mama's got a brand new blog.
i know.
well....because i'm the mama that's why.
just c'mon over and see.
apples in wonderland
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
bliss in the city
so this is my big question:
how did ferris do all that and still beat his parents home before 6:00?
yep, that ferris.
ferris bueller.
of ferris bueller's day off.
our little family spent the week in the big city.
chicago.
what a beautiful city it is, too.
we based our trip on this movie, the boys watched it on the dvd player in the car on the way there. i can recite very few lines correctly from any movie but i might know this movie line for line.
you've gotta love ferris...."he's a righteous dude".
chicago has so much....the field museum, the adler plantarium, the shedd aquarium, the contemporary art museum, the chicago institute of arts, navy pier, the john hancock observatory, millenium park, the magnificiant mile....we did all of it. though we didn't eat pancreas. i'm alright with that.
b and i in a reflective shot....at cloud gate otherwise known as *the bean* in millenium park
r and i on a water taxi heading out of the city toward the lake
big red and i at navy pier....in the windy city:)
we parked our car....er, the valet or as r called him the *ballet* parked our car in the underground garage at our hotel and we walked this city. we took a few taxis as well, but this is a walking city. and did we ever walk. millenium park we soaked our toes. ahhh....a little bliss in the city.
how did ferris do all that and still beat his parents home before 6:00?
yep, that ferris.
ferris bueller.
of ferris bueller's day off.
our little family spent the week in the big city.
chicago.
what a beautiful city it is, too.
we based our trip on this movie, the boys watched it on the dvd player in the car on the way there. i can recite very few lines correctly from any movie but i might know this movie line for line.
you've gotta love ferris...."he's a righteous dude".
chicago has so much....the field museum, the adler plantarium, the shedd aquarium, the contemporary art museum, the chicago institute of arts, navy pier, the john hancock observatory, millenium park, the magnificiant mile....we did all of it. though we didn't eat pancreas. i'm alright with that.
b and i in a reflective shot....at cloud gate otherwise known as *the bean* in millenium park
r and i on a water taxi heading out of the city toward the lake 
big red and i at navy pier....in the windy city:)we parked our car....er, the valet or as r called him the *ballet* parked our car in the underground garage at our hotel and we walked this city. we took a few taxis as well, but this is a walking city. and did we ever walk. millenium park we soaked our toes. ahhh....a little bliss in the city.
Friday, July 2, 2010
lemons = yellow =happiness
i'm feeling like i've been handed a basket of lemons.
nothing so terrible that i am sunk.
but, enough to put me in a bit of a funk.
so as the saying goes, "when life hands you lemons....make lemonade".
i'm trying to get my yellow-on.
this will often help:
better together is an all-time favorite song, but banana pancakes and good people? you just have to get in a nicer state of mind while listening to those.
when i was a little girl yellow was my favorite color. one of my ealiest memories was pleading for a yellow purse to carry with my easter outfit. the pink one with matching gloves and bonnet.
can we pause here?
what is the difference between a hat and a bonnet, besides easter?
yellow just makes me happy...er, has the potential to make me happy. perhaps, it reminds me to be happy. to see the sunny. to see the positive.
so this brit-chickie has just left michigan for sunny north carolina and i am trying to stay sunny....when i just want to be blue and sad. so i fed her swedish pancakes and french pressed coffee trying to keep her here a little bit longer. (though this pic is from a trip to ikea and that is a cinnamon roll on that plate) thinking back....i met her on a yellow school bus. on a very grey day.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
summer unplanned
I love summer.
LOVE. That's all caps, if you'll notice.
I love summer so much, I'd marry it. (remember saying that? if you don't remember, don't judge me....we used to say that)
Anyway, I was thinking that summer became even sweeter after I was grown and had my own children.
I love the openness of the season. The fresh juicy-drip-from-your-chin-fruits and vegetables. The air on a cooler day wafting through the house.
I love the sunshine. Oh, do I love the sunshine.
The smell of cut grass and the puppy-dog smell of the boys after playing outside for hours. Alright...some days--these days the puppy-dog smell is of a rather large puppy who is a bit ripe. I digress.
Mostly, I love the release of schedules and freedom of going with the flow. Of not having set plans. Of seeing what happens.
I love that for me.
And I love that for the boys. That they can have a day unfold before them. To gather kids in the neighborhood to play a game of baseball without so much say from the adults around them. They figure it out....even when the kids range in age from 5-16. They figure it out. On their own. They play fair and have fun. They make adjustments for the little guys and adjustments for the biggest guys.
Letting the days unfold before you....scheduling a popsicle break and a croquet game in the back yard while the fireflies start glowing sounds just about perfect come mid-June. What kind of unplanned summer are you looking forward to?
LOVE. That's all caps, if you'll notice.
I love summer so much, I'd marry it. (remember saying that? if you don't remember, don't judge me....we used to say that)
Anyway, I was thinking that summer became even sweeter after I was grown and had my own children.
I love the openness of the season. The fresh juicy-drip-from-your-chin-fruits and vegetables. The air on a cooler day wafting through the house.
I love the sunshine. Oh, do I love the sunshine.
The smell of cut grass and the puppy-dog smell of the boys after playing outside for hours. Alright...some days--these days the puppy-dog smell is of a rather large puppy who is a bit ripe. I digress.
Mostly, I love the release of schedules and freedom of going with the flow. Of not having set plans. Of seeing what happens.
I love that for me.
And I love that for the boys. That they can have a day unfold before them. To gather kids in the neighborhood to play a game of baseball without so much say from the adults around them. They figure it out....even when the kids range in age from 5-16. They figure it out. On their own. They play fair and have fun. They make adjustments for the little guys and adjustments for the biggest guys.
Letting the days unfold before you....scheduling a popsicle break and a croquet game in the back yard while the fireflies start glowing sounds just about perfect come mid-June. What kind of unplanned summer are you looking forward to?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
what i want
What I want isn't what I need.
I want a new camera...specifically the Canon Rebel xSi.
I want it badly.
So I can take pictures like this:
and this:
and even this....in winter, no less:
(these 3 photos courtesy Kate of http://www.theblankiechronicles.com/)
I know. So dreamy and warm and yummy.
But, as much as I want it, it doesn't mean I need it. I can come up with a host of reasons why I may need it, but that doesn't make it true.
The thing is....the camera I want is tied to my promise.
Yep.
My promise....to myself.
You see, months ago I joined Weight Watchers.
It was time. (that is another post in itself)
And after a little success and a few weeks I made a promise to myself--when I made it to my *goal* weight....a healthy weight, I'd buy myself a new camera.
I'm still nine pounds out...ugh. Plateau has set in and I'm getting antsy.
I want my new camera.
But, more than that I want a healthier me....and I want to keep my promise.
dang.
I want a new camera...specifically the Canon Rebel xSi.
I want it badly.
So I can take pictures like this:
and this:
and even this....in winter, no less:
(these 3 photos courtesy Kate of http://www.theblankiechronicles.com/)I know. So dreamy and warm and yummy.
But, as much as I want it, it doesn't mean I need it. I can come up with a host of reasons why I may need it, but that doesn't make it true.
The thing is....the camera I want is tied to my promise.
Yep.
My promise....to myself.
You see, months ago I joined Weight Watchers.
It was time. (that is another post in itself)
And after a little success and a few weeks I made a promise to myself--when I made it to my *goal* weight....a healthy weight, I'd buy myself a new camera.
I'm still nine pounds out...ugh. Plateau has set in and I'm getting antsy.
I want my new camera.
But, more than that I want a healthier me....and I want to keep my promise.
dang.
Monday, June 7, 2010
grow little growing things
If there was one skill I wished I had, it might be gardening. It might be how to not kill plants, more specifically.
You know what? I know it's still early June, but these plants seem to be surviving. I know.
basil and geraniums
tomato
If these little plants continue to survive I will have to stake the tomato plant and I'm already dreaming of yummy salads and sandwiches. Grow little growing things. So far, I've planted and watered some. Not too much and not too little, apparently. See, that's sort of the problem. I'm not sure what I'm doing both right and wrong. My grandparents were exceptional gardeners. Even when they moved into an apartment. Near them was a community garden; one they shared with other people....people far less skilled in gardening and growing things up. Often, when I'd go to help pick beans or peas or corn, another *gardener* would come to chat with my grandparents to get advice and get a glimpse of their little plot of land....filled with the most beautiful vegetables.
my g'pa with a very scary scarecrow. very scary.
Gosh, I miss my grands. I wish they were still here to help me with my little growing things. And my plants too.
You know what? I know it's still early June, but these plants seem to be surviving. I know.
basil and geraniums
tomato
If these little plants continue to survive I will have to stake the tomato plant and I'm already dreaming of yummy salads and sandwiches. Grow little growing things. So far, I've planted and watered some. Not too much and not too little, apparently. See, that's sort of the problem. I'm not sure what I'm doing both right and wrong. My grandparents were exceptional gardeners. Even when they moved into an apartment. Near them was a community garden; one they shared with other people....people far less skilled in gardening and growing things up. Often, when I'd go to help pick beans or peas or corn, another *gardener* would come to chat with my grandparents to get advice and get a glimpse of their little plot of land....filled with the most beautiful vegetables.
my g'pa with a very scary scarecrow. very scary.
Gosh, I miss my grands. I wish they were still here to help me with my little growing things. And my plants too.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
feeling at home
Normally, we stay home for the long Memorial Day weekend. The weather is unpredictable, but so many years it included both rain and cold. This year we decided that if it was going to be ugly, we can do ugly away from home. But it wasn't ugly. It was sunshiny and easy-breezy. So given that we were headed for the most beautiful part of Michigan...we were a happy bunch. 
This is the overhead view from Chandler's in Petoskey. A little in-between restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Charming and delicious. The quesdillas with the grilled red onions, pulled chicken, black beans, pepper jack and homemade salsa verde was mouth-wateringly good. And the mixed greens with baked goat cheese. Heavenly. The boys found a map with the listings for sunglasses and bookstores. 
We headed up M-119 (the tunnel of trees) toward Sturgeon Bay to enjoy the beach with just a few people. No crowds. Lake Michigan is still pretty cold this time of year, but the sand is warm and ready for castle-making. 
The boys found and caught a couple of crayfish. Skipped stones and searched for Petoskey stones. A great way to spend a day, if you ask me. On our way back to Harbor Springs we stopped off at Legg's Inn. The view alone is INCREDIBLE. We weren't really hungry, so we just had dessert. French vanilla ice cream with a warm berry compote. Mmmmm. We're on vacation, right? 
This is the view from the garden at Legg's Inn. Just before we headed home we stopped to let the boys run off some energy by playing catch at Sunset Park in Petoskey. Big Red played guitar and I wondered how I could live here all the time. (that is usually, my clue that I've had a most relaxing time away from home) 
This is the overhead view from Chandler's in Petoskey. A little in-between restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Charming and delicious. The quesdillas with the grilled red onions, pulled chicken, black beans, pepper jack and homemade salsa verde was mouth-wateringly good. And the mixed greens with baked goat cheese. Heavenly. The boys found a map with the listings for sunglasses and bookstores. 
We headed up M-119 (the tunnel of trees) toward Sturgeon Bay to enjoy the beach with just a few people. No crowds. Lake Michigan is still pretty cold this time of year, but the sand is warm and ready for castle-making. 
The boys found and caught a couple of crayfish. Skipped stones and searched for Petoskey stones. A great way to spend a day, if you ask me. On our way back to Harbor Springs we stopped off at Legg's Inn. The view alone is INCREDIBLE. We weren't really hungry, so we just had dessert. French vanilla ice cream with a warm berry compote. Mmmmm. We're on vacation, right? 
This is the view from the garden at Legg's Inn. Just before we headed home we stopped to let the boys run off some energy by playing catch at Sunset Park in Petoskey. Big Red played guitar and I wondered how I could live here all the time. (that is usually, my clue that I've had a most relaxing time away from home) 
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
my most glamorous life
I live a most glamorous life.
Most glamorous.
I'm a ROCKSTAR.
Well I sometimes pretend I'm a ROCKSTAR. I'm a stay-at-home-mom.
Well, that's the common term. I prefer, the term-- mostly-stay-at-home-but-I-go-to-Target-a lot-mama. Very glamorous.
You too can be glamorous.
I will share my steps.
1.I do lots of laundry. You too? awesome. You are well on your way.
2.I have two boys. You do not have to have two boys- you could have an assortment of children and their friends tearing your place up. It's all very glamorous.
3.I also prepare meals several times a day, to ensure the health of my growing boys between baseball practices and games. Only to have them share a GIANT bag of CHEESEBURGER DORITOS when I'm not looking. Cheeseburger Doritos? Seriously....a 15 year old must be on the Frito-Lay board. A chip that tastes like meat? Glamorous.
4.Steps 1-3, rinse and repeat.
Two weeks ago, I took a step out of my glamorous life because I was invited to a little music concert.
In Grand Rapids.
Two hours away. However, it took three with all the detouring and turning around. Grand Rapids appears to be lovely. From my very glamorous mini-van. With my dear friend, Penny.
Here we are before leaving for the gig. And before some of that lip gloss wore off?
This little music concert was awesome.
Ingrid Michaelson opening for the Bare Naked Ladies (who were fully dressed).
(here's Ingrid and Allie)
I am friendly with Allie Moss's mama. Allie is a tremendous talent in her own right and is a part of Ingrid's band. So, I left the kitty-littered bathroom floor and piles of laundry to sing along loudly, yet poorly to both scantily-clad Ingrid's songs and those of the Bare Naked Ladies.
Glamorous.
Most glamorous.
I took so long in posting this as I've been working on steps 1-4 the last few weeks. It happens. Even to ROCKSTARS.
Most glamorous.
I'm a ROCKSTAR.
Well I sometimes pretend I'm a ROCKSTAR. I'm a stay-at-home-mom.
Well, that's the common term. I prefer, the term-- mostly-stay-at-home-but-I-go-to-Target-a lot-mama. Very glamorous.
You too can be glamorous.
I will share my steps.
1.I do lots of laundry. You too? awesome. You are well on your way.
2.I have two boys. You do not have to have two boys- you could have an assortment of children and their friends tearing your place up. It's all very glamorous.
3.I also prepare meals several times a day, to ensure the health of my growing boys between baseball practices and games. Only to have them share a GIANT bag of CHEESEBURGER DORITOS when I'm not looking. Cheeseburger Doritos? Seriously....a 15 year old must be on the Frito-Lay board. A chip that tastes like meat? Glamorous.
4.Steps 1-3, rinse and repeat.
Two weeks ago, I took a step out of my glamorous life because I was invited to a little music concert.
In Grand Rapids.
Two hours away. However, it took three with all the detouring and turning around. Grand Rapids appears to be lovely. From my very glamorous mini-van. With my dear friend, Penny.
Here we are before leaving for the gig. And before some of that lip gloss wore off?
This little music concert was awesome.
Ingrid Michaelson opening for the Bare Naked Ladies (who were fully dressed).
(here's Ingrid and Allie)
I am friendly with Allie Moss's mama. Allie is a tremendous talent in her own right and is a part of Ingrid's band. So, I left the kitty-littered bathroom floor and piles of laundry to sing along loudly, yet poorly to both scantily-clad Ingrid's songs and those of the Bare Naked Ladies.
Glamorous.
Most glamorous.
I took so long in posting this as I've been working on steps 1-4 the last few weeks. It happens. Even to ROCKSTARS.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
easter
This is an original acrylic painting 24"x24" on board. It is my interpretation of Easter. It is a moment in time and space. Captured here. Or un-captured here. If I were to create another easter painting now; would it look the same. I'm doubting that. This one was completed in 2008. What is your image of Easter? What has shaped that? I'm very curious about these things. About how we each can imagine the same event very differently. No matter your image of Easter, I am wishing you a very blessed Easter and happy spring.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
a very nice invitation
Something very nice happened recently. The funny and adorable Kate and Alison over at http://www.cluckandtweet.com/ have invited me to post weekly. I know, I'm so honored and thrilled. They are both brilliant writers and I've been a fan since the beginning of their shared blog. If you have a few minutes, fly on over there and show these women some love. Believe me, you'll be happy you did. And if you are wondering what to make for dinner, I just posted a recipe and a secret and maybe a little risque craving.
Monday, March 8, 2010
sunshiny posy
This is the first of many posies. I'm sure of it. The possibilities are endless. This one is fashioned from a scrap of up-cycled ticking. I'm loving the yellow. It's sunny and spring-like. I'm feeling spring-like. Like wanting to push open all the windows and break out my flip-flops while the boys play catch in the yard. It shouldn't be too long now. In the meantime, I'll be wearing a bit of spring on my jacket or sweater or handbag. Oh, the possibilities. :)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
feeling cozy
We are feeling cozy this end of February--beginning of March. The grey skies have blanketed us in for the weekend. With a couple under-the-weather boys and an un-birthday dinner for my leap-year baby husband, staying in and keeping cozy seems like a good thing to do. This is just a small project I whipped up the other evening, while wishing for a yummy vanilla chai. It's the *to-go joe cozy*. Mmmm...in this creamy caterpillar chenille with a vintage button. Delicious.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
working hard? playing fully
Ah, haven't posted in 100 years. Well, it seems that way. I'm still alive. In fact, I find it difficult to create fully and write about it at the same time. What do you think? Can you balance both? I've been busy in my studio playing...er, I mean working on new designs and new projects. I'm hoping to have a few pieces completed in the next few days. With the snow covering everything outside it is the most perfect reason to stay home and play...I mean work. I love my life :)
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