peculiar momma

Sweet and Spicy Tomato Cream Mac & Cheese Recipe

2012-01-31T11:00:00.000-08:00

The brewery where Mr. Peculiar works makes THE BEST sweet and spicy mac & cheese. I've been trying to emulate it for a while now. Last night I decided to give it another go a) because I bought heavy cream (it's all about the bottle) and b) we had to eat.

I used whole wheat pasta to make this dish *slightly* more healthy. However this is not diet food. This recipe contains butter and it contains cream. Nom, nom. But whole wheat people. That's good, right?!! This is assuming you are not gluten intolerant.

This recipe makes a lot of food. I'd say it serves 8 to 10 people. Perfect for us as we'll use the left-overs tonight. Left overs are ideal for nights when I have to work and am not home to prepare dinner. Of course you can always halve it.

And it has a kick. My kids ate it but definitely drank their milk too. I use two chipotle peppers. Use only one to decrease the spice.

Ingredients:

32 oz Whole Wheat Penne Pasta

Small Yellow Onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, diced

1 -2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato paste

3 tablespoons honey

14.5 oz (1 can) stewed tomatoes

2 cups heavy cream

8 slices of bread, crusts removed and cut into cubes

4 tablespoons butter

1-2 cups grated parmesan cheese

Olive oil

Kosher Salt

Instructions:

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain and set aside

Sauce:

Lightly coat dutch oven with olive oil.
Add onion and cook on medium heat until soft and translucent
Add garlic and cook for approxiamtely 30 seconds or until fragrant
Add stewed tomatoes (including juice), honey, pepper(s) and cream
Using an immersion blender (or food processor) blend ingredients until smooth
Add tomato paste and stir together
Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for ~10 minutes to allow sauce to thicken

Topping:

Meanwhile pulse bread in food processor until forms crumbs
Melt butter in medium pan and add bread crumbs. Stir until butter incorporated.

Combine:

Pour noodles in large baking dish, add sauce and mix together
Top with bread crumbs and cheese
Bake in oven at 350 degrees until topping crispy (~ 20 minutes)

Serve and enjoy.

Things I'm Loving Today

2012-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Things I'm loving today:

❖ "Caleb's Crossing" on my iphone (makes housework go that much faster)
❖ Iphoneography
❖ Chickens who finally lay eggs (it's about time)
❖ Upcycled burlap curtains (old coffee bags)
❖ Ideas for pillows floating in my head (with accompanying bumble bee embroidery)
❖ Sunflowers to brighten the kitchen
❖ Kitchen experiments (sweet and spicy sundried tomato cream pasta)
❖ Feedly as my new blog reader
❖ Seeing some of my bees today (they're alive!)
❖ A sweet young lady who loves Doctor Who

xo

Frugal Friday (on Saturday)

2012-01-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

I may have mentioned once or twice that I am addicted to Pinterest. I love finding new and crafty ideas. And, I am proud to say, I not only find these ideas but follow through on them too.

My dishwashing station is a perfect example. It all started with this pin for a cake stand holder for sponges and soaps. I promptly made one with thrift store finds and left over paint. On it I placed knit dishclothes which we've been using in place of sponges.

Then I decided to make dish powder (we found citric acid at our local homebrew store). The dish powder, of course, had to go into a lovely vintage mason jar scavenged from our garage (and probably purchased from an estate sale).

Finally I came across this tutorial for a simple scrubbie made from onion bags (or in my case a potato bag). I used left over cotton yarn.

The total cost for all these projects was minimal. And now I have a fun, bright, environmental and frugal dish washing station.

Win-win!

xo.

State of Wonder

2012-01-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm having trouble with motivation. I'd like to jump out of bed, happy and energetic, and ready to face the day. Ready to load the dishwasher, tackle the laundry, straighten the living room and plan the meals. Instead I want to pull up the covers and remain sheltered. Just shy of that I would settle for curling up on the couch and reading the day away.

As a consequence I have been reading a lot (and the dishes and laundry are piled high). I just finished "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton. Additionally I read "The Cat's Table" by Michael Ondaatje (of English Patient fame). Both books, in one way or another, deal with ships and voyages. As such I've found myself fantasizing. At night, at work, tucked into the uncomfortable futon in the windowless office, my body swaying back and forth with specious motion, it's easy to pretend I'm on a cruise; in a windowless cabin deep in the bowels of the beast. The grumbling HVAC unit only adds to the fantasy as it grunts and groans like an onboard motor.

I lay there and imagine I'll wake up somewhere exotic. The discomfort. The swaying. It'll all the worth it once our destination is reached. Eventually I do drift off to sleep, tossing and turning and hoping and dreaming. Alas I wake to find myself firmly ensconced in the bowels of a strip mall and not a cruise ship. A disappointment to be sure.

And yet there is a sense of contentment, of joy, from the simple act of fantasizing. There is great beauty in sitting and letting the mind wander. Something I engaged in daily as a child. Oh the days when I would lie on the floor basking in a sun spot dreaming of this and that.

I'd love to allot similar time for my children. We already limit after school activities; dance once a week for the girls and one sport for the boy. Free time, however, gets filled with mindless television and/or Facebook sessions. I'll readily admit to not being the best example.

We've started some new rules. Computers automatically shut down at 9:30 pm. All hand held devices are, at the same time, supposed to be turned over for parental control. And yet the rules aren't always enforced. We parents are tired. We struggle to do what we know is right.

I'd love to schedule family reading hour and family game night and family dinner (though I also don't mind eating dinner while challenging the kids to Jeopardy).

I tell myself I would do these things if only I didn't have to work. If only I wasn't so exhausted. And maybe that's true. Then again maybe not. At any rate I do have to work and raise and family and I need to figure how to best do things sooner than later. And that includes the dishes and laundry.

For now I'm compromising. I've got a couple of books on tape (or cd or whatever). I need to pull these out and listen while cleaning. To get off my duff and get a few things accomplished.

Then I need to sit down and make a plan. A plan for our family to rely less on a media driven world. A plan for interaction and harmony. A plan for fantasy and a plan for contentment.

Here's hoping for a state of wonder.

xo.

Snow Day

2012-01-18T18:32:00.000-08:00

We had a bit of a winter storm here in Central Oregon. Last night it blowed and snowed and blowed and snowed. Today it snowed and rained. Fortunately the kids, with school cancelled, got outside before the rain began.

This was our first significant snow of the year. And our first time pulling out the winter gear. Turns out Middle has grown quite a bit. She had to borrow Mama's snow pants and boots. We managed to find three sets of gloves and three sets of appropriate winter garb. Mama, without waterproof clothing, watched contentedly through the window.

As always comes the reminder that we need gutters and better boot storage and slippers. I am forever stepping in little puddles spread throughout the house. Between the dogs and humans our floor is a veritable pond.

The boy, at fifteen, is the perfect age for shoveling the drive. He shoveled for us after playtime. It was so nice to have that extra set of helping hands. It's also a poignant reminder of how little time we have left with him. Two more winters and he'll be off on his own adventures. It's truly hard to believe.

This afternoon Little and the Boy went off to friend's houses. This left Middle and I to our own devices. We spent the better part of the afternoon with me reading and her picking up her room. We're in the second of the Hunger Games series and it's going by quickly.

I was initially hesitant to read this second book. I'd read some reviews and heard from other parents that it might be too racy for a pre-teen. Nonsense. There is hand-holding and kissing. There are two people sharing a bed (but clothed and no hint of sexual contact). And there are rumors of pregnancy.

I am sorry but my child is in public school. All this she knows and more. And I'm glad for it. I have no interest in keeping my children in the dark regarding these matters. I'd very much like for them to make responsible, intelligent and informed decisions when it comes to their bodies and their lives. And this means talking about sex and the responsibility that comes with it.

Any parent who let's their child leave the house is naive to think their peer group isn't talking about sex. And this book is tame compared to all that our children are exposed to. I mean, really, look at the ads on tv. Okay -- off my soapbox.

As I said we are nearly done with the second book. The third is on reserve at the library. It's been a while since we've read together. Reading together is a habit I really enjoy and fully intend to keep up even after this series is complete. Hmm -- what to read next. What to read ...

I've also been doing some reading on my own. Yesterday, in a complete and total bought of self-indulgence, I curled up and read ALL DAY LONG. Yup. All day. And in that day I started and finished Ann Patchett's "State of Wonder." It was quite good. Well worth reading.

Now dinner is in the oven -- roast chicken with potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnip and rutabaga. It smells WONDERFUL and is the perfect homey meal for a cold wet day. For the remainder of the evening I'm planning to eat and knit and drink a glass of wine. We'll gather the family for Jeopardy and I'll likely get beat (unless there are a plethora of biology questions).

I love these nights when I don't have to work and my family is gathered close.

The roads are likely to be a mess tonight. We'll see if another snow day is in store for tomorrow.

xo.

Birds of a Feather

2012-01-12T10:32:00.000-08:00

So we've got these birds, Leo and Leroy. They are both cockatiels. Both rescues. Leroy, who's head you can barely see is butter yellow. He was found in someone's backyard and brought in to our clinic. At presentation he was quite beat up -- smashed nares, bloody wings, missing toes. I brought him home fully expecting him to die. And yet he lived. Suddenly we had a bird. Because, you know, we desperately needed another animal in our household.

Now I've always loved cockatiels. I bred them as a teenager. I especially love hand-raised birds -- they can be such fun! But Leroy was not hand-raised. Rather he abhored human contact and had little interest in us. But we kept him nonetheless. After all he needed a warm safe place to call home.

Fast-forward another year. Mr. Peculiar came home from a garage sale looking quite mischievous. Turns out he got me something. Yup -- another cockatiel. Leo was a hand-raised baby and adored human contact (he is especially fond of feet and loves to sidle up to any given foot and carry on a protracted conversation).

Now we've not been quite sure where to keep these guys. First they were upstairs in the office, then the girls' room, then the living and then the kitchen. They've finally migrated back to the living room -- this is where they seem most content as there is usually a person about. Human company is especially important for Leo as he cares more for us than Leroy.

The problem with these guys is they are MESSY. Food and feathers scattered everywhere. Truly it is an embarrassment to have people come over and see the mess. Thus, as part of my new year's resolutions, I am getting these guys cleaned up.

Their cage sits on an old metallic utility table. I painted it a bright green which contrasts nicely with their blue cage. I also bought them a new crock hoping to reduce the amount of food spread about. But the crock was only marginally effective. Thus, this morning, I sewed them a seed guard -- a bit of fabric wrapped around the bottom of the cage to deflect their scatterings. Hopefully this will do the trick.

Leo is somewhat befuddled by my actions and is a touch crabby today. Leroy doesn't seem to care.

At least now when people come over I'm not quite so mortified by the birds.

Tomorrow, as part of our continuing plan, we are ripping out the carpet in our other living room (we have two small rooms that really ought to be one). We will be papering the floor. Yippee!! By year's end my house might actually be presentable.

xo.

The Word 2012

2012-01-10T10:43:00.000-08:00

Simplify, Imagine, Appreciate and Shine. Four words and four years. Here we are, still standing, at the beginning of the fourth year. A year full of promise and hope.

Finally, finally, the recession is lessening her grip (strange for me to say as our bank balance is precipitously low). And yet I know opportunity lies ahead. Our income increased slightly in 2011. This after several consecutive years of decline. The pendulum has swung and we are on our way up. It's about time.

This year is also a culmination; a year to pull together the knowledge gleaned from our past experiences. I will continue to simplify, to imagine and to appreciate. And in doing these things I plan to shine.

Shine means putting my best foot forward. It means making a sincere effort in whatever I am doing -- whether that's running on the trail, cleaning my house, nurturing my family or focusing at work. Something akin to "this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine" in a nonsectarian sort of way.

Shine does not mean perfection. I do not yearn for the impossible. I will have days where I can not do or accomplish what I want. And in the these days I also hope to shine. To shine with acceptance and forgiveness and grace.

As I do every year I've made a list of goals, of things I'd like to accomplish in the upcoming months. Many are the same as years past. Some are continuous progressions, others goals not yet attained. There is no shame in transferring last year's list to this year. Though some things have gone undone there is benefit in reassessing and renewing these commitments.

This year's goals (in no particular order):

To beat my husband in a half-marathon (that is to finish said marathon with a better time than him)
To eliminate the carpeting from my house (paper bag floors here I come!)
To finish my first ever quilt
To finish the couch slipcovers started in November (I am oh so close here)
To finish my crafting room (including making a daybed like this)
To make a "Shine" sign -- ✓-- done!!
To take more photographs and organize them by month including more photos of the children and especially of the boy (two and half more years and he's off to college)
To go camping at least twice
To keep the house clean and organized (including keeping up on dishes and laundry and providing a good example for the children)
To read more with my children
To continue to learn the bagpipes and to set aside more time for practice
To finish making the rug I started for the living room
To replenish our savings
To continue to cook at home, use ingredients and left-overs wisely and to prepare delicious healthy meals
And, finally, to enjoy and appreciate each and every day.

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012!

xo.

Don't cry over spilt milk

2011-12-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

I like my coffee with milk. I suppose you'd call it cafe-au-lait. I've also weaned myself from coffee shops. This is not to say I don't like coffee shops-- I do. I love the cozy atmosphere, the music, the local paper -- the whole shebang. But I can't quite justify the expense. Thus I make most of my coffee at home.

We have a little hand held frother and we heat our milk on the stove. We used to heat our milk in the microwave. But our microwave broke and I am steadfastly refusing to replace it. Appliances should last more than three years. Period. And we can live without.

But this means milk on the stove. And invariably I forget the milk is on the stove and it boils over. Thus we are also invariably cleaning the stove.

Today I raced into the kitchen and the milk had formed a big bubble, a dam, over the top. I grabbed it and tried to pour it into my mug. Alas the bubble dam burst and scorching milk poured all over my hand. Oi! Now there is a particularly shiny spot on my finger. I'm waiting for it to blister.

Why am I telling you this? Because it seems par for the course. Everything is just a little bit off this season.

I've missed my shipping deadline for family gifts. They'll be there in time for new years. I have a plethora of excuses -- dizziness (did any one at bunko see me stumbling last night? I wasn't drunk -- simply dizzy.), an extra child for the week (and then there were four), work (this isn't really an excuse as I've had the last week off).

The truth of the matter is I could have had my gifts done and in the mail. But, it seems, I am only in the mood for knitting. Thus I've invented *necessary* knitting projects.

The kids' dentist had triplets? Well clearly they need hats. Three of them. Now.

My friend is in the hospital? Obviously a scarf is in order. Tout suite.

The repetitive nature of knitting is drawing me in; keeping me grounded in what is turn out to be an interesting holiday season.

At the moment I am looking forward to the new year. A chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. In the meantime I'll get to those gifts and won't cry over spilt milk (even when it's scorching hot). After all life is what it is.

xo.

She Travels with Goats.

2011-12-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we loaded up the car with three kids, two adults and one goat. Buttercup went to her forever home near Portland, Or. She did amazingly well in the car. Most of the mess was contained on her comforter and no seat belts were eaten (for this my mother will be particularly grateful).

Buttercup is now living with two other goats in the gorgeous pasture above. It was a fun little trip and I'm glad we got to do our part to help this sweet girl.

And, as always, I loved driving through the country fantasizing about goats and pastures of our own. Someday. Someday.

xo.

Strange days indeed ...

2011-12-17T09:42:00.000-08:00

Well this has been an interesting week to say the least. A close friend of mine has become ill and been diagnosed with bi-polar disease. She is getting some long overdue help and for that I am tremendously grateful.

In fact I am grateful for a good many things.

I am grateful for my messy house and my healthy kids.
I am grateful for two vertigo free days -- days in which my presence was needed and I was able to provide.
I am grateful for my husband who was "on-call" should I start spinning.
I am grateful to my teenage son who is willing to go on errands with his mother.
I am grateful to people who are willing to rescue, nurse and house a stray goat.
I am grateful for the husbands who put up with these "goat people".
I am grateful for the wonderful haphazard lights on our Christmas tree -- they provide much needed cheer in these dark days (literal and figural).
I am grateful for a quick weekend getaway.
I am grateful for friends; people who are willing to drop everything and help at a moment's notice.
I am grateful for forgiveness*.
I am grateful for love.

* I am full of forgiveness -- for myself and my friend and all of us who are treading on this crazy path. Perfection is over-rated.

These are strange days indeed. Most peculiar momma.

xo.

Two Weeks Until Christmas (whoo boy!)

2011-12-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

Taken with my NEW iphone!

Two weeks remain until Christmas. Two! And I am behind. Not only am I behind but I'm taking on additional projects. Yesterday I knit a baby hat for a neighbor (the little guy is having surgery tomorrow and I simply couldn't let him go to the hospital without his very own hand knit).

And I'm knitting a horai scarf. My picture doesn't do it justice. Click the link. This, too, is a gift. A long time nurse at my allergist's office is retiring just before the holiday. I've seen her every two weeks for the past five years; clearly she deserves a going away present.

Today I'm also hoping to finish the gifts for my nieces and nephews and get those in the mail. This means some sewing and cooking up playdough.

I also have a package to ship and a camera (a super cool SX 70 model 2 polaroid) to list in the shop. C'mon sales! Santa could use a bump in his Christmas fund.

Speaking of Santa yesterday we finally got our tree. It's a family tradition -- we pick up a permit from the forest service and cut one down ourselves. Our trees are always a little haphazard. A tad imperfect and oh so right.

I've also made our annual holiday greeting -- a slide show of the year. In years past I've burned DVDs and mailed them out. This year we are streamlining and going digital.

Phew!

Now I'd best get to it. If I can get all out of town presents made, packaged and shipped this week things will be good.

Note to self: start getting ready for the holidays earlier next year (as in January). Yes. That would be an excellent idea.

xo.

Meniere's Update

2011-12-08T09:54:00.001-08:00

A lovely flower from a grateful client

I am back with another update on my meniere's disease. Please forgive me. I don't mean to blather on and bore you to tears. But I need to keep a journal of my symptoms and the way my house functions a hard copy journal would disappear. So bear with me. Skip over this post if need be. I'll be back with crafty updates soon.

Over the weekend I felt GREAT. As in 100% normal. As in I was a perfectly capable and well human being. As in I could HEAR. This is also remarkable as I was in the midst of working (last week I logged 65 hours in seven days; three night shifts and two day shifts). No tinnitus or dizziness or head fog.

Work was busy and I had a surgery to perform (a GDV on a dog). I made an effort to appreciate the experience. If this disease continues (especially if it worsens) I'll no longer be able to perform surgery.

Fast forward to Tuesday, my first day off work. The tinnitus in my left ear returned (why does it always come back when I have days off?).

Then yesterday. Yesterday Middle and I went to get allergy shots (I've been getting them for five years so this is nothing new). After shots we went to pick Little up from dance class. We were nearly there when my tinnitus increased. Not only did it increase but I had it in both ears. This seems to be my warning sign that a vertigo attack is impending.

I spent a good 30 seconds trying to convince myself I was imagining the tinnitus; that it was simply a sound my car was making. Then I spent another 30 seconds inwardly chanting I will not have an attack, I will not have an attack. Then I had an attack.

Fortunately we were nearly there. I was able to pull over in the dance parking lot. The actual vertigo portion was relatively short-lived (maybe 45 seconds). Middle went in to get Little and I sat in the car waiting to see what was going to happen next. My head was foggy, I was a little off balance but felt okay so long as I didn't quickly turn my head from side to side. I was able to drive home.

The upside? No real nausea and no vomiting. Seriously. This is a very good thing.

Now, as I type, I feel slightly off balance (even though I'm sitting in a chair). I again feel as if I'm on a boat -- swaying slightly back and forth. Not like I'm going to fall over, just slightly off balance.

So here are the dilemmas (and there are a multitude of them).

Do I keep driving? For now, for me, the answer is yes. I seem to have fair warning before and impending attack and should be able to pull over. Of course if I'm feeling particularly off balance then I won't drive. If I start having drop attacks then driving might be out.
Do I allow other people's children in my car? On a good day, a day without tinnitus, yes. When my ear is ringing - no. It's just not a good idea.
Should I get a cell phone? Yes. I probably should. There may be a time in the future when I need someone to come pick me up.
Was this caused by my allergy shots? Who the heck knows. Certainly the tinnitus preceded the injections but they could have pushed things over the edge. Allergy shots are recommended for people with meniere's as it is thought to reduce overall body inflammation.
How is this going to affect my ability to work? Thus far I've had one mild vertigo episode at work. I was able to lay down and it passed. If these episodes become more frequent and more severe they will be a problem. If I'm having tinnitus and have to go into surgery I may have to have someone on call. Someone to come in should things go south. This doesn't make me feel particularly capable.
Can we save enough money to get us by should these attacks get worse? Good question. We certainly don't have that three months pay set aside (the amount of time until disability would kick in).
At what point would my disability insurance consider me disabled? Now I am working and functioning. But has this been sheer luck? My attacks have happened mostly during my off hours.
How much is work, and my schedule, affecting this disease? I don't know. I'm sure a lack of sleep does not help.
How long would it take and how difficult would it be to file a disability claim? I have no idea. I'm not ready to file a claim just yet but am wondering and worrying about the future.
When do I notify my disability insurance about an impending problem? Again I have no idea.

And there you have it. More questions than answers.

Tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment at the ENT. This time with the meniere's specialist. Truth-be-told I feel silly going. There is not much they can do. I'm capable of reading up on this disease on my own. But, again, I want documentation should things get worse.

For now I'll just appreciate things as they are. Appreciate my ability to work. Appreciate driving. Appreciate walking. And it looks like that cell phone I've been wanting but haven't quite been able to justify is also in my future. I'm going to have fun with that too.

xo.

What's up Buttercup?

2011-12-05T15:25:00.001-08:00

I made a house call this morning to draw blood on our clinic's stray/rescue pygmy goat -- Buttercup. She's been tucked neatly into suburbia and seems quite content in my co-workers garage. I'm told she doesn't even want to go outside when she has the opportunity. But she does wish she could go in the house. If only goats could be potty-trained!

We are testing her from Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis or CAE. This is a contagious viral infection that can lead to arthritis. Buttercup is still limping quite a bit. We are unsure if this limping is a result of her injuries (she was attacked by dogs) or from a potential infection. Fortunately we'll soon find out.

The good news is she'll likely have a "forever home" either way. If she tests positive for this disease she'll go to a goat sanctuary in Silverton. If she's negative then I have a friend whom I am hoping will take her.

She's a very sweet girl -- loves to snuggle and even gives goat kisses. If I only had my dream farm ... someday. Someday.

xo.

Messy Rooms and Cell Phones; How Can One Possibly Be Related to the Other?

2011-12-01T14:03:00.001-08:00

Today I cleaned my girls' room for the umpteenth time. They simply cannot seem to do it themselves (now I know this not to be true they are perfectly capable children who refuse to conform to my insidious standards).

But that is neither here nor there. Today I cleaned it. I spent hours picking up trash that was not mine, folding clothes that did not belong to me and vacuuming dust bunnies I did not create. I cleaned the girls' room; but not entirely. I'm giving them an after school chore list. A little treat to make their day.

You see Middle wants a cell phone. Like really bad. Like everybody else has one and how can I be so cruel as to not provide her with one of life's most basic necessities.

Only I don't see it that way. A cell phone is not a right it's a privilege; a privilege to be earned. And earn it she must. We've told her time and time again -- you can get a cell phone. All you have to do is clean your room and keep it clean for a month. One month. That's it.

Has she done that? Oh no. She doesn't understand why we would ask such a thing of her. Why do I care if her room is clean? It's her room after all.

Hmmm -- let's see. So she can find the clothes she owns but claims she doesn't have. So she can find her homework when it's due. So she can live a life void of salmonella and E. Coli and other duplicitous organisms. So she can exit the building in case of a fire or other emergency. The list goes on and on.

But the basic gist of the matter is a clean room is proof that she cares; that she respects herself and her material possessions. After all why in the world would I a) purchase a cell phone and b) sign up for a long term commitment for an object that is going to be tossed on the floor and stomped on? Or washed on accident? Or left behind in school cafeteria? Why indeed.

A cell phone is a privilege. One for those mature enough to handle the responsibility. And if said maturity never appears? Oh well. I grew up without a cell phone (and still don't have one today). I turned out okay.

Do you think me horrifically mean?

xo.

Handmade Holidays (and links to projects)

2011-11-27T09:10:00.001-08:00

Ah Thanksgiving! I've had a wonderful week off. Time to spend with the kids. Time to spend with my folks.

As we were packing and heading over the mountain to my parents I worried about my crafts -- did I pack what I needed? Embroidery - check, felt - check, latch hook - check, wool - check. 'Tis the season for making and doing. As it turns out I had what I needed -- mostly. Of course, when we get home, I will be pouring through my fabric stash looking for just the right material for this project and I ordered felt online for this project and this project.

Yesterday the girls, my mom and I went to the movies. We saw Hugo -- it was very good. I'm especially fond of old time Paris in the snow. The movie theater was in the main shopping mall. I've not been to a mall in quite some time; its a place I typically avoid. And I was reminded why. I can say with complete honesty -- there was nothing there I wanted to buy (with, perhaps, the exception of the Apple store). Even there I'm on the fence. Is an iphone really worth the monthly fee?

The mall reinforced my desire to have a homemade holiday. Now, of course, we will buy some things. Things that are needed and/or will be well used. Things I am not capable of manufacturing.

And I will buy some things handmade; handmade but not by me. Take for instance my friend Robin. I know a certain young lady who will adore her crocheted tote. I'll be making a small make up bag to go with it. And when I spend my money this way - helping a military family who could use the extra income - it feels good. Truly. I've never gotten a warm fuzzy feeling buying from large corporations. Thus its win-win.

Now its time to pack up and head back home. Time to go back to work. This was my holiday off. I'll be working Christmas and New Years. Thankfully I'm on nights. The kids will have to wait for me to get home on Christmas morning to open presents. Oh the agony. Somehow I think they'll survive. And I, too, will survive. One way or another.

xo.

A Bee Story and Other Tales

2011-11-21T16:11:00.001-08:00

I may have mentioned I am easily distracted. Today was no exception. My day started at 1:00 pm; I'd worked the night shift and took a necessary nap. My hope was to get up while there was still daylight so I could snap some photos for the shop (I have many typewriters and cameras that need a new home).

Around 2:00 pm, after coffee and some puttering, I got around to said photos. Of course, in the middle, I was interrupted by my daughter who wanted me to walk her to a friend's house. While taking the necessary break I noticed it was quite warm outside (quite warm meaning above freezing i.e. mid forties). It occurred to me this might be my one and only opportunity to open up the bee hive and give the girls their new insulated top/candy board.

As this was a last minute decision and I was still groggy from the night shift I didn't think the whole thing through. I simply threw on my bee suit and my cowboy boots and marched outside to change tops. My plan was to have the project done snippity snap and get back to my photos. What I hadn't factored in was the propolis -- that lovely bee glue that sticks everything together.

Plus I hadn't been into the hive for a while and once the top was open I realized they'd built their lives in the middle of two ten frame boxes (rather than fill the bottom box and then the top). I decided to remove the top box and place the full frames into the bottom box. This way there would be less hive for the bees to keep warm and they'd be closer to the candy source.

Given this I also decided I'd better get my smoker and do things properly. So I ran to the garage grabbing the smoker and fuel. Then I booked it to the kitchen to get a lighter. Now, of course, the lighter was not in the drawer where it belonged. So I went to the cupboard and stood precariously on my tip toes shuffling through the liquor bottles on the top shelf. For some reason this is where we keep our spare matches. Just as I found the matches a bottle of kahlua leapt off the shelf. The cap wasn't screwed on which resulted in complete drenching; alcohol on my suit, in my hair and soaked through my clothes.

As I'd left the top cover off the bees and didn't want them to freeze I ignored this alcoholic transgression and continued on my merry way. I smoked the bees, replaced the frames and tucked the girls in for the winter.

At this point my left ear was ringing and I was feeling moderately stressed. Subsequently I was swaying a touch, as I have been all week, oh Menieres you lovely gal you.

What my neighbors likely saw was a woman in an alien suit, accessorized with cowboy boots, smelling of liquor and swerving as she walked. I'm expecting the men with the nice white jacket to arrive at my doorstep any moment now.

I did have one frame with some capped honey that would not fit into the bee box. I brought it inside and harvested the honey -- wax and all. It's surprisingly sweet with a slight floral hint. The reward for a job well done.

Then I discovered I'd also brought a bee in with me. She was less than pleased and trying desperately to escape out the window. I trapped her in a mason jar and returned her to her brood.

Now I have photos to develop and items to list. I've not yet come up with a plan for dinner. As I type I am freshly showered and no longer smell like alcohol. This may have to be remedied with a margarita and some mexican food. It just seems like that kind of day.

xo.

On Snow and Crafting and Meditation and Life

2011-11-18T10:31:00.001-08:00

Last night it snowed; the first snow of the year. Time to pull out the hats and mittens and snow boots. Time to retire the skateboards and bicycles. Most definitely time to put away the canoe and kayak (ahem). Time to nest.

I've got quite a number of projects going -- I've begun my very first quilt (if you don't count this picnic blanket which I do not). I'm learning as I go. The internet is tremendously helpful. I've complete both the quilt top and backing. I did have to add girth to the backing once I figured out it was supposed to be bigger than the top. So much for my precise measurements.

Now it's time to actually quilt. Hopefully my stitches hold as this is a blanket destined for the couch; it will receive lots of snuggling and lots of abuse.

I've made one acorn garland and shipped it off (after Mr. Peculiar helped me to change the drill bit). Two more garlands are pending. I meant to snap a photo of the first but never quite got around to it; I'll try to photograph the others before they go. I also have an order for a set of felted acorns. Note to self: finish orders and ship on Monday.

Silly me I've not yet finished those slipcovers I started. Perhaps before Thanksgiving. Then again -- maybe not.

And then there's the latch hook rug -- little by little it's coming along.

Oh and there are the holidays to consider. I have some ideas rattling around in my head but will keep those quiet for now.

❅❅❅ ❅❅❅ ❅❅❅

I've been thinking a lot about crafting; about why I do it. It boils down to meditation.

Crafting catches my focus and clears my mind. It sucks away my stress and tucks it in a neat little corner where I don't have to look at it or think about it. And believe you me my life and my "real" job are stressful. Quite. And, for a multitude of reasons, the stress has multiplied over the last week.

I've also been thinking about who I want to be. This thinking often circles around to who I do not want to be. I do not want to be angry. I do not to be vindictive. I do not want to be bitter.

I want to be loving and forgiving, kind, gentle, and understanding. I want to be grateful and appreciative. I want to focus on the good in all people and all situations. This is easier said than done. But I'm going to put it in to practice as I return to work tonight.

I am reminded of this quote from John Watson; "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Indeed.

xo.

Oh vertigo!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Meniere's Disease: a incurable disease of the inner ear that causes spontaneous vertigo along with fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

For the past several months I've had all the above symptoms except the vertigo. As of Saturday I can add vertigo to the list. I was sitting in my chair, had a sudden increase in ringing in both ears and felt like I was sinking into my chair. Then came the dizziness and the nausea. And let me tell you -- I do not like being nauseous. Not one bit. I went to bed, slept for eleven hours and woke up feeling normal.

Mind you normal contains moderate tinnitus and aural fullness in my left ear. But, thankfully, normal does not yet contain dizziness and balance issues.

Sunday I stayed in my pajamas and laid low. I was afraid to go out as I'm not one to cause a scene. And I believe falling over in Costco, vomiting and being carried out would constitute a scene.

Monday morning I rolled over in bed and bam -- another episode. Thankfully Mr. Peculiar had the day off. He took the kids to school and, again, I slept. After another couple of hours back to normal.

Yesterday I managed to take the kids to school. And I managed a trip to Joann's. But I was afraid -- afraid of sudden dizziness, afraid of nausea, afraid of causing a ruckus. If this continues it will become very debilitating -- sheerly from the not knowing.

Last night my left ear was roaring. I felt a little off balance. But I went to book club anyway (we were discussing The Fingersmith by Sarah Waters). Why did I go? Because I'm not ready to give up my life. I'm not ready to submit to this insidious disease. And it was fine. I was fine. In fact today I have less ringing in my ear.

The problem with menieres is there is nothing they can do. "They" being the medical professionals. They give you a diuretic and tell you to lay off salt. Off on a wing and a prayer. It will get worse before it gets better. Better is total ablation of the inner ear (i.e. no more vertigo but no hearing either, oh and your balance may never be the same). Fun, eh?

In an attempt to stave off the inevitable I'm trying a new diet, a low glycemic index diet, that might help. The key is to keep blood glucose at even levels and therefore prevent spikes in insulin. Hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin) may play a role in the tinnitus and vertigo. Emphasis on the may.

As of Monday I am eating every two hours. Holy moly -- it's going to be hard to be food creative when eating this often. Balanced fat, protein and carbs with each meal. Which reminds me -- time to eat my oatmeal with nuts and berries.

Wish me luck!

xo.

Paper Bag Floors

2011-11-11T16:34:00.001-08:00

Okay. The paper bag floor is finished; in one room at least. You can see a before picture here. The before picture doesn't look particularly bad. You had to be here to get the full odiferous effect of our lovely carpet. I don't miss it in the least. Thus far we have not damaged the surface (fingers crossed). That's six coats of polyurethane for you. And let me tell you -- low odor polyurethane truly is low odor. Who knew?!!

All in all the project took four days but two of those were long work days for me. In other words one room could easily be done in a weekend.

You'll notice the broken chest and fish tank is now gone. They've been replaced by a vintage suitcase vignette.

Now I've yet to tackle the sewing projects on my list. I have started to latch hook a rug for this room. I still need to complete my couch slipcover. And now I have some acorns to felt for a custom garland -- a beautiful combination of red and turquoise that will hang on a fireplace during a wedding.

Oh yes -- and then there are the holidays to think about. Thankfully I have this week off work. Believe you me I'll keep busy.

❄❄❄ ❄❄❄ ❄❄❄

Things I'm grateful for today:

Acorn caps to gather and garner
A week off work
A warm and breezy November day
A mini-date with the hubbie
Coupons and discounts (think Christmas shopping here -- can't say more)
New floors
The Goodwill and thrifty finds
Sales in the shop
Powdered graphite

xo.

The circuitous route to home remodeling (aka if you give a crafter a cookie ...)

2011-11-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I decided to sew a scarf. A fun ruffled scarf. And I found the perfect material -- extra large tee shirts on sale at Target. I cut the material, pinned everything in place and discovered my sewing machine would no longer zig-zag. Fine. No problem. I got out sewing machine number two -- it wouldn't stitch, period.

I was at a crossroads. Do I repair one or both of these machines or do I break down and get a new one? After quite a bit of research and some serious soul-searching I found I wanted a new machine; a real machine - with stitch patterns and multiple feet and capabilities. In other words I was ready to take my sewing to the next level.

After all I had been sewing consistently now for five years. And, shockingly, the things I've sewn are a) still intact and b) still in rotation. This is justification enough, right?

Then I found a wonderful financing deal with Bernina -- four years interest free. Four! And no prepayment penalty. Now that I can do. And I did.

My new machine arrived yesterday. Only here's the thing. I've yet to get it out of the box. You see once the machine was ordered sewing projects popped up everywhere -- slipcovers and tree skirts and stockings and quilts ...

And I didn't want to wait. I was antsy and had no patience. So, with my old machine and simple straight stitch, I began slipcovers for my couches. Overall they've turned out well; in a rustic sort of way. I still have to finish a cushion cover and skirt for the larger of our two couches.

While fully immersed in my slipcover project I also began to realize just how disgusting our carpet is. I spent quite a bit of time sitting on the carpet pinning and adjusting and was not at all pleased with the experience. Last week I nearly threw down my sewing and ripped the carpet up.

But I talked myself down convincing myself that I should, minimally, complete one project before starting another.

Well yesterday that went out the window. I was sitting in my favorite chair and quite frankly the room just didn't smell right. I lit some candles -- better but still not right. I sprayed some lavender. The smell still lingered. And then I realized the cat had peed in the corner right behind my chair.

That was it. Right then and there I ripped out the carpet. Then I went to the hardware store and bought brown builder's paper and polyurethane*. Paper bag floor here we come.

Now 1/3 of the room is done. I plan to finish the remainder next week.

So, you see, I am remodeling my house all because I tried to sew a scarf. If you give a crafter a cookie ...

* Worried about the effects of inhaling excessive amounts of polyurethane I splurged and bought a water based low odor product. It cost a bit more but is definitely worth it. More floor pictures as the project progresses.

xo.

Grateful

2011-11-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Phew! The whirlwind of halloween is over. I never quite finished those slipcovers. And you know what? They're not getting done today either. I have to work tonight and have given myself permission to laze the day away.

This morning there was quite a frost on the car and as I went out (fully clad in pajamas) to warm it up I found myself grateful. Very grateful for all the simple things in life.

I am grateful for:

A heated home
Getting the garbage to the curb before the garbage truck came
The HUGE load of dishes Mr. Peculiar did last night
Precious children who love to snuggle
Coffee ready to go at the push of a button
Left over pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Left over pumpkin soup for dinner (aka no cooking before work)
Pumpkins carved by my children while I was sewing away
Funny not so spidery spider webs hung by the boy
Creative costumes put together without Mama's help (oi they are getting so big!)
Mama as a red head --- funny

Busy, busy...

2011-10-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

This past week I've been mired in a little project -- sewing slipcovers for my sofas. I gave myself a deadline -- tonight. Looks like I won't quite make it; one sofa will be sans ruffles for our pre trick-or-treating gathering. I'm sure I'll be forgiven.

Tonight we are having folks over for soup and cider. Before that happens I need to go shopping, make soup, bake some witches fingers, finish sewing one cushion and, oh yeah, take a shower. Given that I'd best hup to it.

Back tomorrow with halloween goodness.

xo.

{This Moment}

2011-10-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you are inspired to do the same play along with SouleMama.

xo.

Muffins and Bunk Beds and Pencils. Oh my.

2011-10-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Martha I baked pumpkin doughnut muffins. I can't seem to get enough pumpkin. Fortunately my family doesn't mind. Let me tell you -- the cinnamon sugar topping makes these babies. I swatted away more than one hungry hand to get this photo. The muffins are rapidly disappearing as we speak. I've implored the monsters to save a few for Papa -- hopefully they will.

Today I've been tired, sleepy and not entirely productive (i.e. still recovering from working Monday night). I spent some time on Pinterest and am in love with this idea -- built in bunks in the bedroom. Oh how I wish we could do this in the girls' room. Carpentry skills where art thou? Energy where art thou? Ah well. Perhaps someday.

And now Middle wants me to take her to Target. She needs pencils. And dance clothes. And jeans. It seems the lists of wants is never ending -- for Mama and daughter alike. I suppose I could at least splurge for pencils.

Have a wonderful day!

xo.

These are the best days ...

2011-10-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

This fall has been gorgeous. Atypically warm. Comfortable. Every time I go outside I am mesmerized by the golds, deeps reds and oranges. The trees simply glow.

Today I took advantage and walked Little home from school. I was hoping for a fantastic stroll, mother and daughter hand in hand, chatting happily. Instead Little marched twenty steps in front of me. She was in a huff because I wouldn't let her stop to do homework. Seriously. What a bugger!

Now I'm sitting in my favorite chair and knitting. See that delectable yarn? It's turning into a scarf. A little something just for me. Something to celebrate the season.

And those pumpkins? Homemade too. Homemade and super easy. If you are going to the pumpkin patch pick up a few extra stems and make a few of your own. I filled mine with lentils and bird seed foregoing the polyfill. I really like their weight. They are sturdy, substantial.

And the flowers? All from my garden. You wouldn't know it to look at it. There is definitely work to be done. Dead heading and weeding and trimming. But amongst all the mess -- simple beauty.

Tonight we're having left overs (either that or eggs on toast or ham and egg cups -- I can't decide). I am trying to be frugal and stretch the budget. To compensate for spending in other areas (cough cough yarn store cough).

In the oven are homegrown tomatoes -- roasting to perfection. On the table beside me? Iced coffee, the ghetto version made at home.

In other words -- today is a good day. I'm happy to be at home. To be off work. To putter. These are the best days.

xo.

Healthy Three Ingredient Ice Cream Recipe

2011-10-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Okay. I know this basic recipe has been all over the internet. But I'm a bit slow on the uptake and have just gotten around to trying it. And I am so glad I did. Mr. Peculiar loved it. The kids loved it. I loved it.

And the next day? When I had ice cream for breakfast? No guilt. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch.

Ingredients:
Six Bananas
1/8 to 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder
2 tsp Instant Espresso Powder (my secret ingredient)
Milk (optional)

Instructions:
Peel bananas, cut into slices and freeze for ~ 2 hours. Place in a food processor and begin blending. Be patient. Blending took longer than I anticipated. A touch of milk helps to speed up the processes. As does scraping down the sides of the processor. When nice and creamy add cocoa and espresso powder to taste (the espresso powder really helps bring out the chocolate flavor). Serve and enjoy.

Many of the recipes recommend using very ripe bananas as, apparently, the banana flavor is less apparent. Now me? I like bananas. And not only do I like them but I like them slightly green. So that's what I used. It resulted in a delicious chocolate flavor with a hint of banana.

You can also experiment with all sorts of additions. Peanut butter. Honey. Agave. Maple syrup. You name it. I can't wait to play around with different ingredients. If you've not already tried this get thee to the kitchen ASAP. You won't regret it!

xo.

A Day in the Life

2011-10-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

I feel like the most boring person on the planet. This past week I've been hunkering down, listening to books on tape and cleaning house. That's it. The kids are in school. Mr. Peculiar is back on day shift and I am blissfully alone.

I find when I'm listening to a book (rather than reading one) I like to keep busy. And the chores go that much faster. Currently I'm immersed in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. They're not something I'd typically pick up but I am thoroughly enjoying them. Soon, however, I'll be done with the set. And then what?

If the house is to stay clean I'm going to have to find a new aural obsession. Any suggestions?

I've also snuck in a few crafts -- the freezer paper shirt above. And I knit a couple of pumpkin hats.

I'd like to develop some sort of routine -- one that includes crafting, exercise, household chores, bagpipe practice *and* mental stimulation. I'm still working out the particulars.

In the meantime here's what I'm loving today:

Crisp cool days
Hats to cover my not so cooperative hair
A clean house
Oricchette with Rapini -- mmm mmm good
My reading chair (which is currently pulled into the living room as our couches are typically occupied by little people, sleeping misters and various furry critters)
Burnt orange -- lovely burnt orange
Naps
And, finally, fresh flannel sheets on the bed. Oh how I love my bed.

xo.

Weekending

2011-10-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I've had a real true weekend. A weekend at home. With little plans. Pajamas till noon and serious puttering. Pure bliss!

Things I'm loving today:

When Harry Met Sally (seriously -- I watched it this morning)
Fresh peaches and plums from our very own tree
Alfredo Mac 'n Cheese bubbling away in the oven
Crisp overcast days
Leaves beginning to turn
Funny mottled molting chickens
Movie night with the family
Custom adult pumpkin hats -- knit to order
Downtown festivals and friend's bands
Crafts in the works
Books on cd and listening while cleaning (it's amazing how much I can accomplish when I'm entertained)
Halloween art work -- *love* my littlest vampire's drawing.
And, as always, sleeping in!

I hope you are having an equally wonderful weekend!

xo.

More crafts ...

2011-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

Following the theme of the week I've continued to craft. I made a fabric pumpkin inspired by this pin.

And organized my floss inspired by this one.

And whipped up a quick last minute scarf/necklace. Tutorial here.

I also realized I have no idea where my halloween decor is. Somewhere in the garage -- that much I can tell you. Clearly I've got some cleaning and organizing to do.

I'd like to find this guy and get him on my mantle. And find our beetle juice to put on display.

I did pull out the Witch Craft book. The girls and I will pour over it and pick our next project. But for now I must shower and get ready for work.

xo.

Bigger Than My Body

2011-09-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

It's 4:00 pm and I am fading fast. I've worked the last four nights and stayed up today (with hopes of sleeping tonight and feeling human tomorrow).

The only way for me to stay awake is to stay busy. As such I picked tomatoes (black cherry are my new favorite), made a cake stand/sponge holder (inspired by this), picked flowers from the yard and arranged some newly felted acorns. The acorns must be kept under glass to protect them from evil felt grabbing paws.

I also cleaned the kitchen and started a load of laundry. I meant to cut some material for a quilt and really want to give this project a go. Oh yes and I'd like to make a plum cake and, perhaps, can some jam. But, alas, my ambition is bigger than my body. I am simply too tired.

There in lies the problem of three am pinning -- too many beauties to capture my attention and so much that I *need* to do. If only I could craft and bake and write for a living. Perhaps someday. For now I think I'll take a nap.

xo.

The Trouble with Being a Nerdy Nerd

2011-09-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I am a type A nerdy nerd when it comes to tests. I want to do well. I want to pass. No, not just pass, I want to pass with flying colors. This neurosis applies not only to academics but to medical testing as well. As a result this week was chock full of anxiety.

First I had an MRI. A brain scan. I am not claustrophobic, thankfully, and had no fear of the procedure. They packed my head neatly into a head rest and rolled me into the machine. There was a mirror that showed a view of the outside. The view, however, was less than exciting (a fence) so I simply closed my eyes. I did my best to be still and regulate my breathing. All sorts of sounds emanated from the machine and, truth be told, it felt silly. I could hardly imagine how the grunting and groaning around my head was going to elucidate any viable information.

Halfway through the exam they pulled me out of the tube for a injection of contrast material (gadolinium). I expected to feel something, anything, beyond the prick of the needle. But I didn't. The remaining scan was uneventful and I went home to await the results.

And the results were good, the all clear, I think. I can definitively tell you there is no mass or tumor in my head. This is a very good thing. I do have "asymmetry of the temporal horn to the lateral ventricles". My doctor felt he needed to point this out to me. He could not tell me what, if anything, it meant and I was left to do my own research.

From what I can tell this can be a normal variant on an MRI (especially if the positioning were a touch off). It could also be an indication of schizophrenia or early parkinson's disease. Schizophrenia I'm ruling out -- I think by now that would have reared it's ugly head. Parkinsons? We'll have to wait and see. I do have a family history and do not want to dismiss it off hand. But chances are it's nothing.

I am clinging to two parts of the report. 1) "there is no significant difference in the size of the hippocampus between sides" -- i.e. my brain isn't squished and 2) there is no retrocochlear mass or other finding of significance.

This week I also had another test, a hearing test. They put me in a sound proof booth and put on head phones. That was the moment, when all was quiet, I realized how much noise was in my head. My left ear was (is) a cacophony of sound with both low and high pitched ringing, as if someone left the radio on between stations.

In my hand was a buzzer, one like the contestants on Jeopardy hold. I was to press it each time I heard a beep. Anxious to do well I held the buzzer at the ready. It was hard, though, to distinguish the beeps from the noise in my head. Was that beep? Or was that ringing of my own accord? I was once again struck by the idea that deafness is not an absence of sound.

Soon enough I figured out the sounds from the headphones caused a vibration in and around my ear. Then I could distinguish external beeps from internal sound. Has my body compensated that much that I am now feeling sound as much or more than I am hearing it?

At any rate I completed my test and was deflated to find that my hearing loss is just the same as before. I took some solace knowing it hadn't worsened. I am to return in six months for a recheck.

And that, my friends, is what I was up to this week. I am now looking forward to delving into normal life. Filling my autumn with baking and crafts and all the things that make me feel warm and fuzzy inside. To start I need to figure out what is for dinner -- something appropriate for the first day of fall, yet simple and quick. Hmmmm ....

xo.

On the Road Again ...

2011-09-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am at a conference. Here. At the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This place is HUGE. As in 50 indoor acres huge.

Right now I'm on my lunch break and Mr. Peculiar (who came with me -- thanks Grandma and Grandpa) is out galavanting.

Thus far I have learned a few things unrelated to veterinary medicine and I thought I'd share them with you.

Our room rests at the intersection of the red and green carpets. If you're on brown carpet you've gone too far. Double back. Run if necessary.
If you want to sit on the patio of a restaurant inside this massive unit ask for a patio seat; technically the patio is not outdoors.
I like wearing knee high leather boots and v-neck cashmere sweaters and long gray skirts.
I especially like wearing the above because they are thrifted.
I ought not stay here too long or I might come home with a drawl.
There are not enough hallway seats outside the conference hall.
One can sit on the floor in a skirt.
The line for a free lunch is inappropriately long.
A smoothie and walk are an excellent substitute.
When using your computer in a public place mute the sound, preferably before the loud ad pops up on your screen.
I like taking notes on my computer.
I wouldn't mind being a student again.

And now off to my next class -- "It's for the birds! Clinical ER Cases in Avian Medicine." I need to boogie -- it's a long walk back.

xo.

Walty alty alty alty ...

2011-09-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

I am a big dog person. Labradors are my breed. Hearty family dogs that can just as easily take a long hike or lounge about the house.

I'm not so much a little dog person. They seem floofy. Too girly. I especially swore I would never get a dog that needed haircuts. I mean really.

And then came Walter. And, yes, I am a sucker.

Today was the day for his bi-annual hair cut. I dare say he looks spiffy. And you know? Little dogs aren't so bad ...

xo.

On work and kids and travel and life

2011-09-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

Driving in to work this evening I made some mental calculations -- I will log 70 hours at the clinic in a seven day span (Monday to Sunday). If I include the weekend before the number jumps to 96. Yup -- 96 hours in nine days. No wonder I'm tired.

Why am I working so much? Because next week I'll be traveling. I'm attending a conference in Nashville. Mr. Peculiar will be going with me and the grandparents will be coming to stay with the kids. It will be a lovely and much needed change of pace.

In order to get time off several of my shifts have been squished into a short period of time. The downside being I don't have a lot of time to prepare for this trip.

Our house is, ahem, a disaster. And my parents are coming. I'd really, really, really like it to be somewhat clean. I am hoping the family will clean this weekend whilst I sleep the day away (and work the nights). If you don't include the night shifts that sounds terribly luxurious -- sleeping while others clean around you. If this doesn't happen (honestly it's a pipe dream - they have water polo and thrifting and other events to attend) then I'll be scrambling on Monday to instill some order in our chaotic world.

Of course this stretch of work also coincides with the beginning of school. Which, in a way, is nice as I have time during the day to sleep. But I feel guilty for doing so (and then I feel guilty for feeling guilty -- what a vicious cycle) . There is so much to do at home.

I can say the crock pot is my friend -- last night we had Honey-Mustard Rosemary Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. But today I did not manage to cook. Mr. Peculiar will be delivering take out. Which is, in and of itself, guilt inducing as this does not fit into our budget. Oh economy will you ever turn around?

I have managed to provide after school snacks. Wednesday was pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Yesterday we had fun apple slices, peanut butter and marshmallows. Today was easy peasy sweet and salty popcorn.

Ah and now it seems I have a flurry of emergencies to attend to here at work. I must bid you adieu.

xo.

The "Mama Has to Work Book Club"

2011-09-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon was rough for Middle. She'd had a bad day. She was grouchy. And when she's grouchy she treats us to a litany of complaints. The subjects most often addressed are:

Why do you have to work? I hate it when you work. You should be home.
Why don't you cook the things I want to eat?
Why don't you buy me the things I want like a cell phone or ipod or a new computer?
Why does brother get the star treatment and you treat me like dirt?
I'm bored. Why don't you entertain me?

My answers go like this:

Do you like living in a house? Do you like eating? Do you like wearing clothing? If so then I must work. If not we could take to the streets.
I cook fresh healthy meals for the family. I'm sorry they are not to your taste. I am not a short order cook and child can not live on noodles alone.
If you want an ipod you may buy it for yourself. You will get a phone in due time (your brother didn't get one until he was fourteen). You have a computer. Actually two. Which is two more than your father. Be grateful for what you've got. And what do I look like? A money tree?
If, by star treatment, you mean your brother has a phone then yes -- he gets the star treatment. He gets it by virtue of his age. You, too, will get such treatment when you are older. And if, by star treatment, you mean I bought your brother a new computer keyboard from the Goodwill then yes. YOU have a nice keyboard. His was ruined by a suspicious incident involving his sisters. I did buy you a skirt. Something I did not purchase for your brother. Ponder that.
You are a bright, inventive, creative child hence perfectly capable of entertaining yourself.

To be honest I am flabbergasted by the lack of gratitude from my children. They are SO lucky. They have food on the table, a roof over their heads, clothes on their backs. And yet they don't care one iota (that is until such things are taken away, hmmm ...)

I know (well at least I hope) some gratitude will come with age. As these children go out into the world and make their way I presume they will begin to appreciate the effort and sacrifice that has been made on their behalf. Obviously there are no guarantees.

In the meantime I've begun a project that will, hopefully, a) stave off boredom while I'm at work b) make Middle feel singled out and appreciated and c) foster some appreciation (i.e. middle has a great life).

Introducing the "Mama Has to Work Book Club". Our first read? The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. I plan to read this in conjunction with Middle -- me during the day and her while I'm at work. Then, as time permits in between clients, we can discuss the book via email.

I created a PDF document to direct our first meeting. Hopefully it will be met with a positive reception.

On another note -- the MRI machine is down. My scan has been rescheduled for a week from Monday. Ah well -- such is life.

xo.

First Day of School

2011-09-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for two of three kids. I found the time to putter. To straighten up, to garden and to bake. One child came home and immediately did her homework. Now she has gone out to play.

The second child did not fare so well. She ended up on the wrong bus and had to walk part way home. The contents of her backpack spilled. Now she is bored and tired and hungry. And she is making sure the rest of us are acutely aware of her cantankerous mood (lucky us).

Mama is just plain tired -- up at dawn and running around all day. I am ready to curl up with a book and a glass of wine. But there are children to attend to, dinner to serve and miles to go before I sleep.

Middle is begging, however, to go for a ride. And wine truly does sound good. Perhaps I might do something to appease the both of us -- a quick trip to the market for an inexpensive screw top.

Tomorrow is my MRI. A brain scan to look for a rare tumor. Something I probably don't have. Honestly I am looking forward to the scan -- a spot of time tucked into a machine. An hour all my own. Silly? Perhaps. But true nonetheless. The time could only be spent better if a book were involved.

For now I bid you adieu -- back to the work of the house (and a trip to market). I hope you had a lovely day.

xo.

This Moment

2011-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Play along with SouleMama.

Summer's Final Days ...

2011-08-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Picnics in the grass, quinoa salad, good books and green tomatoes. This is what summer is all about. I am working hard at appreciating. Loving each moment. After all you never know when it will be gone.

My hearing remains odd. Not normal. There is a near constant ringing in the left ear. Yet tonight it seems I *might* be hearing better. Might being the key word. It's quite subjective. Or, perhaps, I'm getting used to it. Either way it's a good thing.

xo.

Oregon Caves National Park

2011-08-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

There is just something about national parks. They hold a certain nostalgia, as if permanently steeped in sepia. And I especially love national parks that are quiet. Not teeming full of people. The Oregon Caves National Monument is just such a place.

We took a cave tour, had burgers, shakes and fries in their classic cafe, admired the arts and crafts furniture and took a junior ranger test. All in all a lovely day.

xo.

Sorrow and Joy, Hearing and Sight

2011-08-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

“We have no right to ask when a sorrow comes, 'Why did this happen to me?' unless we ask the same question for every joy that comes our way.”

~Unknown

We are camping. Okay, well not exactly camping. Rather we are glamping. The five of us are tucked into a tree house in Southern Oregon. Tonight was our first night and we found ourselves down by the main house without a light. In other words instant blindness finding our way back to our tree.

This sudden loss of sense makes one take pause. It makes one appreciate what one had before it was gone. This appreciation is even greater for me as I have recently lost another sense. The hearing in my left ear.

For the past couple of weeks my ear has felt clogged. Allergies I told myself. When conversations became hard I blamed it on the whirring laboratory machines at work, or the loud oxygen cage or the car engine or the crowd of people. I have been saying, "What?" and asking people to repeat themselves all too often. But it wasn't me.

I also blamed the phone. It must clearly must not be working because I CAN'T HEAR OUT OF IT. Then I switched ears. And I heard perfectly. It wasn't the phone.

I went to an ear, nose and throat specialist. I thought he'd find a ball of wax or some other simple solution. Truly I expected to walk out of his office with my hearing fully intact. Instead I left with a diagnosis of acute sensorineural hearing loss and a minimal chance of regaining function (i.e. damage to the inner ear and/or auditory nerve). Cause unknown.

Now I am on a course of high dose steroids and a prayer -- hoping that my hearing returns (my hearing isn't completely gone -- I'd say it's at 50%. I've lost the low frequency sounds; those which human speech is composed of. If you are dolphin its all good -- I can still hear you).

Next week I get an MRI just to make sure it's not tumor (thankfully typically benign) causing these problems.

So now I'm compiling a list of precious sounds. All those things I want to file should this hearing loss a) be permanent and b) move to the other ear. In no particular order ...

My children laughing
Crickets
The first lawn mower of spring
Ocean waves lapping at the shore
The coo of mourning doves
Chickens cackling
U2, The Shins, Bagpipes, James, Norah Jones, Adele ...
The crackling of a real wood fire -- full of hisses and pops
Jingle bells

I've also always thought of deafness as silence. And for some perhaps it is. Not for me. I have a near constant ringing in my ear. Most prevalent when the world is silent. It's strange. And annoying. And something I suspect I'll have to get used to.

At this point time will tell. Will life go on and I'll adjust. But let me tell you. Appreciate what you have while you've got it. For tomorrow it (whatever it may be) could disappear.

xo.

In My Kitchen

2011-08-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

Sandwich Bread
Orzo, Fennel and Radish Salad
Figs with Prosciutto, Mint and Lemony Creme Fraiche (recipe to follow)
Bowl covered with vintage dish towel and secured with head band
Fresh cut Black-Eyed Susans in the background. Heaven.

Oh, yes. I have returned to the kitchen. Bring it on fall. I am ready.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

Figs with Prosciutto, Mint and Lemony Creme Fraiche

Ingredients:

3/4 cup creme fraiche
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Juice from 1/2 lemon
2 tsbp freshly chopped mint
12 fresh figs
2 slices prosciutto
Salt and pepper to taste

Slice figs in half and place in serving dish. Top each fig with prosciutto. Mix creme fraiche, nutmeg, lemon, mint, salt and pepper. Drizzle over figs. Decorate with mint sprigs. Serve and enjoy.

Bedtime Lanterns

2011-08-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

As summer winds down we merge into new routines. School appropriate routines. This means sleeping in our respective rooms; in our own beds, purchased for our very own selves. This opposed to sleeping where the sandman hits whether that be the living room floor, the couch, mama's reading chair or mama and papa's bed.

These unorthodox sleeping arrangements are permitted in the summer because, quite frankly, upstairs is a sauna. But autumn is nearly here. The nights are cool. And its time. The children are resistant. They like the status quo. But it must be done.

Today, while waiting at the orthodontist, I flipped through Parenting; The Early Years. A project caught my eye. Jar lanterns. And so we pulled out the mod podge and some ribbon. We punched out fall leaves and got to work. At Michaels I found inexpensive no flame candles. Voila! The perfect nightlight to carry upstairs.

Now it seems I have some tucking in to do.

G'night!

Summer is Winding Down

2011-08-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down. The mornings are cooler. Water polo has begun. My son is in his second year of polo. They practice morning and night. It brings back poolside memories of swimming and lifeguarding. Tomorrow I might bring my suit and swim laps while the boys practice. The thought is quite appealing.

In the garden we've got lots and lots of green tomatoes. I can't believe I've nurtured these plants from seed. Now my fingers are crossed that they'll turn red. If not we'll have fried green tomatoes out the wazoo.

The beehive sits next to my raised beds. This was all well and good until I got stung -- my first ever bee sting. No major allergic reactions yet. But I need to wait for the next sting to truly determine whether or not allergies will be an issue.

The bees are getting more protective of their area and do not want me watering my tomatoes. Whenever I start messing around the bed the guard bees buzz my head with their aggressive warning. Though the bee sting wasn't too bad I'm not interested in a repeat so soon. Thus I put on my bee suit to water. In the suit the bees leave me alone. It smells of smoke -- I wonder if that's the difference.

Our lavender is done with its bloom. I let the buds dry on the vine in order to give the bees full access to the plants. Now I've begun to harvest and the lavender is hanging in our dining room. I plan to make homemade linen spray (vodka plus lavender buds). Perhaps this spray will make its way into our holiday gifting.

I'm also in a nesting mode. Anxious to clean house, cook and prepare for the school year to come. I plan to make and freeze breakfast sandwiches and whole grain waffles. I'd also like to make another batch of granola and bake some bread. But all of this will have to wait until tomorrow. Today I am tired from the night shift and plan to laze the day away.

As I type I am laying on the couch. Little is snuggled next to me. Phineas and Ferb is on the tv. Our new cockatiel, Leo, paces back and forth on the arm rest while carrying on a serious discussion with my feet. Every once in a while he pauses his conversation to nibble on my socks.

Mr. Peculiar brought this bird home from a garage sale -- free to a good home. We've housed him with our other cockatiel but it seems he prefers human company. I've learned it's best to spend time entertaining him; it's that or listen to him screech.

And speaking of birds - the chickens are laying full force. We have such a variety of eggs, dark and light brown, sweet mint green, large and small. I keep them on the counter and *love* seeing them each and every time I walk into the kitchen.

Now I'm going to enjoy some cantaloupe. After that I'll snuggle in bed with my book, The True Darcy Spirit, and relish today's lazy disposition.

I hope you, too, are having a wonderful day.

xo.

Standing By ...

2011-08-11T21:30:00.000-07:00

Though summer is not over (and really has barely begun given our weather) I am looking forward to fall. Dreaming of crisp cool mornings, baking, autumn leaves, sweaters and boots.

I also find fall a time to assess and reassess. It has to do with back to school; it's a milestone or marker if you will. In my assessment I am not there yet; not quite the person I hope to be. I'd like to exercise more, eat healthier, keep a cleaner house, practice pipes daily, list daily, create daily ... so much room to improve!

I've also found myself sucked in to Pinterest. Holy moly so much to drool about. Strangely (or perhaps not) these pin boards have had a positive effect on me. Rather than pine for what I do not have I've been motivated to improve what I do have.

As such I've been spending quite a bit of time in the garden -- making new flower beds, tending my tomatoes, picking and drying lavender and generally admiring the bees. And I've been cleaning house. And exercising. Doing things that pull me away from here, from this space.

I expect I'll be back here full swing when fall does arrive. With the kids back in school I'll have more time and the weather will begin to push me indoors. In the meantime I'll continue my sporadic posts here -- noting, marking.

Thanks for standing by!

The County Fair

2011-08-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Moose Pillows

2011-07-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

This week my mother had a birthday (happy birthday Mom!). I wanted to make her something personal and functional. She just got an ipad (lucky gal!). I debated an ipad cover but was afraid she might already have one (note to self -- excellent holiday idea).

Stymied I perused the internet until I found this pillow via One Pretty Thing. How perfect! My parent's house is decorated in Northwest nature decor and these pillows will fit right in.

Rather than applique I made freezer paper stencils and used fabric paint and glitter already in my stash. The moose pictures were found via a quick Google search for moose silhouette. The fabric was a fabulous thrifty find - six yards full. I may use the left overs to sew a skirt (or two) for myself.

The pillow cases, themselves, have a basic envelope closure. The inserts were found at Jo'Anns (don't forget to go online and print a coupon before heading off to the store).

This was a fun and easy project. Now I'm thinking I might keep up the trend and make a few pillows for the holidays -- I've always loved these little diddies.

So happy to be back on the crafting wagon! Indeed it keeps me sane.

xo!

Majik -- A Refreshing Summer Beverage (and recipe)

2011-07-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

When we lived in the valley we frequented Casablanca, a fabulous middle eastern cafe. My all time favorite meal? Sambocik, tabouli, hummus and majik. Yup. Majik -- a refreshing blend of mediterranean juices. Majik is the perfect refreshment for a hot summer's day.

Alas we no longer live in the valley. Try as we might Casablanca refused to move with us. Thus I was left to find my own majik.

The internet was no help what-so-ever. Majik is:

a hookah lounge
a spritzer made from white wine and 7-up
a yellow-bird drink
an aioli

There is absolutely no reference to majik as a refreshing mediterranean beverage. So I did what any self-respecting majik loving gal would do. Kitchen experimentation. I've come upon a concoction that is most certainly passable and definitely refreshing. This is a beverage even my children will drink (and that's saying something!)

Without further ado I bring you Majik.

Ingredients:

1 tsbp tamarind paste

1 tsp rose water

2 cups pomegranate or cranberry juice (I prefer plain, no sugar added varieties)

8 cups water

Juice from one lemon

Mint leaves (optional)

Lemon slices (optional)

Mix all ingredients together, stir well until paste dissolved. Pour over ice. If you are feeling fancy garnish with mint and lemon slices. Serve and enjoy.

{This Moment}

2011-07-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

{This Moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, to savor and remember.

Play along with Soulemama.

Pinwheels!

2011-07-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the country is enmeshed in a heat wave, we in the Pacific Northwest, are searching for summer. Temperatures have been unseasonably cool and though we are smack dab in the middle of it, this hardly feels like the hot season.

Today the sun did come out, as did the wind. Little was bored and itching for something to do. So, in a flash of inspiration, we made pin wheels. All we needed were basic household items; left over craft paper, eraser topped pencils, scissors and a push pins. Easy peasy.

This craft took all of five minutes and I feel a better parent for it. I need to remember that crafting, doing, doesn't have to be difficult or expensive or time consuming. And with that in mind I'm going to find some other crafts to keep us occupied and entertained.

A little of this and a little of that.

2011-07-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

This will be another marking post. Things we've been up to. Stuff we've been doing.

First off I must say -- how oh how can summer be half over? I feel like I should have something to show for it. Something accomplished. And yet it feels as if little has been done.

My tomatoes are growing like crazy. I've moved them to my raised beds where they spend their days covered and protected. They've all been transplanted into half gallon garden pots and it is time for me to let them go. Some I've already given to co-workers. The remainder will be sold (hopefully) on Sunday at our first annual plant sale/lemonade stand. I have grand plans for this event -- lemonade (with real lemons), a vintage juice squeezer, a yellow formica table, a hand sewn bunting, and, or course, tomato plants.

I'm finding myself hesitant. I've grown these plants from seeds. Nurtured them. Coddled them. And so, continuing my neurosis, I'll be sending them off with a handout -- the proper care and feeding of tomatoes. Hopefully these little plants of mine will find loving homes and be prolific bearers of fruit.

My side garden is also in full bloom. The beehive is now surrounded by flowers -- purple, yellow, magenta. The honey bees love it. As do our local bumble bees. These amazing insects float from flower to flower in perfect harmony. I've yet to get stung. My hive seems to be quite tolerant. For that I am grateful.

We did make it to the lake once last week. The canoe and kayak are *still* on top of my car. I'm hoping to go back up this weekend (perhaps after our plant sale). Though Hosmer is our typical haunt I'd like to mix it up a bit and try Spark's Lake.

We also made it to the pool once. But only once which feels strange as we typically spend many of our summer days there. I need to sign Little up for swim lessons which will *hopefully* prompt us into action.

I've also been reading quite a bit this spring/summer. Blood, Bones and Butter. The Kid. The Dirty Life. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. A Discovery of Witches.

What I've not been doing (shame on me): housecleaning, practicing my bagpipes, maintaining my Etsy shop, sewing, knitting, creating. These are all things I'd like to (and should) do. But I've been struggling with our lack of routine. I'm prone to sleep in. To meander. To get lost in this or that.

My goal for the remainder of the month is to set myself a schedule. To accomplish some of the things on my list. But that will have to wait until the weekend is done. First we are going to see Harry Potter, have a feast (thank you Sean and Molly!) and our plant sale.

Oh and tomorrow I'll be getting my haircut for the first time in two years. Nothing drastic. Just a much needed clean up.

So, yes, I guess we have done things and been places despite what it seems. And now it looks like rain so I'd best get my laptop inside.

xo.

All the buzz

2011-07-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

This morning was my first solo hive inspection. Little desperately wanted to help but alas we only have one bee suit. Note to self: find two additional bee suits.

Things appear to be going swimmingly in the hive. I saw the queen again - yay! And there are larvae and what I think are capped brood in the cells. The hive has yet to expand and build comb on the additional frames in the super. Hopefully the expansion will begin once this brood hatches.

As I sit and watch the hive it is quite active. Bees coming and going; legs laced with pollen on reentry. My garden, so slow to arrive this year, is close to full bloom. Once the shasta daisies and lavender pop we'll have a plethora of local pollen and nectar.

Today I'm in a puttering mood. All I really want to do is bake cupcakes and transplant tomatoes and maybe have a glass of wine on the porch. But, like it or not, I'm due back at work in a few hours. Fortunately it is an eight-hour shift (the benefit of working a holiday weekend) rather than a longer twelve hour shift. And then, tomorrow, I have the day off. I can't tell you the last time I didn't work on the 4th of July.

And so now I'm off to make a quick batch of cupcakes and brine some ribs before heading back to work.

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

I am Exhausted and My House is Covered in Cheese

2011-06-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we had homemade pizza; sausage, arugula and fig pizza. It was delicious. We also had dessert; a double citrus tart. Homemade because a) it's better and b) that's what we can afford.

But here's the thing. The girls didn't want our pizza. It was too fancy. Too exotic. And me? I was too tired to make anything else. So I pointed them to the remaining dough, the pizza peel and the oven.

It seemed like a good idea; to have them cook their own food. Roll out dough, prepare toppings and slide it in the oven. And they did. They cooked plain cheese pizzas without injury (at least without injury to their person).

Now the kitchen? That's a different matter. Those girls spread cheese ALL OVER. I, being too tired to do their cooking, was also too tired to do their cleaning.

So this morning a fantastic mess awaited me. Deep in the muck I realized this is it. This. The cheese. The kitchen. This is the pinnacle of my life. Everything I have worked for, everything I have strived for is summed up in this moment. Me, still in scrubs, expunging the filth.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

My birthday is in two days. I turn forty. For my husband's 40th birthday he and I took a trip to Italy. It was awesome. While there we made grand plans for my 40th. A family trip. Somewhere fun. Somewhere foreign. Surely in four years we could save enough money. Then the economy happened. We will not be traveling this year (or anytime in the foreseeable future).

I can accept our financial egress. It is what it is. My birthday desires have changed, downsized. What I want now, really and truly want, is a clean house. Top to bottom. I've expressed this to my family. But my children don't understand this type of request. A clean house? What kind of present it that?!! (One you can afford my pretties!)

It seems the only way I'm to get what I want is to give it to myself.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

I read an interesting article today - "The Medium Chill". Indeed that is our new and improved life. We settle for day old coffee over ice rather than frappacinos. We are gerber more than rose. The Joneses have surpassed us and then some (much to the chagrin of select neighbors who would like to see us gussy up a bit.)

We don't pay for lawn service or housecleaning. Presents are more often than not homemade. I sew and knit and have chickens in the yard. And I like it. I like who I've become in this less than stellar economy.

Do I hope to travel someday? Of course! Do I dream of property and a hobby farm? You betcha. Do I fantasize about financial solvency? You know it! But it's not worth it if I give up myself; forty year old me knee deep in cheese.

Now what should I make for dinner?

{This Moment}

2011-06-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

{This Moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, to savor and remember.

Play along with Soulemama.

Trying Not to Panic

2011-06-23T12:01:00.001-07:00

It's dance recital week. This means a five hour rehearsal on Monday, another on Tuesday and then the performance tonight and tomorrow. All of us girls are dancing. Yes. You read right. All. Little, Middle and Me.

In an mid-life moment I joined the adult dance troop. Tonight I will be up on stage, in a tutu, tapping my heart out. And then the audience will be treated to a lovely rendition of hip hop. This a week before I turn forty.

Today I'm washing and gathering costumes, figuring out some sort of snack so the girls don't starve (and subsequently meltdown), finding the boys recital tickets *and* hauling a load of yard debris to the dump (long story).

Oh yes and today is my son's birthday. Happy birthday boy! I've yet to get his real gift. For now he gets recital ticket. What every fifteen year old boy wants for his birthday --to watch his mother dance on stage. Yippee!

When this is all said and I done I suspect I'll have a great sense of accomplishment. In the meantime I'm simply trying not to panic.

We Have Bees! Beekeeping 101

2011-06-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

I've had my hive all set up. My equipment ready. And no bees. Turns out this was a challenging year to start beekeeping. Our spring has been wet, gloomy and late. Bees were in short supply. I'd all but given up. And then.

Thursday afternoon I got an email from a gentlemen in our local beekeeping club. He had an extra nucleus hive. Yippee! I contacted him immediately and we had a source of bees.

Last night, at 10:00 pm, we drove out to his place to get our girls. Me, Mr. Peculiar and two of our kids on a late night adventure. Going to the house of someone we've never met to buy a box of bees.

Ed, the man who kindly sold us the bees, drove up shortly after we'd gotten there. He'd just picked up the bees from the breeder (do you call it a breeder? I have no idea.) Anyway when he opened the back of his truck a bee immediately flew out and landed on my shirt. Whoo boy. I stood nice and still, calm as can be, until she flew away.

Because here's the thing. I have *no idea* whether or not I am allergic to bees. I am allergic to many other things so it is plausible that I could also be allergic to bees. And, as far as I know, in nearly forty years, I've never been stung.

There was the one time, in college, when I was stung behind the ear by something. But it never really swelled and so I doubt it was a honey bee.

Now I've talked to my allergist and testing is apparently controversial. There are quite a few false positives when testing for bee sting allergies. And so he suggested I wait, get stung and see what happens. As such I have benadryl and epinephrine at home in case any horrific reactions occur.

So back to the bees. They arrived in a BUZZING cardboard box. Cardboard. And the lid was not taped to boot. We taped that lid before placing it in the car. Indeed we did. And then I drove 45 miles per hour all the way home. Cars behind me were perturbed. I did not care.

When we got home we put the box next to the hive and left it overnight. My initial plan was to open the entrance this morning and let the bees stay in the box and acclimate to their new surroundings. However this morning it was looking like rain. I was nervous to leave them in the waxed cardboard. And yet I had to go to work.

So, at 6:00 am, I suited up and went about transferring the bees to the hive. The advantage of working the bees so early in the morning? Most of the neighbors are still asleep and therefore aren't yet alerted the the presence of the hive.

Now keep in mind I am a total novice here. And my family was not interested in being out with me. I was on my own (my son came out and took a few pictures before I opened the hive and then hid back in the house).

Given my unknown allergies I went with a full suit, gloves and boots (check out the fashion statement of cowboy boots and bee suit. Fancy!)

I lit my smoker which worked on the first try. Hooray! I used pine bedding material as fuel. It worked nicely though burned quickly and might not have lasted for a full hive inspection.

Then I went for it. I smoked them lightly and opened the box. The bees were wonderfully cooperative. They buzzed around a bit but not too much. I looked for but didn't see the queen. There were a couple of bees that were larger than the rest but I wasn't quite sure.

I placed the frames in a deep super, added additional frames, the interior cover, a feeder with a 1:1 sugar solution and the outer cover. There were only a handful of bees left in the nuc box so I simply placed that in front of the hive. Happily those bees began to move inside.

There were a few dead bees on the bottom of the nuc box and one larger than the others. I really hope that wasn't the queen. And now I wait.

I must wait a week before going in to check on the hive's progress. Hopefully a member of the beekeeping club will open the hive with me and help me assess it's health. *Fingers crossed* for a happy healthy productive queen.

In the meantime I need a name for the hive. Any suggestions?

xo.

Oh yes -- and Mr. Peculiar says this should be the song of the day.

Sanctuary by Grant Lee Buffalo

An offering

2011-06-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today is Wednesday. Wednesday! I've had two days to recover from a marathon weekend at work. And I do not yet feel whole or human. I've neglected my house and family. Today I did things I wanted to do. I gardened and puttered. I listened to a book on tape and I wrote. I wrote the beginnings of a memoir. Oh it feels weird to say that. A memoir as if I have something to say. My indulgent words may not go anywhere or do anything. And yet they kept me from making a hair and nail appointment for my soon to be graduating 5th grader.

Hair and nails for a 5th grader! For graduation! This flabbergasts me. And yet I simultaneously get it. We all love pampering -- the massage of the scalp and the feet. Pretty perfect toe nails. Well styled hair. I simply didn't know to ask for it, to demand it, at the fragile age of eleven. And, I think, in many ways I've chosen to ignore my daughter's pampering requests despite her vehement insistence. I am ignoring the fact that my middle child is a step closer to womanhood.

At her age I was still stomping through the desert hunting lizards with a pack of boys. How oh how am I going to survive middle school? Once, as a tomboy, was bad enough. How to handle it with a bonafide girl?!!

Tonight I'm cooking a conciliatory dinner. An apology if you will for being absent this weekend. For schlepping the kids to their grandparents and for being, well, a zombie. For indulging myself and not making those appointments.

We are having sogliola alla fiorentina (Sole, Florentine Style). Only I'm substituting fresh caught wild snapper for the sole. It has lemon and fresh spinach and butter and cream. And the piece de resistance? (yes I know this is French rather than Italian; we'll just pretend I'm multi-lingual here). Parmigiano reggiano direct from Italy. Delicioso!

And here is my offering to you. A portion of what I wrote today. A part of me I don't always talk about or show on this page. It is raw. And honest. And perhaps too much. The beginnings of something that may or may not become anything.

*** *** ***

When I pick up my kids from school I invariably find myself surrounded by young girls who want to be veterinarians. I smile awkwardly, shuffle my feet and wonder what to say to them. The reality of my profession is vastly different than the adolescent fantasy. It is different, too, from the idyllic quaint and quirky days of James Herriot.

My daughters’ friends envision happy clients arms full of exuberant puppies and cardboard boxes overflowing with tumbling playful kittens. There is the occasional broken leg to be sure. A puppy who, perhaps, fell from it’s owner’s arms. The injury easily remedied with a cast, a decorative heart and a plethora of tender loving care.

These children do not envision a client so distraught that she is clawing the walls as if she’s been buried alive and is trying to dig her way out. They do not imagine this woman wailing and moaning her voice so loud it can be heard outside. They do not picture this woman falling into a heap on the exam room floor and you, standing there, unsure whether or not to touch her or speak or call the police for assistance.

They do not imagine a hospital full of dogs; each plagued by profuse bloody projectile diarrhea. They can not fathom this excrement on your shoes or clothing or hands or face. They do not understand that such diarrhea travels like a wave at a football stadium; one patient after another; the odor from one enough to cause bowel eruption in the next.

These children do not picture arduous nights with dogs who will not, not even for one precious second, stop whining. The noise ever present, rattling your brain, and you, sleep deprived, utterly exhausted teetering on the edge of complete collapse.

They do not conceptualize necrotic wounds, ripe from the summer sun, writhing and dripping with maggots. The smell so intense, so putrid, that your guts recoil and you stave off nausea as you pick the bugs, one by one, from an animal who is incomprehensibly still alive.

These children, in their protected pocket of the world, have yet to contemplate financials. They’ve yet to walk that precarious tight rope between income and expense. They’ve not yet fathomed six-figure student loans or business costs. And they can not, even remotely, imagine a client unwilling or unable to pay for treatment.

And so I smile. And benignly quip “that’s nice.” Because I don’t know how and do not want to say these things to a ten-year-old.

The things I do when I should be sleeping ...

2011-06-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

On a whim I bought a raspberry start from the Farmer's Market. I had been thinking about getting raspberries. But in a more ethereal way. As in how lovely would it be to pick raspberries off my very own vine.

What I had not considered was raspberry containment and protection and placement. Raspberries are delicious plants; tasty to chickens, deer and songbirds alike. They must, therefore, be fully protected.

A quick search of the internet brought me here. This fruit cage would look fabulous in my yard. Um yeah. Gorgeous as it is it's not *quite* in the budget.

Instead I pounded together some scrap lumber, painted it to match the bee box and splurged on a couple of copper fence toppers. Then I planted my lone bush and surrounded it with a tomato cage and deer netting. My carpentry is mediocre at best. I did not cement in the posts. Nor did I level them. There is a very good chance it will fall over. Flat.

But no matter. This is my test trellis, a prototype if you will. As the plant grows (and the world turns) I'll modify it to meet my needs (aka rebuild the whole thing in a sturdier manner).

And, if I'm lucky, come autumn I might, just might, have some fresh fruit to munch on.

xo.

Par for the Course

2011-06-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

I’m sitting at the kitchen table. Though the temperature tops out in the high forties (and yes it is June) the back door is open. One of the hens incessantly clucks and I suspect she’s laying an egg. Benjamin, the labradork, wanders in and out, in and out. He occasionally pauses to sniff at the tomato seedlings on the patio.

I wonder what he smells. Me? I smell tomato worms. Which, in truth, is simply the aroma of the plants themselves but as a child this scent was filed as that of the worm. These plants don’t have worms. At least not yet.

The seedlings are soaking up the sun which sporadically peers out from the clouds. I’m guarding them, these precious progeny of mine; wary of impending rain and/or hail that would destroy a months nurturing in seconds.

I’m hardening these plants off; cutting the apron strings as it were. The tomatoes will spend their adolescence frolicking with the sun, the wind, the rain and varying temperatures. They might as well get used to it now. Strong stalks and deep roots will be important. I hope I’m instilling both.

I check my other babies. Heirloom basil seedlings soon to sprout in my table top terrarium. Nothing yet. That’s to be expected as they were only planted yesterday. This cold wet spring is testing my patience; a skill I’m told is a virtue. A skill I’ve not yet mastered.

The wind rustles through the ponderosas. If I close my eyes it sounds like the ocean, waves rhythmically coming ashore, consistent, ever-present.

Frogs croak in the background. Build a pond in suburbia, the desert no less, and frogs will come. How do they find it? How do they get here? Clearly these amphibians know something I do not. Though I, too, have come to the desert. Come to live an improbable life and to grow where no woman has grown before (or something like that).

With the sky getting darker I carry the seedlings indoors. Back to their yellow formica table. Back to their south facing window. Back to the relative heat of the house. The room smells like soil. I inhale deeply. I love the smell of the earth and plants. I’m enjoying my dining room aka greenhouse.

And now it’s time to start some bread then pick up the girls from school. I’m planning on soup for tonight’s dinner. If I’m lucky, if the weather cooperates, we’ll get our ingredients from the season’s first farmers market. Parsnips and pears and onions oh my!

We’ll see. It seems I brought the seedlings in just in time. Thunder rumbles in the distance. It seems thunder is par for the course this time of year.

Oh fickle spring and your erratic weather. I do hope summer is just around the bend.

Perspective

2011-05-31T21:40:00.000-07:00

Our region has been unseasonably cool. The skies cloudy and gray. Melancholy abounds. It seems reasonable to hide under the covers and sleep the day away. All day. Every day.

And yet. There are those moments. Those precious moments tucked into everyday life that remind one all is not lost. The sumptuous rock daphne coming into bloom. Fragrant lilac trees scenting the town. The cluck of a chicken as she proudly lays an egg. Sweet heavy air ripe with ozone; the after effects of a thunder storm. White cowboy boots and hula hoops. Thrift store finds. Walks in the woods with friends and a pack of dogs.

It seems, if one looks carefully and with an open heart, beauty abounds. It's all about perspective.

xo.

2011-05-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

This will be the post in which I ramble on about random happenings in our life. Forgive me. This particular post is more for me than you. I'm marking mile stones. Taking notes. Should you be interested read on. Should you have other priorities I fully understand.

First off today my chickens laid eggs. Green eggs! I have been waiting, waiting, waiting for this day and feared it would never come. The chickens arrived last fall (October? November?) and I've been waiting ever since. Today was the day. Not one but two green eggs. Yippee!

This week is also the week I have been transplanting my tomato seedlings. They are being moved up into their big girl pots. This is quite an experiment for me as tomatoes are difficult to grow in my region. *Fingers crossed* I hope to have a bumper crop come late summer/fall.

I also managed to bring home a new chicken. She is a Golden Laced Wyandotte that was attacked by a dog. Rather than euthanize her the owner signed her over to our clinic. My colleague was kind enough to stitch her up. As she is missing most of her back feathers I knit her a sweater.

Yes. You read right. I knit her a sweater. I honestly have no idea what we'll do with her after she heals. I don't know if we'll be able to integrate her into our already established flock. I suppose time will tell. As you can see from the photo above she is quite comfortable around people. Now dogs -- not so much. I can hardly blame her.

And finally my neighbor's wonderful fragrant lilac-like tree is in bloom. I snuck a little cutting to give to friends. Oh how I love that things are starting to look like spring!

I've been quite busy with tomatoes, chickens and bees and such and have thus been ignoring the dishes and laundry. Shall we just say the mister is none too thrilled. Ah well. Such is life. He is quite skilled in said arenas.

And now I must go. I am using the girls' computer as mine had decided it is quite done with this world. The girls are breathing over my shoulder wanting to use their machine.

Fortunately my mother has come to my rescue and is gifting me a new computer for my upcoming 40th birthday. Indeed I am a lucky girl.

xo.

The Beehive is done! The Beehive is done!

2011-05-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

The beehive is assembled and completed. Now all we need are bees. We got a late start and should have ordered bees much earlier. All we can do is wait and see if a source becomes available.

In the meantime I'm enjoy the transformation of my yard. Spring has been slow to arrive. We are just now getting leaves on our trees. My peach and plum trees are full of blooms. The apricot appears to be taking a year off. I am eagerly anticipating the flowers in my garden and can't wait for home picked bouquets; lavender and shasta daisies, cat mint, lupines and black-eyed susans. Is it possible that all these things grow on my little plot of land?

This year I am also trying my hand at tomatoes. They are in the seedling stage and just about ready to be transplanted. Today they got their first dose of sun sans a window filter. Tomatoes are challenging here -- frost, deer, short growing season. But I'm not letting that stop me.

And then there are my chickens; four silver laced wyandottes and two easter eggers. I got the easter eggers because I wanted green eggs (+/- ham). I've yet to get a green egg and am highly suspicious that the two chickens I kept might be brown egg layers. Bugger!

Ah well. Nothing I can do about it at this stage in the game. Now, in honor of this beautiful day I am going to walk down the hill to get the girls from school. I hope your weather is as gorgeous as ours and you find some time to enjoy it.

xo.

Rain tap, tap, tapping on the roof.

2011-05-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Light streams through the window. Rain is tap, tap, tapping on the roof. I'm kneeling amongst the debris; vintage toys, clothing racks, bicycles and the ever present to someday be built pizza oven. I can not think of a better way to spend a rainy spring afternoon, here, in the garage painting bee boxes.

Retro Avocado. That's the color I've chosen. It will blend nicely with the garden. I envision this hive, this lovely hive with the copper roof, nestled between my black-eyed susans. Bees buzzing in and out, pollinating, organizing, creating. An old screen door with gloriously faded and chipping paint will sit along the backside of the house, screening the view from our neighbors.

Have I found this screen yet? No. But it will come. It will come.

I go inside and, pretending I am the wind, tickle my tomato seedlings. Then I pick up a beeswax foundation, press it to my nose and breathe deeply. Ah! Honeyed wax. An infusion of pure joy!

I am excited to see what will become of this year's garden. I have high hopes. Hopes for tomatoes and cucumbers and basil and honey. Dreams of canning and pastes and jams.

Will it come to fruition? Only time will tell. Preparation, good weather and a pinch of luck are all necessary. I vow to take each day as it comes. To appreciate each moment for what it is.

And today I am doing just that. Today life is good.

In Gratitude

2011-05-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took a trip to the big city -- Portland. We were after something special, something exciting. And because we haven't been anywhere for a while we decided to make a true weekend of it and spend the night.

Now, though the weekend was good, my children exhibited some untoward behavior. Specifically begging, whining and moaning. They wanted gelato but we insisted on eating real food first. After dinner we settled on Baskin and Robbins as the gelato bar was across town. Ice cream served. Problem solved. Only it wasn't.

The next morning after hot chocolate, donuts, candy bars *and* pancakes with MnM's the girls once again asked for gelato. After all their wish had not been granted the day before. And they were hungry (can you say protein starved?). The answer to gelato? No, No and NO!

Clearly we'd already overindulged on sweets. The girls were acting up. The sugar trend had to stop.

Tears ensued. I got angry. If you can not appreciate the things you have, the things you've been given, then you do not deserve any more treats -- ever!

And I meant it. Their lack of appreciation, their ingratitude, made me want to cut them off completely; strip down their rooms, allow them a mattress, a single outfit and bread and butter on a tray. What right did they have to beg? To cry? They have so much. They have been given so much.

I was sitting high and mighty in the driver's seat, having just laid down the law, when it hit me. I, too, am culpable. Why in the world would the Universe want to grant me anything when all I do is moan about what I don't have? Why indeed.

Because you see, though I have dreams, fantasies, I have a great life. And, truth-be-told, I don't always appreciate it. So I'm working on tempering my dreams with a healthy dose of grateful reality. I can not shut off desire (at least not at this juncture) but I can foster appreciation.

So today I drove through the farmlands of the Hood River Valley. I marveled at the gorgeous red barns, the fields of pear, the bee boxes and the chickens. I marveled at it all and then I came home and marveled at what is.

My girls clucking in the backyard. The labradork. My happy, healthy, albeit argumentative children. Mr. Peculiar. My house. My yard. Coffee. Gainful employment. All the beautiful things that I more oft than not forget to appreciate.

So thank you. Thank you Universe for all I have been given and all the things to come. Indeed I am one lucky girl.

Mother's Day was Just Right

2011-05-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

What a lovely Mother's Day weekend. Saturday Mr. Peculiar humored me as I drug him about town for a chicken coop tour. Perfect fodder for my farm and beekeeping fantasies. We saw chickens and bees and goats oh my!

I worked Saturday night and therefore slept most of the Sunday. How glorious to sleep uninterrupted! I dreamt of bees and gardens, mason jars full of honey and my family gathered close.

When I woke up the boy, with some cajoling, made me coffee and I commandeered the remote control (believe you me this is a privilege as we only have one television). The family watched the end of "The Secret Life of Bees" and the beginning of "Waitress." After that I can not say what happened on the television front as I had to return to work.

Before I left Mr. Peculiar spoiled me with dinner (shish kibobs and tabouli). The girls made a couple of darling homemade cards and smothered me with hugs and kisses.

It is these moments. These sweet simple moments that mean the most. I'm so glad my brood understands -- it's not about fancy or big expensive gifts. It's about simple gestures and snuggles and taking up the slack. That is true love.

xo.

Sowing the Seeds

2011-05-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

It's no secret I fantasize about moving to a hobby farm. But my wish will not be granted until I prove myself. First I must become a steward of this land; this little plot smack dab in the middle of town.

Last year my garden was neglected. Spring came late. I got lazy. Veggies were never planted. The cutting garden was left to its own devices. The flowers thrived despite me.

But come fall the weeds made their presence known. Lots and lots of weeds. This week was time to pay penance. Down on my hands and knees, nose to dirt, I have been pulling weeds and weeds and more weeds. Woo boy is my body sore! Don't let anyone tell you gardening is not exercise.

This year I am planting veggies. My friend, Shelley, is well versed on heirloom seeds. She sent me ten different tomato varieties and well as some lettuces and cucumbers (how lucky am I?!! Thank you Shelley!!).

The seeds have been sown and are starting to sprout. Eventually they'll be transplanted to my raised beds and pots and where ever else I can squeeze them in.

Whilst dreaming about the garden to come I've also been swooning over hoop houses. So much so I spent this afternoon wandering around my local nursery, meandering slowly through the delicious warmth of their greenhouses.

For as long as I could remember I've dreamt of a greenhouse of my own. One big enough to house not only plants but a reading nook as well. Oh the time I could spend out there. Oh the things I could grow!

I've also got honey bees on my mind. This past weekend Middle and I went to Bee School. Our original intent was to get a hive next year. However we learned you shouldn't harvest honey the first year. As such we are wracking our brains trying to figure out how to get hives sooner rather than later.

I've mapped out the hive location, cleared a spot, planned a neighbor screen and picked out paint colors (if we are getting hives they are so getting painted glorious colors).

Now I must admit Mr. Peculiar is, shall we say, a bit less enthusiastic on the bee idea. But the same held true for the chickens. He'll come around.

Yes. I've got grand plans. Now to bring them to fruition.

xo.

Japanese Inspired Clothing

2011-04-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

Today Little had a birthday party to attend; a Japanese tea party complete with kimonos. Only we didn't have a kimono. Fortunately a quick search of the internet revealed this fantastic (and free) pattern. Coupled with a pair of matching lounge pants our Japanese inspired outfit was born. This outfit will also serve as a lovely set of summer pajamas.

The material is a vintage sheet and the bia tape a thrifted shirt. Making your own bias tape is fairly simple and definitely opens up your options where color and pattern are concerned.

Now the birthday girl is half Japanese and half American. We wanted to give her something special. Something to let her know we care. This pattern was just the thing.

I do hope she likes it.

And that, folks, is what I've been up to this past week. That and hosting bunco which was a challenge in and of itself. It took a good two days to make my house presentable. My we Peculiars are messy people.

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Things I'm loving today:

Eggs on toast with basil and homemade cream cheese
Berry smoothies with homemade yogurt
Sunshine
Anticipation of tomorrow's beekeeping class (complete with Middle in tow)
Drives in the country fantasizing about a small farm of my own
Trees that are finally beginning to bloom

I hope you are having a lovely weekend!

xo.

{This Moment}

2011-04-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

A moment of reflection in the middle of a very busy week. Right here. Right now it feels so good to simply sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

The dishes can wait. As can the laundry. I am going to read and take a long hot shower. After which time I will rejoin my previously scheduled life.

Tomorrow I'll return with a show and tell. 'Ol Bertha and I have been busy.

xo.

What in the World Does a Can Opener Have to Do with Earth Day?

2011-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up we had an automatic can opener. A lovely avocado green machine that not only opened the can but pulled up the lid with it's fantastic magical magnet. My parents still have that machine. It is forty-years-old and it works like a charm.

Now I'm not as fancy as my folks. In college I bought a simple hand held model. It worked well and I was satisfied. Satisfied that is until the day the opener disappeared.

Where has it gone? Nobody knows. Perhaps it was carried off by a can opening crow.

Ah but I digress. That disappearance was the beginning of a frustrating series of events. First I went to the garage and dug our really super duper basic opener out of the camping box. Now this opener works. Sort of. The lids come off but not without great effort on the part of the user. This opener was meant to be temporary.

The next time I went to the store I bought and inexpensive opener. Did I save the receipt? No. I expected the thing to work. It did not. Not at all. Okay, so you get what you pay for.

I went back to the store and bought an expensive model. Shall we just say lesson not learned. The damn thing didn't work either. And that was several months ago. I gave up on can openers and learned to live with that which was less than perfect (i.e. the camping model).

That is until last weekend. Last weekend we went to a small farm flea market. One of the vendors had a trailer full of odds and ends -- including the opener pictured above. It was filthy. It was questionable. The five dollar price tag was steep. Did I really pay five dollars for a grungy used can opener. Oh yes. Yes I did.

I brought her home, cleaned her up and placed her in the crock on the counter. Yesterday was the first day she was put to use. Oh my! The can opened like butter. It was a glorious thing! I forgot how simple opening a can could be. I will be keeping this gal for ever and ever.

I only wish I'd found her sooner. You see in my search I didn't think about vintage. I didn't think about used. It seems I simply didn't think. A used can opener was just what I needed. And had I gone that route in the first place there would be money in my pocket and less crap in the landfill.

So the next time you need something new think again. Do you need something new or something new to you?

Happy Earth Day!

xo.

Easter already!!

2011-04-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Up until now I've been putting my head in the sand. Easter isn't coming, Easter isn't coming. Nah, nah, nah, nah. I can't hear you!

You see I was (am) scheduled to work on Sunday. And I was feeling sorry for myself. Poor me. I have to work while others are having brunch and hunting eggs and enjoying their friends and families. Boo hoo! Poor poor me!

Then, in a flash of inspiration, it occurred to me I *might* be able switch up my schedule. And indeed I could. Now instead of working the morning I am working the afternoon. This is much more amenable as I can participate in festivities before running off to make that pesky living.

With my schedule switched came the realization that Easter was nearly upon us. And I have done NOTHING to prepare. But, despite my procrastination, I couldn't bear the thought of plastic baskets full of disposable plastic junk. Additionally our finances require frugality and creativity rather than expenditure. As such I've been on a crafting binge.

First came girly baskets from an upcycled pillow case and left over fabric. I'm hoping they'll use them as lunch bags once our egg hunt is over. I'm also in the process of making these fantastic finger puppet bunnies. A tutorial can be found at Purl Bee.

Now I decided not to mortify the boy with a basket of his very own. Rather I tried to go masculine and yet stick with my crafty homemade theme. As such he will be getting a freezer paper stenciled tee shirt. I'm rather tickled with the way it turned out and am feeling quite crafty indeed. In addition the boy will get a new pair of flannel pajama pants. These pants were born from a left over sheet and are a quick and simple sewing project.

Also in the queue are these fantabulous carrot pouches which will be filled with jelly beans. Yes, some candy is warranted.

Tomorrow I hope to plant wheat grass in recycled tins (if we're lucky it'll sprout by Sunday). And tomorrow will be the night to finally dye some eggs. I've not quite figured out our strategy there but I'm sure inspiration will strike.

Now I must bid you adieu as I must go to work.

Have a fabulous day!

Fuel to the Fire

2011-04-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to a small farm equipment auction and flea market. Marching around in the cold and the wind, perusing the vendors, petting the animals -- this did nothing but add fuel to the fire. Now, more than ever, I dream of a small farm of my very own.

Just a couple of acres (two ... or perhaps five). A red weathered barn. Pasture for goats and sheep and maybe one cow. A pig or two. Chickens and a greenhouse. And old farmhouse or a log cabin or both. That's all I need. Oh and honey bees. A place for hives. Now that's all I need.

Tonight I will dream sweet dreams and send my desires out into the universe. Oh the life I'd love to lead. Perhaps, just perhaps, it will come true.

Sustainability in the Kitchen

2011-04-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

I eat a lot of yogurt. A lot. Typically I'll have a smoothie a day made with plain yogurt, a banana, and frozen berries. Sometimes I'll add peanut butter. It's delicious and oh so healthy. We buy a lot of bulk plain yogurt and thus have collected many large plastic containers. Our collection is ever increasing and I'm concerned about our consumption of all this material.

But here's the thing. We don't have to collect containers any more. As of yesterday I started making my own yogurt following the basic instructions here. Only I didn't heat the milk to 180 degrees. Thus my first batch came out a touch runnier than I'd like. So this morning I am making another batch with the extra heating step to thicken it up. Last night's batch is going to be turned into cream cheese.

Additionally I have a bottle of whipping cream waiting to be spun into butter. If these kitchen experiments pan out not only will I save money I'll also save on packaging and decrease our overall carbon footprint; a definite win-win.

But I'm not done there. I've got issues with milk. With the way it's produced. The way the cows are housed and treated in large production dairies. Milk is pasteurized because it invariably comes with contaminants -- bad bacteria and the like. And most of our milk comes from grain-fed cattle. Organic milk is no better. Believe you me -- one of the worst dairies I've ever visited was an organic facility*.

So I'm scheduling a tour of a small local dairy that sells cow shares. Their cows are pasture raised in small groups. Though contamination is still possible it is much less likely in a small properly run dairy.

If this facility meets muster I will purchase a share and we will join the raw milk revolution. This milk is whole and pure. It comes with cream on top. It would be delectable for making yogurt and butter and sour cream and cream cheese.

One share would get us about a gallon of milk a week. This is not enough to meet the needs of my milk guzzling children. However I'm going to try to substitute almond milk for the remainder. And even that I'd like to make on my own.

I may have been raised a child of the industrial revolution; new technology at every turn. But I'm slowly but surely stepping back; learning the crafts of yesteryear and finding them to satisfy my needs and desires. As it turns out some things were better in the good 'ol days.

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* Though I am a small animal veterinarian I was also taught large animal medicine in school. Thus I was given an intimate view into the dairy world and livestock production.

I believe in organic for many things -- fruits, vegetables and grains for instance. However I also believe in judicious antibiotic use. If an animal is sick it deserves the chance to become well. And antibiotics can play an important role in healing for certain and specific diseases. If these animals are pulled from the milk line for the prescribed withdrawal period then the drugs will not enter the consumption stream.

I've seen too many animal suffer with curable illnesses simply to gain an 'organic' label. My goal as a omnivore is to eat animals that were treated humanely. Parasite ridden diseased animals do not fit this category for me. This is not to say all organic animals are treated as such. But one should know where their food comes from.

On Sustainability

2011-04-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about sustainability. Several weeks back our microwave broke. We elected not to replace it. Consumer goods are made to break. To be replaced. And I've had enough. I am tired of everything being dispensable and/or obsolete. Companies do that you know -- planned obsolescence. Ours is a throw away society and it breaks my heart.

The thing is. These things, these items we are throwing away, have so much life left in them. My sewing machine for instance. This "worthless" machine has whipped out numerous projects. Most of which were made from thrifted material. All stuff thrown by the wayside.

Sure. My machine is basic. It doesn't embroider fancy logos or harbor computer chips full of intricate stitch patterns. But guess what? I have needles. I have floss. If I want something embroidered I can do it by hand. And it feels more personal that way. A bit of love stitched in.

On the thread of sewing and sustainability and I whipped out a new project yesterday. Reusable grocery bags born from feed bags.

Oh how I *love* that I have feed bags.

I adore my chickens and only wish I also had room for
sheep and goats and cow and maybe a pig.

I did not follow a tutorial. It seems I've amassed enough sewing knowledge to knock out a bag on my own (I know how to sew! I know how to sew!). However in writing this post I scavenged a tutorial for you should you like to try this for yourself.

I don't have a serger so I simply sewed across the bottom. I did triple stitch for extra security. The material doesn't fray when cut so rather than sew or glue down the triangles I simply trimmed them off. I've been walking through the house with a gallon of milk in the bag and it seems plenty sturdy without the extra (and somewhat tedious) sewing step.

I also made my handles shorter -- more like a traditional paper bag. Now I can't wait to go to the grocery store. Hmmm. Looks like I ought to make a shopping list.

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One of the perils of searching the web is finding projects I didn't know I needed to make. And yet, after seeing them, I clearly have to take part. While searching for the feed bag tutorial I came across these projects that are now in my queue.

Knock Off Vintage Feed Bag Pillow Cases
Gorgeous Tea Towel Bread Bags (what a lovely way to gift bread to a neighbor or dear friend)
More Bread Bags (what gorgeous photography!)

Oh the beauty of the world wide web!

XO.

{This Moment}

2011-04-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Playing along with Soulemama this week. You, too, can join in.

XO.

Caught in the act (of reading that is!)

2011-04-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

I walked upstairs camera in hand. My hope? To find enough light for product photos. Though I'm told it's spring the snow and hail speak otherwise. Natural light is in short supply.

I popped my head into the girls' room expecting to find Little at the computer. She adores Club Penguin. But she wasn't at the desk. She was on her bed - reading. A girl after my own heart!

Oh I have been waiting for this day. I, myself, am an avid reader. Always have been. But my children? Not so much.

We do read. Stories before bed; girls all snuggled up and winding down together. Every once in a while the boy joins us. But, sadly, he seems to have outgrown this tradition.

Despite my example and gentle nudging it's rare to find the kids reading of their own accord. Oh how I hope this trend continues, and grows like wildfire to boot.

XO.

The Bank of Peculiar (or finances for kids)

2011-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

My son was recently tossed into the real world of money; a sort of sink or swim scenario. He and his dad *love* thrifting. They especially adore vintage clothing. But they've found that in order to support their habit they must sell some of what they buy (i.e. mama put the kibosh on spending family money that was, say, slated to pay the mortgage.)

So the boy delved into Ebay and now also has his own Etsy shop. I *love* this. He's learning photography, writing, negotiating and financial management. Talk about real world schooling.

This week he wanted to make a purchase. Thus he took money from his bank account bringing the balance below that magical twenty-five dollar mark.

Mama warned him. Mama said there would be penalties -- maintenance fees and what not. The boy, in his wisdom, assured Mama he would put the money back in a few short days and the bank would be fine with that. Mama tried to explain that banks are not benevolent entities; they are money making machines that will "getcha" at every opportunity (sad but oh so true).

And Mama was right. The boy was hit with a maintenance fee and a subsequent overdraft fee. Needless to say he was not pleased. I withheld the "I told you so" and he learned a good life lesson.

Now I got to thinking. The girls really ought to be learning money management as well. I'm not sure they're ready for the big time and the big bad banks. But they are ready to begin nonetheless. So we opened checking accounts at the Bank of Peculiar; complete with checkbooks and registers. The checks were created on photoshop and contain graphics to appeal to their individual tastes. As you can see Little is a die hard Scooby Doo fan. We may take it one step further and sew our own checkbook covers (stay tuned).

Little had some of her own money and made an initial deposit. Middle had no cash but was thrilled to discover the tooth fairy now had direct deposit capabilities. When the girls want something (say frozen yogurt after school) they will fill out a check. Mama or Papa will pay for the actual item and the amount will be withdrawn from their account.

We are creating a list of household jobs that will be available should the children want to earn additional income. Their "salary" will be deposited into their accounts.

We discussed that, for now, The Bank of Peculiar is a kind and loving bank. However, there may be fees in the future -- say for printing checks or low balances. We also discussed that high balance accounts may be able to earn interest. I want this to be a realistic learning experience; both good and bad. But in the beginning I am simply hoping to peak their interest. So far so good.

XO.

This is my year.

2011-03-28T14:41:00.001-07:00

I am sitting here all alone. Yes. Again. Only now it's daytime. This alone is normal. Only it isn't.

This is my year; the year I've been counting down to for ages. The year all three of my children would be in school all day. Finally time for me. Time to craft, to exercise, to learn an instrument and to sleep.

This is my year. But rather than do the things above I am wishing my babies were home. This morning I did not want to send them out of the house. I wanted to learn piano with Little. I wanted to help Middle start a writing project and I wanted to help the boy list items on Ebay. I wanted to let them sleep in and I wanted to feed them a wholesome breakfast. Instead I woke them and shoved them out the door.

Today I read a poignant essay about a boy who died at twenty. What if that were my son? All those years sending him to school when he could have been at home.

This is not to say I don't believe in education. I do. Strongly. But why have we contrived a society that so easily places our children under the care of others? Could not some of that education take place at home? Clearly it can. Thus the homeschooling revolution.

I wonder would I? Could I? If you'd asked me a year ago about homeschooling I'd have replied No Way, No How!

Now I'm not so sure. I've got grand plans for the summer. It's going to be my testing ground. From there we'll see how it goes.

In the meantime I'm sitting here, tears running down my cheeks, wishing my babies were home.

I am amazing and so are you.

2011-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Alright. So I'm writing this post in advance. Mostly because a) I have to work tomorrow and b) Mr. Peculiar would kill me if I told you was home alone tonight.

Yes, that's right. Home alone. Okay, well not really alone as there are two dogs, three cats, six chickens and I don't know how many fish in my presence. But you get the gist.

This is a rare occasion for me. I'm accustomed to being alone during the day. But night? That's a whole different story.

You see the Mister and the Boy went to the valley to retrieve the girls. And me? I stayed behind to bring home the bacon. You got it -- I had to work.

Now I left the house this morning with a cup of coffee and no other plans for nourishment. This was a tad myopic as I had a twelve hour shift ahead of me. Were I, perhaps, a touch more organized I might have considered food a vital part of my day.

But no. I elected to wing it. As such breakfast was a stale doughnut. And lunch? Multigrain chips with salsa (we're just going to pretend this is a healthy and well balanced meal).

And of course I had no dinner plans. What? No dinner plans on a Saturday night? Sad but oh so true.

I was lucky enough to finish my records before the next doctor came on shift. In my remaining half hour I jumped on the net. By happenstance I came across this amazing recipe. And I thought I can do that. Now let me tell you *that* sure beats the frozen broccoli and cheese I was previously contemplating.

On the way home I stopped by the store -- picked up a tomato, some goat cheese and greens. And a cheapo bottle of wine to boot.

Because you know what? It may be just me. It may be just me, alone, in scrubs covered in who knows what kind of organic material (ahem, enough said). But I deserve it. I deserve to eat well. To treat myself as if I matter. Because I do. I matter. And so do you.

So the next time you are thinking of selling yourself short think again. And treat yourself like the amazing and wonderful person that you are.

XO.

PS -- Serendipity. While puttering about the kitchen I discovered we had one, ONE, espresso chocolate chip cupcake in a jar sitting oh so alone. Did I eat it? You know I did.

The Boy

2011-03-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

The boy and his fishing spear

My son is fourteen, almost fifteen. I don't talk about him much in this space. He's older and more often than not off galavanting with his peers. Gaggles of teenagers don't much like camera toting mamas two steps behind.

But this week has been different. It's spring break. The girls are visiting my folks and the boy stayed home. Most of his friends are gone -- off to San Francisco and other exotic places. Thus he's been hangin' with me. It has been nothing short of lovely.

This morning, at the boy's request, we got up early and went to an estate sale. He bought a set of bull horns (as in horns of a bull) that just crack me up. I came home with several treasures which I am falling in love with. I'd best list them soon before they end up as permanent parts of this ~~clutter~~ home decor.

Anyway back to the boy. This afternoon his friend came over and they built a fire in the chiminea. Their original plan was to catch a quail and roast it. Can you tell they are totally into Survivor Man?

Quail are fast little buggers and there were none to be caught. Were the boys defeated? No. Their plan simply morphed. They carved fishing spears and, as I type, are at the river spearing dinner.

It will be okay if said dinner never arrives. You see I have store bought fish waiting in the fridge. When the boys tire and finally come inside we'll cook together -- fish and chips.

I have to tell you. It warms my heart to see him out there. Active. Exploring. Thinking. Doing. Such a beautiful use of time.

I wish all days could be like today.

XO.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

Things I'm loving today:

The boy's outfit; a mama knit hat, thrifted pendleton flannel and blue jeans
The smell of a campfire in my backyard (makes me feel like I'm on vacation)
Exciting vintage finds; fans and suitcases and jars -- oh my!
Teaching the boy to cook (hopefully he'll leave this house with a modicum of culinary finesse)
The sun streaming in through the back window after a day of snow flurries
Fantasies about a potential summer road trip, trailer in tow
And, finally, sitting in my chair with a delectably warm computer on my lap and a cat on the arm rest. Ah! This is the life!

Up for the Count

2011-03-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

I woke to the rhythmic ding Ding DING, ding Ding DING, ding Ding DING of the intercom. Someone was at the front door. I sat up -- dazed and confused. I was at work and had been catching a cat nap on the futon in the office. It was 5:00 am.

The overnight technician answered the door and started intake paperwork. I wiped drool off my face, stumbled to the bathroom and brushed my hair. The results were questionable at best. Though I'd hoped for stellar and erudite I had to settle for tolerably competent. And, given the hour, even that was dubious.

Our patient was a spastic rat terrier who woke his owners with a deluge of diarrhea; bloody diarrhea no less. Not what anyone wants to be greeted with in the wee hours of the morning.

Now we see quite a bit of bloody diarrhea in these parts*. Thus we are fairly nonchalant about the such things. I have to remind myself this is scary for people. They are not here to disrupt my sleep (well okay -- they are but it's not their primary impetus). No, they are here because they are worried and, quite frankly, terrified about their pet's condition. Certainly if my human children presented with similar signs I'd be a basket case and barrelling through the doors of our local ER.

Despite his illness our patient was bright and chipper. We were able to treat him as an out-patient and send him on his way. Hopefully his people, now educated about his condition, left with a touch less worry in their hearts.

After discharging Fido (name changed to protect confidentiality) I surveyed my surroundings; a strip mall parking lot with a dental office and street sweeper in the distance; not exactly a five-star view. But beyond the concrete was the rising sun and clouds, fluffy and golden, radiantly reflecting the light. It seems there were advantages to waking early.

By that time it was six am. Rather than being down for the count I was up for the count; meaning I had (have) a long day ahead of me. I had charts to finish, insurance forms to fill out and a patient to discharge. After that my primary task was (is) to stay awake.

You see I will be working the day shift this weekend. This means I have to switch from night owl to passably human over the next two days.

It is spring break. Though my girls are visiting Grandma and Grandpa the boy is home. As is Mr. Peculiar. This week he worked Sunday through Wednesday, has today, Thursday, off and works again tomorrow. As per our moniker we hold peculiar hours. The boys want me to go thrifting with them. I think I will. After all I have to do something to stay awake.

Now you have been given fair warning. If any wackado items appear in the shop you may turn me in to Regretsy. I will steadfastly blame any and all oddities on a lack of sleep.

Thank you for stopping by and have a joyful day.

XO.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

* Bloody diarrhea has many causes from pancreatitis to parvoviral enteritis to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. It always warrants a trip to your local veterinarian.

Happy Vernal Equinox!

2011-03-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

Of course it snowed today. Such is life.

XO.

Out on a limb

2011-03-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

So when I was a teenager I went to a retreat. Something akin to Marriage Encounter for youngsters (and no I wasn't married but my parents were and still are). Realistically it was a weekend for parents to relish sans children. My parents were nudists. And scientists. Seriously. Who knew what happened when we kids weren't around. Either a lot of sex or some earnest fun analyzing punch cards.

The retreat was all woo woo and a bunch of cr*p and stuff I simply didn't buy into (like gag me with a spoon). Then came the last day. The day when our parents came to pick us up. The day when we had to stand in front of an audience and talk about what our parents, our lives, meant to us. The day I bawled and blubbered in front of 100+ people. The day I realized -- yes -- I have feelings. These people in my life have meaning (despite their penchant for boobies and the pascal computer language). And, for lack of a better term, I was (and am) a sap.

Fast forward, I don't know, twenty-plus years. I am still a sap. I believe in human possibility. I believe in optimism. I believe in you and me and this world as a whole. And, yes, I believe in boobies -- after all they've nourished my three children.

I also believe we can band together. I believe it will work out for the best. I believe all my life experiences have meaning and importance (even that two week stent wrapping candles despite my four-year-degree). Simply put I believe.

Am I a sap? Oh yeah. Am I human? You betcha. Do I believe? Yes. Emphatically yes. I believe in you and me and this place and this time. I believe in little girls in tutus on skateboards. I believe in middle-aged women taking hip hop. I believe in brawny men with a penchant for vintage clothing. I believe in the kinetic energy of the teenager.

I believe all of our faults combined do not equal the goodness that swells just below the surface. I believe we, this world, can do this.

And that, tonight, is what I have to say.

Solace in the Ordinary

2011-03-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

I visited SouleMama's blog today and was blessed with a wonderful reminder. There is great solace in the ordinary. This I know but oft forget.

I've been feeling small and helpless. Wanting to do more for our world. Wanting to reach out, act and make a difference. I've donated money. I've marched through the house turning out lights. I've lectured my brood about energy and waste. Yet it doesn't feel enough. I want to go to Japan and help -- provide veterinary care or move debris or simply reach out and hug those in need.

But the reality of the situation is I am here. My family needs me. The laundry awaits. The dishes are piling up. The dogs continue to shed and a thorough vacuuming is in order. These tasks also hold meaning. This life, my life, no matter how small, is important and warrants tending.

So I am seeking solace in the ordinary. I am washing dishes and letting the warm water run over my hands and pour into my soul. I am doing laundry and burying my nose in the softness and heat. I am knitting wash clothes with vintage needles and feeling a deep connection with women of the past. I am collecting eggs and marveling at my chickens and the wonders of this world. I am appreciating these moments with a full and open heart; these points in time that are everything and always will be everything.

This is not to say I've forgetten our friends across the sea. Far from it. I pledge to do what I can. But I am also turning inward and focusing on what is before me. Now if I could *just* figure out what's for dinner ...

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

Things I'm loving today:

William Carlos Williams and his beautiful simple poetry
Late winter rain that signals spring's arrival
The delectable smell of clothes fresh from the dryer
Fresh laid eggs still warm to the touch
A quiet house in which to gather my thoughts
After school baking with my daughters
The serene comforts of knitting (I hope to have knitting through any and all disasters).
An upcoming book club with wonderful thoughtful women
And the thought of crafty new environmentally friendly projects on the horizon

Thanks for stopping by!

Every little bit ...

2011-03-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

I am sitting in awe of the earth and our world. Earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand. Nuclear plants overheating. Venerable churches collapsing. These places top my travel bucket list. It feels strange knowing they've been damaged. Their residents have been damaged. People have died. My heart goes out to all affected.

And here I sit in my cozy home. My bed awaits. I am fed and clothed and sheltered. I am so lucky. It is yet another reminder of the fragility of our world. A reminder to appreciate each and every little thing in each and every day.

I want to reach out. To hug and console with the human touch. Alas I can not. But I can help. We can help.

As such 10% of my March Etsy sales will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. It is the least I can do for this wonderful world that has given me so much.

*** *** ***

Forgive me for not posting earlier. I have been waylaid by family and minor illness and world events. Congratulations to the fifth commenter, Jennifer, for winning last week's giveaway.

And thank you for all your wonderful heartfelt comments. I *love* all the connections afforded by the internet. It truly warms my heart!

*** *** ***

And, finally, a list I've not been keeping up on but really ought to continue ...

Things I'm loving today:

Gorgeous fluffy white Simpson clouds blooming in the sky.
A night at work with Middle by my side (now she has a better appreciation for what Mommy does all night).
A spectacular wonderful amazing package from my wonderful spectacular amazing friend Anita. How beautiful is it that someone I've never met in person could know me so well?!!
A great book sent by my lovely friend Shelley. I can't wait to delve in.
Being on Etsy's Front Page twice (twice) in one day (thanks Treasury Tree Teamies!!)
Knitting -- dish clothes and a top secret project for a special friend.
Waiting with greedy anticipation to see what color of eggs my new chickens will lay.
And You. All you folks on the blogosphere who bring me such joy and hope and love.

XOXO

On Money, Gratefulness and a Spring Giveaway (Because of You)

2011-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

I am working on my relationship with money. It's easy to say there is not enough or I can't afford that or there is no way I will ever pay off my student loan, business loan/second mortgage or mounting credit card debt let alone take a vacation or do something fun and frivolous.

The economy has been *ahem* challenging at best and though the recession is officially over we've yet to see an uptick in my field (veterinary medicine). The simple fact of the matter is people are choosing not to spend money on their pets (at least not yet). My income has consequently dropped year after year. This has been a four-year negative spiral; each year I bring in less money than the year before. 2010 being no exception.

So what's a momma to do? In my case it means tapping in to that right-sided gray matter and opening a vintage shop. And let me tell you. This little shop has made all the difference between us being okay and us flat out floundering.

So I thank you. YOU the people who read this blog and visit my shop and chat on Facebook and spread the word. You who give me moral support, a shoulder to lean on and an outlet to express myself.

YOU! YOU ARE AMAZING AND WONDERFUL AND LOVED!

But YOU have done so much more than give me a financial and emotional bridge. You enabled me to give my all to save a sweet stray kitty. You allowed me to make a Kiva loan to a lovely lady in Guatemala. And today, thanks to you, I am supporting my local radio station.

You see -- money has a beautiful flow. When you support me I can, in turn, support others. Though I believe in karma the simple truth of the matter is it feels so good to give and to nurture. And I have YOU to thank for the ability to do just that.

Now because you have given me so much I want to give something back -- the lovely spring nest pictured above. This nest is deceptively simple but contains hidden meaning:

First know you can create something from nothing; this nest was born from discarded burlap and wool.
Second know beauty is everywhere (even in that bag of rice you dragged home from Costco).
Third know Spring follows Winter; ergo you can and will bloom year after year.
And finally, know there is always enough. This bears repeating. There. Is. Always. Enough.

To enter this giveaway do nothing more than comment below. Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you should your name be drawn. Comments for the giveaway will close Wednesday the 9th at 6:00 pm (pst).

Again I say thank you; to each and every one of you.

With all my heart. XO.

Waxing Nostalgic

2011-02-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

This year my baby failed her school eye test. So over the hill and through the woods to the optometrist we went. As fits with our family history glasses were in order.

Now me? My heart melted. I think she looks adorable in glasses. But her? She wasn't too sure about this latest development. It took some poking, some prodding and some serious reassuring. It also took a touch of bribery; cooperation for an original mama made case worthy of a little girl. She acquiesced.

Not wanting to disappoint I got right to work. She got her glasses yesterday. I presented her with this today:

A lined felt case with a touch of embroidery. This is a pattern of my own design -- it was quite simple. Perhaps if I'm feeling saucy I'll make another and photograph the steps.

Tonight I'm waxing nostalgic. Watch out for those gushy gooey mama hormones. My baby, at seven, is not such a baby anymore. She looks so grown up and is darling to boot. Why oh why can't they stop this growing, this morphing, this maturing? I guess that's what photography is for. To capture these moments in time.

XOXO.

Dinner ♥ Crock Pot Beans 'n Meat

2011-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Tonight I have to work (5 pm to 8am). As such I won't be home for dinner. We are also running low on our stock pile of frozen tamales and kibbeh. I've also decided I should add ravioli to my repertoire (to freeze and demolish as desired). However I won't be slaving away in the kitchen today. Instead I am crockpotting.

The crock pot has been my life-saver on those nights when I work. I can prep food in the morning and have it ready in the late afternoon for me to take to work and for my family to be fed.

We've been sharing recipes at work (I'm not the only gal who routinely abandons her family at dinner time). Our husbands are, shall we say, not so good in the kitchen and none of us has yet to win the lotto. As such we need easy, tasty and frugal meals.

I've struggled with sharing some of my recipes, not because they are near and dear to my heart, but because I am a "little of this, little of that" type of cook, i.e. I rarely measure out my ingredients.

However, this morning, while prepping dinner I *actually* measured things. As such I present to you crock pot beans 'n meat.

Ingredients:

Stew Meat (~ 1 quart bag full -- I buy my stew meat in bulk, parcel it out into bags and freeze it for later use)
32 oz Chicken or Beef Stock (My favorite is Pacific brand, I think it has the best flavor. I use chicken stock because again I buy in bulk and keep it in the pantry)
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
1/2 onion
Two cans green beans, drained.
6 oz can of tomato paste
Rice

Directions:

Cut onion into slices and place in crock pot. Top with stew meat. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and allspice. Pour in stock. Cover and cook on high until meat tender (6-8 hours). About an hour before serving add green beans and tomato paste. Stir, cover and continue cooking. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over a bed of rice.*

* Any rice will work. I have to admit I *love* my rice cooker almost as much as I love my crock pot. It even has a timer to delay cooking. We've been using brown rice which seems to take

F O R E V E R. You'll have to time your rice accordingly. The beans and meat can happily stay warm in the crock pot while the rice cooks.

At least I have my orange juice.

2011-02-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days. One of those "at least I have my orange juice" days. The morning started off with Middle berating me about her wardrobe.

"I have NOTHING to wear! NOTHING fits! YOU HAVE TO TAKE ME SHOPPING!"

Um, yeah. Taking a snotty nearly eleven-year-old to the mall is not on my agenda. Nor does it fit in our uber tight budget. Thankfully I deposited her at a friend's house shortly thereafter.

Next I thought I might go to Target to look for inexpensive t-shirts. I had freezer paper stencils on my mind. But no. Little pitched a fit and we stayed home.

Instead we spent the WHOLE DAY watching the Disney Channel. And yes, I know I'm the mother. But I was simply not in the mood to be out and about with snotty #2 (sister to snotty #1) and I gave in to the dagnamit television (which I really ought to smash and be done with).

Then Mr. Peculiar called. A rock hit the rear windshield in his truck shattering it into a thousand little pieces. The best part? Not covered by our insurance. Yippee!

Mr. Peculiar and the Boy were out thrifting -- buying tons and tons of vintage clothing which they are ~~going to sell~~ going to deposit in my ever shrinking living room. On the upside I soon might be a participant in the show Hoarders.

This male thrifting would be all well and good if they actually moved some of their merchandise. But they do not. That part is hard. Poor poor boys. They'd best get their hides in gear, however, as we can't eat vintage clothing (though it might keep us warm once the electricity is shut off).

On top of that my head hurts, my house is a total disaster and I have no idea what's for dinner.

But rather than, say, clean or cook or paw through the cupboards for crumbs I decided to applique.

I dug up some tees from an old project. Three of four of them were, *gasp*, boy shirts. Which are, you know, totally and completely uncool. Nonetheless I attempted to gussy them up and make them girl worthy.

If I get extra lucky I'll keep the I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR monster at bay. The shirts will be an early birthday present for Middle (aka Snotty #1). She doesn't know how lucky she is.

And I suppose I could say the same for myself. I'm telling you Duckie, you're really quite lucky. Some people are much more. Oh muchly much more unlucky than you.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

Addendum:

The monster has been appeased, at least temporarily.
It was the back passenger window which was shattered, not the back windshield, which is still expensive but not nearly so.
We will be having eggs on toast for dinner with left over goat cheese from last night's meal -- frugal frugal. (I voted for popcorn, nutella and wine. I was voted down)
I've got a pot of coffee brewing which will, hopefully, help with the ache in my head.
I'm taking comfort in the thought that money is fiction. To extrapolate the absence of money is also fiction.
The boys have promised, I mean really promised, that they'll sell some of these superfluous clothes. Expect to see them in the shop soon.

The Simple Things

2011-02-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

"It's the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

We've been busy crafting over here; making embroidered mushrooms and felted gnomes for our upcoming party. As I was digging through my crafting cupboard I came across the very first piece I embroidered (the cat pillow). I must've been five or six years old. This was a school project and I was quite proud of my work.

Little has been intrigued by my sewing and is making pieces of her own. You can see her interpretation of the mushroom house in the green hoop above. She also made a cat of her own design. I'd like to collect her work and make a pillow or even a small quilt.

I love that she's interested in fiber arts. The simple pull of the needle up and down, up and down soothes the soul. There's no better way to to unwind than with embroidery and knitting. It's meditation with a tangible by product.

And now back to it. The party approaches and there are three little girls in need of favors.

XOXO.

Valentine's Day is ...

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is:

Thrifted pillows embroidered with love
Fresh bed sheets (even though I won't be home to enjoy them)
Mama unloading the dishwasher after coming home from work
Papa reloading the dishwasher after he comes home from work
Heart-shaped breakfast for the young man who stayed home sick
1st grade embroidery made for a special friend
Messages of love on our newly painted chalkboard pantry
Beef stroganoff bubbling away in the crock pot
Chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes in jars
Five precious minutes with the hubbie (he'll come home from work just as I'm leaving)
The prospect of a lunch date tomorrow (if we don't opt for a nap instead)
Knowing we are doing what it takes to keep ourselves afloat
Homemade valentine bookmarks and pretty pencils
A kitchen table shrouded in glitter
Forgiveness to the makers of the mess
Having an open heart and extending it to all who cross our path

Another year has passed. We are still here. Still tip-toeing that financial tightrope. And we are so tremendously lucky. We have each other. We have our health. We have a roof over our heads and food to eat. We are insured and employed. We have learned (and continue to learn) the art of frugality. We are weathering the storm.

And, most important of all, we love and are loved.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Gnomtastic!

2011-02-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ah the perils of winter. Each day starts with so much promise. By day's end something always remains undone. In summer the days are longer. The energy lasts. In winter not so much.

Case in point. At the end of December the littlest Peculiar turned seven. She was honored with a small family celebration but we've yet to have her "official" party. And yes, her birthday was two months ago.

But I'm on it. The planning has begun (finally). As compared to last year we are going small. Next weekend Little and a few good friends are going to see Gnomeo and Juliet. Our family doesn't often go to the theater so this will be a real treat.

The invitations were born from a Gnome book which belonged to my Grandfather. A quick photograph and a touch of photoshop magic and voila! Invitations. As for party favors I'm planning on making these and these and these. I might even tuck in a few acorns to boot. Oh and I have some old Gnome Nick and Nora pajamas. They will likely resurface as a goody bags. The beauty of a small affair? More time to spend on the details.

I'd like to tell you I'm doing this just for Little and friends. But the truth of the matter is these gnomes and mushroom houses are medicinal. An infusion of cheer smack dab in the middle of a drab winter.

Now off to embroider, that is until a client bounds through the door. Ah life in the ER!

Dear Universe ...

2011-02-01T14:49:00.001-08:00

Dear Universe:

I try not to be covetous of things I do not have. I try to appreciate that which is before me. But there are days. There are days when the longing hits. These things I know I do not need but oh how I desire them. And because I can not stop thinking about these objects I thought I'd put them out there. To you, Universe.

If you could find it in your heart to place said objects in, say, a garage sale or a thrift store then direct me to such place I would be ever so grateful. Oh how my heart would swell.

And now, with further adieu, the objects of my desire:

Le Creuset Dutch Oven in Gorgeous Caribbean Blue

Kitchen Aid Pasta Roller Attachement

Attractive Sturdy Industrial Clothing Racks

Fun and Pretty Hypoallergenic Earrings

Vintage Style Dress Forms

and finally

A gorgeous pair of boots (size 8) to wear with skirts.

Thank you, Universe, for your kind attention. Now back to reality ...

Perspective

2011-01-30T08:42:00.001-08:00

"If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. Those are the three things the ego is doing all the time. It's very important to be aware of then every time they come up." ~ Deepak Chopra

This morning I came to work and was immediately presented with an euthanasia. Great way to start the day I mumbled under my breath. Then I caught myself.

Before me was a geriatric cat. A cat who was underweight, dehydrated and painful. A being who was suffering. I had the enormous privilege of easing his pain and transitioning him from this world to the next. It was a great way to start the morning.

And I am reminded that this world, truly, is all fiction. Each day, each moment, is nothing more than the stories we tell ourselves.

Tell me. What's your story?

2011-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I started a new project (because I really need another project. Not.) But I couldn't help myself. My family is on an organization kick. This is a good thing. Our lives have been taken over by clutter. And, quite frankly, clutter negatively affects all of our moods.

So yesterday the boys raked leaves and pine needles (finally!) and I ripped out the carpet in the nook upstairs. This nook is to become my crafting area. And the carpet was, well, disgusting. As in completely gross, unsanitary and sickening.

Only here's the thing. The carpet will not be replaced. We have no budget to redecorate. But never you mind. I have a plan. First I'm going to paint the sub floor. And, of course, the walls. Then, if I can find a brawny assistant or two, my sewing armoire will relocate upstairs. Additionally we have a thrifted yellow formica table gathering dust in the garage. This will be the new crafting table. And, thanks to Tammie, I am also in the process of knitting a rag rug from vintage sheets to add a soft touch (and hopefully couch some of the noise). Finally we need to come up with creative ideas for shelving.

I intended to only tackle the nook but ended up ripping out the carpet all the way down the hall and to the landing. It was disgusting people. Absolutely disgusting. So I will be painting that floor too and may also knit a rag rug runner. I threatened to pull the carpet off the stairs and rag rug the entire thing. However Mr. Peculiar put the kabosh on that. I believe his exact words were, "I don't want a hippie house." Whatever.

What I really want is wood stairs. Real wood. Not the particle board that resides under our carpet. I even brought flooring samples home from the Home Depot. But, again, no budget. So the carpet will remain until I can come up with an inexpensive alternative. Ideas anyone?

All this to share with you my epiphany. Sitting in the stripped nook I realized this house has good bones. It's never too late to strip down and start over. Not only is this is true for a house but it is also true for life. Don't like the direction you're headed? Strip down (figuratively not literally) and start over. All it takes is a vision, diligence and hard work.

Now I'm gearing up to finish my demolition. I've got to pull up the carpet tacks and fill all the cracks with wood filler. Likely I'll take tomorrow off as I have to work. If all goes well a coat of paint on Wednesday.

Hopefully this finished project matches the image in my head. If not I can always try and try again.

Happy Monday all!

You might want to run and hide ...

2011-01-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm still battling the winter doldrums here. Not enough sun. Not enough warmth. I keep intending to get out and exercise. Oh how I'd love to lose those nagging fifteen pounds. But somehow the end of the day arrives sans exercise. But I've not given up. In the sage words of Maria Robinson "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

I have been attending my weekly dance class (tap and hip hop). Whew boy does it stretch my limits. I've never tapped before and my dance skills are rudimentary at best. I need practice. Quite a lot. Perhaps I ought to take my shoes to work and tap into the exam room like a roller skating car hop. Then again maybe not.

And then there are the bagpipes. Another goal of mine for 2011. I've been taking lessons for a year and a half but only recently purchased a set of pipes. They were quite an investment. As such I really ought to learn to play well. My teacher is setting up a pipe and drum band. The goal is to be parade and contest ready -- marching and playing in time. My secret goal? To play an event or two so as to recuperate the money spent on the pipes. But that takes practice. Lots and lots of practice.

Rather than working towards these goals I've been prone to distraction. I've been felting acorns, knitting coffee cozies, making cupcakes in jars and dyeing wool. I'm transforming coffee sacks into curtains, reading books and growing wheatgrass. I'm considering cultivating tomatoes indoors and am debating whether or not to buy a cow share for fresh raw milk (with delectable cream on top to make homemade butter and ice cream and sour cream).

Once again I've proven to belong to the group Solidarity League of Creative Women Distracted by oooooh! Shiny!

I need to reign myself in and focus. Focus, focus, focus. And I've decided you get to help me (aren't you terribly excited?). I'm going to use this blog as a forum to keep myself accountable and to help me reach my goals.

First off I weighed myself today. Ouch. 137.5 pounds. This on a 5 foot 2 inch frame. Back in the day (before children) I weighed 120 pounds. That was a good weight for my particular frame. How amazing would it be to get back there before I turn forty on July 1st?!! I have committed to a half marathon at the end of May. Three months remain to train. I'll begin listing my progress here.

And the pipes. Oh the pipes. Here is what they sound like today (listen if you dare). Lovely 'eh? Clearly there is work to be done. Again I will be posting my progress. You may want to invest in a nice pair of ear plugs. Seriously.

Now off to shower and then to my pipe lesson. Thank you for participating in this exercise of self mortification. I'm putting myself out there -- whether to dance on stage (and in front of the mirror), to huff and puff along the trail or to squeak and squawk in a room full of firemen (the other pipers I play with) -- I have chosen to be open and vulnerable and silly. After all what is life for if not that?

Thanks for stopping by and have a stupendous day!

Lazy, lazy, lazy, lazy, lazy, lazy Jane

2011-01-15T21:43:00.001-08:00

I'm rather in shock that it is the weekend again. Where oh where does time go? Such a valuable commodity and yet it escapes me like a helium balloon from a child's hand.

This weekend I am working the night shift. As such all other productivity is out the window and I am lazing my days away.

Today the boys went to an auction (don't even get me started there -- they brought home a few neat things for the shop but really we need to DOWNSIZE rather than the other way around).

Middle had a birthday party to attend and was gone most of the day. This left Little and I to do as we pleased. We planted ourselves firmly on the couch and watched the end of Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. Then we moved on to Narnia. After that Pirates of the Caribbean and finally, the beginning of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I did say laze did I not?

Now typically I'm doing something while in front of the television. Say knitting. But not today. Today was all about cuddling up and hiding out from the gray gray day. It wasn't all for naught, however, as I have some quotes to share.

"Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." ~ Mr. Magorium

"Perhaps we've been incorrectly labeled." ~ Edmund Pevensie

"When you marooned me on that God-forsaken spit of land, you forgot one very important thing, mate: I'm captain Jack Sparrow." ~ Captain Jack Sparrow

"Charlie Bucket was the luckiest boy in the entire world. He just didn't know it yet" ~ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Indeed there is wisdom to found everywhere.

❊❊❊ ❊❊❊ ❊❊❊

Today I am grateful for:

Sweet little girls who are willing to snuggle with their mother
Fresh canned tuna fish (finally we are going to use the tuna!)
Frozen kibbe and tamales (no cooking tonight)
Vintage cameras and TTV photography
A new library book (The Little Giant of Aberdeen County) and the book club that prompted me to read it
Seeds of inspiration
My lovely bed and down comforter awaiting my return

Here's to another lazy day to come! I hope you are having an equally as pleasant weekend.

XOXO.

The Weekend

2011-01-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

Oh how I *love* weekends; especially when we all have time off together. This is a rarity and something to be treasured. This past weekend we took full advantage. We went sledding, canned fresh tuna, baked banana bread and I even squeezed in time to knit.

We made pasta with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, bright yellow tomatoes and basil. Oh the smell of fresh basil! Is there anything finer?

We had family taco night with homemade guacamole. Everybody ate and nobody complained -- hooray! Too bad we can't have tacos every night of the week.

We celebrated two separate birthdays -- a one year old's and a thirty-two year old's. How lovely it is to gather with friends.

We finished Harry Potter. The very last book of the series. Put all seven books together side-by-side -- that's quite a bit of reading and quality family time spent over the years.

Basically we had a lovely couple of days. If only all days could be like last weekend. But they can't (at least not for the time being). So we are continuing to truck along.

I, personally, am struggling a touch. Winter is challenging. The sun plays a big role in my mental well being. I'm trying to stay positive; to find crafts and activities to bring joy into my life. I am working to appreciate all I have (and am doing my best to ignore all I don't).

That is my word for this year, 2011. APPRECIATE.

I have many hopes and dreams for this year.

I hope to bring in more money by both working hard and spending wisely.
I hope to get in better shape.
I hope to run a half-marathon.
I hope to truly learn to play my bagpipes (rather than the dying cow noise that currently emanates from said instrument).
I'd like to reset my family's routine and bring in more books, more crafts and less media.
I'd like to get organized once and for all.
I'd like to finish the pizza oven we started building over two years ago.
I plan to dance on stage (yes -- my dance class comes with a recital).
I'd like to knit a full-sized blanket and perhaps another sweater.
I'd like to camp as much as possible.
I need to clean out our garage.

and the list goes on and on. But most of all, whether this list gets checked off or not, I want to appreciate each and every day and each and every moment for the beauty contained within. If I can accomplish this then life has no choice but to be "all good".

Frugality and Dreams, Gift Tags and Tamales. Oh My!

2011-01-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

I'd like to talk to you about frugality. I'd like to talk about dreams. I'd like to talk about gift tags and tamales. But where to start.

Let me begin here. This is my desktop. This is Italy (Santa Margherita, I think). I'd really really really love to go back. With my whole family. Only a trip such as this costs money; quite a bit if you are going to shlep five people overseas. And it seems greenbacks are in short supply, at least in our neck of the woods.

So, in a effort to conserve this precious resource, we are upping the ante with our frugality. My mondo beyondo wildest dream? Pay off all our debt and have money to travel. This fantasy seems so insanely out of reach but as Confucius says, " A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

And with that let's step into the kitchen. This is the room our journey begins. We've already nixed eating out. We did that two years ago. Yet we still have our transgressions -- especially on nights I have to work. The crock pot has been our savior but there are days I am simply too tired to be in the kitchen.

In comes tamales. We made a HUGE batch for New Years. We fed our friends. We gifted some. And still we have a freezer full. These will be a God send on those nights I don't want to cook. Additionally Mr. Peculiar made a double batch of kibbe and stuffed grape leaves. We are now stocked with excellent homemade reheatable foods.

In addition, this weekend, we will be canning our own tuna. Over the summer Mr. Peculiar and the boy went on a fishing trip. They brought home tuna. Loads and loads of tuna. It was vacuum packed and frozen and has been in our freezer ever since. It's time it got used. As such we are going to can it. I don't own a pressure canner but we are borrowing one from a friend.

Now what does all of this have to do with gift tags? Well nothing really except they are also born from a frugal vein. These gift tags pictured are for my shop. I've adopted that owl as my logo and like to include a tag with each order. I've also taken to sending additional tags as a little gift to accompany the purchased item. Beautifully I can make them at home -- a tag punch, my stamp and pad and a hole punch. Voila. These tags are made from envelopes. Those wonderful envelopes that come with bills. What a fun way to recycle, 'eh?

And now I will finish rambling. I have a library book waiting for my attention. Oh yes -- and the girls and I have to finish reading Harry Potter. I must admit I'm a touch sad. We are nearing the end of the very last book of the series. Whatever will be read after this? Indeed some research is in order -- books to capture the attention of a preteen and seven-year-old.

And now I am going to join the hubby for a taste of his fine beer. Have a lovely evening!