So upon discussing doing the Veggie thing for a month, my husband replied, " We are going to be hungry!" But he agreed to do whatever I wanted...and I agreed we could eat a couple non red meat meals a week. So there it is.
In related news my brother in law Billy recommended Mark Bitmans cook book which in turn prompted me to check out his website www.howtocookeverything.tv and I hope to pick up his cook book, it looks simply divine!
*Billy also shared this comment from Michael Pollan
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Flexitarian
So I have been a meat eater for a little over a year now and what a year its been! Easy meals, large steaks...restaurant flexibility!
But, alas, despite the culinary enjoyment, I am starting to doubt my carnivore life style. I started eating this way to alleviate some of the dizzy spells and anemia I was having. Mostly though, because my son Forest, who was a veracious nurser, was hard to keep up with.
It was also just too hard to cook a well balanced vegetarian meal with two babies in diapers( hence dizzys and anemia.) I think all we ate was pasta before I made the switch.
Anyway, I've noticed I don't feel as healthy as I should, and my usually fast metabolism has gotten soooo slow.... and I've gotten around ten extra pounds of weight to contend with.
My kids have gotten older, no longer nurse and I have more time now, ...so I am going to do a month of veg meals for myself and my family this January* and see if I feel any better.
I found a fabulous blog that has some great tasting and easy recipes.
I would love to try any vegetarian** recipes any of you want to share, and to post my results ( and my families reactions!) So drop me a line or feel free to leave recipes in the comments!
Thusly inspired,tonight I will be making this spicy thai coconut curry soup***:
* I have always been a lacto-ovo veg so that eggs and cheese are allowable ingredients
** it has to be after the holidays cause I plan to enjoy the pork roast me Mums making!
*** Will there ever be a Zen Palate in Maine?
But, alas, despite the culinary enjoyment, I am starting to doubt my carnivore life style. I started eating this way to alleviate some of the dizzy spells and anemia I was having. Mostly though, because my son Forest, who was a veracious nurser, was hard to keep up with.
It was also just too hard to cook a well balanced vegetarian meal with two babies in diapers( hence dizzys and anemia.) I think all we ate was pasta before I made the switch.
Anyway, I've noticed I don't feel as healthy as I should, and my usually fast metabolism has gotten soooo slow.... and I've gotten around ten extra pounds of weight to contend with.
My kids have gotten older, no longer nurse and I have more time now, ...so I am going to do a month of veg meals for myself and my family this January* and see if I feel any better.
I found a fabulous blog that has some great tasting and easy recipes.
I would love to try any vegetarian** recipes any of you want to share, and to post my results ( and my families reactions!) So drop me a line or feel free to leave recipes in the comments!
Thusly inspired,tonight I will be making this spicy thai coconut curry soup***:
* I have always been a lacto-ovo veg so that eggs and cheese are allowable ingredients
** it has to be after the holidays cause I plan to enjoy the pork roast me Mums making!
*** Will there ever be a Zen Palate in Maine?
Sunday, December 20, 2009
THE MUSE!!!!!!
Be still my heart,I f***ing love this band.
Oh Man I just found out these guys are playing in Boston this March and I HAVE to go see them. They seem influenced by some of my favorite music... perhaps a Radiohead /Jeff Buckley esque inspired sound? I love the complex layering they do, that comes off sounding simple...but then ends up as a gorgeous rich sea of melody...and I've heard that they are just fantastic live.
Did any of you see them on SNL last night? If you haven't heard them check them out on you tube. Better yet, Buy an album.
Or, car pool with me in March and watch me try not to pee my pants in excitement. Forgive me for my hysterical joy, but I've wanted to see these guys for ever! It's on my "to do in my life time" list. Check them out!
Oh Man I just found out these guys are playing in Boston this March and I HAVE to go see them. They seem influenced by some of my favorite music... perhaps a Radiohead /Jeff Buckley esque inspired sound? I love the complex layering they do, that comes off sounding simple...but then ends up as a gorgeous rich sea of melody...and I've heard that they are just fantastic live.
Did any of you see them on SNL last night? If you haven't heard them check them out on you tube. Better yet, Buy an album.
Or, car pool with me in March and watch me try not to pee my pants in excitement. Forgive me for my hysterical joy, but I've wanted to see these guys for ever! It's on my "to do in my life time" list. Check them out!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New Years: resolved
My husband and I just realized the other day that we've turned into a couple of squares.
How did this happen? Was it when we bought the station wagon? When we had kids? When we moved out of our apartment? When we started cutting our own hair?
I am not thinking that we should try to recapture the wild days of our early twenties or abandon the practical choices we've made to support our life together. We love our life. But New Year's is coming up and that means making resolutions. So I am resolving to stop being such a fuddy duddy* and be playful in life again. And I'd encourage anyone to do the same!
* the fact that I used the term "fuddy duddy" only further illustrates the problem.
How did this happen? Was it when we bought the station wagon? When we had kids? When we moved out of our apartment? When we started cutting our own hair?
I am not thinking that we should try to recapture the wild days of our early twenties or abandon the practical choices we've made to support our life together. We love our life. But New Year's is coming up and that means making resolutions. So I am resolving to stop being such a fuddy duddy* and be playful in life again. And I'd encourage anyone to do the same!
* the fact that I used the term "fuddy duddy" only further illustrates the problem.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Phoenix Rising
I am working on a design to cover up parts of the two tattoos on my wrists. I am calling it phoenix rising.
I designed the bones of the tattoos in black. I based them on a Mandala of the four directions, representing the spiritual, the mind, being grounded and the creative. The overall idea is to be symbolic of finding balance in life.
I got them done at a local shop known to be reputable. The design was simple enough to trace onto my body, but some how the artist REALLY messed them up while tattooing. They were orignally delicate in design and completely symmetrical since I used a compass to draw them. I went home. The swelling went down. I was disappointed. I went back. The artist was fired.
The owner and senior tattoo artist felt awful and wanted to fix them for me. But some color would be needed to cover up the mistakes. So he embelished them with color and then went to town going outside of the lines with what he called "fractile images"ruining the whole symbolism for me. The point is, they are definitely not what I wanted. I do not like mixing cool colors and warm colors, as a matter of fact, I don't even LIKE bright colors. I am more of an subtle earth tone kind of gal.
So 7 yrs later I have found an artist I can trust and I am really excited!I am planning to darken the colors and cover what I don't like. There is no way to do this with out going bigger and it's taken a while to come up with something I KNOW I'll want on my body forever... especially since I don't typically go for big tattoos. But I think I've figured it out. Here's the preliminary piece.*
Also did I mention that the wrist is an extremely tender area? I only hope that having since given birth twice over with no drugs will have changed my idea of what's painful. I'll keep you updated on the progress. Wish me luck.
* These are NOT drawn with a compass and are just an unfinished rough idea of what I'll be doing
-Please respect that these design were created for me and are owned by me-
I designed the bones of the tattoos in black. I based them on a Mandala of the four directions, representing the spiritual, the mind, being grounded and the creative. The overall idea is to be symbolic of finding balance in life.
I got them done at a local shop known to be reputable. The design was simple enough to trace onto my body, but some how the artist REALLY messed them up while tattooing. They were orignally delicate in design and completely symmetrical since I used a compass to draw them. I went home. The swelling went down. I was disappointed. I went back. The artist was fired.
The owner and senior tattoo artist felt awful and wanted to fix them for me. But some color would be needed to cover up the mistakes. So he embelished them with color and then went to town going outside of the lines with what he called "fractile images"ruining the whole symbolism for me. The point is, they are definitely not what I wanted. I do not like mixing cool colors and warm colors, as a matter of fact, I don't even LIKE bright colors. I am more of an subtle earth tone kind of gal.
So 7 yrs later I have found an artist I can trust and I am really excited!I am planning to darken the colors and cover what I don't like. There is no way to do this with out going bigger and it's taken a while to come up with something I KNOW I'll want on my body forever... especially since I don't typically go for big tattoos. But I think I've figured it out. Here's the preliminary piece.*
Also did I mention that the wrist is an extremely tender area? I only hope that having since given birth twice over with no drugs will have changed my idea of what's painful. I'll keep you updated on the progress. Wish me luck.
* These are NOT drawn with a compass and are just an unfinished rough idea of what I'll be doing
-Please respect that these design were created for me and are owned by me-
First Snow
We have a hauntingly beautiful stand of Pines in our backyard that look amazing anytime of year and after this last Sundays snow storm they were so peaceful I felt like I was in another era.
Here she is!
* Sorry for the delay in posts, my blog had and attack of cookies, which have mysteriously vanished *
Monday, November 30, 2009
She's moving in and She won't be leaving anytime soon
So we have acquired our Piano. She will reside in our dining room and class up the joint. (HA!)
Of course she isn't actually in the house yet. Apparently it takes a large effort, wheeled dollies, strong backs and a sense of adventure to move a Piano. Professionals advise against it...But the quote for moving the instrument more than quadruples what we paid for it soooo...we're leaving it to the nonprofessionals and hoping for the best.
On Saturday night I went and saw my VERY talented brother-in-law READ MCNAMARA* playing with a band he's a part of, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection. Seeing them smile at each other and radiate pure joy playing their instruments made me so thankful we've found our Piano.If I can give my children the opportunity to experience that kind of musical zen evident with those blue grassers ( who have all been playing something or other since they were very young) then I will be happy. And Jess take and I plan on taking Piano and singing lessons too! ( Which will be great for me since the drums didn't pan out :)
So anyway wish us luck!
*he's the handsome one playing the banjo with a huge smile on his face!He's been playing with Erica for about 6 yrs now. check them out on youtube or www.ericabrownonline.com
Of course she isn't actually in the house yet. Apparently it takes a large effort, wheeled dollies, strong backs and a sense of adventure to move a Piano. Professionals advise against it...But the quote for moving the instrument more than quadruples what we paid for it soooo...we're leaving it to the nonprofessionals and hoping for the best.
On Saturday night I went and saw my VERY talented brother-in-law READ MCNAMARA* playing with a band he's a part of, Erica Brown and the Bluegrass Connection. Seeing them smile at each other and radiate pure joy playing their instruments made me so thankful we've found our Piano.If I can give my children the opportunity to experience that kind of musical zen evident with those blue grassers ( who have all been playing something or other since they were very young) then I will be happy. And Jess take and I plan on taking Piano and singing lessons too! ( Which will be great for me since the drums didn't pan out :)
So anyway wish us luck!
*he's the handsome one playing the banjo with a huge smile on his face!He's been playing with Erica for about 6 yrs now. check them out on youtube or www.ericabrownonline.com
Friday, November 20, 2009
10 Tips for Toddlers...
1.) Pushing your riding toy up to the stove to give you a step up to steal my spatula while I am frying latkes- Not a good idea.
2.) Just because you are using the words excuse me, (excuse me, excuse me exxxcuuuse meeeee mama mom mum Mandy! ) Does not not mean you are using your manners.
3.)Pushing a chair from the dining room to the kitchen pick up sharp knives from the dish rack- Not a good idea.
4.) A full blown, screeching, back arching tantrum is NOT a good color on you.
5.) I'm sorry you don't want to wear socks...but this is Maine. In November.
6.) Bathwater is NOT an acceptable beverage.
7.) Giving loves directly after wacking someone in the head with a toy does not fool your parents.
8.) The soap will NEVER taste good, no matter how many times you try it.
9.) As much as Naked Time is a blast, it doesn't mean it should happen during playdates.
!0.) Coming down the stairs with a big smile and a "I taked a good nap" would be more convincing if you waited longer than five minutes.
This photo is from last spring :)
2.) Just because you are using the words excuse me, (excuse me, excuse me exxxcuuuse meeeee mama mom mum Mandy! ) Does not not mean you are using your manners.
3.)Pushing a chair from the dining room to the kitchen pick up sharp knives from the dish rack- Not a good idea.
4.) A full blown, screeching, back arching tantrum is NOT a good color on you.
5.) I'm sorry you don't want to wear socks...but this is Maine. In November.
6.) Bathwater is NOT an acceptable beverage.
7.) Giving loves directly after wacking someone in the head with a toy does not fool your parents.
8.) The soap will NEVER taste good, no matter how many times you try it.
9.) As much as Naked Time is a blast, it doesn't mean it should happen during playdates.
!0.) Coming down the stairs with a big smile and a "I taked a good nap" would be more convincing if you waited longer than five minutes.
This photo is from last spring :)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Scorpio
In the tradition of my most favorite bloggers*, and in honor of all you fellow Scorpios, here's a drink to try:
The Scorpio***
3 oz sloe gin
3 oz ginger ale
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp grated peel fresh ginger
Ice cubes
2 lemon-peel twists for serving
MIX sloe gin, ginger ale,lemon juice, ginger and ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into 2 ice filled glasses. SERVE each with a lemon-peel twist.
Enjoy!
* click on the links on the right side of this page to check out some great blogs!
** I have not been a fan of Gin in the past, but I am intrigued by this fruit infused sloe gin. Also I was charmed by the rest of the ingredients and a sucker for anything named SCORPIO. I'll get back to you with the results.
*** This drink is featured in Martha Stewart Living November issue
The Scorpio***
3 oz sloe gin
3 oz ginger ale
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp grated peel fresh ginger
Ice cubes
2 lemon-peel twists for serving
MIX sloe gin, ginger ale,lemon juice, ginger and ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into 2 ice filled glasses. SERVE each with a lemon-peel twist.
Enjoy!
* click on the links on the right side of this page to check out some great blogs!
** I have not been a fan of Gin in the past, but I am intrigued by this fruit infused sloe gin. Also I was charmed by the rest of the ingredients and a sucker for anything named SCORPIO. I'll get back to you with the results.
*** This drink is featured in Martha Stewart Living November issue
Saturn Returns
So today is my 28th birthday and its a big one. I've read that every cell in your body has been replaced every seven years, so I have that going for me. Also, many say it is the year Saturn Returns. Wikipedia* explains this as:
"The Saturn Return is an astrological phenomenon that occurs at the ages of 27-30, 58-60, and finally from 86-88, coinciding with the time it takes the planet Saturn to make one orbit around the sun. It is believed by astrologers that as Saturn "returns" to the degree in which it occupied at the time of birth—approximately every 29.5 years—a person crosses over a major threshold and into the next stage of life. With the first Saturn Return, a person leaves youth behind and enters adulthood. With the second Return, maturity. And the third and usually final Return, a person enters wise old age.
The first Saturn Return is famous because it represents the first test of character and the structures a person has built their lives upon. According to traditions, should these structures be unsound or that a person is living out of touch with his or her true values, the Saturn Return will be a time of upheaval and limitations as Saturn forces him or her to jettison old concepts and worn out patterns of living. It is not uncommon for relationships and jobs to end during this time of life restructuring and reevaluation.
But the Saturn Return is not all about painful endings. During this time astrologers note that goals are consolidated and people tend to gain a better vision of where they are going in life. There are added responsibilities and a person may reap the rewards from his or her hard work. Many major life milestones seem to happen around the ages of 29 and 30. This is why astrologers believe that the thirtieth birthday is such a major rite of passage because it marks the true beginning of adulthood, self-evaluation, independence, ambition, and self actualization."
That being said, it has been a doozy of a month and I sure hope all that self actualization is really going to happen! So to all you out there celebrating birthdays, Happy Birthday and hold on tight! ( personally I think i could handle just skipping to thirty)
* I published full text because I still am having trouble linking!
"The Saturn Return is an astrological phenomenon that occurs at the ages of 27-30, 58-60, and finally from 86-88, coinciding with the time it takes the planet Saturn to make one orbit around the sun. It is believed by astrologers that as Saturn "returns" to the degree in which it occupied at the time of birth—approximately every 29.5 years—a person crosses over a major threshold and into the next stage of life. With the first Saturn Return, a person leaves youth behind and enters adulthood. With the second Return, maturity. And the third and usually final Return, a person enters wise old age.
The first Saturn Return is famous because it represents the first test of character and the structures a person has built their lives upon. According to traditions, should these structures be unsound or that a person is living out of touch with his or her true values, the Saturn Return will be a time of upheaval and limitations as Saturn forces him or her to jettison old concepts and worn out patterns of living. It is not uncommon for relationships and jobs to end during this time of life restructuring and reevaluation.
But the Saturn Return is not all about painful endings. During this time astrologers note that goals are consolidated and people tend to gain a better vision of where they are going in life. There are added responsibilities and a person may reap the rewards from his or her hard work. Many major life milestones seem to happen around the ages of 29 and 30. This is why astrologers believe that the thirtieth birthday is such a major rite of passage because it marks the true beginning of adulthood, self-evaluation, independence, ambition, and self actualization."
That being said, it has been a doozy of a month and I sure hope all that self actualization is really going to happen! So to all you out there celebrating birthdays, Happy Birthday and hold on tight! ( personally I think i could handle just skipping to thirty)
* I published full text because I still am having trouble linking!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
a sunday drive
The waves were 8-10 feet today at Kennebunk Beach and the surfers were all in the water. We arrived just in time for low tide. There was a fluffy foam being pushed along the shoreline by the pounding waves and the kids were just thrilled with its consistency.Sea mist hung on the horizon and slowly sunk into the sand with the setting sun...
I saw a post of a friend the other day that read " There's not a lot that a trip to the Beach can't solve." There truly is something meditative in those waves and the vastness of the water. The tide rushing in and out tends to mimic our breath, and I find myself breathing deeper in its presence. I always come away feeling completely refreshed from these trips. Knowing that this water has been here long before me and will continue its cycle after I'm gone completely comforts me. Anything that was nagging my thoughts before I came just seems so feeble by comparison to the constancy of these waves.
I am thankful to be living so close to an easy lesson in perspective :)
I saw a post of a friend the other day that read " There's not a lot that a trip to the Beach can't solve." There truly is something meditative in those waves and the vastness of the water. The tide rushing in and out tends to mimic our breath, and I find myself breathing deeper in its presence. I always come away feeling completely refreshed from these trips. Knowing that this water has been here long before me and will continue its cycle after I'm gone completely comforts me. Anything that was nagging my thoughts before I came just seems so feeble by comparison to the constancy of these waves.
I am thankful to be living so close to an easy lesson in perspective :)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Inspirations: The Avett Brothers
I just went and saw these guys in Boston with my husband last month* and they completely rocked our socks off. If they play any where near you, GO SEE THEM! They are the type of band who encompass you in their charm and bring you in close to their music. Their stage presence is humble and they must of thanked us a thousand times for coming out to see them.
They work so hard to give a good show and definitely pull it off. They give the impression that they are trying to get in as many songs into the set as possible to heighten your experience. The brothers literally run around the stage playing musical chairs between the full drum kit, the piano, banjo and guitars. It got to the point where I felt out of breath.
They've got this indie-folk-newgrassy-punkrock-ballad style that I adore. They have a great sound that isn't completely polished, but in a way that is soulfilling and unassuming.They encompass these different types of music with out being too busy or disjointed. The result is a high energy rock/punk show with bluegrass/folk intimacy.
Their lyrics are beautifully executed: " I want to grow old without the pain, and give my body back to the earth with no complaint."...After putting some serious time in listening to their latest album, I and Love and you, I am feeling inspired enough to tell you all to go out and buy it! I love it! I want to love a little harder and write a little more and laugh as hard as I can after listening to this.
I also have been rocking their last release, "Emotionalism" for the last couple of years and I love that too.So check them out! Buy their records! Go to a show! Check out the you tube video I posted below ( I couldn't find a live video with the kind of sound quality I wanted to share with you.) And I hope you like them as much as I do.
* an birthday gift for me , the best ever!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Be a free bird
I've always been a pretty orderly person,but I've held on to things... and stuff, mementos, birthday cards, letters, gifts I was given and never wanted but felt too guilty to give away...
Then I started to get into Feng Shui*. Now I am Free Bird. I keep only what is practical or brings me joy. A friend once even said to me, everything in your house is only just enough. Just enough artwork on the walls, just the right sized coffee cup, just the right amount of furniture to sit in.This doesn't mean my home is bare and cold. It has just been organized using clear intentions.
I suggest to you, look in your closets, look in your drawers. With the holidays coming up it is a great time to ditch what doesn't serve you. Give it to Goodwill or a friend. Some people even box it up and sell it on ebay. And when you start, you won't be able to stop. It feels that good!
There are all these "things" in our lives that can bring a person down- a beloved mug with a broken handle you've never fixed or an old article of clothing that you once loved but never wear any more. Everyday you glance at these items and it does something to you. It's not even something that you may be consciously aware of. It barely registers, but its THERE, in the back of our heads. Fix this, organize that, I should still fit into that...
The first truckload (that's right truckload) I got rid of gave me a sinking feeling as soon as I dropped it all off.What if I needed one of those items? What if I regret it? And you know what? I didn't and I don't.Everything I own is now more beautiful and valuable to me now. Because I've made a conscious decision to keep it. And now when I bring something into my home I make sure I know where it's going to go or how I'm going to use it.
I've found that when I work to make more space in my home, I have more space in my life. It has been an exercise in letting go. My intention in sharing this with you is that you can achieve this same sense of liberation, starting with one drawer at a time. You have the ability to surround yourself with only things that make you feel happy. Be a FREE BIRD!
* "Clear your clutter with Feng Shui", by Karen Kingston got me started!
Then I started to get into Feng Shui*. Now I am Free Bird. I keep only what is practical or brings me joy. A friend once even said to me, everything in your house is only just enough. Just enough artwork on the walls, just the right sized coffee cup, just the right amount of furniture to sit in.This doesn't mean my home is bare and cold. It has just been organized using clear intentions.
I suggest to you, look in your closets, look in your drawers. With the holidays coming up it is a great time to ditch what doesn't serve you. Give it to Goodwill or a friend. Some people even box it up and sell it on ebay. And when you start, you won't be able to stop. It feels that good!
There are all these "things" in our lives that can bring a person down- a beloved mug with a broken handle you've never fixed or an old article of clothing that you once loved but never wear any more. Everyday you glance at these items and it does something to you. It's not even something that you may be consciously aware of. It barely registers, but its THERE, in the back of our heads. Fix this, organize that, I should still fit into that...
The first truckload (that's right truckload) I got rid of gave me a sinking feeling as soon as I dropped it all off.What if I needed one of those items? What if I regret it? And you know what? I didn't and I don't.Everything I own is now more beautiful and valuable to me now. Because I've made a conscious decision to keep it. And now when I bring something into my home I make sure I know where it's going to go or how I'm going to use it.
I've found that when I work to make more space in my home, I have more space in my life. It has been an exercise in letting go. My intention in sharing this with you is that you can achieve this same sense of liberation, starting with one drawer at a time. You have the ability to surround yourself with only things that make you feel happy. Be a FREE BIRD!
* "Clear your clutter with Feng Shui", by Karen Kingston got me started!
Friday, November 6, 2009
A week of Mondays
Has anyone else had a terrible week? This whole Time change thing has been torturous. It just seems so antiquated. Is anyone really needing the extra daylight in the morning? Isn't it just fine in the afternoon when folks are fully awake and can appreciate the sun? Is this just some sort of weird federal mind control program that we are falling for every year?
And here in Maine it is going to be 15 degrees tonight. ( 15!) Is it really fair for it to be both to be frigidly cold AND oppressively dark?
I am typically a pretty good natured gal, but the combination of time change and a gnarly stomach bug has bittered me. Every day of this week has felt like a Monday. And I, for one, am glad its over. So good bye Lame Week of Time Change. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.
And here in Maine it is going to be 15 degrees tonight. ( 15!) Is it really fair for it to be both to be frigidly cold AND oppressively dark?
I am typically a pretty good natured gal, but the combination of time change and a gnarly stomach bug has bittered me. Every day of this week has felt like a Monday. And I, for one, am glad its over. So good bye Lame Week of Time Change. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Talented People
This Post is kicking off the first of what I hope to be a series show casing creative and talented people. I don't plan on sticking to any real genre, so you can look forward to posts on food, sculpture, painting, sewing, music....anywhere I can appreciate a persons talent.
Stephen Page* has a lot of energy. He welds, he builds, he draws and mostly just creates. He has told me if he gets going on a project he may start at 7am and not put his tools down until 4am the next morning. This could go on for weeks at a time.
All of his pieces consist of "found" items. He is the type of person you think of when you find an antique barn board in your garage or a length of steel pipe in your attic. He is the type of guy who can think of a use for whatever comes his way.
Some of the pieces he's given to myself and my family are:
-a bench that he made out of old boards that he milled on a sawmill he built
-a wheel barrow made out of oak, handmade nails and polished with beeswax
-a toy range built out of an old cherry cabinet
-a scorpion welded with nails for the legs
-a sun made machine out of a brass gear
Some of his work has more practical applications :
-a wood splitter partially built out of a car axle ( and run by his diesel tractor)
-a dump truck built from an old oil tank
-a metal lathe
-a cold air exchange floor fan
(sorry no pics of these)
I really can not even began to express to you the sheer prolific nature of his work. He is ALWAYS making something. Right now he's told me he's building a scaled model of a motorcycle engine . (and that's definitely not from a kit!) Who knows what he'll make next?
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of Talented People!
* Stephen Page is my Dad :)
Stephen Page* has a lot of energy. He welds, he builds, he draws and mostly just creates. He has told me if he gets going on a project he may start at 7am and not put his tools down until 4am the next morning. This could go on for weeks at a time.
All of his pieces consist of "found" items. He is the type of person you think of when you find an antique barn board in your garage or a length of steel pipe in your attic. He is the type of guy who can think of a use for whatever comes his way.
Some of the pieces he's given to myself and my family are:
-a bench that he made out of old boards that he milled on a sawmill he built
-a wheel barrow made out of oak, handmade nails and polished with beeswax
-a toy range built out of an old cherry cabinet
-a scorpion welded with nails for the legs
-a sun made machine out of a brass gear
Some of his work has more practical applications :
-a wood splitter partially built out of a car axle ( and run by his diesel tractor)
-a dump truck built from an old oil tank
-a metal lathe
-a cold air exchange floor fan
(sorry no pics of these)
I really can not even began to express to you the sheer prolific nature of his work. He is ALWAYS making something. Right now he's told me he's building a scaled model of a motorcycle engine . (and that's definitely not from a kit!) Who knows what he'll make next?
I hope you enjoyed the first installment of Talented People!
* Stephen Page is my Dad :)
Go green, go shopping
My sister first introduced me to thrift shopping in my teen (maybe even tween) years when she was home on breaks from college. The first one she took me to was at St.Ignatius church and it was AMAZING. A person could fill a paper grocery sack for a mere 3 dollars!
The clothes were usually donated by elderly folks and therefore from a different era in fashion. The era where people took care of their clothes and cared how they looked. Where clothes were made to flatter womens bodies. And you know if you packed that bag right you were coming out stacked!
In recent years, my children have been too young for me to be away from them for the length of time it takes to dig through the racks. And this is NOT something you can do with little people. But now, NOW I am free to spend an hour, here and there, doing just that! It is fantastic!
I never really feel right spending big money on clothes for myself, but I also believe you get what you pay for. And this is why I love thrift shops. Somebody paid good money for that London Fog coat or that J.crew sweater...and now I will pay 4.99 for them. It's a perfect recycling plan. And usually the cash goes to support a good cause.
Sadly, St Ignatius closed years ago and I haven't found anything like it since. Recently though, I have had fantastic luck in Good Will and local consignment shops. As a matter of fact I am going to check one out in Portland on Forest Ave pretty soon and I hope to post an interview with the owner. So stay tuned!
Here are some of my great scores from Goodwill:
The clothes were usually donated by elderly folks and therefore from a different era in fashion. The era where people took care of their clothes and cared how they looked. Where clothes were made to flatter womens bodies. And you know if you packed that bag right you were coming out stacked!
In recent years, my children have been too young for me to be away from them for the length of time it takes to dig through the racks. And this is NOT something you can do with little people. But now, NOW I am free to spend an hour, here and there, doing just that! It is fantastic!
I never really feel right spending big money on clothes for myself, but I also believe you get what you pay for. And this is why I love thrift shops. Somebody paid good money for that London Fog coat or that J.crew sweater...and now I will pay 4.99 for them. It's a perfect recycling plan. And usually the cash goes to support a good cause.
Sadly, St Ignatius closed years ago and I haven't found anything like it since. Recently though, I have had fantastic luck in Good Will and local consignment shops. As a matter of fact I am going to check one out in Portland on Forest Ave pretty soon and I hope to post an interview with the owner. So stay tuned!
Here are some of my great scores from Goodwill:
Monday, November 2, 2009
Little man speaks
Today my son uttered his first understandable sentence. "Uh-Oh, it broke!" This was both adorable and pretty appropriate for being his first statement.
This same morning he took a bite out of the bathroom soap, flung yogurt across the room gleefully, put a dime in his mouth and took off one of the radiator valve caps. ( hence "it broke") All before 8am.
I am excited to hear his words to complete his vibrant little personality. And maybe he'll stop putting everything in his mouth?
This same morning he took a bite out of the bathroom soap, flung yogurt across the room gleefully, put a dime in his mouth and took off one of the radiator valve caps. ( hence "it broke") All before 8am.
I am excited to hear his words to complete his vibrant little personality. And maybe he'll stop putting everything in his mouth?
Friday, October 30, 2009
I LOVE Halloween
Halloween is the least demanding holiday. Usually people aren't bogged down with intense traditions or family conflicts. It is a day of freedom. You can be who ever you want to be on Halloween. So go be free. Be who ever you want to be. Eat more candy than you would eat in a year. Wear something that makes you feel super cool. *Put crazy over the top decorations up. Let the kids stay up late.
Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!
*This Pumpkin King was created by my husband
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Inspirations: Tim Burton and Edward Gorey
I adore the feel of each of their work. Dark, sometimes disturbing and always beautiful. I really hope all of you out their have experienced Edward Goreys Ghastly Crumb Tiny's and Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas. Gorgeous! And have you heard The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack?!!! Danny Elfman is a genius. My Family loves listening to it.
Here's some thing I put together that I thought had a Tim Burton feel.
The great thing about the week before Halloween is you can wear Anything!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Piano Family
We have been considering adding a piano to our household for a while. We want to encourage the children in their interest of music and instruments. And it's said that the Piano is really the easiest instruments to start on...
That being said, the only thing holding me back is the sheer size of the thing. I feel anxious that it will only fit in one spot in our house, and with my penchant for constantly ( obsessively?) rearranging my house and Feng shui, this may be a problem.
We have an upright Bass that use to reside in our living room, so I am used to having large instruments in our midst. BUT as large as that is, I was still able to relocate it to another spot in our house when it started to feel as it was looming over us. So-
There are always uprights in www.unclehenrys.com in the "Free for the Taking" section. Mostly out of tune, but to pony up the money for that instead of buying a whole new piano sounds fine to me. My concern is that there are always SO MANY. As if everyone gets a Piano and then realizes that it is a bigger commitment than they thought.
Perhaps I've just got to get over myself. My husband says if it doesn't work for us, we'll put an ad in Uncle Henry's and the cycle will continue. What do we have to lose besides a little gas money and some back pain? And I do enjoy the romantic image in my head of family sing-a-longs and ruckus piano parties. What do you all think? Any Piano owners out there? How do you like it?
That being said, the only thing holding me back is the sheer size of the thing. I feel anxious that it will only fit in one spot in our house, and with my penchant for constantly ( obsessively?) rearranging my house and Feng shui, this may be a problem.
We have an upright Bass that use to reside in our living room, so I am used to having large instruments in our midst. BUT as large as that is, I was still able to relocate it to another spot in our house when it started to feel as it was looming over us. So-
There are always uprights in www.unclehenrys.com in the "Free for the Taking" section. Mostly out of tune, but to pony up the money for that instead of buying a whole new piano sounds fine to me. My concern is that there are always SO MANY. As if everyone gets a Piano and then realizes that it is a bigger commitment than they thought.
Perhaps I've just got to get over myself. My husband says if it doesn't work for us, we'll put an ad in Uncle Henry's and the cycle will continue. What do we have to lose besides a little gas money and some back pain? And I do enjoy the romantic image in my head of family sing-a-longs and ruckus piano parties. What do you all think? Any Piano owners out there? How do you like it?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Rock and Roll Halloween
Well, Brian and Tanya's 12th annual Halloween Party was a terrific time, as usual. Every one really worked hard on their costumes and looked fantastic. Here's how ours came out:
And here's few of my favorites ( though I wish I could post every one):
Amy and Jim
This guy was part of the group effort (the Munsters) that won the contest!
Phantom of the Opera
This guy was the best dancer there!
Alfred Hithcock inspired from Psycho and the Birds
Burgler who had money and jewels hanging from his backpack
And this is only part of Brian's headless horseman costume which was amazing!
And of course the bands both rocked!
Their house is always decorated!
Thanks for another great year guys, we had a blast!
And here's few of my favorites ( though I wish I could post every one):
Amy and Jim
This guy was part of the group effort (the Munsters) that won the contest!
Phantom of the Opera
This guy was the best dancer there!
Alfred Hithcock inspired from Psycho and the Birds
Burgler who had money and jewels hanging from his backpack
And this is only part of Brian's headless horseman costume which was amazing!
And of course the bands both rocked!
Their house is always decorated!
Thanks for another great year guys, we had a blast!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The costumes have been assembled!
Tonight we will attend an annual Halloween party whose theme is "Classic Halloween." The guests always go all out and I am really looking forward to what people come up with. I haven't been for a couple of years because I've been either pregnant or nursing little infants. So I am EXCITED!
My husband and I stayed up late last night hot glueing tassles and rope to his Ringo Starr costume. And over the past couple of weeks I have been slowly piecing together an Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's ensemble. This morning I made her extra long cigarette holder out of a paint brush, painters tape, black acrylic paint and notepad paper. So our costumes may not be "Classic Halloween", but they are certainly classic.
My outfit is basically out of my closet. My dress is a dark gray wool gap number that I scored for six bucks at goodwill last winter. The gloves are from target for $2 and the eyelashes, bump it (for hair) and nylons are from walmart. The jewelry was all purchased at a yard sale this summer for 50 cents a piece. The Tiara is from my wedding and the pumps were bought from Kohls for $35 five or six years ago.
We found my husbands outfit and accessories at Mardens for $12 this week, and he says if it doesn't pull off as a Beatle he'll just say he's Prince Charming.
Here's what we are aiming for:
And here's what we've put together:
So I promise a follow up post with pics of how it all turned out, and pics of the best cotumes!
My husband and I stayed up late last night hot glueing tassles and rope to his Ringo Starr costume. And over the past couple of weeks I have been slowly piecing together an Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's ensemble. This morning I made her extra long cigarette holder out of a paint brush, painters tape, black acrylic paint and notepad paper. So our costumes may not be "Classic Halloween", but they are certainly classic.
My outfit is basically out of my closet. My dress is a dark gray wool gap number that I scored for six bucks at goodwill last winter. The gloves are from target for $2 and the eyelashes, bump it (for hair) and nylons are from walmart. The jewelry was all purchased at a yard sale this summer for 50 cents a piece. The Tiara is from my wedding and the pumps were bought from Kohls for $35 five or six years ago.
We found my husbands outfit and accessories at Mardens for $12 this week, and he says if it doesn't pull off as a Beatle he'll just say he's Prince Charming.
Here's what we are aiming for:
And here's what we've put together:
So I promise a follow up post with pics of how it all turned out, and pics of the best cotumes!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Guess you kind of have to think of a clever slogan in this line of work.
A really super nice guy just pumped our septic in a surprisingly short amount of time.
FYI: not sure opening the window to snap this pic was a clever idea.
Can you come up with a better slogan?
Today's idea
My intentions for this blog are to share my varied interests, ideas, and experiences . I will be showcasing projects I'm working on, outfits I've assembled, makeup tips,food I'm making and art I create. I hope to share my inspirations from others as well! I'd really like to compile everything into to one spot and see what directions it all takes...I like the idea of creating a sort of map to the my ideas and hopefully you'll share some of yours as well!
A 1960's ispired look:
I bought this sweater yesterday for $12 dollars at a local surplus and salvage store and it just begged me to do an era themed look.
Make up-Get the look:
Start with your favorite moisturizer.
Sweep White shadow over entire eyelid up into your brow. Lightly sweep dark blue into the crease of your eye lid , starting at center of the eye and working outward.
For liner, Loreal felt tipped liquid liner in blackest black,starting in center of eye working out ward, I start by making thin lines and gradually increasing thickness. Sweep a light coat of white shadow after liner dries.
Finish eyes with Almay triple effects mascara and you'll feel like you have false eyelashes on!
Physician formula blush in blushing rose, with shimmer layered on top. A bit of frosted pink lip gloss and your face is finished.
Hair- Pull half into a pony tail and back comb. Scrunch half pony into a messy bun and smooth out the top. Let bottom half fall free.
Tomorrow I am going to a Halloween party as Audrey Hepburn, pics and posts to follow!
A 1960's ispired look:
I bought this sweater yesterday for $12 dollars at a local surplus and salvage store and it just begged me to do an era themed look.
Make up-Get the look:
Start with your favorite moisturizer.
Sweep White shadow over entire eyelid up into your brow. Lightly sweep dark blue into the crease of your eye lid , starting at center of the eye and working outward.
For liner, Loreal felt tipped liquid liner in blackest black,starting in center of eye working out ward, I start by making thin lines and gradually increasing thickness. Sweep a light coat of white shadow after liner dries.
Finish eyes with Almay triple effects mascara and you'll feel like you have false eyelashes on!
Physician formula blush in blushing rose, with shimmer layered on top. A bit of frosted pink lip gloss and your face is finished.
Hair- Pull half into a pony tail and back comb. Scrunch half pony into a messy bun and smooth out the top. Let bottom half fall free.
Tomorrow I am going to a Halloween party as Audrey Hepburn, pics and posts to follow!
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