littlebrowngirl 2.0

My blog needs a makeover....

2012-01-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Taking a break to reevaluate and recreate my blog...

My theme is going to be along the lines of a favorite tweet..

"a large part of succeeding in today's world, is suspending disbelief and plowing on like you simply cannot fail"

Stay Tuned....

California Dreaming

2011-11-23T22:57:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of the California Lifestyle. I want to live in California for at least a couple of months at some time in my life, Santa Barbara maybe San Diego or even LA. Long enough to soak up some serious sun, stay some place gorgeous, sit around and drink macrobiotic vegan shakes and get mani pedis every other day.

For now, I live in Seattle, I drink too much coffee, have a vitamin D deficiency and pruny skin from all the rain. Not that I am complaining... okay maybe complaining a little. At any rate the site that makes my little waterlogged heart get all sun drenched and go pitter patter is LA in Bloom. Seriously, the photography makes me swoon and I have already tried one recipe that was amazing. And the webisode videos that she does are better than anything on TV.

So if you are cold, wet, tired of winter and live anywhere in the US but Hawaii, this site will not disappoint!!!!

LOVE THIS SITE!!!!! Need a smile? Check out Draw a Stickman.

2011-11-19T12:20:00.001-08:00

Draw a Stickman....
http://www.drawastickman.com/index.htm

They have an app... will be checking that out as well.
Enjoy!

Really need a vacation about now....

2011-10-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

What to work on first.... a great starting point

2011-09-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs posted this list, 50 Ways to Waste a Life. Lately as I have strived to make changes to cultivate a life and lifestyle I love, I have been stuck on what to change first. This list is a great starting point. I am guilty of far too many things on this list and when you see them spelled out so clearly, it is easy to see how they can hold you back and waste a life.

Summer was a Picnic.

2011-09-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

It was a nice a summer despite the weather. We exposed Pudge to a large variety of activities, but by far her favorite were the picnics. She loves eating outside and lounging on the blanket. She loves to look at the trees, and as this is one of my favorite things to do as well, I think it is pretty wonderful.

Now that Summer is over, I am beyond excited for my favorite season, Fall. Priority number one, take care of me! I have been so busy with work,family, Pudge and all of life's little stresses that I have really neglected taking care of me. If I was a plant, I would be parched, mummified and close to death. So, this month to get back on track I am taking a few days off, catching my breath and seeking some new directions. Stay tuned...

And so it begins... again.. the return of Fall Cooking

2011-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

I generally don't cook in the summer. Yes, I know how weird that sounds, but I can't stand being hot. The idea of a hot kitchen on even a mildly warm day just sounds awful. I basically assemble and reheat... Salads, simple casseroles and anything that can be boiled. But the other day I saw this recipe for Lemon Olive Oil Cake and could not get it out of my head or rather out of my mouth.. I swear I could almost taste it. And after reading the post and recipe a zillion times, I stayed up late one night and baked the cake. Mine was quite dense (no self-rising flour in the cupboards) but still delicious. Then this weekend I made Paella, the way I like it, (a little spicy, a little wet and with lots of chicken). Now I am dreaming of onions.. Walla Walla Sweet Onions are in season and as soon as the temperature drops I will be cooking up something yummy.

Typical Toddler Meal for Pudge

Of course the other reason to start cooking, Pudge loves food. She is especially fond of baked goods and cheese. I make her some quick muffins (rice flour, low sugar) but it is time to start expanding her diet. I want her to love food, all kinds. I believe a love of food starts early. And the desire to try new things come from a diverse diet when you are young.

The Things We Do For Love...

2011-08-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have no doubts whatsoever what I would do for our little bundle of joy. Things I would have run screaming from 14 months ago, I now do without hesitation. Case in point.... The NoseFrida, the infamous Swedish Snotsucker. Look at the picture and you have some idea of how it works. This is basically a plastic straw with some tubing.. (and yes I paid $15 bucks for this...) But, I don't even think of the money or how gross this is, when I know how much relief it gives to a toddler who has not yet learned to blow their nose. Anyone needing a baby shower gift, this is the best one ever!!! Practical, shocking and under $20.

What would I do without the Internet?

2011-06-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Just read this amazing article on Blogher, Balancing on the Limbs of the Working Mother Issue, she summed up what it took me months to accept and stand up for….

I am lucky enough to have been to France 3 times with plans to eventually visit again. In the meantime, I am LOVING Design Mom and her year-long adventure of living in France.

Pudge is on Odeedoh Apartment Therapy

2011-06-21T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am a big Apartment Therapy fan and am especially fond of their children's site, Odeedoh. I love the tours of children's room, but really enjoy reading the Happy Birthday Wishes. I kept telling myself, one day, I will be able to wish my own child Happy Birthday on Odeedoh. Well that day has finally come. Although I submitted Pudge's Birthday Wish in May, she was just selected and is gracing the pages of Ohdeedoh today. So happy to wish her happy birthday and also happy to realize that voicing a wish is the first step in making it come true.

Check it out at http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/happy-birthday/happy-birthday-haven-149585

Procrastination

2011-06-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

I should do laundry, I should clean, I should make lunch for tomorrow, did I mention I really should clean... but instead:

Design Mom | http://www.designmom.com/
The Art of Non-Conformity | http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/
Every Day Treats | http://www.everydaytreats.com/
Morgue File | http://www.morguefile.com/
Young House Love | http://www.younghouselove.com/

Appreciating the View

2011-06-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

Snapped during a walk on the beach, with Haven of course. Although it would be lovely to have a view of the water from my window, as long as I can see the water everyday I am happy.

Totem Animals and Signs From Above

2011-05-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

If I believed in such things as totem animals and signs from above, I would swear that whenever I am on the right path I see a hummingbird.

Today, taking Pudge for a stroll in the park, I listened to the breeze and the birds, marveled at all the green, sneaked peeks of the water and thanked every higher power I could think of for the little girl I get to share it all with.

Pudge drifted off to sleep and I just walked until I could see no one and the only man-made sound I heard were the wheels of the stroller.

I just kept thinking that despite the current challenges and problems in my life, things will get better and I can choose to live the life I want. And then as if to say “that’s it keep going”, was a hummingbird….

The Glass Ceiling

2011-05-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Visited the Tacoma Museum of Glass over the weekend, http://www.museumofglass.org/. The colors were amazing.

My New Favorite Blog

2011-05-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days where every message or sign you see is speaking directly to you. I feel that way every time I read this blog.

Marc and Angel Hack Life: Practical Tips for Productive Living
http://www.marcandangel.com/

I reread some of these post over and over again, when I need a little kick in the pants. Feeling a little blue or unfulfilled? Check out

20 Things Life is Too Short To Tolerate
http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/05/01/20-things-life-is-too-short-to-tolerate/

10 Surefire Ways To Live Below Your Full Potential
http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/01/24/10-surefire-ways-to-live-below-your-full-potential/

10 Commandments for a Good Life
http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/04/04/10-commandments-for-a-good-life/

I have been very unfocused lately and many of their post have been helpful in lighting my way.

Wise Words

2011-05-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Loving this quote I saw at Da*Xing:

Life Isn’t About Finding Yourself. Life Is About Creating Yourself. Unknown

Stress x 10

2011-01-30T22:19:00.000-08:00

The bad weather, absence of sleep and lack of exercise have amplified the stress in my life. It can be hard to even breath when you feel squeezed from all sides, but breathing can be the most important thing you do in a stressful situation. So I am taking some deep breaths.

I have also been trying some positive visualization as an alternative to my normal disaster forecasting. At the moment, my favorite visualization exercise is to imagine your life (the one you are striving for) as a magazine spread. Glossy happy photos, neat rows of text describing how capable, brilliant, brave, successful you are (insert your favorite adjective) and a giant drop quote summing it all up.

The magazine spread I keep imagining is pretty elaborate, but looks a tiny bit like this...(below). The main gist is that finally I have the spark I needed to move on, work through and start being who I want to be... It might seem silly, but this and a little breathing is helping me to stay positive and not give in to doubt and worry...

One of those days.. in a good way!

2011-01-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

This time of year, wet and cold is the basic forecast we have in the Pacific Northwest. The meteorologist try to make it sound interesting using such phrases as mist, mixed precipitation, light drizzle, balmy, light breeze and my favorite, sun breaks. They all say the same thing, wet and cold. My first winter here, I heard a forecast that said rain expected through March. This is really the Seattle winter forecast in a nutshell.

So, despite the "balmy mixed precipitation", today I bundled up Pudge and made my way to the Starbucks on the waterfront not too far from our house. I had a grande nonfat iced mocha with a single shot of decaf, 2 pumps of chocolate and low ice (this is my drink of choice and yes, I am one of those people) and Pudge had a bottle. I sat her in my lap and we looked out the window and chatted about the view. (I chatted, she babbled and people starred). It was really rather nice and I was enjoying myself immensely when out of nowhere, the most amazing thing happened... the sun came out. (Seattle, winter... trust me sun is a big deal). So we started our day with coffee, a bottle and a walk along the beach. What could be better?
Okay maybe some heat :-)

So good you want to lick the screen...

2011-01-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

Lactation Cookies

I am a huge fan of food blogs. Actually, I like food books, food magazines and just food in general. When my daily fare starts to look a little sad, I frequently turn to the web for inspiration. 1.) Because cupcake closeups look so good on my big screen and 2.) Because looking up a recipe at work really isn't goofing off. (I mean a girl has to eat and the grocery store is on the way home )

Lately I noticed my selection of food blogs had gotten a little stale, so I did some updating. I wiped everything off my list except my favorites,

To those, I added my new favorites,

Cooking Light (not a blog, but great recipes)
Honest Fare (the Pumpkin Pie Smoothie won me over)

My favorite recipe of 2010 was actually medicinal. The Lactation Cookie Recipe was circulated all over the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit when Pudge was in the hospital. Made with flax seed, oatmeal and brewer's yeast, the cookie is said to aid in lactation and help boost your milk supply. A medicinal cookie that helps me feed my little baby... sign me up. Nowadays, Pudge is doing great, but I still love these cookies. Aside from the health benefits nothing is funnier than handing someone a cookie and casually mentioning they are lactation cookies (preferably when they have a nice mouthful). One gentleman at the hospital was concerned that having eaten a cookie he might start lactating.."um no!" So if you are feeling wicked, or could actually benefit from the healthy ingredients, by all means give them a try.

Vacation Day...

2011-01-03T22:04:00.001-08:00

Had the day off today and spent it monkeying around with Pudge.

First Craft of the Season

2011-01-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

I have always been a big fan of mobiles and opted for a blank DIY mobile for Pudge's room, so we could change the theme each season. We had fall leaves up for a long time and I have been meaning to adapt an idea I saw at a Amuse, local stamp shop. With a little tweaking I was able to create a little brown girl mobile, complete with afro puffs.

2010: A Year in Review

2010-12-31T22:24:00.000-08:00

2010 was a year that went by so fast, I can scarcely believe that it is over. I started the year pregnant, ended the year with a new baby girl and along the way lost my grandmother, grew closer to my late mother and opened up to possibilities I am just starting to comprehend.

Most of my biggest changes and events are related to our beautiful 7 month old daughter, aka Pudge. I can honestly say I have learned more about life in the past 7 months than I have learned in my entire 41 years.

Starting with....

1) The love and happiness I thought I had lost with the death of my mother, has always been with me and was just waiting for someone to help bring it back to the surface.

2) When you treat your body with kindness, love, good food and exercise it can produce results you never dreamed possible. (Pregnancy food aversions allowed me to stop eating sweets for 7 months and a desire for a healthy pregnancy turned me on to healthy eating. The result I lost more than 20 pounds while pregnant and nourished the most amazing little being.

3) We really do create our own realities. And now that I understand this, I intend to get out my purple crayon and draw the most awesome reality I can imagine.

4) Life is all about how we view it... Everything I thought was an obligation, is really a privilege or something to be grateful for.... (EXAMPLE: I miss my mother by I am so lucky to have had her as my mom. I dislike leaving my daughter to go to work, but I am so grateful to have a good job with health insurance. I miss sleeping through the night, but getting up to nurse and change my daughter is an honor I would not trade for anything...)

5) My daughter laughs when she sneezes... somewhere in this simple silly action is the secret to a happy life.

So bring it on 2011... I have no idea where I am going, but for the first time I know:

EVERYTHING is possible
Love instead of sorrow for those I have lost
Sometimes happiness is messy, sticky and smells like baby vomit, but every moment of it should be savored and enjoyed!
Being kind to yourself is the first step to being kind to others
Now is more important than the past or the future
Life is good and I am truly blessed

I wish all of you a Happy New Year, may it be filled with Love, Happiness, Joy and Endless Possibilities.

Sorry for the long absence

2010-12-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long absence, getting accustomed to the realities of a new baby and a full time job. Little Haven is doing great and her mommy (love saying that) is learning to embrace the moment and do what she can.

The New Catalog...

2010-08-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else seen the RL Gang from Ralph Lauren? An animated children's story that doubles as a catalog. Brilliant!!!!! I love the concept.. and I think I may need to buy a tweed hat with a pheasant feather for Haven.
Check it out..

Last night's 4 am finds...

2010-07-30T22:27:00.000-07:00

New mothers don't sleep, they nap. Thank goodness for YouTube and Hulu at least we have something to laugh at come 4am when the little one decides she would much rather play with your fingers than sleep.

House Lust: Key West Cottage

2010-07-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest little beach cottage. It needs some work, but this house just screams potential. There are three identical cottages that share a pool. I would buy all three and go for the compound experience. I would gut the interior and use lots of beach colors. There would have to be some serious pink and of course one of these.

Fantasy Shopping Challenge # 1: A week at a summer rental

2010-07-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Shopping Challenge #1: A week at a summer rental

You are planning to spend your week long vacation in August by renting a ________(apartment, cabin, cottage, boat, other) at ____________(coast, lake, beach, city). Your budget is $1200 for the entire week and if you have money left over you should add something fun or include an activity to enjoy on your vacation. (If you need to fly or take the train to your destination assume you are paying for it with frequently flyer miles and it is not part of your budget )You need to find your rental by July 31st .

Fantasy Shopping the Game

2010-07-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Shopping the Game

My mother introduced me to shopping as a sport. She referred to it as sale-ing and we went at least once or twice a week. In the summers we “saled” at yard and estate sales, keeping to a fairly modest budget and capping it off with brunch or lunch. During the rest of the year we "saled" at stores like Bloomingdale’s Filenes Basement, Bonwit Tellers and Lowman’s; frequenting off season sales, discount rooms, coupons and clearance racks. My mother was a master at sale-ing and could easily turn $20 into an outfit. When money was tight we went fantasy shopping. We would invent an event such as a wedding or party and go shopping for a dress. We would recreate a fictional family or lifestyle and search open house to find the perfect home. These little games allowed us to enjoy the thrill of the hunt, without spending any money and this is really what fantasy shopping is all about.

After my mom passed away, I began to play my own version of fantasy shopping on the internet. I would give myself a scenario, a budget and a deadline and start shopping. The average games take less than an hour or about the amount of time in my lunch break. And with the Internet I could shop for virtually anything.

Examples:

$450k | a loft style apartment in Chicago to serve as a home base for my new career as a content consultant for the Oprah magazine
$100 | an outfit to wear to the book signing for my first novel
$10k | a vintage car on EBay to cruise around town for the summer
$50 | a birthday gift my mom would have given me
$1 million Euro | a vacation home in Aix en Provence

Half the fun of shopping is bonding with friends, so I have decided to share my little game in the hopes anyone else wants to play.
So here it is…Fantasy Shopping Challenge #1

Have Moby Will Travel

2010-07-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks we have really been able to enjoy going out with Haven. We have been to lunch, the mall, the beach, grocery shopping and walks, all thanks to the Moby. When my awesome Doula first told me about the Moby wrap, I thought there was no way on earth I would be able to fold that long piece of fabric into a wearable carrier safe enough to carry my beloved child. Just a few weeks later I am an avid Moby user. Haven and I wear the Moby around the house, so she can sleep and chill, while I eat, blog, read, watch TV or brush my teeth. At the grocery store, I can actually shop and even push a cart. The Moby is my go to tool when Haven is fussy and just needs to be close to me. When she is bigger and can hold her head up, I will move her to a sling, but for now the Moby is like my third arm. The material is so soft and warm; I even bought her a Moby blanket and matching hat for our stroller excursions.

A moment of zen from the garden

2010-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Baby girl is finally on a schedule, just not for our time zone. She sleeps for some nice stretches during the day but catches a second wind around 4am most mornings. Savoring every moment and even the sleepy ones and hoping that little by little she adjusts to Pacific time. For now, we rock in the chair and watch lots of Hulu and Netflix(online).

The other day I did get a chance to walk through our garden which is looking amazing.

What happens when you don't see Avatar...

2010-07-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

When Avatar first came out in the theaters the hype surrounding it was overwhelming. Friends told me I had to see it, the news media said I had to see it, complete strangers told me I had to see it and did I see it? NOPE! Now I am a total Science Fiction nut, so you would think I would join the rush wait in line and blow my mind 3D style. It came out and stranger than strange, I had no interest. As a result months of jokes, parodies and cultural references went over my head. Finally stuck in a hospital room on bed rest, I decided I could sit through the movie (being literally tied to a bed with an IV). I really liked it, although did not see why it deserved all the the attention. Granted I did not see it in 3D, but it was good , but not the mind trip I had been led to believe. (If you want a SciFi mind trip, see Moon ) At any rate, now that I have seen it, all the parodies and jokes make sense. Below is my current favorite, although a little offensive.

House Lust

2010-07-15T22:56:00.000-07:00

I love this unit in the Hamptons, especially the light and color. I love to see old motels converted into funtional and cute little apartments. There is one near me with views of the lighthouse and beach. I often thought an apartment like this would make a great summer place. The apartments are often tiny, but really how much room do you need when you will be spending most of your time outside.

Loving these links....

2010-07-14T23:16:00.000-07:00

It's a small world after all | Engaged couple cross paths as toddlers
I absolutely do not need this set, but it sure is cute.
I am totally infatuated with View Masters, did you know you can actually make your own.
Just got birth announcements we ordered from Tiny Prints. I will definitely be doing custom cards again.. VERY FUN!
Trying to improve my knitting skills, I really want to make these for my daughter.

House Lust

2010-07-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for real estate and fall in and out of loves with homes. I frequently search the MLS listing for my dream house and it is not uncommon for me to have a new favorite each week. This week I am lusting after this house. I mean really 1.6 million is a bargain for this beauty.

Addicted to Books

2010-07-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

I find the tactile experience of a reading a book, just as enjoyable as the book contents. Caress the cover, crack open the spine, leave through the pages, feel the weight of the paper, smell the ink, admire the font and lovingly trace the pictures. After years of loving books, I do this unconsciously whenever I look at a book. (Much to the shock of book store clerks who can find it quite pervy). Stories and content are lovely, but I have been known to buy a book based solely on the weight of the paper, or quality of the pictures. If the content is even vaguely interesting and I have money to spare, I will most likely buy it. I used to justify such purchases as saving independent bookstores, supporting the economy, or as far as addictions go, I could be buying cigarettes. Of course now the beauty of being in your 40's is that if I want something, I don't need a justification, I just do it... (that should be a motto... Are you in your 40's? Then JUST DO IT!)

All of this leads me to my current bookshelves, laden with gorgeous books in desperate need of my attentions. Revisiting your bookshelf, is like getting to know yourself again. I love food fiction, superheroes, decorating coffee table picture books, software manuals, Oprah style self improvement books, marketing and branding bestsellers, children's stories, crafting books of any sort, gardening books with great photography, any cookbook, coming of age memoirs and any good story that will make me cry, laugh or sigh. I find myself quite impressed by my tastes but more often than not wondering how a woman with so many books on organization can still be such a slob. In looking at my book case, I wonder...

Which 10 books I would take with me a on desert island
Which books I could not live without..
My top 10 stories of all times
What are my classics
What would I put on my summer reading list
What books would I recommend to my daughter
Why don't I have a copy of To Kill a Mocking Bird and I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings?
When was the last time I actually cooked something from Julia Child's book.
And why someone with a librarian degree does not even bother to shelf books by title or subject

I suspect my revisiting my bookshelves will lead to purchasing more books, but really there are so many worse things I could be addicted to...

The New Little Brown Girl in My Life

2010-06-23T03:54:00.001-07:00

Our daughter Haven Lark entered the world two months early and left me speechless, in love and totally spell bound. Of course I new the final result would be a baby, but I had suspended all expectations and was just waiting to meet her. Feeling so blessed to be a part of her life. She was a wish for so long, one I was not sure would ever be fulfilled and now that she is here, I know that anything and everything is possible.

Free Blog Workshop

2010-03-01T16:17:00.000-08:00

I found this great free blog workshop listed on Kirtsy. One of my goals this year is to become a better blogger. In all things, consistency is my weakness. Perhaps this workshop will be the kick in the pants I need. At any rate... very cool of Martha Writes, to offer this free workshop.

2010 and I are Becoming Fast Friends

2010-01-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am not very superstitious, but I am feeling REALLY good about 2010. I love the way it rolls off the tongue. I pronounce it 2010 (twenty-ten), which just sounds so "Science Fiction living in the Utopian future" ...

We kicked off the New Year in December by spending a week in New York taking in the Holiday sights. I have always wanted to be in New York at Christmastime and wow, it did not disappoint. Museums, Shops, Restaurants, Central Park and some of the most amazing architecture I have seen... New York was incredible.

Last year we took mini vacations to Hawaii and San Francisco... we are continuing the tradition this month, with a quick trip to Portland, Or. I have this major crush on Portland. In fact, if there was an ocean near the city, I would have packed up and moved years ago. My current Portland fantasies include an affordable but really awesome house in some quirky Portland neighborhood and a great place on the Oregon coast.. A cottage in some quiet seaside town. I would probably work at a college again, and spend weekends and summers at the cottage and the school year in the city. Today's fantasies are tomorrow's goals, so I indulge then wholeheartedly.

"Hi Ho, Kermit the Frog here"

2009-11-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

Happy childhood memories are a blessing, so I cherish the good ones and try not to dwell on the bad. One of my favorite childhood memories is turning 40 today, Sesame Street. They taught me to count in English and Spanish. I learned about sharing, good manners, patience and compassion. I laughed often and watched daily. Even today, I hum the songs, know all the original characters and come to attention when I hear their familiar voices. My first crush was Kermit the Frog and all these years later, I am still smitten.

Proof of Higher Powers?

2009-11-02T20:58:00.001-08:00

Why does the sky above church steeples always look so amazing? { Bainbridge Island, WA Halloween 2009 }

Happy Halloween or is it Merry Christmas

2009-10-29T20:29:00.000-07:00

This may seem strange, but I consider Halloween the official start of Christmas. I am sure it started as a child, but really it was owning a store that cemented it for me.

At the store Christmas merchandise would start arriving in September. By October 1st, everything was priced and the theme for the holiday was selected. ( A theme is a must!) On Halloween night we would close early and while everyone else was getting sick on candy or scared out of their wits, we transformed our store into a winter wonderland (or whatever the theme was that year).

This year I am particularly anxious to "get festive". Nothing like a heaping serving of hope all wrapped in ribbon and glitter... to make you feel light and happy.

Fall, you are my muse!

2009-09-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Feeling energized, awakened and creative, longing for button up cardigans, long walks, and yarn, enjoying crisp apples, sleeping in and early sunsets... Fall, my favorite season is back.

What does 3 days in Hawaii look like?

2009-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

20 years ago, I spent two semesters at the University of Hawaii on Oahu. I have always wanted to go back, but excuses kept getting in the way. My biggest excuse, I just don't have the time and it is not cost effective to go for anything less than 10 days. But really, what is so cost effective about vacation, the point is to have fun... It is not the quantity, but the quality, so throwing caution to the wind and perhaps, good judgment, my partner and I went to Hawaii last week for the long weekend. And... IT WAS AWESOME!

I LOVE my friends...

2009-08-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had a setback, a rough patch... a loss and found myself wondering why the universe personally wanted me to suffer. I was wrong.. the universe does not want me to suffer and I have finally heard its message... I am loved.

I have seen this message in many places but I have heard it strongest in the words, warm thoughts and hugs of my friends. Tonight a little after 9:00 a dear friend left her newborn son at home to deliver a still warm apple crisp (the first she had ever made) and a card. The card, contained a beautifully crafted message so poignant and healing that I am 100% certain that the words will comfort me the rest of my life no matter what happens. Her words made me realize that grief is a door you can linger in the doorway, or "come out the other side".

With Weekends Like This, Who Needs a Vacation

2009-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

My weekend started with fresh strawberries from my garden and just kept getting better. Saturday, I found the most amazing fabric (a faux fur that is to die for... picture and project details to come). From there I went to PFI, a Mediterranean market (bought PG Tips tea, Raspberry licorice and Spanish smoked Paprika). Lunch at the Macrina Cafe in SODO (below).

The evening spent at the documentary Objectify with a friend and my partner. Dinner at Boom Noodles and for dessert, Cupcake love.

Sunday back to the Macrina cafe with friends, the garden store for oregano and orange honeysuckle (this is the only picture that does it justice) and gardening with the puppies all afternoon long. And finally dinner, where my salmon with a panko crust and lemon butter sauce came out so perfect, I almost cried.....

My New Pyramid

2009-06-01T21:44:00.001-07:00

I think it is particularly telling to follow up a post about procrastination, with an 11 day absence. Honestly I meant to post but… (thinking here) … ah yes, I meant to post, but life interceded. Life in this case, was filled with 3 (8-hour) gardening sessions, 5 brilliant ideas, 2 (45+) work weeks, 2 meltdowns and an epiphany.

The epiphany, it is hard to achieve success of any type, with negative thoughts. Thoughts = Words, Words= Action and Action=Destiny. It is like a lovely little pyramid, mess up the bottom and you are not getting to the top. So this month, I am all about the pyramid… excited to see where positive thoughts will take me.

Take Five: Procrastination

2009-05-20T23:11:00.000-07:00

Work deadlines, thousands of ideas, a mound of laundry and seeds to plant... But why actually accomplish anything when you can procrastinate on the web... My five favorites this week...

http://www.halfpricebooks.com/
Their 20% sale is this weekend, need (okay, WANT) some new cookbooks, a style guide(maybe Chicago) and some really trashy sci fi (yes I have a problem)
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/18/100-amazing-free-wordpress-themes-for-2009/
Just found out that one of my sites does not display properly on IE (no comment) so, I am taking the opportunity to redesign the site... Wordpress is my drug of choice, so this list is putting me over the edge.
http://justsomethingimade.blogspot.com/2009/05/printing-my-blog.html
Speaking of blogs, I am thinking I need to make a pdf copy of my blog.. just for peace of mind.
http://foldingtrees.com/2008/10/paper-cake-card-box/
I don't need it, can't think of any use for it, but I am dying to make one.
http://www.cinematical.com/2009/04/29/julie-and-julia-gets-a-trailer/
Just reread the book (for the 5th time) and am planning to try some new recipes from my copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol 1... which I bought at Half Price books last month (and the circle is complete)

Commuter Survival: Week 5:18:2009

2009-05-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sometime ago, while searching for extra time in my schedule, I realized my commute was potentially a gold mine of unused hours. Normally, I spent the time swearing at other drivers and gesturing like a mad woman, but with my IPOD and a never ending supply of Podcasts, my commute is now, all about uninterrupted listening pleasure.

This week's journey is centered around food, including two new books with historical food perspectives.

Watching What We Eat: The Evolution of Television Cooking Shows (from NPR)
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104195001

Food of a Younger Land (interview on KUOW)
http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=17567

Isaac Mizrahi on Splendid Table (5/16/2009)
http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/

Guess where I will be this weekend... the International Food Blogger Conference

2009-05-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

In an effort to expand my horizons, seek out joy and find a new career and life that I love, I have begun taking classes, registering for events and seeking out new opportunities.

So far, I have been to book talks, taken a magazine class and attended a sewing workshop. This weekend, I have hit the jackpot, the International Food Blogger Conference in Seattle. I stumbled across this on Brown Paper Tickets and could not believe my luck, that is was in Seattle. I didn't think I just signed up and last week when I looked at the agenda, OMG, every event seems better than the last.

The event is sold out, but you can see the agenda and learn more about the event at http://ifbc.foodista.com/. Even more amazing, there will be Live Video Web Cast of the event.

I am just looking forward to absorbing all the info I can, there are going to be some amazing bloggers and writers, all in love with food.

The Master of Time, I am not.

2009-05-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

When asked by a college professor, why I did not wear a watch, I told her that I thought time was a man-made construct created for the sake of keeping me down. She stared at me and not missing a beat, told me to get over myself. Harsh, but years later (many, many years later) as I continue to struggle with time and all its rules, I am finally ready to get over myself.

My constant struggle with time has made me weary while my many experiences with time have made me wise. All leading to the inevitable conclusion, that when it comes to time, you can either be its master, or its bitch. Harsh, but the fact is that the truth often sounds harsh when you have been in denial for years.

Over the years time has taught me the following lessons and now I am ready to put them into practice:

1. There is a reason; there is not enough time to do everything. Because if you are trying to do everything, you need to stop…now!
2. If you do not make time for the things that are important to you, than whose fault is that?
3. If you have time to worry about something, you have time to do something about it.
4. When it feels like time is fighting against you, consistency can be your greatest ally.
5. Watches and calendars are just tools, their usefulness or lack there of, are totally the responsibility of the user.
6. Lying about your age does not make you younger, it makes you a liar.
7. Your time is extremely valuable, so assign it a $ amount and spend it accordingly.
8. When it comes to navigating your time, let your priorities and goals be your guide.
9. Everyone has a 24 hour day, it is not the amount of time, but how you use it that matters.
10. Children and animals know more about the proper usage of time than just about every adult on the planet.

1 Chicken = 3 Meals

2009-04-28T20:45:00.001-07:00

Like the rest of the planet, I am trying to stretch our food budget. Funny thing, the more I try to stretch it, the better we seem to eat. Recently I purchased a Rotisserie Chicken, the $10.99 Free Range chicken was not exactly cheap, but I was shocked at how many meals it provided.

Meal 1: Rotisserie Chicken with new potatoes and broccoli
Meal 2: Spring Vegetable Casserole with Chicken
Meal 3: Chicken and Egg Noodle Soup

So generally what I do is play my own version of Iron Chef... I start with the chicken and then ransack the fridge for whatever I can find. Meal 1 was kinda lazy.. and Meal 3 well what else can you do with a few bits of chickens, some bones and vegetables... It was Meal 2 that I will be scribbling down in the margins of my cookbook.

Spring Vegetable Casserole with Chicken*
Warning: I suck at writing recipes, so there are no exact quantities or times... Just use your best judgment.

Vegetables: asparagus, carrots, leeks, peas, broccoli
Chicken
Cheese ( I like Tillamook Colby Jack or any type of Beechers)
Milk
Butter
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
Rice
Breadcrumbs

Directions:
In a saute pan, add chopped leeks, and carrots. Saute in a little bit of butter or olive oil. Chop up chicken into small bits and add to leeks and carrots. (I also added a tiny bit of the chicken fat)

Add a small handful of rice to this mixture and a little bit of water. I use the rice as an enhancement, not the main ingredient so in the end, there should be as much rice as vegetables. Keep adding water until rice is cooked.

Peas, asparagus and broccoli were actually frozen and bagged organic veggies. I added them to the saute pan with the rice/chicken mixture and then covered and took them off the stove. The steam will defrost them.. add a bit of heat if they don't defrost all the way.

In another sauce pan, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter. Add a little flour (tablespoon size) and make a paste(roux). Add some milk(about a cup) to this paste and bring to a light boil. Add cheese (1/2 cup diced or more if you prefer) and stir until you have a nice sauce.

Place rice mixture in a casserole pan, pour sauce over mixture... letting it soak into the rice. Loosely cover with breadcrumbs and bake for about 30 minutes (350) until it bubbles. Serve with parsley. I seasoned throughout with salt and pepper... Paprika and a little nutmeg also work well.

AHA Moments

2009-04-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

In my day dreams, I frequently imagine myself living in some quirky quaint seaside town... some place quiet and small, but close to a major city. Some place with lots of trees, where I could walk on the beach and watch the ocean. I looked on the maps, entertained ideas about faraway places and finally conceded that it was after all... just a day dream.

Last weekend, on our return flight from San Francisco, we had to circle before landing. We flew over this beautiful peninsula of trees and houses surrounded by water. Just as I realized what it was, I also realized it was my daydream. The peninsula was my hometown of West Seattle, a quiet little part of Seattle surrounded by water.

I have spent so much time looking for that perfect place, I didn't realize that where I live right now is pretty damn wonderful. I am closely looking at other areas of my life, that I might have overlooked in my pursuit of perfect. I suspect that embracing what I have and not desiring a day dream is the key to happiness... AHA!

and she's back...

2009-04-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say I was taking a nap for the last several weeks, hence the lack of blog posts, email and basic communication... but unfortunately, I was just buried under a mound of work, commitments and health issues.

The thing about being so overwhelmed, is that when it comes time to make a move, any move you are frozen. Should I go for a walk? Frozen. Should I post on one of my blogs? Frozen. Should I eat chocolate ice cream with strawberries? YES... I said frozen not dead...

Crafty Ideas

2009-03-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've been combating my stress with paper, glue, wire and fabric. For more information, check out Living with Scissors.

My Food History

2009-03-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

I love food and am a big believer that what we eat directly influences our health. A Little glimpse of my food history, I grew up on the East Coast eating rich, calorie laden foods and lots of junk food. Vegetables were mainly corn, carrots, baked potatoes, and cole slaw. The food tasted great, but perhaps was not the best for me.

I moved to Seattle in my twenties and became a vegetarian (sometimes Vegan). It was easy to eat healthy in Seattle and even though I was still overweight, a vegetarian diet and daily 3 mile walks left me in some of the best health I have experienced.

Fast forward to grad school in Michigan, my vegetarian diet is comprised mainly of Captain Crunch cereal and chick peas. My hair falls out, I look sick all the time and I feel terrible. I eventually start eating meat, but only manage to make myself sick.

Back in Seattle and many years later, I eat pretty well, fresh vegetables, lots of organics, meat, fish and tofu. I cook often and love to experiment with food. I am not at the optimum health place I was at in my twenties, but I have some good ideas of how I can get there.

And finally to my point, I sometimes wonder where I would be if I learned to eat healthy from day one. That is why I am so excited to see that Michelle Obama is such an advocate for healthy eating. From the New York Times: Michelle Obama's Agenda Includes Healthful Eating

Mon Petit Chou

2009-03-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

One of my goals is to learn to speak French. I love the French, I love France and I love French. You could say anything in French and it sounds just lovely. For instance, votre chien a uriné sur le tapis sounds so nice when in fact it means your dog has urinated on the carpet. I am so happy to have found the French Word of a Day widget.

Spring is Late...

2009-03-15T21:06:00.001-07:00

Today is generally the last frost date for the Seattle area, however, today it snowed. I am guessing frost is still a definite possibility. The picture below is our backyard two years ago during the same week. When Spring finally does come, it better be %(@#$&% spectacular...

Hope in a Jar..

2009-03-12T21:32:00.001-07:00

I wish they sold hope in a jar, like peanut butter or face cream. I would spread it on bread or slather it on my face whenever life seemed grim. I don’t need a case, just one jar…To be honest; all I really need is a spoonful now and then when my natural reserves are depleted.

You know you need spring to come when...

2009-03-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Today at lunch, sun spread across the cafeteria table and I had to physically fight the urge to crawl on top of the table and stretch out on the warm sunny spot, like a cat.

99 Things

2009-03-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Saw this here and thought I'd play along....

Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii - attended two quarters of college there
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - snorkeling in Hawaii
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Got a tattoo
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Amazing Video, Beautiful Song

2009-03-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Check it out here.

Portland in Pictures

2009-03-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Still refreshed from my mini break, spent Friday and Saturday in Portland, Or. Stayed at the Nines, attended the Yard and Patio Show, Saturday Craft Market and Walked the Pearl...

I can't do it anymore! I've been cheating on you..

2009-02-25T21:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, I can't keep lying to you, I have another blog.. okay, I have two other blogs.. (Can't help it, I'm a Gemini)

Curious what I do when I am not posting on Little Brown Girl?

Check out Living with Scissors, my craft and more blog dedicated to creating the life you want one project at a time.

And if you love plants but kill as many as you grow, check out Gardeners Like Us, my blog for all things gardening for new gardeners.

My New Favorite Song..

2009-02-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

If you missed Aisha Tyler is Lit, a comedy special this weekend, than you missed the best music video... for No Ass At All. As a black woman suffering from this affliction, it was great to know I was not alone!

Better than one food blog..

2009-02-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

From the Times Online 50 of the World's Best Food Blogs. Oh yummy, the only thing better than a good food blog, are 50 good food blogs.

Is there anything better...

2009-02-16T20:54:00.001-08:00

Is there anything better than a sunny, clear day, at a neighborhood hangout, eating delicious Shepard's Pie... with a dear dear friend... whose stories make you blush, almost choke on your soda and lean forward anxious for more.

Cats vs. Dogs...

2009-02-15T21:42:00.000-08:00

The real difference between cats and dogs.. Dogs rarely carry a grudge... Cats always do...

Sea Creature?

2009-02-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

Actually, it's Horseradish... There is life in my garden after all, so I guess the Spring planting can commence.

What to feed a cold...

2009-02-10T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, enough already. I have been sick on and off for about two weeks now and I am done. Some days all I could stomach were peanut butter and apricot jam sandwiches. The last few days I have been trying to eat more veggies and protein. Leading to the invention of my new favorite breakfast, sauteed asparagus, soy sausage and a steamed egg... of course also chicken soup (homemade is there any other way?)

The True Power of the Web

2009-02-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

How About Orange posted this the other day, and I think it illustrates the true power of the Internet. So here is my blog Baconized.... because everything is better with Bacon. Do you need more Bacon? Check it out at http://bacolicio.us/

Plague

2009-02-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have been sick for days and can't take it anymore. Exactly when does a cold officially become a plague?

My little corner of crazy...

2009-02-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

So, walking the dogs today through deserted streets... I mean freaky not a soul for miles... And then notice a woman on her stoop smoking a cigarette... I say "Hi" (it's Seattle, we greet everyone here) and she quickly demands "Why aren't you watching the Superbowl"

At least 10 different responses come to mind, but since she is technically a neighbor (meaning I might see her again) and because I am trying to be less of a negative smart ass (NY resolution), I respond with... "My dogs don't like football" And this appeared to satisfy her...

So no football watching to speak of....but I did make Nachos... special, organic, wholesome, medicinal Nachos... Never underestimate the healing power of salsa, chips, avocado, and cheese... (also fire roasted jalapenos, olives, sauteed ground chicken with onions and peppers, refried black beans and just a touch of sour cream)

Mountain at the Mall

2009-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

Taken from the Mall food court... sometimes you need to search for reasons as to why one would live in this damp, sunless, cold city... not that I am complaining...

It was the night before Inauguration and...

2009-01-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is the big day... I am so excited and along with most everyone else feel giddy and nervous like it was going to be me taking the oath tomorrow.

In preparation for tomorrow:

I have carefully picked my outfit (black heels, black wide leg dress pants, and my favorite short red sweater with the ruffle collar...worn over a white t-shirt).
I have looked through my selection of Obama wear and settled on my favorite Obama necklace.
I'm letting my hair do what it wants...
and I have packed extra tissues (I'll probably tear up)

Where am I going.... Not to one of the many parties or viewings... but to work.. Sadly there is a scheduled meeting right in the middle of the inauguration and I am too much of a coward to skip it... (well that, and I am a little behind with my workload and really the last thing I need to do in this economy is jeopardize my standing at work).

But I will watch as much as I can... I will smile at people I normally ignore, I will walk with a little more pep in my step, I will feel exuberant and I will be hopeful...

Flowers! The cure for the winter blahs....

2009-01-13T21:42:00.000-08:00

So many gray day and so many more to come, the price one pays for living in Seattle. Most people here, medicate with caffeine, but I prefer flowers.

Werebeagle

2009-01-07T21:30:00.000-08:00

Werebeagle derived from the old English, "Offthecouchyoudarn" beagle. There are many myths about the Werebealge some say they are normal dogs until the full moon, others say they are never truly normal and only change in the presence of food. When they change, they become something else... something more...

The first time we realized that Milo was a Werebeagle, was when we discovered the cans... Cans of cat food still in the bin on the floor... each with two beagle teeth holes neatly placed on the edge and the contents sucked dry. What kind of dog does this??? What kind of dog indeed...

Tonight I prepare for bed, knowing that no matter where he starts out, Milo will end up in the middle of the bed under the covers. Like a phantom he will creep or levitate ( I am never sure) under the covers, lying undiscovered until morning. In the morning, I will see that he has once again not only climbed in the bed, but smarmed the sheets with his doggy cooties..

I change my sheets 5 times a week, not because I like the feel of 400 thread count, freshly laundered cotton, but because I love a Werebeagle.

The real reason people use fabric book covers..

2009-01-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen those fabric paperback covers people supposedly use to carry their books and protect them from damage... This is a lie, the real use it to hide the book from prying eyes and protect the dignity of the reader. I don't have a paperback cover and really I don't give a &%$ about dignity when it comes to my choice of stories (film or page)... so that leads me to my current read, Moon Called by Patrica Briggs.

It is one of those books one would envision finding on a cross country bus trip in the bathroom of some dilapidated truck stop... and of course you would read it only because you were stuck on a bus for 40 hours... but no, I picked up the book of my own free will, and even payed full price for it... Shape shifting mechanics, vampires, werewolves and fae (fairy folk) all staged in the exciting Tri City area of Eastern Washington.. (By the way, why do so many stories of alien abduction, government made mutations , werewolves and vampires take place in the Pacific Northwest?.. Does everyone know something I don't ...)

Anyways, reading this book is, I imagine, like having sex on the bathroom floor with some hot stranger...(most likely in the same rest stop one would find this book.).... Immensely satisfying, rather unsanitary and just a little dangerous... (NOTE: I HAVE NEVER DONE THIS, JUST SAYING FOR THE SAKE OF COMPARISON)

The danger inherent in reading this book, is that I will probably read the sequel and with great lines such as "Being Submissive is a Bitch", how can I not...

That Kinda Cold....

2009-01-02T22:12:00.000-08:00

I took this picture last year in January when we went to see the eagles. The trip was thrilling but unbelievably cold. Wet misty snow clung to everything, draining the warmth from whatever the tiny snowflakes touched.

No snow today, but I still can't seem to get warm.

When I was little, my father believed that one must sweat the cold out. He would slice up fresh ginger with lemon and boil it down in a big pot. He would make us put on our sweat suits and hats and wrap ourselves in a blanket.

Drinking the tea caused the strangest sensation. Of course it would warm your throat as it went down, but within a few seconds, the ginger would start to heat up. You could feel the warmth move like ripples from the pit of your stomach, out of your torso, through your arms and legs and finally out to your fingers and toes.. In little time your cheeks would flush and you would start to sweat... that drowsy kind of warmed sleep would follow. It's that kinda of cold, so tomorrow I will make my dad's tea.

Hello 2009

2009-01-01T22:38:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the New Year...

I thought to make this post a fond goodbye to 2008, when I realized I was overjoyed to see it go. So screw 2008.. yeah we had an amazing election and I am happy to report my family and friends are healthy.. (thank the heavens) .. but really what else was there... (bitter party of one) Okay maybe a little bitter, but time heals all wounds and as the first day of 2009 comes to an end, I am happy to say I am OVER 2008...

My "Drug" of Choice

2008-12-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Emily Dickinson wrote, "There is no frigate like a book". I prefer to think of books as my favorite drug of choice. When the world gets to be too much (seen the news lately) or simply too mundane, I find I can get a nice sustained high with a book. It doesn't even have to be a good one, just something to capture my interest and set my mind wandering in a different direction.

When the holidays blues hit me smack dab in the middle of Christmas, I found myself craving just such a high... which is how I ended up "shooting up" with the Twilight series... The lovely loss of control I feel with these books is evidenced by the 1000+ pages I have poured through in the past two days. Two books down, two more to go and I am slowing down my pace ... so has to enjoy every last word. Are the books good.. they are "okay" The story on the other hand is hypnotic and engrossing... With every page, I keeping thinking and then what.. and then what...

The rumor is that the fourth book is a let down... "for the best I say"... I will read through until the bitter end... and if that end breaks the spell with terrible writing and a poorly thought out plot.. well then my detox will be that much easier....

Thank You Ms. Kitt...

2008-12-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

I pay far too much attention to the youth oriented television and the mainstream media. As a result, I finding myself struggling to shed my belief that life ends with 40. I have mentioned this in passing to some of my older friends who seem baffled and give me assurances that 40 is where life starts to get interesting. This last year, I had been seeking role models, my age and older, to dispel my apparently misguided beliefs abouts turning 40.

I have been an admirer of Eartha Kitt, since I first saw her in old Batman episodes. As a child, I did not see many Black faces on TV and certainly not gorgeous woman who could hold there own. My mother introduced me to older movies with women such as Lena Horne and Eartha Kitt and I look to them as proof positive that Black women were beautiful. ( I should add the women in my family are stunning, but little old me would not believe anything unless I saw it on the screen).

Now as I watch these women "living the hell out of life", well into their 80's and beyond, I am reminded that true inspiration (for little black girls and 39 year old women) is found not on TV, but in the amazing lives of real women, like the amazing Eartha Kitt.

A running jump into the New Year...

2008-12-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas... phew! It was lovely fun and thankfully, it's over! (We'll in a few hours...) Some people get that post Christmas let down. Not me! I am just the opposite as the day passes I start to get energized, I can start thinking about the New Year and more importantly how I intend to live in the New Year. I worship beginnings... and thankfully every morning, Monday, and 1st of the month is essentially a chance to start fresh. Forgive myself for any past sins and strive to do the right thing. But in all the year there is no greater beginning than January 1.

I am giddy with excitement over all the things I want to do... Then of course there are a myriad of reasons to be excited about the coming year. In a word, OBAMA!!!! Logically, I know he is just a man and not the appointed savior of mankind, but I can't help but feel the warm glow of salvation when I think about him. I think today's New York Times hit on one of his cool factors with this article.. I think I need to add a visit to Hawaii to my New Year's list.

Merry Merry...

2008-12-24T20:27:00.001-08:00

"Where are you Christmas.. Why can't I find you.."

Where Are You Christmas? from How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Movie

Merry Christmas!!!!! Truthfully, Christmas took me by total surprise. Logically I knew it was coming, I was just in denial. A punishing work schedule and being snowed in for 5 days has not helped my holiday preparations.

Today I wrapped presents and spent some time sewing. I still have a few things left to make, but thankfully, I have a few days off.

So, I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday... see you in the New Year..

Look What I Just Won...

2008-11-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

I haven't used my Ebay account since last year, but on a whim, I decided to check for a dress form.. Bingo, I found one that would work just perfect and today it was mine!!!!! I'll be sewing a new cover for her.. and of course will have to pick a name. I think Hepburn in honor of my two favorite fashion icons, Audrey Hepburn and Katherine Hepburn.

She doesn't know it yet, but she will be my model for a whole slew of aprons, dresses, scarves and flower pins, I will be making for the holidays...

Still Giddy About the Election

2008-11-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

I am so excited for Obama's Presidency to begin. I love this site, http://www.ondayone.org/. Basically suggestions on what the President should do from day one.

Check out this Obamabat Font

2008-11-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Check out this great font... http://jeffdomke.com/?p=374

Oh Happy Day!

2008-11-05T06:52:00.001-08:00

Fall Garden Glimpse

2008-10-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our garden is taking its last deep breaths before Winter...

Flowers have faded, but look so pretty I can't bare to cut them down.

We'll most of the flowers have faded...

The vegetable garden has been cleaned and...

the vegetables harvested.

Gardening's Second Wind

2008-10-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

There are days we labor in the garden, barely getting anything done, in a futile attempt to beat back weeds and tame unruly beds... and then there are days like this past Monday. A slight crush on tropical plants, a few days off and a shopping trip at the nursery yielded an all day planting marathon. We finished mulching beds, planted trees and perennials and the best part, a 10 foot circular bed in the middle of the yard complete with banana, orange cannas and palm trees.

This weekend I am turning my attention to the edibles. I'll harvest the last of the beets from the vegetable garden and try my luck at overwintering potatoes, and a fig tree is going on the south side of the house.

What would Coco do?

2008-09-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

So if clothes make the Woman, than imagine my shock at realizing that lately, I have been dressing like a Hobbit... Now, before I am spammed by the People for Ethical Treatment of Hobbits, let me go on record saying "There is nothing wrong with looking like a Hobbit, it is just not for me!" To be honest, I saw it coming.

The crop pants were just so damn comfortable and never needed hemming, than why not buy 5 pairs.
If one white t-shirt is great than 10 must be awesome and really so what if they are stained you where shirts over them anyway...
A summer vest professionalizes any outfit, even a stained white t-shirt and cropped pants
Mixing patterns and textures is a sign of your refusal to conform and thus a good thing
A boldly colored scarf is a whimsical nod to my heritage... even if it is 80's floral

and thus... the transformation to Hobbit is complete...

(Not actual picture of the blogger, but pretty damn close!)

Solution... (Not admitting to actually watching Lifetime TV, but maybe absorbing over acted Coco Chanel Biopic as I cruised channels *being fair.. it was not so bad*) I have decide to look to Coco Chanel as my design inspiration... With a little modification... I will not be chain smoking until I can fit into a size 4, nor will I be wearing any clothing with gold chains or ostrich feathers... and double stranded pearls aren't my thing.... Really, imagine if Coco Chanel shopped at Target and Lands End and lived in Seattle ... yup that is the look... classy, stylish comfort (hold the Hobbit)..

So what would Coco do when faced with my closet? After vomiting, she would promptly throw most of it out (donating such fashion don't is cruel to people in need) and then she would click her way over to Land's End (who have rocked the basics with their Fall collection) and order these....

Thank you Land's End and Coco for rescuing me from the Shire...

Fall is for food

2008-09-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

For me, September starts off 4 months of truly inspired cooking. As the temperature cools, a warm kitchen becomes a cozy and relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Fall produce is rich with soft, starchy comfort foods, just think potatoes, pumpkins, squash, yams and apples; and cooking becomes an acceptable alternative to gardening.

If summer food is about simple and basic, such as the sweet and subtle acidity of a ripe tomato, than fall food is about complexity: layers of texture, flavor and smoky undertones. As a cook, in the Fall I feel like an artist, my paints are whatever ingredients I can get my hands on and my brushes are my Le Cruset pots and wooden spoons.

Every fall I pick a signature dish, I’ll cook it several times, tweaking it and making it my own before I release it on to family and friends. Last year, I settled on this chicken pot pie with lots of vegetables, dark meat chicken and a really creamy sauce; all covered with puffed pastry. It’s pretty damn good if I do say so myself. This year, I am toying with several ideas, so far I am thinking about these:

Sweet Potato Pie
I am in awe of the concept of vegetables in a pie. Sweet potato is my absolute favorite pie followed closely by pumpkin. Good sweet potato pie has a creaminess to it that I think would benefit from marshmallow and perhaps a little chocolate. hmmm?

Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes make me swoon, particularly when they have other notes like horseradish, leeks and bleu cheese.

Poutine
A Quebec comfort food consisting of French fries covered with gravy and cheese curds. I think I can make this slightly healthier with baked fries, and really light gravy.

Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted...

Dreams, Pet Projects and Burning Obsessions...

2008-09-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

Confession... for almost 18 months I have been wanting to start a blog devoted to crafting a better life. There are many different types of crafters out there, but I rarely saw the type of crafter I wanted to be.... You see, some call it delusion... I call it divine insight, but I believe that with patience persistence and a little information, you can make anything you want. So why not focus on making things that bring you joy and improve your life...

My goal was to launch on September 1st and I am happy to say that I met it head on... (This required a 5 hour marathon session with Word Press... apparently building with CSS is not like riding a bike) So it is up, it is live and it is in progress... check it out at http://livingwithscissors.com

My first post is about my struggles in relearning penmanship and features a free template for Handwriting Practice Cards (as if anyone would pay money for what is essentially the alphabet). Enjoy...

Happy September

2008-09-01T21:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, this barely counts as a post, but my goal this month is to post something everyday for the month of September.

Today marks the end of a 4 day weekend and the beginning of my favorite time of the year.

Fall: Let the cooking begin...

2008-08-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Ordering in Preparation for Fall....

Kenyon's Clam Cake and Fritter mix from Farm House Wares. I love my new hometown, but take every chance I can to celebrate the culinary joys of my New England childhood.. I love!!!!! Clam Cakes.. they are perfect on slightly chilly days... And the only place I have ever had them is the New England Area..

Warning!!!! You may think I am insane after reading this post...or Brilliant

2008-08-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

"Christmas is only 128 days away"
Mentioning this in August is like saying you hear voices at a Psychiatrist conference... People will take notice, but not in a good way. But nevertheless, Christmas is only 128 days from today... but really who's counting. ;-)

Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year... The gifts are great, the food is awesome and I love cold weather... But really for me it is all about suspending disbelieve. Christmas (from thanksgiving to C-Day) is generally 30 days, where the entire US population goes insane... and we celebrate it.

Mass insanity... trust me..

We think it is a good idea to dress in sweaters with appliqué characters.
Red and green suddenly become a conservative color combination
We pretend to be nice to people we dislike... even buying gifts for them
Maxing out the credit card for 10 minutes of Christmas morning joy seems like a good idea.
Dressing up your cat as a reindeer is not considered cruel. ( my cat actually enjoys this, really)
Making a 5 course dinner from scratch sounds fun
Singing at work becomes mandatory
and being a good parent means shoving some old lady out of the way at Walmart, so you can get the last Whatever Elmo doll...

I LOVE IT!!!!!

So why am I thinking of it in August.... Well last year we made cards and a few select gifts. This year. I want to make cards and cookies and what gifts I do give ( I am cutting down-like I say every year) will be handmade... (exception, being books, and some tech stuff). But mostly this Christmas, I want to savor and enjoy a stress free 30 days of celebration... This means, starting a little early...

In September I will start compiling my list of things I want to make and for whom.... I love making gifts... I can make things I might otherwise not be able to afford and the feeling I get giving a lovingly handmade gift is better than any chocolate I have eaten thus far... A feeling you get to experience every time you think of the recipient or see them actually wearing/using your gift. September being only 12 days away... you can see why all the excitement and anticipation..

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2008-08-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island on Saturday. It was very fall like with rain, a nice breeze and great views everywhere you looked.

My To Make List...

2008-08-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

There are so many amazing tutorials on the Web of things I am dying to make. This Crochet Collar from the Ongoing Project is definitely tops my list. Now all I need to do is learn to crochet.

The Un Garden

2008-08-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Another photo from the Georgetown Garden Walk... This lovely dress form sitting on a porch surveying the garden.

The view from down below...

2008-08-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sorting through my photos from the Georgetown Garden and Art Walk. This is my favorite. Something about the colors against the sky.

A Perfect Shot

2008-08-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

I am a huge fan of the Blue Angels and look forward each year to their Seafair visit to Seattle. I hate the thought of war and think the military spends money that should go for social programs, however as a Die Hard Science Geek, planes are cool. And... the Blue Angels are amazing. Generally I end up seeing them by myself... and last year, I went down to Boeing Field to watch them take off. AMAZING!!!!

This year, I didn't make the time to go enjoy them.... Except for a brief moment from the deck of a South Lake Union Office... As they zoomed by I snapped a shot...