Maurice Sendak — As interviewed by Stephen Colbert, part one.
Breakfast Galette — I have not made this; I cannot stop thinking about eating it.
91 Magazine — I understand that there is some controversy regarding online magazines. Some think, and I can agree, that many are of so little content that they’d be best suited as blogs. Yet, the online magazine is a fun format. I’m good with it all. I can say that 91 Magazine keeps me riveted to my screen for a while.
Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms — I put this dish on this week’s menu. Now, I can’t think about it anymore or my stomach might eat itself.
I haven’t much internet fodder this week, I suppose because I’ve been more into action lately and not so much collecting ideas. No bother. I’ll be back to looking for inspiration before long.
Wisconsin Foodie — I found this channel on Vimeo and it looks promising. Speaking of Vimeo, they are about to unroll a new platform. I’ve opted to use that site rather than YouTube for four years now. Although I’m a paying member, they offer quite a lot of space for free.
The Power of Introverts — I am an introvert and I am so at peace with that. Extroverts have their place in society, and they’ve long been exalted for their deeds, which I am okay with because it takes all sorts of people to make this world a merry place. Variety is the spice of life! That said, so many of us loners have faked extroversion to get by, to fit in with society. This interview with author Susan Cain sheds some light on those of us who prefer small and quiet groups, time alone, and working independently. I can’t mention this book without giving a shout-out to…
Party of One: The Loner’s Manifesto — This book was so empowering for me, extremely validating, and it probably changed the course of my life. There is no doubt that I am more content today and quite confident in my solo endeavors because of The Loner’s Manifesto.
Recently, and always really, I have been very wrapped up in examining my habits and routines, most of which are positive, at least in intention though not always in execution. For a long time, I have believed that there can be great comfort in daily rituals. Some of the movements within our days are like a prayer, they lift us and move us and they carry us through our days.
Per usual, I started jotting down my ideal routines and thought to start implementing them, but then I realized that what I consider ideal isn’t necessarily realistic or even right for me. Sure, I’d like to get all of my exercise accomplished first thing in the morning, yet my body doesn’t allow that and so I have to do it when I feel best, when it is of greatest benefit and when I’m most likely to enjoy whatever I’m doing. Another routine that is really important to my well being revolves around the things that I do in the hour before I go to bed. Mornings are difficult, yet they are much easier to deal with if I have prepped the coffee maker, laid out my clothing, went through all the steps of my skin care routine, do a quick tidy, and ease into bed by 10pm instead of racing there.
This is all a work in progress, but I’m enjoying it so much more than usual… these observations of myself, learning what works best, living as who I truly am.
DIY Houses by Night — My goodness, these lit-up houses charm me with their wee glow. I hope that I can remember this idea next December when I’m brightening up the house during the dark days of winter.
Citrus Salt — I’d like to mix up a batch of this citrus salt, something fresh-like to add to all this root-cellar food.
Seed Swap Brunch — I attended a brunch at my friend Lee’s house and we swapped seeds. Actually, I just ate and then mooched seeds since I used up almost everything last year.
Wisconsin Recall Petitions — It is so thrilling that the petition to recall Governor Scott Walker received over one million signatures. The last year has been a politically-heated one here in Wisconsin and the likelihood of upcoming elections is somewhat of a relief. I don’t look forward to all of the attack ads, but that’s why I don’t watch television unless it is a program on DVR so that I can fast-forward through anything unnecessary.
Very January — I have made six of these in the last year, the One Row Lace Cowl. I usually tire of a pattern quickly, needing to challenge my mind and my crocheting skills on a continual basis. When working on a long-term project, like Mister Winter, I just have to mix in some quick things to make so that I can get my finished-project fix. It’s always the best feeling when I finish something off and then fill in the details on Ravelry.
This morning, I awoke to the most wonderful feeling… knowing that it’s winter and January and snowy and cold. I sat with Kin and watched the sky, a pale gray that is the same as the ground. Then, I sat around with my man and browsed the few links that I have to share today. He is off of work, and so I’m going to play hooky. And also grab my crochet hook!
Huset – There is so much good stuff here to buy, but I also find a lot of inspiration for things that I could make. Win, win.
I used to keep track of new, favorite links each week and I guess that habit trailed off this last year. Since I have often referred back to my linkage posts, I’m going to start doing them again. It’ll be my virtual treasure chest. The internet seems to be an endless source of inspiration and wonder, so there should be no shortage of linkage fodder.
Lightbox — I suppose that Lightbox is the Instagram for non-iPhone users. Maybe I’m wrong?! You don’t need to use it on your phone as it can be utilized via the web. I have an account with Instagram, but have an Android now so this is easier for me to keep track of my phone pics.
Pixlr.com — Another photo effects option is Pixlr. The photo above is from Lightbox, and you can see a Pixlr photo of some chicken pot pies that I made RIGHT HERE. Personally, I don’t care for effects on regular photos, like vignettes, but some people do and Pixlr has them.
Wool-Eater Crochet-Along 2012 — I can’t seem to resist signing up for this crochet-along (CAL). It is the first time that I have participated in one. I am still debating what exactly I shall make. While I’d love to do an additional full-size afghan or a smaller blanket for the sofa, a pillow is much more realistic. I do have soft pink cashmere and merino double-knitting yarn that would make a sweet cushion.
Seed Savers Exchange — This year’s Seed Savers Exchange catalog arrived last month and I tucked it away until the house was cleared of all-things holiday. Last weekend, I began to mark my for-sures and my maybes. Soon, out will come the graph paper and colored pencils, as well as notes from last year to help me determine which varieties of heirloom tomatoes that I’d like to ditch in favor of new-to-me varieties.
I would like to remember to snap more photos of new recipes that I try and then add them to my recipe page. It would also be nice if I just bookmarked them in the first place so that I can find them again. It’s something to work on, I guess. One of my favorite food-photo documentaries going on right now is Lee’s Garden Grub set on Flickr.
Normal summer fare: Parmesan-grilled corn on the cob. It was really tasty. I also sliced up an Italian Heirloom tomato, who won third prize in this year’s tomato blushing contest, which is held amongst my most earnest tomato plants each summer. First, as always, was the Mexican Midget. (Mexican Little People?!) German Pink took home second place despite an evil maneuver by blossom end rot to destroy the fruit. And, the Italian Heirloom? A fine, meaty, prolific addition to the garden and table.
Last month, I started to collect online recipes in one place for my own reference. So often, I’m trying to think of what to make and I wish that I could see all of my favorites in one space, on a single page. I have started to work on that, adding a few here and there, but I’ve a long way to go. When the page is a bit more substantial, there will be a link in the sidebar. It is public now, in case anyone wants to follow along with my (slow) progress. Most of the links take you to other sites, although some are hosted here.
Progress, in general, has been very good, but I’m not so-very-good at documenting it.
For instance, the robins were babies and then they were five days old and now they are flying around the yard with mum and poppy. The squabs are so big and beautiful that I can no longer distinguish them from their parents. The feeders, even when empty of seed, are full of young and demanding sparrows. Some of my favorites, the grackles, dutifully comb the yard with their young all day. They have an especially obnoxious teen that chased its mum and bit her tail when she didn’t produce supper fast enough.
Also, the radishes were seedlings and then they were growing and then they were pickled for my husband. Fortunately, there are a lot more radishes to come throughout the next few months. More pickles for my man and maybe a photo of them for me. (There are similar stories with other vegetables that have grown and vanished and have been reseeded.)
Our various plans are progressing (and often growing) as well.
The idea for a back door became a backdoor with a little porch and then a little porch with a cat tree and then a porch that leads to an arbor. We were trying so hard envision how we could make the backdoor lead into an arbor more easily. First, I decided that the structure must be white. That was a no-brainer. After that, I spotted this amazing cat porch on a blog that I follow. That gave me ideas. Then it gave Rob ideas. Now, he is using my graph paper to make super-duper sketches of his plans for a cat-friendly, leading-into-the-arbor, backdoor porch.
Since we are doing all of the work ourselves, it’ll be done in stages and won’t be very photogenic yet this year. Still, I look so very forward to charting that progress along with all of the other things that are going on around here.
(Shade trees? Fruit trees? DIY snake enclosure? Master closet redo? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.)
I am anticipating a lot of time spent in the kitchen this week. Rob is in town, so I get to put out a fine spread for supper each night. (Yesterday was all about the bacon-cinnamon rolls and a six-hour bolognese sauce and food coma.)
I am also going to pick up my paint brush again and move forward with my house redo. The kitchen cabinets are going to be the most grueling task, and I may as well get them out of the way. Now. I’m at the point where I need to do SO MUCH priming. I really need a few windows open for that and, although the studio window is widely ajar any time that the temperature nears 30°F, it would be nice for the rest of the family if I waited until it approaches 50°.
I do believe that I hear the kitchen’s siren call in the distance…
[Link: Bacon-cinnamon rolls - These were tasty, but I'm definitely using homemade dough next time.]
I have been driven to distraction in a number of different ways these last several weeks, thus the serious lack of posting. First and foremost, I have been absolutely compelled by the heated political situation here in Wisconsin. Many of my friends and family members protested at the state capitol and have attended rallies against the actions of Governor Walker and his posse of low-blow Republican senators. (I wish that I could have been there.) It’s no secret that I stand on the side of the people, of democracy, of unions. Here are a few links to fascinating videos and astounding photography/graphics, as well as one interesting piece about how religion comes into play. When possible, view in full-screen mode.
Matt — This is a friend of mine that lives in Japan with his family. There is some info on his blog, but look the link (on the most recent post) to his Facebook page, where there is a lot of frequently-updated information.
This last week went by so fast. I am one of those people that likes to live life slowly. I never wish for time to hurry when I am looking forward to an upcoming event. Life is quick enough as it is. If the clock seems stuck, I am good with that. I am also never bored. I read a quote once, Nietzsche perhaps, that life is too short to be boring.
Indeed.
I wrote a long paragraph about my health issues and my online absence this morning; I edited it throughout the afternoon. I just now deleted the whole thing. Writing it was therapeutic, at least. I do want to thank you all for your kind comments, your support, the sweet concern. I am okay, I’m sure. I see my doctor tomorrow. I like to be pro-active. Yada yada.
Okay, so, what were we talking about? Oh, yeah… my awesome new ring!!! I was looking at N.E.E.T. and noticed an ad for Sea of Bees. I immediately went to the shop and picked out the silver bird ring. Paige chose the Deerly Beloved Siamese Double Deer necklace. Everything arrived so fast. I am absolutely taken with my bird-friend totem ring. Until now, I didn’t think that I could pull of the statement ring, BUT I CAN!
In other news, I am taking part in a writing project being held at Journaling Saves. (I found out about it from Hanna. Thanks, Hanna!) During the next 12 weeks, those writing along (har har) will be reading and following the coursework for Walking In This World, by Julie Cameron. Some of you might be familiar with her already, especially from the hugely-popular The Artist’s Way. My copy of the book arrived this afternoon and I’m delving into it as soon as I get this post up on my blog.
Before I do that, I’d like to add that it’ll be a day or so until I get back to “something old”, but I will and I’ll still have 365 items shared by the end. Or more.
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