidentally, Paul's report on Greece was a big hit and Maggie had a pretty good day at nursery school, despite being dragged away from the festivities at the "big-kid school".

Curse you, Martha Stewart.

2010-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Dangit. Why do I get that newsletter? Why do I ever go to that site? Why? Why? Why?!

Okay, now that the MarthaHaters (or MHers) have moved on to another blog, I have a confession to make: I really like Martha Stewart's staff, even if they scare me a bit (not intimidate. Scare.) A lot of it is over the top, and frankly, Martha is never going to do the kind of bedroom I'll love (I get a kick out of the subject line in the emails, though, so thanks for that.) There are some fantastic recipes and great crafts for all levels of craft expertise, and I've picked up a lot of basic ideas and tooled them into something I like even more. And, to her credit, she published my all-time favorite kid's magazine. (Which is now defunct. Bad choice, Martha. Body & Soul totally could have gone.) Also, my friend Scott (of Eat With Me) won her cookie contest a few years ago, so the woman obviously knows something.

Niceties aside, I hate that the site loads ridiculously slowly. (Why do you seem to hate photo optimization, friend?) I hate that her face is on my tool bar when I visit the site. (Logo, okay. Face, not okay.) I hate the tone of writing on that site. They do a very good job of capturing her voice, which grates. (A lot.)

This is a real love/hate/love thing.

2010-05-08T10:05:00.001-07:00

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

2010-05-08T09:35:00.001-07:00

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Only a few weeks left of preschool.

2010-05-07T12:39:00.001-07:00

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Good morning, sunshine!

2010-05-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Maggie made it.

2010-05-03T14:25:00.001-07:00

So I'm still excited by the prospect of homemade poptarts, but it's so hot and muggy today. A perfect day for...

Homemade canteloupe ice! Maggie made it. Really. Easy enough that a five-year old can do it (with the assistance of a bigger person and an ice cream ball.)
Here's the recipe:
2 c. canteloupe
1/2 c. sugar
1c. water
(you could also add herbs, like lavendar, basil or thyme...)

Combine everything in the blender and whip until very smooth. Chill for about an hour.

Make the ice following directions for your ice cream maker. I'll totally plug the ice cream ball here (http://www.icecreamrevolution.com). After filling the canister with the canteloupe mixture and the the other part with ice and rock salt, Maggie and I rolled ours back and forth for 10 minutes. Perfection. And even her big brother agrees, so you know it's good.
You know what would make it really good (in a grownup way)? Some port. That would be awesome.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Smitten Kitchen Wants Me to Die Happy

2010-05-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/04/homemade-pop-tarts/

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

My new favorite website

2010-04-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

I visit the Craftzine site every day (honestly, more than once a day -- it is that good.) Today, they had a great post about Agence eureka, a site devoted to vintage graphic stuff. It's great inspiration for anyone who loves the art of craft.

What I learned from Michael J. Fox this morning

2010-04-17T05:46:00.001-07:00

"Our happiness is in direct proportion to acceptance and inverse proportion to expectation."

I already believe that (some say to a fault), but Mr. Fox put it so eloquently. He has a book coming out soon (I didn't catch its name) and I intend to read it.

There's a total chick in our house.

2010-04-15T10:22:00.001-07:00

She's five and very in touch with her emotions.

For example, pissed that she's not allowed to bring teeny tiny plastic dogs and cats to the park.
I told her that her face would freeze that way if she didn't stop, but that had little to no effect.

Also, I've just been informed that I'm "the meanest mommy a girl could ever hope for." That's another way of saying "I love you and you're totally awesome, Mom. AND I'm going to do what you say because you are so very smart." That's what I caught, anyhow.

Lemon Meringue Pie

2010-04-04T09:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter.

Cherry blossoms

2010-04-02T16:02:00.001-07:00

Day 2 of spring break was a trip down to the (insanely) crowded Mall to see the cherry blossoms...

I don't remember so many people in years past, and I admit to feeling a liitle proprietary (local vs. tourist, silly really.) Could be the amazing weather and Good Friday. Anyhow, the Cherry Blossom Festival is in full...ummm...bloom (ugh).

There were bands. Paul and Maggie drew in their journals (me too) and we hung out behind the Lincoln Memorial for a bit before walking a long, long, long way to meet Charles at the 17th & Penn McDonald's, aka the Bill Clinton MickeyD. I understand the appeal of proximity (across the street from the White House) but gee, that's a bad franchise. Unfortunately, it's the only way I could bribe the kids to keep walking and I was desperate.

We tortured the kids with more walking and a metro ride home before the final payout: root beer floats.

Honestly, we all deserved that. And probably some hard liquor and a massage.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

True.

2010-03-31T14:51:00.001-07:00

What do you call the end if March? It's not the ides, and it certainly isn't April Fool's...

The girls are right. Brothers ARE stinkers.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

It's official: spring break is here.

2010-03-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

You can tell by all the papers and projects littering our front door (a big old pile right as you walk in). Having already enjoyed his celebratory Spring Break Slurpee, I think Paul plans to stay inside... something about "Halo Camp", which I'm certain has nothing to do with God. And Maggie has decided to circumvent (or maybe it was help) the Easter bunny by preemptively hiding the candy she got at her school party today. Luckily, I already found the hard-boiled egg. Under the cat's cushion. By the heating vent. I'm sure someone -- or something -- else would have found that treasure eventually...

However, I'm putting my foot down. It is just too damned nice outside. We're off...I dunno where.

Ps. The Wilco show at the Strathmore last night was the best concert I've ever attended.
Pps. Including Jessye Norman.
Ppss. And Elly Ameling.
Pppss. And Thomas Hampson.
Pppsss. And the Stones Halloween night at Oakland Coliseum.
Ppppsss. And the Cure and Siouxsee and the Banshees on Halloween Night at The Rainbow Room in Denver.
Ppppssss. Seriously. Amazing show. Over three hours, including an unbelievable acoustic set.
Pppppssss. I'm not being weird.
Pppppsssss. I just wanted to balance the Ps and Ss out in the end. Unbalanced would have been weird.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Paul, seeking to influence his world.

2010-03-29T17:48:00.001-07:00

Delusions of grandeur...and an attempt to deepen his voice.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Sunday is a very, very busy day.

2010-03-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

This can only mean that warmer weather is on the way! Join Charles & Kelly of The Hot Noodles for their first acoustic show of the spring on Sunday at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt.

Before you take get over to Greenbelt, however, stop by the Efantis' for a Meet & Greet with Mayoral candidate Mike Callahan, sponsored by ChvChick.

You can thank me for figuring out your Sunday afternoon plans for you any time. I like espresso. And champagne that comes in little pink cans with matching bendy straws.

crafty girl

2010-03-13T08:30:00.001-08:00

Remember how I kept having craftastrophes last fall? Nothing was working and I still don't know why. Well. Things seem to be on the right track (or I've unconsciously done some karmic balancing or something.)

I started this project during Thing-a-Day. Like most knitters, I have a stash of "seemed like a good idea when I bought it but what to do with it" yarn. I think this varegated yarn was initially meant to be a dress for Maggie.

(Those are Tabitha's paws at the top.) I finished knitting yesterday -- by finished I mean I ran out of yarn (there was no pattern, just a general idea about creating something like the fantastic SuperMaggie felted scarves). Knitted -- not felted -- it measured about 4 1/2'.

Post-felting (this was two hot washes and a trip through the dryer), it's about 3' and has a really cool ruffle on the edges (bonus accident!) It's almost exactly what I pictured, though I'd like it a little wider and a teeny bit longer.

I have a varegated olive wool -- lots and lots of it -- I'm excited to experiment more with this!

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

I know it's wrong, but...

2010-03-11T08:04:00.001-08:00

I'm watching "Food, Inc." and it's making me really really really hungry for McDonald's.

It's possible that I'm missing the point.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Lots of work...

2010-03-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

I've been working a lot! In addition to etsy, my work will be featured in Chicago's Necessary exTRAVagance very soon. And I'm also hoping to make the rounds of some craft area craft shows this spring. I'm very excited about these opportunities...

Spinning my wheels, running in place.

2010-03-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

It's one of those days (weeks, months...) Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's the wide variety work I'm doing for a bunch of different things (description fail). Whatever the reason, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels like mad just to keep in the same place. No real sense of accomplishment. No real sense of movement or change. Just going, going, going. And I am doing just that -- always doing or making or fixing or finding something. If I do sit still for a moment and try to think about what I'm doing, it's nearly impossible to focus in any single direction. And the most frustrating part is that I don't feel like I'm ever actually doing anything for myself. I've heard that's a good thing to do. Rumor has it, anyhow...

What do you do when you feel like this? I'd really like to know.

Toy Camera App Dork

2010-02-28T18:13:00.001-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I like the toy camera app for the iPhone? Seriously, every good shot I've had in the past few weeks has been a result of this app.

You should probably start reevaluating your life when geeking this hard is a normal event...

-- posted from the iPhone of awesome

Thing-A-Day 2010 has come and gone

2010-02-28T17:09:00.001-08:00

So another month-long creative binge has come and gone. This year's Thing-A-Day felt very quick -- usually I'm wracking my brain for projects during the final week. And yes, if you count the blocks, there are more than 28. I made two things a few times...I blame the snow.

If you haven't looked at the Thing-A-Day 2010 site, you really should. There's all sorts of stuff there, from illustration to writing to metal work...some great, some not so great, but the idea of a whole bunch of people commited to doing something creative appeals to me.

Now, on to the next project...

Spring cannot come too soon.

2010-02-20T12:43:00.001-08:00

For real.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Snowpacolypse Brownies

2010-02-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

School has been cancelled for the remainder of the week.

Also, it's snowing. Again.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Playing with knitting and photo apps

2010-02-09T08:54:00.001-08:00

I've been working for the past few days on a ruffle scarf for Thing-A-Day. Just finished it this morning.

Of course, I have to play with the photo...

I'm glad I took "prepare to shelter in place for 4-5 days" at the beginning of the last snowstorm to mean "head to the craft store and stock up or you will think twice about the long-term prospects of living with your family."

I think it's time to bake something.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Greetings, 10:15 Saturday Night

2010-02-06T19:39:00.001-08:00

We went for a walk on the snow.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Snowpacolypse is here!

2010-02-06T06:29:00.001-08:00

And our local liquor store has its priorities in order...

ChvBlog's ace cub reporter, the BreadMan, took this photo during his final supply trek.

It doesn't matter anyway. We can't open our front door.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome (and SNOW)

Historic snow, on the way

2010-02-05T10:28:00.001-08:00

Local forecasts are for up to 30"...

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Maggie, channeling her inner teenager

2010-02-04T10:56:00.001-08:00

She could not understand why I seemed unhappy that she'dgiven herself red marker lipstick.

Apple, meet tree.

Still more snow day...

2010-02-03T11:21:00.001-08:00

This afternoon brought to you by gray skies and pumpkin pie.

Snow Day: part 3

2010-02-03T11:06:00.001-08:00

Working on plates... I'm very excited about a wonderful new store in Chicago that will be carrying them this spring, but more on that when it's time...

I'd also like to say that a very special, very limited edition Chinese New Year's tea is now available at Andrews & Dunham Damn Fine Tea (http://www.damnfinetea.com). Only 50 tins in this series!

Snow Day, continued...

2010-02-03T06:45:00.001-08:00

In honor of Thing-A-Day 2010, I'm chronicling things I'm making today while P&M have a day off school...

Chocolate chip pancakes...

The second of what I'm sure will be many, many espressos (espressi? I dunno...) throughout the day...

I'm on to knitting now...

Snow Day

2010-02-03T05:58:00.001-08:00

We got snow...

It's lovely and P&M are out of school for the day. I'm going to be making stuff all day...

February is here, so it must be Thing-A-Day time!

2010-02-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite annual activities -- Thing-A-Day -- is back. During the month of February, several hundred (I think) people have signed up and pledged to make something new each day and chronicle their activities. Yay!

Here are my first two posts:

Newborn Cocoon Embellishment

Teacher Appreciation Day Bowl

There's a lot of cool stuff going on through Thing-A-Day. Visit the site and get inspired!

I've been meaning to post this all day...

2010-01-20T15:12:00.001-08:00

but I got distracted.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Shameless self promotion: More plates this week!

2010-01-20T08:20:00.001-08:00

Why yes, that is a diseased heart! On a plate! What a great gift idea for Valentine's Day!

I'm working hard to replenish my etsy shop -- there will be seven new plates (and some more baby things) by weeks' end.

In the meantime, think about who you might like to give a diseased heart plate. Quick true story: Many years ago for Valentine's Day, a boyfriend gave me a crown of thorns plant and the 45 of Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me". Weirdly, I thought this was REALLY romantic. I still think he's a supercool guy. Thanks, facebook!

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would actually think this is romantic...
Right?

UPDATE: The plate is up on Etsy (click link on the right side of my page) as well as a few other things. I'm going to work on baby knits for the rest of the day. You know, to balance things out.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

We had family time this weekend.

2010-01-18T16:21:00.001-08:00

Things have been a little stressful around here lately. I'm not going to bore you with the details. It'll all work out.

The answer this weekend turned out to be lots of family activity time.

We went to The Mall -- Air & Space, American Indian (best museum cafe on the planet) and the Arboretum. Totally fun and I found a secret free parking place. Take that, DC parking meters!

Today we went to the park in Greenbelt. There was a lot of nature, which was nice, but I really enjoyed taking about a hundred photos of a giant trash bin.

Good weekend. Long weekend. Ready to get back to work (I'm madly working away at new decoupage work for my Etsy shop...hopefully sone new, non-baby related stuff will be up by the end of the week.)

Oh, and I don't feel quite so tense about things anymore. Sorry about the weird post.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Cool little meme going on over at facebook...

2010-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Are you on fb? I'm a great fan -- and heavy user -- of this service. I've reconnected with many old friends, made some acquaintances into real friends and (believe it or not) learned a lot about my life. Definitely an interesting social experiment.

Last week, women posted the color of their bras, ostensibly to raise awareness about breast cancer. Charles really liked those posts... He really liked them. Really. I have a feeling he wasn't the only fan of that meme.

This week, people are posting old photos of themselves as their profile pics. Have you updated yours?

Oh me? I've been pretty busy.

2010-01-10T06:03:00.001-08:00

If you've ever noticed the Etsy badge on the right, you've probably noticed some new things...things that don't really seem like they belong in a shop full of skeletons and bodies and the like. What can I say? As far as craft goes, I'm multipolar. Is that a word? It is now...

Never fear, I have quite a few new skeletal plates in the works, as well as some truly strange stuff that I'm very excited about. I just need to stretch out a bit.

(This one isn't up yet -- just finished it this morning. Monday, I promise.)

I'm going to bake another loaf of bread now, make a lovely bevvie (cappucino, it's still pretty early) and start planning my projects for this year's Thing-A-Day, which starts in just a few weeks. Oh, and add paint layers to three plates, getgoung on another hat and generally run in a thousand directions. All at once. Can't help it sometimes.

(I'm going to be needing this.)

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

I've got the midwinter blahs

2010-01-07T13:57:00.001-08:00

and it's not even midwinter. I'm working on new plates, new hats, new plans for Thing-A-Day 2010 (this will be my third year)...

That said, I'm finding myself sighing alot. Seems like it's been cold forever, and the snow that was so lovely two weeks ago? What remains is dirty, nasty mini icebergs. **sigh** Well...there are exciting things to look forward to...

Totally unrelated: have Johnny Depp and Jack White morphed into one person?

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

You better not shout, you better not cry

2010-01-04T14:36:00.001-08:00

You better not pout
I'm telling you why
WILCO is coming to town...

Do you think I should post my open invitation for a home-cooked meal again?

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Something to do with holiday leftovers

2010-01-03T07:26:00.001-08:00

SoyNog-Bittersweet Chip Bread Pudding

I'm trying to clear out a few holiday pantry remainders -- leftover SoyNog, open package of chocolate chips, ends of crusty bread... This easy bread pudding combines those ingredients for a luscious end-of-holiday treat.

1 quart SoyNog (Silk makes a good one...you could also use regular nog but it's going to be a lot heavier)

1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (or any chocolate you have on hand)

About 6 cups old dry crusty bread, chopped into small cubes (I freeze the ends and remainders of baguettes for these occaisions)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, making sure to moiston all the bread. Allow mixture to stand, mixing occaisionally, for at least 45 minutes, until all the bread is well moistened.

Preheat the oven to 350f. Pour moistened bread and chip mixture (with any remaining liquid) into a baking dish. Bake on the middle rack for about 40 minutes, until the top is browned and the pudding is set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

If you also have some leftover whipping cream taking up space in your fridge, whipped cream (without additional sugar) is a very nice accompaniment.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T06:56:00.001-08:00

Wishing you and all who love you a wonderful 2010.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

(late edit: I should have mentioned that this hand belongs to Maggie, who is indeed a full hand now, and the heart is one of many that she made today after discovering that hole punch. It's possible that there are too many craft supplies in this house, but in this case, it worked out to be pretty sweet.)

Princess of the Bath

2009-12-29T09:41:00.001-08:00

I think the week between Christmas and New Year's is an excellent time to clean up.

I'd take the tree and decorations down, but there would be a great mutiny, so I'll just have to be content with getting children to bathe at least once this week. A full week at home for the whole family means carefully choosing battles.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

A five- year old is amongst us.

2009-12-27T07:01:00.001-08:00

Maggie has a birthday! It's today! And everything she's wearing is PINK!

Also, she would like to go to IKEA for her birthday dinner. To eat macandroni and play in the ball pit. The girl has big plans.

In other news, I'm highly caffienated. And I'm turning a tea guy to the dark side. Turns out the obsessive tea brewing habits play out very well with the espresso machine of destiny.

I'm still baking...

Hope you're all having a lovely holiday!

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

The elves are very, very busy this time of year.

2009-12-23T10:33:00.001-08:00

I know, I know. I haven't posted lately. I've been a little busy.

I'm taking a little break right now, watching one of my very favorite movies ever, "It's a Wonderful Life", with Paul. I think he's beginning to get Henry Potter. So I'd say signs of maturing are on the horizon.

We've done the pageants, the shopping, the mailing, the tree, the snow, the cookies, the eggnog, the parties... The thing that really (finally) put me in the holiday spirit? Paul getting that George Bailey really truly is the richest man in town.

Merry Christmas.

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

How are your holidays shaping up?

2009-12-15T14:11:00.001-08:00

Mine? Let's say beautiful things beset by small disasters...

(And yes, our fully decorated tree did fall down today.)

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome

Busy, busy, busy...and yet

2009-12-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Okay. Here's my painful admission: I have not done ANY Christmas shopping yet. Since my gift projects have all been failures, I need to get cracking. Sigh. I could really do with an extra week before the holidays kick in. So what's been keeping me so busy? Well, there's the tea. And the plates. And this person has to be here and needs this and that person needs to be there and needs that...and...and...and...just a lot of stuff. Oh, and I put a giant hole in the sink, which means we need to replace the whole thing. Because there's so much time for home repairs right now.

My latest idea? Mini Buche de Noel cakes. Yeah. When am I gonna find time to do that? Crazy thoughts.

Oh, who am I kidding? You know I'm going to make them. I can't help myself. I may even work on the mini meringue mushrooms today. Because, you know. I have so much time.

Late update, because Jeffe asked...
I put a hole approximately 6" wide by 4" deep in the basin of our upstairs bathroom sink the other night. I was trying to salvage a glass votive on which I'd previously made a decoupage disaster (truly hideous). After soaking the piece for a few hours in the sink, I was scraping the old paint, paper and glue with my hands. Needless to say, it was slippery. It wasn't that far above the sink, but hit JUST RIGHT. The thing shattered (yes, in the water -- when I have accidents I like to go whole hog). Luckily -- and unlike countless other times -- I didn't require stitches. In fact, there was no bleeding at all. And, naturally, this all happened about 45 minutes before Charles got home, so I had ample opportunity to work up full remorse. To Charles' credit, he didn't blink. It was more of a "well, we've wanted to replace it anyhow" thing. He's a super guy.

I'd post a photo, but Apple has decided that I need to update my iPhone RIGHT NOW. I will when I get a change.

Also, to all my friends on facebook who doubt my DIY prowess... pffft. I mean, you're right and all, but still. Perhaps you remember my superglue and glasses incident? Is that it?

If someone can enlighten me...

2009-12-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

as to how this happened, I'd really appreciate it. How can Paul be nine already?! As Charles pointed out, Paul is now halfway to 18. Honestly, that doesn't sit so well with me...

Shameless Self-Promotion: New Plates in my Etsy Shop

2009-12-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

At long last, I've added four -- count 'em four -- new plates to my nearly year-old Etsy shop. There's a pair of lions, an organ-filled torso, and two plates with beautiful red corral and starfish. With any luck, more are on the way this week. I hope you'll take a look...

And now, back to your regularly scheduled program...

It might snow tomorrow!

2009-12-04T07:36:00.001-08:00

We're ready for a bit of snow -- doesn't quite feel like December to this midwesterner without a serious chill in the air, some ice and snow. I think there may be wintry precipatation running through my veins, owing to my Minnesotta roots (and late November birthdate). And Irish-Norwegian background. I am made for the cold.

So after hearing the weather reports this morning, I knew it was time to prepare the backyard for winter. That includes pulling the remaining tomato, pepper and basil plants (already blackened by a freeze), putting away the wagon, balls and frisbees, storing the coolers, chairs, lanterns and grill, and taking down the hammock. That last one was the bummer -- the hammock is the apothesis of warm, lazy days to me. Also, this spider is now homeless...

The snow shovel is out. The sled is clean. We're ready. Come on, winter. Show us what you've got.

(PS...If you need any rosemary, sage, or flat leaf parsely, knock on our door. We still have a lot growing!)

-- Posted from the iPhone of Awesome